California Ag Network

Tag: ABC

  • CA Almond Acreage Continues on the Rise

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) is releasing two California almond industry acreage reports: USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) 2020 California Almond Acreage Report including the 2021 preliminary bearing acreage, and Land IQ’s 2021 Standing Acreage Initial Estimate (bearing acres, only). These reports are being issued side by side to improve industry reporting methods and provide a more robust picture of California’s almond acreage.

    USDA-NASS reports a continued increase in California’s almond acreage in 2020. Bearing acres, or orchards that have matured enough to produce a crop, are estimated at 1.25 million acres, up 5.9 percent from 2019. Total almond acreage, including non-bearing trees, is estimated at 1.6 million, up 5.3 percent from the previous year.  Nonpareil continued to be the leading variety, followed by Monterey, Butte, Carmel, and Padre.

    Land IQ’s initial estimate for total bearing acreage in 2021 – which reflects standing acreage that will be productive during the 2021/2022 harvest – is 1,323,722 acres.  This estimate takes into account both young orchards coming into production and orchards removed or estimated to be removed.

    “California almond bearing and non-bearing acreage continues to increase indicating almond production will also rise in coming years. Demand has consistently been very strong during this crop year with global shipments YTD (August 2020 – March 2021) up 17.7%, as production crossed the 3 billion pound threshold for the first time,” said Richard Waycott, president and CEO of the Almond Board.

    All export regions of the world have reported strong numbers, with shipments to China/Hong Kong up 59% year to date (YTD), South Korea up 45% YTD, India up 51% YTD, and Western Europe up 12% YTD, as compared to a year ago.

    USDA-NASS’s acreage report is the first of three annual reports, including the Subjective Estimate released in May and Objective Report in July. These reports are commissioned by the Almond Board to provide statistical transparency to industry stakeholders around the world.

    Each USDA-NASS California Almond Acreage Report includes estimates on bearing, non-bearing and total acreage, in addition to data organized by variety, year planted and county. A major source of data for this survey is almond growers’ voluntary responses to mailed questionnaires distributed by USDA-NASS, with consecutive telephone and field follow-up. To arrive at the estimated almond acreage, USDA-NASS compares its almond acreage database with the 2017 Census of Agriculture, pesticide application data maintained by County Agricultural Commissioners and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, in addition to data collected on the 2020 Almond Nursery Sales Report, which this year USDA-NASS released in conjunction with the California Almond Acreage Report, and Land IQ assessment.

    In 2018, ABC first commissioned Land IQ, a Sacramento-based agricultural and environmental scientific research and consulting firm, to develop a comprehensive, living map of California almonds. The map is the result of nearly a decade of research, and because Land IQ’s approach does not rely on surveys or extrapolation, it has an accuracy of 98% or greater. Beginning in 2019, ABC began a mapping process with Land IQ in which two acreage estimates will be released annually: the initial estimate of bearing acreage in the spring and the final estimate, with both bearing and non-bearing acreage for the same production year, delivered in the fall. In addition to the acreage estimates, Land IQ will annually produce an estimate of removed acreage.

    This year, Land IQ’s spatial analysis shows that between September 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, 44,303 acres were removed and estimates that an additional 3,500 acres will be removed from April 1 to August 31, 2021, for a total estimate of 47,803 acres removed.

    Starting in 2020, Land IQ annually provided its initial estimate to USDA-NASS to fine-tune the official California Almond Acreage Report and other forecasts. The USDA-NASS reports and estimates remain the official Almond Board statistics provided for the California almond industry.

