Area black walnut hulling stations open in Gainesville, Dora, Caulfield and Ava
Photo courtesy Hammons Products Co. Many black walnut harvesters use this type of device, called a nut wizard or nut gatherer, consisting of a wire basket on the end of a long wooden pole. As users roll the nut wizard over walnuts lying on the ground, the nuts are pushed inside the “basket.” The devices are available at several online sites and at some area farm stores.
The annual black walnut harvest has begun, and area hulling stations have opened in Gainesville, Dora, Caulfield and Ava. Stockton-based Hammons Product Co. said in a news release that hullers are paying $16 per 100 pounds (after hulling) for freshly fallen nuts, the same price as last year. Harvesters are encouraged to get their walnuts turned in quickly as the price could change later in October.
“Most trees in southern Missouri are producing a good crop of wild black walnuts this year, much better than last year” said Hammons Products president Brian Hammons.
Individuals are encouraged to pick up freshly fallen black walnuts while they’re still green (not black and mushy or dried) and get them to a hulling station within one to two days of picking them up.
Responding to a Hammonds Products survey in March asking harvesters the primary reason they participate in the annual black walnut harvest, 629 participants who responded gave these reasons (in order of most responses): to clean up the yard or land, to earn additional cash, to teach children about the work ethic, and to carry on a tradition and spend time with loved ones.
Local area hullers
In this area, hullers are operating at these locations:
Gainesville: Dan Janes, 180 Janes Hill, Gainesville; 417-712-1603. Directions: High-way 5 south to T Highway then .9 miles.
Dora: Larry Russell, Rt. 1 Box 75/1, Dora; 417-331-0695. Call for directions.
Caulfield: Jason Cotter, 13392 County Road 7890, Caulfield; 417-255-6397. Directions: Intersection of Highway 160 and 101.
Ava: Eric Smith with Elite Lawn & Home LLC, 924 W. Washington Ave., Ava; 417-224-3498. Directions: Go north from Highways 76 and 5, turn right on 41st St., then make first left at archery shop.