Oklahoma's Pecan Harvest Season In Full Swing

Oklahoma’s pecan industry is in full harvest mode, providing locals with a look at one of the state’s most valued native crops.

Brian Jervis, a horticulturist with OSU Extension, shared insights about pecans, Oklahoma’s distinct varieties, and the industry’s yearly cycle.

Pecans are especially significant in Oklahoma, with the state ranking among the top producers nationwide, sometimes yielding up to 18 million pounds annually.

"Oklahoma’s river bottoms in Green Country are ideal for both native and improved pecan varieties," Jervis explained, highlighting both the small, wild natives and larger, grafted paper shells.

For grafted varieties, which are often prized for their size and quality, growers combine native rootstock with preferred paper shell limbs to yield more consistent crops. Unlike native trees, which naturally produce heavy crops one year and light ones the next, grafted varieties are irrigated to encourage steady yearly production.

Jervis also offered a look into the harvesting process, featuring equipment like tree shakers, blowers, and harvesters. Workers clear the orchards of debris, shake trees to release pecans and collect the nuts.

Once harvested, pecans are cleaned, cracked, and sorted, with lighter, insect-damaged nuts floated out to ensure high-quality batches.

"Once you taste those golden fresh pecans just harvested, compared to the ones in the store, you won't ever go back," Jervis said.

Oklahoma’s pecan growers also participate in a checkoff program, contributing funds for national marketing campaigns aimed at showcasing the state’s pecans.