    On Wednesday, May 12, 2021, USDA-NASS will release the 2021 Subjective Estimate, which provides an initial forecast of the upcoming crop. Data within the Subjective Estimate is based on opinions obtained from almond growers in a survey sent by USDA-NASS. Almond growers will soon receive the USDA-NASS survey and are encouraged to participate. On Monday, July 12, 2021, USDA-NASS will release the 2021 Objective Report. This report collects data later in the growing season, closer to harvest, and is based on an actual count of nuts on the trees. — Almond Board of California

  • CA Almond Industry Roadshow Coming Soon

    Next month, starting May 4, the Almond Board of California’s Field Outreach and Education team will be embarking on our previously postponed, long-awaited Industry Roadshow! The team is loading up Fritz, the almond van, with 3,000 informational packets featuring the latest ABC resources and traveling to 20 locations throughout the state with the purpose of:

     

    • Handing out new ABC resources, as well as resources that industry members would have picked up at the ABC booth during an in-person Almond Conference
    • Offering industry members an opportunity to meet ABC staff and leadership. We have missed spending time with industry members, and as things begin to normalize we look forward to connecting with the industry, answering their questions, hearing updates from the field, etc.Roadshow Details:The Almond Board of California’s Field Outreach and Education team, in addition to industry and ABC leadership, will kick off the first-ever Industry Roadshow on Tuesday, May 4. The Almond Board team will visit 20 locations (details attached). Industry members are invited to drive up to the location nearest them and look for Fritz,the almond van, as well as the Field Outreach team and ABC/industry leadership. Industry members will have the opportunity to meet the Field Outreach team members who are responsible for providing them with ABC resources, hands-on assistance in the orchard, California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP) support, and more. In addition, they will have the opportunity to pick up latest ABC resources, including:
      ·         2020 Research Update
      ·         NEW: Nitrogen Best Management Practices
      NEW: Application Quick Tips – in English and Spanish
      ·         NEW: Whole Orchard Recycling Grower Guide
      ·         NEW: Almond Production Resource Cards: Pests, Water and More!

  • Leaffooted Bug Species May be Changing

    Almond Board of California — Insect pest management in almond and pistachio orchards largely focuses on reducing damage from navel orangeworm (NOW). Yet, after navel orangeworm, large bugs such as leaffooted bugs (LFBs) and stinkbugs are considered to be among the most damaging insects.

    Leaffooted bug species of particular concern in the past have included Leptoglossus clypealis, Leptoglossus occidentalis, and Leptoglossus zonatus. Leptoglossus clypealis is occasionally noted to be numerous: In 2013, L. clypealis was a particularly abundant LFB in orchards; however, since that time, L. clypealis seems to be less common than another LFB, L. zonatus.

    Recognizing and understanding the differences between these two LFB is key to effective management.
    L. clypealis is shown on the left and L. zonatus on the right. Photo courtesy of Dr. Joyce.

    L. zonatus is a larger LFB than L. clypealis and has longer mouthparts that allow it to feed on developing fruits longer into the growing season. Prior to 2013, L. zonatusdid not appear regularly in almonds in California, and it was not noted in University of California Integrated Pest Management manuals as being a pest of almonds – while this species was present in California, perhaps it was not particularly numerous. Since 2013, L. zonatus has frequently been observed in almonds during the growing season and at harvest, and now seems to occur more regularly in orchards than L. clypealis. It may be that the larger LFB L. zonatus is displacing L. clypealis.

    From 2014-2016, researchers identified LFB collections in almond and pistachio orchards from Chico to Bakersfield as consisting of two species: L. clypealis and L. zonatus. A 2017 study by Dr. Andrea Joyce, an entomologist at the University of California, Merced, investigated population genetics of these two species and found that L. clypealiscollections have high genetic diversity and many genetic types (haplotypes). This suggests that these L. clypealiscollections from the Central Valley are within this insect’s native range. However, the insect collections of the other species, L. zonatus, consisted of two genetically divergent types, or strains. One L. zonatus strain was widespread, and occurred through the Central Valley from Chico to Bakersfield, and the second genetic type occurred in the central and southern San Joaquin Valley. Work to geographically map out where the two genetic types of L. zonatus occur is ongoing.

    The presence of two strains of L. zonatus is important for insect pest management. It is highly likely that each insect strain is susceptible to different parasitoids, predators and pathogens. Two insect strains can also vary in their response to insecticides, as well as their attraction to pheromone lures.

    Currently, pheromone attractants are being developed for this LFB. It is vital to determine if the same pheromone blend will equally attract the two strains of L. zonatus. Dr. Joyce and colleagues will continue research on the two strains of L. zonatus this year, comparing their biological parameters, examining whether the two strains are cross attracted in lab bioassays, and if they cross mate in the field. The hope is that any pheromones and attractants developed for L. zonatus can be used to manage both strains of this species. A monitoring tool such as a pheromone trap for these insects would be particularly useful in a grower’s IPM toolbox.

