Josh estimates half of the pecans they crack are bought from pecan growers for their store and half are for outside customers. It is not always easy to make nuts when growing pecans.

Additionally, he cracks and shells pecans for customers. His processing prices are 70 cents per pound to crack and shell, 50 cents per pound to crack only and $1.80 per pound to shell pack.

Customers can expect to find fresh Georgia pecans — halves or pieces — vacuumed sealed for sale. For those who still like to crack pecans themselves, he sells the nuts in their shells as well.

Pecans from native trees have thicker shells and are harder to crack, Johnson said. His parents started harvesting and working with the native pecan trees and Johnson continued the effort.

Pecans pass through a shell cracker at Russell's Pecan Orchard and Fine Candy in Gholson, one of the largest pecan-growing operations in Central Texas.

To keep up with the demand for shelled pecans, L.C. Priester hired a group of local women to crack and shell the nuts on his back porch each day.

While many species grow wild, homeowners can also enjoy planting and harvesting their own nut crops, including pecans, ...

Brothers Bill and David Summers of Golden Kernel Pecan Co. in Cameron were recognized this year for their contributions to the National Pecan Shellers Association and the pecan industry.

Jackson Bros. Feed & Seed is buying in-shell pecans from this year's crop for at least $0.50 per pound.

The pecan industry is also trying to crack the fast-growing snack-food industry.