xcellerator,Im betting its because of the drought.I have both beech and oak on the property I hunt and the beech nuts didnt develope but the acorns did,although they are smaller than usual.We had a very dry spring and summer in the area,so I think the reason for the hulls being empty is lack of water.I have 1400 acres in the middle of NH and I finding the same conditions with the beech nuts there.Good luck this season.