Purina Animal Nutrition, along with the Land O’Lakes Foundation, has reopened its annual scholarship program designed to assist students with experience in livestock production and animal stewardship in pursuing their passions and furthering their education.
Undergraduate students and current high school seniors who have experience raising and caring for small or large livestock, equine and/or poultry are eligible to apply for a $5,000 scholarship. Four students will be awarded based on applications that illustrate the impact animal agriculture has had on their lives along with details on academic achievements, leadership skills, community involvement and a clear vision for their future.
Scholarship applications will be accepted March 18 through April 17, and awardees will be notified in June. Funds will be distributed for the Fall 2025 semester at their current or anticipated educational institution. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic semester/term and undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.
About Purina Animal Nutrition
Purina Animal Nutrition LLC (www.purinamills.com) is a national organization serving animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers, and other retailers throughout the United States. Driven to unlock the greatest potential in every animal, the company is an industry-leading innovator offering a valued portfolio of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients and specialty technologies for all animal markets. Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is headquartered in Arden Hills, Minn. and a wholly owned subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc.
Late in 2023, California almond growers – responsible for a crop valued at $3.88 billion in 2023 – started to hear about a potentially devastating new pest, the carpophilus beetle (Carpophilus truncatus).
With virtually no information about this species in California, Jhalendra Rijal and his colleagues spent 2024 investigating its extent in the almond-growing regions of the state and learning from peers in Australia, where the insect has been a persistent scourge for a decade.
A hullsplit almond showing a large number of carpophilus beetles (Carpophilus truncatus). Photo by Jhalendra Rijal.
“This year, we at least have the one year of experience with this pest, and we have generated information that is relevant and practical for the growers,” said Rijal, a University of California Cooperative Extension integrated pest management advisor. For example: After an insecticide trial was largely ineffective (likely because the beetle spends most of its life cycle protected within the nut), Rijal has been emphasizing cultural practices like orchard sanitation.
Sharing those crucial updates is one reason why the annual UCCE North San Joaquin Valley Almond Day is essential for growers, industry professionals and pest control advisers. This year’s event was held on Jan. 21 at the Modesto Centre Plaza.
During Almond Day 2025, Jhalendra Rijal, UCCE IPM advisor, discusses the differences between Carpophilus truncatus and related beetle species. Photo by Mike Hsu
“It’s the meeting on everyone’s calendar,” said Rijal, who co-organized the event alongside his UC Agriculture and Natural Resources peers, Brent Holtz and Cameron Zuber.
With support from Farm Credit, the 2025 Almond Day attracted about 140 people, who heard about a range of best practices on almond production and pest management from six UC experts.
“This is a great educational tool,” said meeting attendee Ali Arshad, a Blue Diamond grower who operates several ranches in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. “I like to come attend their seminars as much as possible; they’re very educational and informative – and very helpful too.”
Scientists offer advice on managing carpophilus beetle, red leaf blotch in almonds
Fellow grower Donny Hicks, who has attended 14 Almond Day meetings, concurred about the usefulness of the event. “Everything that was covered today is applicable to what I do,” he said.
Troubled by the presence of Carpophilus truncatus on his orchard in Hughson, Stanislaus County, Hicks said he recently partnered with Rijal to set some traps on his property, hoping to grow scientists’ understanding of the pest.
“It takes growers to help advance that knowledge and be the ‘guinea pigs’ somewhat,” Hicks explained. “At the same time, if it helps us growers as a whole, that’s a good thing.”
During his opening talk, Rijal reiterated the need for growers to clean up the remnant “mummy” nuts on the ground that serve as overwintering habitat and a food source for the next generation of beetles in the spring.
“Do the sanitation so you can destroy the population from the beginning and you will have less of a problem,” said Rijal, who also shared a visual ID guide that can help growers identify the specific pest in their orchard and thus better target their control methods.
Growers also heard practical advice on an emerging almond disease, red leaf blotch, caused by the fungus Polystigma amygdalinum. Named for the orange-red patches of discoloration on leaves, red leaf blotch in almond has led to significant crop loss across Mediterranean countries. Unknown in California prior to last year, there was an explosion of reports throughout the San Joaquin Valley during 2024.
“It was pretty surprising, both the quickness and vastness of the spread,” said Alejandro Hernandez-Rosas, a UC Davis Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Florent Trouillas, UC Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology at UC Davis.
