Native Pecans Crop Guide

Estimated CostClearing $200 to $500 per acre; $200 per acre annual operating; harvest Novermber to January
Market OutletsAccumulators, shelling plants
Market PotentialLow
Profit Potential$0 to $500 per acre
Adapted AreasAlong rivers and streams throughout Texas
Labor RequirementsOne person per 50 acres, more at harvest
Equipment RequirementsTrailer, speed sprayer, shredder, shaker, cleaner, harvester
Soil Requirements Deep, well-drained alluvial
Water Requirements32 inches rainfall from April to October
Minimum Size10 acres
Risk FactorLow
Other Limiting FactorsFlooding, thieves and wildlife can significantly reduce income during harvest. Pests include nut casebearer, weevil, stick bug, crows and squirrels.
CommentsAlternate bearing is the rule. Some years produciton is very heavy. Thin trees to only 10 to 20 per acre. Crop protection from pecan nut casebearer and weevil is essential. Sod is necessary to prevent erosion. Nitrogen and zince are needed on production years. Prices paid for native pecans are low and production expenses need to be lower except during heavy crop years. Consider native pecans as a part of a timber, cattle and real estate operation.