Presentations & Articles

On October 11, 2023, the USDA published the first major revision to the standards for both inshell and shelled pecans since their initial publishing in July 1969.  There are several major changes.  They are as follows:

1. The old kernel standard had two grades, US #1 and Commercial Grade. Both have been eliminated.

2. The new kernel standard will have five quality grades: US Premier, US Extra Fancy, Fancy, Choice and Standard.

3. The sizes of both pieces and halves have been standardized.  There will no longer be an Extra-Large half size.

4. The definitions for color, foreign material, damage, etc., have also been standardized with specific tolerances for each of the five grades.

5. The inshell standard codifies industry practices and provides guidance relative to color, foreign material, insect damage, etc.

The proposal took five years to get to this point and involved the input from both growers and shellers from across the country as well as Mexico, South Africa and Australia.  Two industry zoom conferences with the USDA were also held to clarify differences and get agreement on the final wording. Both sets of standards were unanimously approved by the American Pecan Council.  Once adopted, the biggest challenge for the industry will be the education of both buyers and sellers. However, the standards will reward both growers and shellers who take the time, and make the effort, to produce the highest quality product possible.  The USDA has requested comments from the industry, as well as buyers, on the standards by December 11^th.  

An overview of market conditions prior to the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The article looks at the changing supply situation and what could be a turn around in market pricing as supply and demand approach equilibrium after three years of oversupply.

An overview of the pecan market and how best to promote them throughout the year, not just during the holidays

An overview of the potential impact trade tariffs could have on the Texas pecan growers

An overview of pecan production in South Africa and possible impact on the US Pecan Industry

As part of the re-branding of the pecan, on April 25, 2018, the American Pecan Council launched its new marketing campaign, "American Pecans, The Original Supernut," in an effort to reposition the pecan as more than just a holiday nut or pie filler.

This is the first report to the Secretary of Agriculture by the American Pecan Council. It was submitted to the Secretary in September, 2017

The National Pecan Sheller's Association (NPSA) continues to grow as it celebrates its 75th Anniversary.

Selected as an 'Industry Leader,' the article reviews the business philosophy of Nature's Finest Foods and some of it's current projects

The attached PDF file is a list of those individuals who have been elected to the newly created American Pecan Council.

An investors view of the potential impact the new Federal Marketing Order could have on the US Pecan Industry

The MetLife Agricultural Market Research team presents a brief overview of the impact China has had on the pecan industry and the possible impact of the recently passed Federal Marketing Order.

'China has grown to become a significant market for U.S. tree nut exports, despite being a global leader in tree nut production itself.'

On October 31, 2014, Golden Peanut Company, LLC, a subsidiary of ADM announced that they had acquired Harrell Nut Company. They also announced that with the acquisition, they would be changing their name to Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts.

An overview of the company's history and business philosophy

The price gap between halves and pieces has narrowed but the spread remains quite strong......

An overview of how the Pecan industry has handled the challenges of the past few years particularly as to the impact China has had on the market

While record high prices may have been the greatest contributing factor to the current market malaise, there were a number of other factors that contributed to the severe market decline. The presentation focus' on six of the factors that led to the market's decline.

Attracted by their perceived health benefits, the Chinese are gobbling up pecans from the United States in record amounts.

'A late Lunar New Year in China this winter and the easing of the drought in parts of Texas are contributing to lower pecan prices for holiday pie bakers, about $9.35 for a pound of shelled halves, down from as high as $11 to $12.50.'

"The holidays will have some extra crunch for pecan lovers without the bitter aftertaste of rising prices, thanks to a plentiful crop.'

Mark Twain once said that there are three kinds of lies; ‘there are lies, damn lies and statistics.’ Used by many but understood by few, no one can stay in business very long, or expect to be very successful, without good statistics.

Pecans are as all-American as anything can be. Washington and Jefferson grew them. They are the state nut of
Arkansas, Alabama and Texas. The U.S. grows about two-thirds of the world's pecans and chews most of them itself.

How might the Chinese best like to snack on their almonds? Pickled with chili peppers? Wrapped in seaweed like sushi? Or perhaps mixed with donkey hide glue, a Substance prized in traditional Chinese medicine?

Change is inevitable. As General Eric Shinseki, Chief of Staff, US Army once noted, ‘If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less.’

Due to differences in their physical characteristics and how various nuts are grown, handled and processed, a tailored approach to safety is necessary.