Pecan harvest field days to take place in October

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Pecan orchard managers, as well as hobby pecan farmers, are encouraged to attend one of two Pecan Harvest Field Days to learn more about harvesting.

Each workshop will offer attendees the opportunity to see the process of preparing the orchard floor for harvest and observe pecan harvesting in action.

The field days are slated 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 25 at the Cimarron Valley Research Station, 10820 S. Jardot, Perkins, Oklahoma, and Oct. 30 at the Noble Research Institute Red River Farm, 19735 Redhawk Road, Burneyville, Oklahoma. Both field days are free to attend, but registration is required.

Those interested in attending the event in Burneyville may register at https://okla.st/2OtzIYc or call 580-223-5810. To register for the workshop taking place in Perkins, please email stephanie.larimer@okstate.edu or call 405-744-5404.

Becky Carroll, OSU Cooperative Extension assistant specialist, fruit crops and pecans, said university and industry specialists will discuss the process of cleaning and marketing pecans, as well as address questions related to harvesting, marketing and orchard management.

“We have some great equipment demonstrations lined up that will highlight the different types of equipment needed for a successful pecan harvest,” Carroll said. “The equipment demonstrations will include tree shakers, limb rakes and harvesters. These workshops are great opportunities to network with experts and peers to help make your pecan business as successful as possible.”

On average, Oklahoma produces about 17 million pounds of pecans per year. Harvesting early in the season helps eliminate wildlife depredation.

“This will help ensure crows, blue jays, squirrels and other critters don’t collect the producer’s harvest first,” she said.

The field days are sponsored by OSU Cooperative Extension, the Noble Research Institute and the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association.

Story by Trisha Gedon