A member of the local pecan growers committee judges one table of the competing pecans.
2018 WASHINGTON COUNTY PECAN SHOW RESULTS
Two varieties of pecans from the Temple of Compassion ashram were entered in the 2018 Washington County Pecan Show. The “Native” variety came in fourth in its category; the “Pawnee” variety, which came in second in its category, now advances to the regional show!
PECAN IMPROVEMENT
The Texas A&M Agrilife Extension service, which sponsors the show, is providing suggestions for improving our pecan quality and quantity in the future. In addition, soil test results are in from the testing lab, telling us which nutrients are deficient.
A sample of our home-made fertilizer is now on its way to the testing lab to determine how it can best be used to meet the nutritional needs of the trees. The Texas Pecan Handbook is being studied to learn more about pests and diseases.
THE FUTURE OF ASHRAM PECANS
Pecans are anticipated to be an important source of revenue for sustaining the ashram. A local harvester has agreed to come each year in November to collect the nuts from our Native Pecan trees, sell them, and give us 40% of the proceeds. With between 80 and 100 trees on the property, the proceeds could be substantial if the trees are properly nurtured.
Second place ribbon hung on the tree that produced the winning nuts.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
An ongoing pecan seva activity is being planned now to give kriyavans all over the world another way to express their love and support for this beautiful ashram. Each tree on the property is being assessed, photographed, numbered, and catalogued with a description of the immediate work and ongoing mainten
ance for that tree. Immediate work includes cleaning up debris around the base of the tree, trimming low branches, and in some cases, cutting down nearby trees to allow the pecan tree’s canopy to expand. Ongoing work includes periodically checking the tree for pests, diseases, and stress, making sure the water and nutrient needs are being met, and keeping the ground under the canopy mowed and debris free.
We hope this news is as exciting and inspirational to you as it is to us. It is one of many joyful developments for our young but thriving ashram here in the heart of Texas. See you here soon!