The western region includes west Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. About 113 million pounds of pecans were produced in the region in 1999. Most commercial shellers who traditionally buy big pecan lots in the region are not engaged in custom shelling pecans.
Most pecan buyers have similar standards for buying pecans.
Prices improve when pecans yield more than 55 percent meat and decrease when they drop below that mark. Kernels should have the distinctive bright golden color of this region. However, about 4 percent amber color and 4 percent light usually is acceptable without price penalty. Prices drop when off-color increases in kernels. Some buyers require a nut size of 70 to 75 nuts per pound and penalize price if nuts are smaller.