The rate for purchase of black walnuts has dipped by 25 percent from last year.
After a good crop last year, Hammons Products, the primary buyer in this region, said it needs to procure fewer nuts to supply its customers with the bold-flavored nutmeats in the coming year. But the small company still wants to continue providing a market for fresh nuts this fall, providing for growth and continuing to provide jobs in the small town of Stockton.
So for two weeks beginning Monday, Oct. 7, the Hammons network of hullers will be paying an opening price of $12 per 100 pounds (after hulling) to individuals or groups who bring them to a buying station.
That’s a drop from last year’s $16 when the season launched.
“After last year’s stronger harvest, we will be limited in the total volume we can buy. Still, we’re pleased to once again provide a market for wild black walnuts that people want to pick up and sell. This will make 79 straight years – since 1946,” said President Brian Hammons.