    Growers can support researchers in determining the distribution of the two strains by collecting any LFBs they identify or notifying Dr. Joyce when large numbers of LFBs are observed. Growers may email Dr. Andrea Joyce if they sight LFBs or have questions about this pest at      ajoyce2@ucmerced.edu.

    Note: Additional Almond Board-funded research is being conducted by Dr. Jocelyn Millar to identify pheromones and related attractants for the two major LFB pests in California nut crops. These tools could potentially be utilized for monitoring or control of these species.

  • Almond Board of CA Announces 2021 Election

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors election for the 2021-2022 crop year has begun.

    There are two independent grower member positions and two independent grower alternate positions available on the ABC Board of Directors. To be considered for these positions, each candidate must be a grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers (verified by ABC). The petition should state the position for which the candidate is being nominated and be filed with Almond Board of California at 1150 9thStreet, Suite 1500, Modesto, California 95354. The filing deadline is April 1, 2021.

    Additionally, two independent handler member positions and two independent handler alternate positions are available. Handlers must declare their candidacy, in writing, to ABC no later than April 1, 2021 to be considered for these positions.  

    A cooperative grower member and alternate nominee will be selected through their cooperative association.                   

    The Almond Board was established in 1950 to administer the Federal Marketing Order for almonds. ABC assures industry compliance with marketing order regulations and is responsible for administering all aspects of the marketing order. It also serves the almond industry in other major areas, including production research, global advertising and public relations, and accumulation, compilation and dissemination of statistical information.  

    The ABC encourages eligible women, minorities, and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors as it believes this committee should reflect the diversity of the industry it serves. 

    For further information, call Bunnie Ibrahim, senior analyst in Government Affairs, at (209) 343-3228.

  • $12.5M Now Available for Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program

    Almond Board of California — Starting February 9, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (District) is offering $12.5M total in state and federal funding to Central Valley nut growers through its Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program. This program aims to improve air quality in the valley by helping growers fund the purchase of harvesting equipment that achieves at least a 40% reduction in particulate matter (PM) emissions or, simply put, harvest dust.

    This program comes roughly three years after the District allocated $2M toward a Low-Dust Nut Harvester Pilot Program, supported by the Almond Board, which allowed for the replacement of 29 older, conventional nut harvesters with new, low-dust harvesters throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Through that program, growers and custom harvesters had the opportunity to provide feedback on the performance of low-dust equipment, feedback that the District said, “has been overwhelmingly positive” and accordingly “interest in the program significantly exceeded available funding.”

    Based on feedback and growing demand for low-dust equipment, the District secured funding to launch the new Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program, which provides funding to growers via two separate categories:

    • The District received $10M from the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Targeted Air Shed Grant. These funds may be allocated to nut growers within the entire District basin, which covers seven counties from San Joaquin to Kern.
    • Additionally, the District received $2.5M in funding through the state’s Community Emission Reduction Program for the deployment of low-dust nut harvesting equipment operating within the community of Shafter. This means there is $2.5M allocated specifically for nut growers operating within a seven-mile radius of Shafter, as defined by California Assembly Bill 617.1

    “The California almond industry is driven by family farmers, many who have a vested interest in improving air quality during harvest as they themselves live, work and raise their families in these local communities,” said Jesse Roseman, principal analyst in Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at the Almond Board of California (ABC).

    “This program allows the industry to continue moving the needle toward a future with reduced harvest dust and improved air quality, an objective outlined in the industry’s Almond Orchard 2025 Goals. These goals not only encourage innovation to improve industry practices and ensure profitability, but also to protect our communities and environment by continuing to grow almonds in better, safer, and healthier ways,” said Roseman.

