Oklahoma's pecan harvest on the rise - Promising 2023 Outlook

Oklahoma's pecan growers have encountered significant hurdles in recent years, including windstorms, a late spring freeze in 2021, and an early fall freeze in 2022, all of which took a toll on the state's pecan crop. However, the 2023 outlook offers a ray of hope as the pecan industry anticipates a fruitful harvest. 

Becky Carroll, a Senior Specialist in Fruit and Pecans at Oklahoma State University Extension, shares encouraging news from the National Pecan Shellers Association. The association forecasts an impressive pecan crop estimate for 2023, with an expected yield of approximately 22 million pounds. This projection surpasses the state's average pecan harvest of 17 million pounds, signaling potential success for Oklahoma's pecan producers. 

Pecan production holds significance in Oklahoma, where 1,878 pecan farms occupy 96,000 acres devoted to pecan cultivation. While native pecans make up about 75% of the state's pecan output, improved pecan varieties are gaining ground, driven by new plantings and urban expansion encroaching on native groves. The enduring interest in managing wild, natural pecan production is evident through robust attendance at recent pecan field days featuring native pecans. 

Despite the optimistic outlook, pecan growers have grappled with challenges, including the impact of drought conditions. Drought-induced pecan shedding and smaller pecan sizes have been prevalent issues, making the work more labor-intensive for commercial shellers. The early freeze in October 2022 exacerbated the situation, resulting in a significant portion of the pecan crop becoming non-viable as pecans froze within their shucks. 

Water is a critical factor for pecan production, with pecan trees requiring approximately 54 inches of water per season. However, central Oklahoma typically receives only around 35 inches of rainfall annually. Consequently, many orchards lack irrigation, leaving them vulnerable during drought periods. While new orchards are incorporating irrigation systems, retrofitting existing native groves with irrigation is often cost-prohibitive. 

Despite these adversities, the resilience of pecan growers remains unwavering, fueled by the anticipation of a prosperous 2023 harvest. For growers like Susan Haydon Raybourn, who manages Haydon Farms, the prospect of a fruitful harvest after contending with recent freezers and pecan nut scab is a welcome one. 

Josh Grundmann, owner of Valley View Pecan Company, shares the sentiment of optimism, underscoring the significance of a successful harvest for his business, which includes commercial shelling and a year-round retail shop offering homemade candies and various nut products. 

While the past two years presented challenges, the promising 2023 pecan crop is poised to rejuvenate the industry and bring relief to Oklahoma's dedicated pecan producers.