Citrus growers and those interested in planting new citrus varieties are invited to attend this one-of-a-kind Citrus Fruit Display & Tasting at the Lindcove Research & Extension Center on Friday, December 5th (8:30 a.m. – 2p.m.). Attendees are welcome to taste a wide variety of fruits at their leisure in an outdoor setting. Tours of the Lindcove Research & Extension Center facilities and fields will be offered. Engage in discussions on low seeded new varieties and pest/disease management issues and horticultural issues with the UC researchers. This year, UCANR VINE Connect will also feature live demonstrations from agricultural technology companies from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Please RSVP for VINE Connect tour here.
Category: News
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36th Annual Fall Desert Crops Workshop, Dec. 3
Join UCANR on December 3rd for the 36th Annual Fall Desert Crops Workshop. Get up to date on the key issues affecting desert crops in our Valley through expert-led discussions. This FREE workshop offers a valuable opportunity to stay informed, connect with others and better understand the challenges facing our agricultural community.
Topics to be discussed:
- Irrigation
- Soil Salinity Mapping
- Pest & Disease Management
- Pesticide Use Regulations
- Other Agricultural Issues
To pre-register use this link or join us onsite starting at 7:30am.
Continuing Education Units will be offered with the following agencies: (Pending Approval)
- California Department of Pesticide and Regulation
- Arizona Department of Agriculture
- Certified Crop Advisor (CCA)
If you have any questions or need additional information on workshop, contact the office at (442) 265-7700.
Document
See the full agenda at: 36th Annual Fall Desert Crops Workshop_Agenda
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Didn’t Get Much of a Cherry Crop This Year? This Might be Why…
Some Central Valley cherry growers grappled with little to no yields this year. Cherries are notoriously a high risk crop, but can be highly profitable when they yield well. Unfortunately, that was not the case for some Central Valley growers this year. But how could this have happened? UC Cooperative Extension Fruit & Almond Advisor Raymond Mireles met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in the coming issue of California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.
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Five Ways to Avoid Expensive Irrigation Repairs & DU Losses
Irrigation systems today are amazing at getting just the right amount of water where it needs to be to meet a crop’s needs; however, if these systems are not well-maintained, things can go south pretty fast, resulting in distribution uniformity-related losses and expensive repairs. During his presentation at Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo, UC Cooperative Extension Irrigation & Soils Advisor Moneim Mohamed noted that regular and proper irrigation system maintenance can prevent expensive repairs. Watch his video interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network for five key tasks for preventative maintenance.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.
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Stink Bugs Foul Up Central Valley Stone Fruit
While growers hoped the invasive brown marmorated stink bug would stay out of California orchards, they seem to have taken a liking to stone fruit, along with other stink bug species, and caused problems for some growers this year. UC Cooperative Extension Fruit & Almond Advisor Raymond Mireles shared this at Malcolm Media’s recent Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno. Following his presentation, Raymond met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.
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Why Do Some of My Peaches Stay Small and Never Fully Develop?
Have you seen “nubbins” in your orchard? During a presentation at Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo, UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Cameron Zuber described nubbins as occasional smaller sized fruit you may find on a peach tree that never fully develops. Watch this brief interview as Zuber meets with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain nubbins and why you might be seeing them in your orchard.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.
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Blue Diamond Growers Details Actions to Maximize Grower Returns, Honors George Goshgarian Jr
Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s leading almond cooperative, held its 115th annual meeting on Nov. 19 in Modesto, highlighting a year defined by bold operational decisions and strategic transformation.
Kai Bockmann, president and CEO, Blue Diamond Growers, shared with growers in attendance that the cooperative navigated a challenging year by responding with urgency and clarity to strengthen long-term competitiveness and grower returns.
“Our industry is facing real headwinds, from rising input costs and pest-related crop damage to persistent market volatility,” Bockmann said. “But we
must stay focused on what matters most: maximizing returns for our growers while building a cooperative that will thrive for generations to come. The actions we are taking position us to do exactly that.”
At the meeting, Blue Diamond’s leadership outlined concrete steps taken to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the cooperative’s market position across three strategic pillars.
