PORTALES, N.M. (October 26, 2009)--The peanut harvest is at its halfway mark, and growers say this year's yield in eastern New Mexico and West Texas ranks from average to good.

The harvest began in September and most peanuts are expected to be in before Thanksgiving.

Sunland Inc. chief executive Jimmie Shearer said the growers in West Texas that produce peanuts for his company have been experiencing above-average yields.

He said had the fields received rain in early August, the yield might have set a record.

Roosevelt County peanut farmer Dee Brown said he’s hearing reports of good yield and quality, but said his crop suffered from hail this year.

Growers say they are working to get the rest of the peanuts out of the field before frost hits.