LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico pecan crop prices set a new record-high in 2016, federal numbers released recently confirmed.

Some Dona Ana County farmers said the high prices were nice while they lasted, but may backfire on the industry if food producers switch to other kinds of nuts, causing negative ripple effects in the market that could affect growers this year.

On average, pecan farmers in the state received $2.96 per in-shell pound for last year's crop, which was harvested in the winter of 2016-17, according to numbers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The crop overall was val...