Growing & Harvesting

Be a part of the future of Black Walnuts

The Future for Black Walnuts

While primarily harvested by hand, in order to continue to meet the demand, the supply has to be there and relying on a wild crop can be inconsistent. The continued growth of the Black Walnut industry depends on the willingness of bold landowners to invest in nut orchards for long-term economic gain. The key to this growth is planting grafted trees from improved cultivars (tree varieties meant for harvesting nuts) and managing those trees specifically for Black Walnut production.

To help ensure the profitability of Black Walnut orchards for independent landowners, Hammons Products Company is currently working with the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, the Missouri Nut Growers Association, USDA Forest Service, Forrest Keeling Nursery, and other public and private organizations.

Why Improved Cultivars?

Some improved Black Walnut plant varieties produce nuts with thinner shells and larger nutmeats than trees growing in the wild. With such an increase in nutmeat to shell ratio, these Black Walnuts become up to five times more profitable. And with the demand for premium quality Black Walnuts continually growing, the long-term profit potential for those landowners willing to become growers is enticing.

For an extensive economic analysis and more valuable information regarding improved cultivars, download this guide: Growing Black Walnuts for Nut Production.