During his presentation, Hernandez-Rosas said a preventative application of fungicide at petal fall – and then again at two and five weeks after petal fall – appear to work best to manage this disease. Fungicide applications made after the blotchy leaf symptoms appear will not be effective, Hernandez-Rosas said, and further research needs to be done to determine the most effective products and optimal timing for growers to make the most of their applications.
And because leaf litter is the “primary source” of the disease inoculum, Hernandez-Rosas added that cultural practices focused on speeding cleanup or decomposition of leaf litter are critical to reduce disease severity. However, it is only effective if done over a wide area in conjunction with neighbors.
Advanced symptoms of red leaf blotch (RLB) include large, yellow-orange blotches (roughly 1/2″) that turn reddish-brown in their center. Photo credit: Alejandro Hernandez and Florent Trouillas
Rodents, irrigation, replanting and whole orchard recycling
Both Arshad and Hicks mentioned that they intend to tackle the gopher problem in their orchards.
“I plant a cover crop every year and the gophers tend to really like it – so I get overrun with those gophers,” Hicks explained. “I’m trying to find that balance of not letting them overtake my orchard but still being able to cover crop – because that’s beneficial too.”
With many growers voicing a desire to learn about burrowing rodents, Almond Day organizers were pleased to schedule a presentation by Roger Baldwin, professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology at UC Davis.
Baldwin presented the available control options for not only pocket gophers but also ground squirrels and meadow voles. He stressed the need to understand the biology and ecology of the rodents to maximize efficacy; for example, whereas ground squirrels prefer green foliage as their main food source in the spring, they switch to seeds in the summer/fall – which would thus be a better time to use pelletized baits.
In choosing from baiting, trapping, habitat modification, burrow fumigation, biocontrols and other options, Baldwin recommended combining different strategies and approaches in an integrated way.
“Mixing and matching tools will give you the best possible results,” he said.
The utility of combining methods was also a key takeaway from the presentation by Moneim Mohamed, UCCE irrigation and soils advisor. Highlighting the latest tools and innovations, Mohamed outlined the soil-based, weather-based and plant-based methods to collect data that can help growers make the most of their water.
Mohamed said using even just one approach is beneficial in optimizing irrigation scheduling – but more is even better. “A combination of the three methods is the best,” he said.
Cameron Zuber, UCCE orchard crops farm advisor for Merced County, discussed considerations related to replanting an orchard, including field and soil conditions and the management of plant-parasitic nematodes and aggressive pathogens and pests. He also encouraged attendees to visit growingthevalleypodcast.com for more information on tree nuts and a host of other topics.
Finally, Brent Holtz, UCCE orchard systems farm advisor for San Joaquin County and a trailblazer for whole orchard recycling, presented an overview of WOR. He then shared recent findings on its effects on fungal pathogens, and ways to mitigate drawbacks of WOR – such as the initial carbon-to-nitrogen imbalance when the recycled almond wood chips are first spread on a field.
Hicks, who has already tried WOR in his orchard, is also the grower relations manager for RPAC, a Los Banos-based company that grows, processes and markets almonds. Hicks said he also brings what he learns during Almond Day to his fellow growers – illustrating the multiplier effect of such educational events.
“I have growers who possibly will be doing whole orchard recycling, and I can share that information,” Hicks said.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu.
Almond growers are all too familiar with the challenges posed by pests in their orchards. Despite not being on the top of a grower’s concern list, spider mites can inflict serious damage to an almond orchard, and rather quickly if populations get out of control. However, effective monitoring and the use of beneficial insects can play a crucial role in managing these pests and ensuring a healthy almond harvest.
Understanding Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that thrive in warm, dry conditions, making almond orchards an ideal habitat. These pests feed on the leaves of almond trees, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventually leaf drop. Severe infestations can lead to reduced photosynthesis, weakened trees, and lower yields. Therefore, it is essential to keep a close eye on spider mite populations and take timely action to prevent economic losses.
The Role of Beneficial Insects
One of the most effective natural treatments for spider mites is the use of beneficial insects, such as six-spotted thrips. These tiny predators feed on spider mites and can significantly reduce their populations. David Haviland, a University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) entomology farm advisor, emphasizes the importance of relying on six-spotted thrips for mite management. These thrips are highly adaptable, reproduce quickly, and provide numerous operational benefits. They occur naturally, are free, and do not leave residues, pre-harvest intervals, or worker safety issues to worry about.
