The 2014 Texas pecan crop is estimated to produce from 50 million to 55 million pounds, a level that likely will mean continued high prices, says a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

An April freeze, along with other factors  make estimating this crop difficult but Monte Nesbitt, AgriLife Extension pecan and fruit specialist, College Station, steps out “out on a limb,” to make his prediction.

Increased demand by Asian markets also will contribute to high prices for retail consumers this fall, especially for shelled pecans, he said.

Yield projections used to be much easier, according to Nesbitt. Pecan production used to vary from heavy one year to light the next year, then back to heavy, with the cycle repeating.

Read more on the 2014 Texas pecan crop estimate.