Austin County Pecan Growers Shine at 2024 Texas State Pecan Show

Austin County made a strong showing at the 2024 Texas State Pecan Show, with seven entries advancing from the East Regional Pecan Show to the state competition. The event was held during the 104th Texas Pecan Growers Annual Conference in Denton on Sunday, July 20th.

This year’s show featured 193 entries from across Texas, representing 47 pecan varieties, including natives and seedlings, from the East, West, and Central regional contests. Judging was conducted by experts from the USDA-ARS Pecan Breeding & Genetics Lab in College Station: Dr. Warren Chatwin, Dr. Xinwang Wang, Dr. Angelyn Hilton, Keith Kubenka, and Braden Tondre.

 

 

Top honors included:

  • Grand Champion Commercial Division – Eric Olson of Palo Pinto County with the Hopi variety, producing 42 nuts per pound with 58% kernel.
  • Grand Champion Classic & New Division – Fritz Pecan Farm of Washington County with the Lakota variety, producing 39 nuts per pound with 60% kernel.
  • Grand Champion Native Division – Luedeker Farm of Austin County with a native pecan producing 71 nuts per pound with 57% kernel.

Austin County competitors earned impressive placements in several categories:

  • Native Champion – Luedeker Farms
  • 1st Place Mahan – Industry Methodist Church
  • 2nd Place Prilop – Lois Steele
  • 1st Place Success – Industry Methodist Church
  • 3rd Place Schley – Industry Methodist Church
  • 1st Place Natives – Luedeker Farms
  • 1st Place Past State Champion – Lois Steele (2010 Champion)

Counties with the highest number of entries included Menard (22), San Saba (18), and both Comanche and Washington (14 each). San Saba and Victoria Counties tied for the most variety class awards with 11 each.

 

 

Who Are the Texas Pecan Growers?

Behind the competition is the Texas Pecan Growers Association (TPGA), a nonprofit founded in 1921 to represent and support pecan growers across the state. TPGA plays a critical role in strengthening the pecan industry through:

  • Advocacy: Acting as the voice of growers in legislative and agricultural policy matters.
  • Research Support: Funding and promoting research at institutions like Texas A&M to improve production, pest management, and nut quality.
  • Education: Organizing workshops, field days, and resources to ensure growers stay up to date on best practices.
  • Promotion: Boosting consumer awareness and marketing of Texas pecans both nationally and internationally.

The annual Texas Pecan Growers Conference and Trade Show, where the State Pecan Show takes place, is one of their signature events. It brings together growers, researchers, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge, showcase products, and celebrate the state’s rich pecan-growing tradition.

TPGA membership brings together commercial producers, small-scale hobby growers, researchers, and industry partners, offering valuable opportunities for networking, continuing education, and access to resources such as The Pecan South magazine. These connections and tools help strengthen the industry and prepare it for the future. By providing resources, supporting research, and promoting recognition, TPGA ensures pecans remain a vital part of Texas agriculture. The strong performance of Austin County growers at the 2024 State Pecan Show underscores the importance of this mission and the lasting impact it has on the state’s pecan industry.

For more information on the Texas Pecan Show or local pecan production, contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Stacie Villarreal at 979-865-2072.

 

Floating Vimeo Video