In addition to six-spotted thrips, other natural enemies of spider mites include predatory mites and lady beetles. These beneficial insects can help maintain a balance in the orchard ecosystem, reducing the need for chemical interventions. However, it is crucial to monitor the populations of both spider mites and their natural enemies to make informed decisions about pest management.
Effective Monitoring Techniques
Monitoring for spider mites involves regular inspections of the orchard, particularly in dusty or water-stressed areas where mites are most likely to thrive. Checking on the underside of leaves for the presence of spider mites is the most effective way to identify them in the orchard. According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program, growers should check for spider mites at least weekly during the warmer months. Presence-absence leaf sampling is a useful tool for determining whether treatment is necessary. If there are 1.4 mites per leaf or 38% of leaves are infested, it is time to consider intervention to prevent the population from reaching damaging levels.
To-Do List for Growers
Seasonal Monitoring: From March to early May, monitor orchards for both predators and spider mites at least once every two weeks. Increase monitoring frequency to at least once a week from June to September when mite populations can rapidly increase.
Weekly Inspections: Regularly inspect your orchard, especially in dusty or water-stressed areas, to check for spider mites. Use a hand lens to detect mite eggs, hatched spider mites, and predators.
Presence-Absence Leaf Sampling: Use this method to determine if treatment is necessary. If there are 1.4 mites per leaf or 38% of leaves are infested, take action.
Monitor Beneficial Insects: Assess the populations of natural enemies like six-spotted thrips, predatory mites, and lady beetles to ensure they are sufficient to control spider mites.
Consider Selective Miticides: If natural predators are not enough, consider using selective miticides that are less harmful to beneficial insects.
Follow ABC Guidelines: Utilize resources and guidelines provided by the Almond Board of California (ABC) for effective mite management.
For more detailed information on monitoring spider mites, growers can refer to the guidelines provided by the UC ANR IPM Program here.
Spider mites could pose a significant threat to almond orchards, but effective monitoring and the use of beneficial insects can help manage these pests without increasing inputs. By relying on natural predators like six-spotted thrips and other beneficial insects, growers can reduce the need for chemical interventions, lower costs and promote a healthier orchard ecosystem. — By the Almond Board of California
The carpophilus beetle, a serious pest threatening California’s almond industry, is officially documented in only four counties — Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, and Kings. However, according to entomologists and industry experts, its presence is far more widespread, raising concerns about the limitations of official reporting and its impact on securing resources for control and mitigation.
Houston Wilson, a Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of Entomology at UC Riverside, has been surveying reports and conducting research on the beetle in collaboration with other UC and USDA researchers. “We’ve identified infested orchards — both almonds and pistachios — from every county within the San Joaquin Valley,” Wilson said. “We’re also hearing reports of crop damage from the Sacramento Valley (Sacramento through Butte County), but we have yet to directly confirm it there due to limited survey efforts.”
The Importance of Official Documentation
Despite mounting evidence of the carpophilus beetle’s spread, official state records remain limited. Wilson explains that for a find to be considered “official,” the county Agricultural Commissioner must collect a sample and submit it to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) for verification. The current process means that many beetle infestations, though identified by researchers, remain unofficial.
“While we have unofficial records from our survey efforts, my understanding is that the official records only reflect what has gone through the CDFA process,” Wilson said.
For growers, the discrepancy between unofficial and official findings is more than just a technicality — it could also affect the allocation of resources. According to the Almond Alliance, securing state and federal assistance depends on having documented proof of the beetle’s widespread presence.
“The widespread documentation of the carpophilus beetle serves as a vital indicator of the extent and severity of the issue,” said Almond Alliance CEO Alexi Rodriguez. “When more counties report official beetle findings, it underscores the pervasive nature of the problem, highlighting its impact beyond isolated areas.”
Challenges in Reporting
Wilson acknowledges that the reporting process can be complicated, but he and his team actively assist growers. “If a grower contacts me about suspected beetle damage, I usually visit the farm to assess the situation,” he said. “If we confirm the presence of the carpophilus beetle in a county that hasn’t had an official report, we advise them to contact their Agricultural Commissioner and guide them through the reporting process.”