    The following guidelines detail how the District will allocate program funding between the two sources of capital:

    Environmental Protection Agency (federal): $10M

    • Eligible Entities: Growers and customer harvesters in the San Joaquin Valley Air basin.
    • Eligible Equipment for Purchase:
      • Equipment, such as qualified pick-up machines, that achieve a minimum 40% PM2.5 reduction compared to standard equipment, as demonstrated by available peer-reviewed information and/or District-approved methodology
      • Funding available to replace a maximum of five machines
        • Maximum of $150,000 awarded per machine.
    • Funding Available:
      • Funds will cover up to 50% of the cost of eligible equipment.
    • Funding Allocation: Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on submittal of complete applications.
    • Old Equipment Disposition: Participants must agree to destroy or render existing old equipment permanently inoperable in accordance with established District criteria.

    Community Emission Reduction Program – Shafter: $2.5M

    Growers and custom harvesters within a seven-mile radius of Shafter are heavily encouraged to apply for equipment replacement funding as the District will cover up to 75% of the cost to purchase each new piece of equipment, and there is no limit on the number of eligible pieces of equipment for which applicants may receive funds.

    • Eligible Entities: Growers and custom harvesters operating within a seven-mile radius of Shafter, as defined by the Shafter AB 617 community boundary.
    • Eligible Equipment for Purchase:
      • Equipment, such as qualified pick-up machines, that achieve a minimum 40% PM2.5 reduction compared to standard equipment, as demonstrated by available peer-reviewed information and/or District-approved methodology.
      • There is NO LIMIT on the number of pieces of equipment for which an applicant may receive funding. In addition, there is NO maximum amount awarded for each individual piece of machinery.
    • Funding Available:
      • Funds will cover up to 75% of the cost of eligible equipment for those operating within a seven-mile radius of Shafter, as defined by the Shafter AB 617 community boundary.
    • Funding Allocation: Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on submittal of complete applications.
    • Old Equipment Disposition: Participants must agree to destroy or render existing old equipment permanently inoperable in accordance with established District criteria.

    To note: Equipment eligible for purchase through the Low-Dust Harvester Pilot Program does qualify for funding through this new program. Off-ground harvesting equipment may also be eligible.

    “This low-dust harvesting program provides a great example of research coming full circle for the California almond industry,” said Roseman. “For over 15 years, the Almond Board has explored opportunities to reduce harvest dust by funding research, producing harvest best management practices for growers and custom harvesters, and gaining a greater understanding of how the industry can contribute to the big picture of improving air quality in the Central Valley.

    “In 2018, the Almond Board supported the District’s Low-Dust Harvester Pilot Program to further help growers and custom harvesters invest in low-dust equipment. Today, with millions of dollars available to the industry, ABC is thrilled to again support the District and the industry as we work together to improve air quality in the Central Valley while simultaneously advancing the use of low-dust harvesting equipment.”

    Those interested in applying for this program should visit the District website for more information. The application will be posted to the website on February 9, so be sure to check the site frequently that day if you wish to submit your application early.

    Growers and custom harvesters should direct all questions to the District’s Supervisor of Strategies & Incentives Aaron Tarango at aaron.tarango@valleyair.org or (559) 230-5873.

    1 The community of Shafter was prioritized by the District and subsequently selected by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as one of two communities in the San Joaquin Valley to receive clean air resources newly available under California Assembly Bill 617, which requires CARB and air districts to develop and implement measures to improve air quality in disadvantaged communities. One measure identified and prioritized by the Shafter Community Steering Committee was to provide enhanced and dedicated incentive funding for low-dust harvesters operating within the Shafter AB 617 community boundary

  • How to Maximize Groundwater Recharge, Addressed at Upcoming Almond Conference

    Almond Board of California — Ensuring there is enough water from surface and underground supplies to meet all the state’s demands is a complicated and often controversial task. As author Mark Twain famously said, “Whiskey is for drinking. Water is for fighting.”

    Groundwater usage and potential recharge opportunities are huge points of discussion in the California agricultural industry, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley. Approximately 2 million acre-feet more groundwater is pumped in this valley each year than is replenished to provide drinking water for people and nourishment for an enormous variety of annual and perennial crops, including almond trees.

    In 2014, the state passed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), setting deadlines for sustainability in many almond-growing regions by 2040. The act mandated the formation of Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to oversee management and recharge efforts in specific local groundwater basins.

