Comanche County is one of the top producers of pecans not only in Texas, but the world, currently ranked as the No. 2 county in Texas for pecan production. Pecans are a major economic crop for our county. 2022 has been a devastating year for local pecan growers, drought, record heat, record input prices and low pecan prices has put them in a real strain. Even with all these issues and an overall lack of quality pecans in the county, we were able to get a few varieties of good nuts for the county show. Initially, there was some doubt we would even be able to gather enough pecans for a show this year. However, as far back as anyone can remember the Comanche Show has never been cancelled and the producers prevailed once again. This year’s judge was Monte Nesbit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Pecan Specialist.
Here are the 1 st place and champion entries:
■
First place Cape Fear went to Jeff Loudermilk, these nuts had 48.35 nuts/ lb. and 52.24% kernel.
■
First place in the “Other Varieties” class was a Tejas from the courthouse with 72 nuts/lb.and 43.15% kernel.
■
First place Cheyenne went to Sorrells Farms with 50.17 nuts/lb. and 55.09% kernel.
■
First place Kanza was entered by Sorrells Farms and had 67.49 nuts per lb. and 50.89% kernel.
■
First place Pawnee also went to Sorrells Farms with 40.45 nuts per lb. and 54.68% kernel.
■
First place Western was from the courthouse and had 66.50 nuts per lb. and 48.97% kernel.
■
First place Wichita was entered by Jeff Loudermilk and had 51.53 nuts/lb. and 55% kernel.
■
Sorrells Farms had the top native with 106.96 nuts/ lb. and 41.04% kernel. In the Classic and New Division Jeff Loudermilk’s Cape Fear took Grand Champion.
■
In the Native Division Sorrells Farms had the Grand Champion nut.
■
The Best of Show and Grand Champion Commercial pecan was Sorrells Farms Cheyenne variety. All of these nuts and the 2 nd place nuts will go on to the Regional Show; most will make it on to the State Show held in conjunction with the State Pecan Conference. Many thanks to everyone that entered their pecans and those that helped to make this year’s show a success.
Central Texas Irrigation Summit
Please do not forget the Central Texas Irrigation Summit here in Comanche County on Dec. 13. We have worked with agriculture producers and extension agriculture committees to put together an excellent agenda with some of the top industry irrigation specialist presenting. The program will also include a trade show representing irrigation installers and companies. The program will be held on at the DeLeon City Auditorium in DeLeon and will begin at 8:30 a.m. and run approximately until 4 p.m.
If you irrigate or ever plan to irrigate you will want to get this program on your calendar. This will be a great opportunity to learn the latest in irrigation technology and visit with irrigation businesses and dealers that can help you with your irrigation needs. There is no charge the meal and fees will be covered by our excellent sponsors. 2 CEU’s and 2 DOPA credit will be offered.
For more information or to RSVP, please call the office at 325-356-2539.