Shute Pecan Company hoping to start buying pecans next week

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) - Pecans are already falling and it is likely going to be a huge pecan season.

The quality and quantity of pecans this year are good, however the market is soft.

Shute Pecan Company owner Sandi Hodge said this is the biggest crop they have seen in a couple of decades.

People often sell their gathered pecans to Shute’s and use it as Christmas money, grocery money, light bill money; some even make it a business themselves. Hodge said they are planning to open sometime next week. She said they are waiting for the market to get a little more established before they start buying.

If planning to sell, Hodge reminds people to be careful about what they are picking up. Lighter quality stuff will be turned away. The pecans need to be free of husk, sticks and rocks to buy.

“We’ve helped people in the past,” Hodge said. "This is not going to be a year where we will be able to do that because the lines will be long. So I would say please be patient. We will be buying as quickly as we can but the lines will be long and just, if you bring your pecans ready to pour up, clean, that’ll be super helpful. "

Pecan prices vary each year, this year it is expected to be lower.

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