Pecan farmers find a way out of burning

Pecan farmers are all too familiar with the complaints.

Common practice has been to burn the tons of branches clipped from their orchards each winter, sending hazy smoke into the air and prompting the ire of allergy sufferers.

But several major growers in the Mesilla Valley are hoping the days of smoke-filled skies will come to an end as a new way to dispose of trimmings catches on.