BELLVILLE — Do you have a pecan tree in your front or back yard? Not sure what variety it is? You do not need to own a pecan orchard to participate in the Annual Austin County Pecan Show. If you live in a neighboring county and your county does not host a pecan show, you are also eligible to enter the Austin County Pecan Show.
The Horticulture Committee of Austin County will host its Annual Pecan Show on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 800 E Wendt St. in Bellville. A short educational program starts at 6 p.m., followed by an awards presentation. This year’s pecan program will feature Stephen Janak, AgriLife Extension Horticulture program specialist. Janak will discuss some of the new alternative uses for pecans that are becoming popular. The educational and awards program is open and free to the public, even if you did not enter pecans into the show.
Entries for the show must be delivered to the agriLife exten- sion office during normal busi ness hours, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., from Friday, Nov. 1, until Monday, Nov. 25. To be entered in the show, all entries must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25.
Each entry must be in a brown paper bag provided at the office with a completed entry card. Individuals may make as many entries as they wish of different pecan varieties, and each entry must consist of 50 pecans of the same variety. There is no fee to enter or age limit. Entries will be accepted from residents of Austin County or surrounding counties that do not have a county pecan show.
Ten pecans will be randomly selected by the committee for judging. The judging will include kernel weight percent, color, fill, and blemishes. Top-placing pecans from all qualifying entries will be forwarded for judging at the regional pecan show and, from there, at the state contest held in July. Pecans not being forwarded to the regional show may be picked up at the AgriLife Extension Office after the awards presentation on Wednesday, Dec. 4th.
A copy of the contest results will be posted at the AgriLife Extension Office, on the AgriLife Facebook page, and on the AgriLife website. RSVP in encouraged for the educational and awards program since dinner will be provided. RSVP by Monday, Dec. 2.
For any questions, contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Stacie Villarreal at 979865-2072.
