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Though the Stuart is not among the more popular varieties being planted or grafted in Oklahoma today, we continue to list it among the varieties suitable for our state. It continues to grow relatively disease free in our part of the pecan belt.

Pecan leaves are the key to consistent annual production of pecan nut crops. This was originally proven by research at Oklahoma State University on mature trees and in more recent years by work in Georgia on younger bearing trees.

After returning from the Oklahoma and Texas pecan growers association meetings where water management was a topic of discussion, I felt the need to write about pecan water management.

Native pecan production in Oklahoma and north Texas is often considered a "Christmas bonus." If folks are fortunate enough to make a crop, it's great, but not something they have much control over.

Research and experience has repeatedly shown that as crowding occurs and competition among trees increases, the production of nuts decline. The only solution in most cases is to remove excess trees.

We just had our inaugural pecan-planting workshop, where attendees were able to gain knowledge about planting pecan trees. Presenters gave tips on how to plant, planting locations, tree varieties, weed management and irrigation.

How much is a pecan tree worth? This question comes up often in Oklahoma and Texas, and can arise for several reasons. To help fill this information gap, several agricultural consultants at the Noble Research Institute created a pecan valuation fact sheet entitled "Assessing the Value of Pecan Trees."

Mother Nature blessed us with above normal rainfalls during the spring and early summer, which aided in a very heavy crop set for most of southern Oklahoma and northern Texas.

Just a few months ago, the United States Department of Agriculture predicted Oklahoma pecan production would be around 20 million pounds, and Texas production would be around 36 million pounds. However, by the time the final counts are in, it appears we may fall below these predictions.

For decades, combined income from this 'double' use of the land has been known to make crucial land payments, buy school clothes, and shoo the bad wolf from the back door. As with any successful marriage, concessions and compromises between the two enterprises are occasionally necessary.