SAN ANGELO, Texas — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host the annual Concho Valley Pecan Show on Dec. 6 at the AgriLife Extension office for Tom Green County at 113 W. Beauregard in San Angelo.
This year, regional pecan shows are under the direction of AgriLife Extension and the Texas Pecan Growers Association.
Pecan entries are due by noon on Dec. 4 at the AgriLife Extension office. Results of the pecan show, which consists of processing and judging, will be available once judging is complete.
Any pecan grower in the area may submit entries to the show, and there is no entry fee. Counties included in this show are Tom Green, Coke, Concho, Irion, McCulloch, Runnels, Schleicher and Sterling.
“We will begin processing the pecans at 9 a.m. on Dec. 6 and welcome anyone who would like to help,” said Allison Watkins, AgriLife Extension horticulture agent for Tom Green County. “Please contact me if you would be willing to volunteer to assist in shelling pecans and/or could provide any cracking or shelling equipment.”
Ribbons will be given for first-, second- and third-place winners in a variety of classes. Entries chosen will continue on to the West Region Pecan Show, where they will be processed and displayed in College Station from Jan.13-15.
Pecans must be from the 2019 crop, and nuts should be free of dust, dirt and shuck remnants. Judging is based on the size of the pecans, appearance and kernel quality, which includes color, percent kernel and percent edible kernel.
There is no limit to the number of varieties entered, but participants are limited to one entry of each named variety that they grow. Participants may enter as many seedlings, known hybrids or natives as they wish, but the exhibitor must be the grower.
Each entry requires a minimum of 42 pecans. This sample of 42 should represent the variety or individual seedling tree and be uniform in size and shell color. Mixed samples – more than one variety in any entry – will be disqualified.
Each entry must have attached contact information for the grower that includes name, address, email address and phone number. Also include the variety name, if known.
The Pecan Grading Handbook, written by Monte Nesbit, AgriLife Extension nut specialist, College Station, can be referenced to learn more about the grading process, judging, shows and awards.
According to the handbook, the pecan show program from 1971 to present has played a key role for the pecan industry by teaching growers how to grade their pecans for better prices. It also helps in identifying the most outstanding varieties for each region of the state, recognizing and rewarding the most successful pecan management programs in the county, region and state, and advertising and promoting Texas premium quality pecans.
Contact Watkins for further information about the Concho Valley Pecan Show at 325-659-6528.
–Texas A&M AgriLife Extension San Angelo
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