Rodriguez recognizes the difficulties growers face in reporting. “I want to acknowledge that the reporting process is not easy; however, expanding the network of official findings will allow us to advocate for more effective solutions by highlighting the problem’s regional and national significance,” she said.
Identifying the Carpophilus Beetle
For growers looking to detect the beetle, Wilson advises examining nuts in windrows, where nuts can be easily sampled. “The most apparent sign is a fine, powdery white frass on the nut, which results from beetle larvae tunneling into the kernel,” he said. “If you blow that frass away, you might see a circular hole in the shell where the adult beetle chewed through to lay its eggs. Inside, the larvae create distinctive oval-shaped tunnels in the kernel itself.”
Wilson is part of a team that last year developed a pest identification guide to help growers differentiate carpophilus beetle damage from other pests, such as navel orangeworm or ants.
Securing Support for Growers
To address the growing concern, the Almond Alliance continues to work with officials at both the state and federal levels. “This engagement is expected to lead to more coordinated and robust interventions, mobilizing the necessary support and funding to mitigate the impact of beetle infestations on ecosystems, agriculture, and local economies,” Rodriguez said.
Meanwhile, research efforts continue. “We’ve secured funding from the Almond Board of California and the California Pistachio Research Board for a second year, and we’ve now leveraged that into a larger pool of funding from the USDA,” Wilson said.
Growers can also take advantage of upcoming pest identification workshops organized by the Almond Board of California in March, where they can learn more about identifying carpophilus beetle damage.
A Call to Action
With the evidence pointing to a much wider distribution of the carpophilus beetle than official records reflect, the push for more growers to report infestations is crucial. “If we don’t have official documentation, we can’t make the case for more resources,” Rodriguez emphasized. “We urge growers to work with their local Agricultural Commissioners to ensure the beetle’s spread is formally recognized.”
By increasing official reports, the almond industry can strengthen its efforts to combat the carpophilus beetle, securing the necessary funding and support to protect California’s valuable almond crops.— By the Almond Board of California
The 2025 California Date Palm Workshop will be held on April 23 in Palm Desert at the UC Riverside Palm Desert Center. Anyone who is interested in growing dates is welcome to attend.
“This workshop brings together researchers, growers and stakeholders to discuss recent research data on the ‘state of the date’ crop in California,” said workshop organizer Ali Montazar, UC Cooperative Extension irrigation and water management advisor for Imperial, Riverside and San Diego counties.
The international date research workshop runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Scientists will share the latest research and information on various aspects of date production, including irrigation and nutrient management, disease and pest management, and laws and regulations.
Abdelouahhab Zaid, secretary general of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will speak about the development of date palm cultivation regionally and internationally.
Ricardo Salomon-Torres, research professor at Universidad Estatal de Sonora San Luis Río Colorado, will discuss the status of the date palm industry in Mexico.
Montazar will discuss irrigation management. Mark Hoddle, UC Cooperative Extension biological control specialist based at UC Riverside, will give a presentation on South American palm weevil in California., Spider mites, date nutrition and the aspergillus species causing black mold of dates are among other topics that will be discussed.
“We also will have a grower panel discussion on the concerns and the needs of the California date industry,” Montazar said. “This event is such a great opportunity to showcase how impactful date palm production and agriculture is in the low-desert region.”
Participation is free, but registration is requested at https://ucanr.edu/datepalm2025. Onsite registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the UCR Palm Desert Center at 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to Lima, Peru, scheduled for June 9-12, 2025. Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in participating must apply by March 12, 2025.
“Consumers in Peru are eager to stock their pantries with world-class, high-quality food and farm products, and this mission offers a unique opportunity for U.S. exporters to meet that growing demand,” said Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley. “It will also help our agricultural community forge meaningful partnerships and unlock new avenues for growth in South America.”
Peru is the third-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports in South America. Since the 2009 U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, bilateral agricultural trade has risen from $1.46 billion to $5 billion in 2023, a 242.5 percent increase. In 2023, the United States was Peru’s second-largest agricultural supplier with a 13-percent market share.
Peru and its South American trade partners offer robust logistics, distribution, processing, and cold chain capabilities, creating opportunities for exporters across industry sectors, including:
During the trade mission, participants will join buyers from Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador for targeted business-to-business meetings to explore and discuss potential business opportunities in each country. Foreign Agricultural Service staff and regional experts will also provide in-depth market briefings, lead informative site visits, and host networking events.
