By KRWG News
New Mexico – Dona Ana County pecan farmers are receiving the highest-ever price for the crop, with the in-shell, per-pound price pushing $3 in New Mexico.
The director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's statistical service in New Mexico, Jim Brueggen, says the previous record was an average price of $2.28 per in-shell pound, set in 2004.
New Mexico Department of Agriculture pecan marketing specialist James Ditmore says the record prices result of a couple of factors. He credits continued strong demand from China, combined with an overall low supply year and calls it "a wonderful thing for the pecan growers in New Mexico."
Grower Dick Salopek says he's about 75 percent through the harvest. While prices are good, Salopek says he's concerned that higher costs might turn away consumers eventually.
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Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.