Transforming Operations to Drive Efficiency
Earlier this year the cooperative announced plans to close its Sacramento manufacturing plant and consolidate operations to the existing Turlock and Salida facilities. The move will maximize efficiencies while moving the manufacturing facilities even closer to the almond-growing regions that are at the heart of the cooperative. The transition strengthens both efficiency and sustainability while honoring Blue Diamond’s commitment to growers.
“It comes down to one fundamental thing: build a stronger and more profitable Blue Diamond that provides the best return for our growers’ almonds,” Bockmann said. “We’ve made the tough calls this year with decisions that position us for long-term success.”
Driving Brand Performance and Innovations
Despite category softness, Blue Diamond maintained the No. 1 position in both Almondmilk and Snack Almonds. The cooperative executed its first brand refresh in more than two decades, laying critical groundwork for renewed consumer engagement. The year saw the successful launch of new product lines including Almonds and More mixed nuts and almond-fruit produce blends in partnership with Oppy® to help establish a presence and ignite growth in the produce section. Additionally, limited-time flavors – including Cherry Slurpee® and Mike’s Hot Honey® – drove consumer excitement and helped the brand remain top-of-mind in a competitive marketplace.
Expanding within International Markets
Blue Diamond continues to expand its international footprint across multiple regions and segments. In Canada, the cooperative grew distribution with major retailers at a pace faster than both category and private-label growth. Strategic beverage partnerships and pipeline opportunities took shape in Japan, while new flavor tests launched across Europe for broader retailer expansion. The cooperative also strengthened its core almond segment leadership with in-shell almonds showing impressive growth in key markets including India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
Announcing the 2025 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador of the Year Award
At the annual meeting, Blue Diamond’s Board Chairman Steve Van Duyn presented the 2025 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador Award to George Goshgarian Jr., a Blue Diamond grower whose family has farmed with the cooperative for nearly 50 years. Goshgarian Jr. is from Fresno and is completing his MBA at Fresno Pacific University School of Business.
For more than 13 years, Goshgarian Jr. has served in various capacities at the Almond Board of California, including the Environmental Committee, Almond Quality and Food Safety Services Committee, and Strategic Ag Innovation Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors for eight years, including two terms as vice chair. He values being part of a team that creates solutions to challenging industry issues and serves as a voice for farmers.
“Serving at the Almond Board gives even the smallest farming operation a seat at the table,” Goshgarian Jr. said. “I’ve been very proud to represent Blue Diamond at the Almond Board of California for more than a decade.”
Bockmann concluded the annual meeting with remarks reflecting the cooperative’s readiness for the years ahead.
“Our balance sheet is strong, our strategy is clear, and our team is energized to execute,” he said. “The coming year – and beyond – is about translating strategy into results. We do this in service to our growers, and we’re confident in the direction and path forward.”
About Blue Diamond
Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing approximately 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs more than 1,800 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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California FFA Partners with Blue Diamond Growers to “Give the Gift of Blue” on Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday, the California FFA Foundation and Blue Diamond Growers are teaming up to make twice the impact through the “Give the Gift of Blue” campaign. On December 2, 2025, Blue Diamond Growers will match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, providing FFA jackets to deserving members statewide.
“For the last nine years, our partnership with Blue Diamond Growers has created a lasting tradition of giving back through the ‘Gift of Blue’ campaign,” said Emily Rooney, chair of the California FFA Foundation and president of the Agricultural Council of California. “With their support, we have collectively raised over $525,285, providing 5,717 FFA jackets to members throughout California—a remarkable effort and true testament to the generosity within the agriculture community.”
With California’s record-breaking membership of more than 108,000 middle and high school students, the demand for blue jacketshas never been greater. The iconic blue jacket stands as more than just a part of the official FFA uniform; it also embodies the values of leadership and rich agricultural tradition instilled in FFA members for nearly 100 years.
“Blue Diamond is, once again, pleased to match funds dollar for dollar up to $25,000 to support FFA students in receiving their iconic, blue jackets,” said Mel Machado, Blue Diamond Growers chief agricultural officer and California FFA Foundation board member. “As a century-old farmer-owned cooperative, our legacy depends on supporting the next generation of farmers. FFA students are bright, dedicated, hardworking, and learn valuable skills to ensure the future of farming. Blue Diamond Growers is honored to support the FFA mission.”