The trade mission to Peru is one of several USDA-led export promotion opportunities in 2025, with additional missions planned to Côte d’Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Taiwan. The agency will announce application details for these missions soon.
The California Avocado Commission encourages members of the California avocado industry to attend the upcoming CAC 2025 Annual Meetings that will be held in March. The meetings will take place at three different locations within California avocado growing regions.
The sessions will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about the evolution of the consumer marketing campaign, as well as gain insight into the grower-focused priorities of the Production Research and Industry Affairs teams.
The meetings will take place as follows:
Tuesday, March 25 — 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
South Coast Winery
34843 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA 92591
Wednesday, March 26 — 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Thursday, March 27, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
SLO Farm Bureau
4875 Morabito Place
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
RSVPs are not required. For more information, contact the Commission at 949.341.1955 or cac.iaf@avocado.org.
The 2025 Western Regional Dairy Challenge, hosted at College of the Sequoias concluded March 1 in Tulare, Calif. The event saw significant participation with 58 students from eight schools, along with coaches and volunteers, for an immersive learning experience. Upon arrival, students met with their teams and participated in a team building activity. They then had the opportunity to meet their mentors and eat dinner together. Afterwards, teams received farm information and began analyzing data in preparation for their farm visit on February 28 and their upcoming presentation.
On the second day, students toured and evaluated Legacy Ranches 2. Guided by industry mentors, teams assessed various aspects of each facility at the dairy farm, including animal health, parlor management, transition pens, and feed management processes. Additionally, student teams conducted interviews with the producers to gain deeper insights into farm management practices and goals. In the afternoon, teams used the data collected to develop their presentations. After submitting their work, all attendees, volunteers, and coaches gathered for dinner and a networking event.
The final day of the contest featured team presentations, evaluated by a panel of judges. Each team delivered a 20-minute analysis outlining the strengths and areas of opportunity for the farm they had assessed. Additionally, students were able to attend a career and innovation fair. The event concluded with thepresentation of student awards, marking the end of the successful 2025 Western Regional Dairy Challenge
The judges awarded the following teams with the first and second place rankings.
Panel A
First Place: Team Number 1; (Front L-R) Loretta Rodman-University of Idaho, Adison Machado- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo(Back L-R) Aidan Alberto-Modesto Junior College, Cassie Smith-College of the Sequoias, Joshua Powell-Brigham Young University
Second Place: Team Number 3; (Front L-R) Jaleesa Sousa-Modesto Junior College, George Gioletti- Modesto JuniorCollege (Back L-R) Alex Shepherd-University of Alberta, Wyatt Linger-Brigham Young University, Lyndsey Goldwyn-California State University, San Luis Obispo
Panel B
First Place: Team Number 6; (Front L-R) Emily Maners-Texas A&M University, Karen Lund- University of Idaho (Back L-R) Delainee Fernandes-California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Tim Ally-Texas Tech University
Second Place: Team Number 5; (Front L-R) Greyson Evans-Texas A&M University, Katie Hebdon- University of Idaho(Back L-R) Chloe Otterson-California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, D’Mya Davis-Modesto Junior College (Not Pictured) Ben Bidart-California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Panel C
First Place: Team Number 12; (Front L-R) Amber Cummings-California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Jesse Mancillas Jr.-College of theSequoias (Back L-R) Reann McPhetridge-College of the Sequoias, Molly Feins-California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Logan Pomi- University of Idaho
Second Place: Team Number 9; (Front L-R) Tyanna Melak-University of Idaho, Kylee Chamberlain- Brigham YoungUniversity (Back L-R) Roberto Hernandez-California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Kelly Wales-California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Iris Schilderink- Texas Tech University
The Western event is one of four regional contests sponsored each year by North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge® (NAIDC). These regionalcontests – plus a national event for about 250 dairy colleagues – are funded through generous support by 130 agribusinesses and dairy producers. Dairy Challenge has helped prepare over 10,000 students for careers as dairy owners or managers, consultants, researchers, veterinarians or other dairy professionals.
About Dairy Challenge
NAIDC is an innovative event for students in dairy programs at North American post-secondary institutions. Its mission is to develop tomorrow’s dairy leadersand enhance the progress of the dairy industry, by providing education, communication and networking among students, dairy producers, agribusiness and university personnel. The 2025 National Dairy Challenge contest will be held in Gainesville, Florida from April 6th to April 8th; details are at www.dairychallenge.org.