    Recharge is one of the primary methods to replenish groundwater basins on the supply side of the equation, which is why it again will be the focus of a session at The Almond Conference. This session will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. PT. 

    The session will feature three experts on water issues in California:

    • Stacey Sullivan, policy director for Sustainable Conservation. Sullivan will discuss state water policies that affect recharge, such as water rights.
    • Scott Hamilton, a consultant for San Joaquin Valley Water Blueprint. Hamilton will discuss infrastructure and conveyance as part of recharge efforts, including the availability of canals and pipelines to move water as well as who is responsible to pay for said infrastructure.
    • Laura Ramos, program manager at the California Water Institute at California State University, Fresno. Ramos will focus on how recharge efforts – including those undertaken by the ag industry – can improve drinking water supplies, particularly for those in more disadvantaged areas of the San Joaquin Valley.

    Session explores options for recharge

    Recharge is a serious topic for almond growers, many of whom rely on pumping to augment whatever surface water allocations they receive each year.

    According to the Public Policy Institute of California’s Water Policy Center, intentional groundwater recharge efforts could fill about 25% of the gap between current supply and demand for groundwater in the San Joaquin Valley, putting up to 500,000 acre-feet of water back into aquifers each year. Without mitigation, the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint estimates as many as 1 million acres in ag production today could be fallowed in years to come.

    There are several options for growers who want to try groundwater recharge. The simplest method involves using existing flood irrigation systems in the dormant season, when there is excess available water that can percolate down and replenish the aquifer. If a flood irrigation system isn’t available, the soil doesn’t drain well, or other obstacles stand in the way, growers can consider: 

    • installing a groundwater recharge pond on their property outside the orchard,
    • fallowing an area within in the orchard that is best suited for recharge in order to develop a pond (sandy areas are optimal), or 
    • working with a GSA to develop recharge projects elsewhere in one’s basin.

    Jesse Roseman, principal analyst for Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at the Almond Board of California (ABC), will moderate the session. His hope is that the discussion spurs growers to “think through the factors involved in recharge to better understand if this practice is right for their orchards.”

    Though many of SGMA’s potential restrictions on groundwater pumping won’t take effect for many years, the possibility of consecutive years of below-average rainfall and snowfall years always threatens growers’ access to surface water – and puts pressure on aquifers.

    “Some counties have already tightened up on approving new wells,” Roseman said. “If we have below-average rainfall again this year, reservoirs will be drawn down, impacting surface water allocations.”

    Groundwater guide supports grower decisions

    Beyond the session on recharge, the Almond Board of California (ABC) and Sustainable Conservation are collaborating on a Groundwater Recharge Guide that will be published in early 2021 and distributed via an Industry Roadshow. As part of this roadshow, ABC’s Field Outreach and Education team, along with other staff, will travel throughout the growing region of the Central Valley to meet with industry members and distribute content that would have typically been provided at an in-person Almond Conference. Stops along the roadshow will include locations in your area, including coffee shops, Farm Bureau offices and other places that people can safely gather during the pandemic.

    “The document will give growers a starting point to learn about recharge and how it might not only fit into their farming operation, but also help achieve basinwide sustainability,” Roseman said. “Recharge won’t be an option on every farm or even in every basin, but we want to provide guidance based on research, informing growers on what questions to ask before they try it out.”

    Mark your calendar for Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. to attend the session on groundwater recharge, and check out The Almond Conference 2020 webpage for the event’s complete agenda. As a reminder, The Almond Conference 2020 will be held completely virtually.

  • Almond Board Mummy Shake Video Contest

    Halloween will come and go, but mummy nuts are here to stay… unless you shake them away!

    To help remind growers to break the link between mummy nuts and overwintering navel orangeworm (NOW), the Almond Board of California (ABC) created a parody song that’s sure to be an “orchard smash,” just in time for the most spooky holiday of the year. It’s The Mummy Shake — listen now (lyrics here) and submit a video of your family dancing along to this “orchard smash” for a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card!

