Stockton, Missouri – As the weather turns cooler (finally), Black Walnuts will be

falling soon all over the area. And once again the harvesting tradition continues,

with Hammons Products Company providing a market to buy the wild nuts that

people bring in.

Hulling stations will open across the Midwest on Thursday, October 1, paying an

opening price of $14 per 100 pounds after hulling to individuals or groups who

bring their Black Walnuts to one of over 160 hulling sites in 12 different states. The price may change later in the season, so people are encouraged to get their nuts in soon after they hit the ground. To find a hulling station near you, visit www.black-walnuts.com.

Early projections for the 2026 harvest are encouraging, particularly across the

Ozarks region, which is the heartbeat of the American Black Walnut industry. More Black Walnuts are sourced and harvested here than anywhere else in the world, making this one of the most unique and authentically local agricultural traditions the Ozarks has to offer. This fall, that tradition continues. "The crop looks to be a little spotty in some areas but overall, pretty good across much of Missouri and the broader Midwest,"; says Jacob Basecke, 4th generation President of Hammons Products Company in Stockton, Missouri. "The last two years brought shorter crops, so we are optimistic that a good season this year will give people more time to get out and pick up the nuts after they fall." Buying will continue in most areas through October and until November 16. Basecke added, "We always encourage people to pick up freshly fallen green or green/black nuts as soon as possible when their quality is best, and get them to their local buying station quickly."

Every year thousands of people participate in the harvest with their friends and

family, picking up the Black Walnuts off their own land, or possibly the land of their

neighbors (with permission). They sell the nuts to a nearby hulling station to earn

some extra money, to get them out of the yard, or just because they enjoy getting

outside. “Some folks picked up Black Walnuts when they were young and continue to pass along the lessons of nature and work with their grandchildren – it’s truly an Ozarks tradition!” says Brian Hammons, CEO of Hammons Products.

The appeal of wild Black Walnuts continues to grow, particularly among younger,

health-conscious consumers who are drawn to ingredients that are naturally

sourced, sustainably harvested, and rooted in a sense of place. Chefs, food writers, and home bakers alike are discovering what Ozarks families have known for generations — that the bold, distinctive flavor of the American Black Walnut is

unlike anything else in the kitchen. Add to that an impressive nutritional profile,

including more protein than any other tree nut, and it is easy to see why this wild

harvested ingredient is earning a well-deserved spot in the modern American

pantry.