Drought Doesn't Dry Up Pecans In Luther

Deanne Stein, News9.com

LUTHER, Oklahoma -- Despite the extreme heat and subsequent drought of the summer, one Oklahoma farmer is preparing for a bountiful harvest.

"The heat and drought was hard on everything, trees, animals and people," said Diane Couch, owner of Couch Orchard in Luther. "It was just rough for everybody, but my trees did what they had to do."

Couch has roughly 450 pecan trees growing on the farm, all producing 13 different varieties of paper shell pecans.

"We've been getting several calls, everybody is anxious to get their pecans this year," said Couch. "They are pleased to know that we have them."

Couch said irrigation, while difficult at times, is what made the difference. Even with her best efforts, though, she said the hot summer months will effect the final outcome.

"I think the pecans are going to probably run a little smaller in size this year," said Couch. "I think the quality is still going to be there, just the size is going to be a little smaller."

Couch Orchard will begin to harvest in the next couple of weeks. It will open to the public on November 15 and remain open daily Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.