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) honors U.S. Representative David Rouzer, R-NC, with the 2024 Legislator of the Year award for his support of agricultural retailers.
“Rep. Rouzer’s leadership has promoted policies that help to protect ARA member companies’ freedom to operate profitably as they deliver essential services and products to their farmer customers when they need it,” says ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock.
“His steady support for the ag retail industry when it comes to tackling our nation’s economic and regulatory challenges, specifically his sponsorship of the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2023, has brought about important permitting reform legislation to reduce the regulatory burdens impacting ARA members.
“ARA looks forward to continuing to work with Rep. Rouzer and his colleagues in Congress to advance ARA’s public policy priorities established by our membership.”
Each year, ARA recognizes two legislators who have championed the issues of importance to agriculture and agriculture suppliers.
“It is an honor to be recognized with the Legislator of the Year award by ARA,” says Rep. Rouzer.
“Agriculture retailers ensure our country’s producers have the tools and products necessary to feed and clothe the world. I remain committed in supporting our agriculture retailers, farmers and ranchers, and the supply chain which ensures America has the most abundant and affordable food supply in the world.”
ARA unites its members and their interests to advocate and educate on their behalf, provide services to improve their businesses, and preserve their freedom to operate and innovate, ensuring a safe and plentiful food supply for all.
To view other recipients of this award, visit the ARA’s website.
About Agricultural Retailers Association
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.
Photos taken by Ag Retailers Association during the annual Winter Board Meeting & Legislative Fly-In.
As the California walnut industry continues to drive consumers to the category, new research suggests incorporating walnuts into breakfast may improve brain function throughout the day, showcasing yet another benefit of walnuts.
The study from the University of Reading in the UK found that healthy young adults who ate 50g of walnuts (a generous handful) mixed into muesli and yogurt demonstrated improved reaction time and memory performance compared to those consuming a calorie-matched breakfast without nuts.1
“This study helps strengthen the case for walnuts as brain food,” said Professor Claire Williams, who led the research at the University’s Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN). “A handful of walnuts with breakfast could give young adults a mental edge when they need to perform at the top of their game.”
The study, published in Food & Function, involved 32 healthy adults aged 18-30 who consumed both a walnut-rich breakfast and a calorie-matched breakfast on separate occasions.* Participants completed various cognitive tests while their brain activity was monitored in the six hours following each breakfast.
“This study adds to our growing body of evidence that walnuts may play a valuable role in supporting cognitive function,” said Robert Verloop, CEO for the California Walnut Commission. “Finding cognitive benefits in young adults is particularly significant as we work to increase walnuts’ appeal in this demographic.”
The researchers suggest that walnuts’ mix of nutrients – including omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA), protein, and plant compounds – may enhance cognitive performance. Walnuts are the only nut to provide an excellent source of omega-3 ALA** (2.5g/oz), which has been researched to support brain health, heart health and more.2 Walnuts also provide 4 grams of plant-based protein along with a variety of other nutrients in just one handful.3
This is the first study to examine the immediate effects of walnuts on brain function in young adults throughout a single day. The findings build on previous research showing the cognitive impacts of regular walnut consumption.
Discover recipes, industry insights and the latest health research on California walnuts at walnuts.org.
References:
*This research was funded by the California Walnut Commission. The funder made no contribution during the design or implementation of the study, nor in the interpretation of findings or the decision to publish.
**One ounce of walnuts offers 18 grams of total fat, 2.5 grams of monounsaturated fat, 13 grams of good polyunsaturated fat.
1. Bell, L., Dodd, G. F., Jeavons, M., Fisher, D. R., Whyte, A. R., Shukitt-Hale, B., & Williams, C. M. (2025). The impact of a walnut-rich breakfast on cognitive performance and brain activity throughout the day in healthy young adults: a crossover intervention trial. Food & Function, DOI: 10.1039/d4fo04832f.
2. Sala-Vila A, Fleming J, Kris-Etherton P, Ros E. Impact of alpha-linolenic acid, the vegetable omega-3 fatty acid, on cardiovascular disease and cognition [published ahead of print February 16, 2022]. Advances in Nutrition. doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmac016.
3. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. fdc.nal.usda.gov.
About the California Walnut Commission
The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 3.700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWC, established in 1987, promotes usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research with consuming walnuts. To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.