Beyond Giving Tuesday, Blue Diamond Growers has been a steadfast ally to FFA and agricultural education, extending support through sponsorships of various proficiencies and awards. Last year, Blue Diamond Growers was awarded the Distinguished Service Citation from the National FFA Organization. This esteemed honor is given to a select group of organizations, agencies, businesses, or other groups that have made outstanding contributions to FFA.
With 115 years of agricultural history in Northern California and the participation of approximately 3,000 family growers responsible for producing almonds for the world, Blue Diamond Growers is a premier example of a legacy of excellence.
To discover more about the California FFA Foundation’s Giving Tuesday initiative or to contribute, please visit www.calaged.org/givingtuesday. Follow California FFA on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
About the California FFA Foundation
California FFA Foundation serves more than 108,000 California students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through educational education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.
Facebook: @CaliforniaFFA | LinkedIn: @California-FFA-Association | Instagram: @californiaffa | TikTok: @officialcaliforniaffa
About Blue Diamond Growers®
Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing approximately 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs about 1,300 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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From California to Idaho: ASEV Brings the Science of Vineyard Nutrition to a New Frontier
Bringing together vineyard researchers, enologists, and growers from across the nation, the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV), in association with the National Grape Research Alliance (NGRA), will host the Vineyard Nutrition Symposium in Boise, Idaho, as part of the 2026 ASEV National Conference.
The symposium will highlight the latest advances in monitoring vineyard nutrition considering variability—different soils, climates, and grape markets—that impact grape production in every region. By convening experts in the heart of Idaho’s emerging Snake River Valley, ASEV underscores its commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange that benefits both established and developing winegrowing communities.
From emerging precision technologies to field-level applications, attendees will learn how to use advanced tools and methods to better understand, predict, and optimize vineyard performance. Presentations will bridge research and practice, offering actionable guidance for growers seeking to improve fruit quality, enhance resource efficiency, and strengthen vineyard resilience.
“Growers are increasingly asking not just what to sample, but how to interpret that data, when to act, and why it matters for the finished wine,” said Patty Skinkis, Ph.D., Professor and Viticulture Extension Specialist at Oregon State University and symposium chair. “We’re moving from lab reports to integrated, vineyard-wide data—and ultimately, connecting that to fruit composition and sensory outcomes.”
Donnell Brown, National Grape Research Alliance added, “The technology is catching up with growers’ need for real-time data. When you combine good science with practical, real-world applications, you can manage nutrition more efficiently and make a measurable difference in fruit and wine quality.”
The symposium agenda will include presentations on:
- Sensor Technology Integration: How tools for nutrient monitoring complement traditional sampling
- Precision Agriculture in Practice: Field comparisons of nutrient sensors and mapping systems
- Nitrogen and Beyond: New techniques for quantifying and managing nutrients critical to grapegrowing and winemaking
- Physiology to Flavor: Linking vine nutrition, fruit chemistry, and wine sensory profiles
- Panel Discussion: “Ask the Researchers—Exploring Vineyard Nutrition from Past to Future”
The symposium will be held on June 16, 2026, at the Boise Centre in Boise, Idaho, and includes a networking lunch. For detailed information, visit the ASEV National Conference page. Registration will open in spring 2026.
About ASEV
The American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) is an international community of wine and grape professionals that promotes industry vitality through the exchange of information and support of research and education. ASEV publishes the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture and hosts a variety of platforms for the dissemination of basic and applied research as well as the examination of emerging issues shaping the industry. These include the annual National Conference in June and the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium that is co-hosted with the California Association of Winegrape Growers. The Society also operates the ASEV Foundation, which will provide scholarships and educational opportunities for students in enology and viticulture. The Foundation is currently in the fundraising stage. For more information, visit asev.org.
About the National Grape Research Alliance
The National Grape Research Alliance (NGRA) is an industry-led nonprofit membership organization that advances the research needs of all sectors and all regions of the American grape and wine industry, spanning wine, table grapes, juice and raisins, nationwide. We connect industry, academic scientists, and federal and state research agencies to initiate novel research projects and programs to solve industry challenges together. Since our founding in 2005, we’ve been instrumental in securing $65 million in funding for scientific solutions to grape and wine industry issues. Learn more at graperesearch.org.