    How to Enter: Video Specifications  

    • Create a video with family dancing – and, if desired, singing – to The Mummy Shake. You can film this video anywhere, though an orchard backdrop is encouraged.
      • Entry videos must be at least 30 seconds in length (approximately a verse and a chorus) and up to the duration of the full song.
      • Entries will be judged based on enthusiasm, creativity and composition.


    How to Upload Your Video

    • You have TWO OPTIONS when submitting your video:
      • Get Up and Dance: Don’t worry about singing; just get out in the orchard and show us your moves and/or lip-sync the lyrics. We’ll add the audio to your video!
      • Sing-Along Style: Get out in the orchard, play the Mummy Shake video and sing along with the lyrics!
    • Submit your entry in one of two ways:
      • Upload the video in .MP4 or .MOV format to this ABC webform.
        • MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE THE CONTESTANT’S NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE FILE NAME
      • Post the video on the Almond Board of California Facebook page 
        • DON’T FORGET to include the hashtag #MummyShake in your post to ensure your video is considered for the $500 Amazon gift card!

    Read on below for complete contest eligibility guidelines.

    Mummy Shake Video Contest – OFFICIAL RULES

    NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. MAKING A PURCHASE OR CONTRIBUTION WILL NOT IMPROVE CHANCE OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

    1. Preliminary Information and Contest Period: The Mummy Shake Video Contest (Campaign) is open for entries starting October 26, 2020 at 12:01AM Daylight Pacific Time (PT). All entries must be submitted by the contest deadline: 11:59PM PT on November 20, 2020 (Contest deadline). Campaign is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws. This Campaign is sponsored by the Almond Board of California (Sponsor), 1150 9th St. #1500, Modesto, CA 95354.

    2. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant agrees to be fully and unconditionally bound by these Rules and decision of Sponsor, which shall be final and binding. Contestant represents and warrants that they meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, Contestant agrees to accept the decisions of Sponsor as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Campaign.

    3. Eligibility: Contestant may enter to win if he or she is a legal resident of the state of California, age 18 or older at the time of entry, and is a member of the California almond industry, which includes growers, handlers, hullers/shellers and allied industry members. Contestant’s submission may include family member and/or friend of a Contestant provided that such family member or friend consents to being featured in the submission. If Contestant chooses to feature his or her children under the age of 18 in his/her submission, Contestant grants Sponsor permission to display, broadcast and/or share video for promotional purposes of this Campaign or future Campaigns. Employees, officers, directors, agents, representatives and their immediate families (parents, children, siblings, spouse and each of their respective spouses, regardless of where they live) or members of the households of the Almond Board of California/Sponsor, their parent companies, subsidiaries, agencies and anyone connected with the production and distribution of this Campaign may submit an entry for use by Sponsor solely to promote the Campaign, but are not eligible to win or be awarded a prize.

    4. How to Enter: To enter, Contestants must create a video featuring themselves and/or family or friends dancing to the Almond Board of California’s “Mummy Shake” song, in an almond orchard or another setting of their choosing. Entry videos must be at least 30 seconds in length (approximately one verse and one chorus) and up to the duration of the full song. Entries will be judged based on enthusiasm, creativity, and composition. Judges will be comprised of employees of the Almond Board of California. Submit your video entry in one of two ways:

    • Upload the video in .MP4 or .MOV format to this ABC webform. 
      • MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE THE CONTESTANT’S NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE FILE NAME.
    • Post video on Sponsor’s Almond Board of California Facebook page: http://facebook.com/AlmondBoardofCalifornia/
      • DON’T FORGET to include the hashtag #MummyShake in your post to ensure your video is considered for the $500 Amazon gift card!
    • Email industry@almondboard.com with questions

    Multiple entries per person or household will be accepted and judged, but only one (1) prize will be awarded per person or household. Entries that are incomplete or that contain errors, copyrighted images or inappropriate/derogatory/defamatory images or language, dogs in the orchard, guns/firearms, nudity, violence or profanity will be automatically disqualified in Sponsor’s sole discretion. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, altered or destroyed entries. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received and/or the number of contestants participating in the contest. If Contestant uses fraudulent methods or otherwise attempts to circumvent the rules, the submission may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of Sponsor. The Contestant may be asked to provide all appropriate clearances, permissions and releases for the submission.

    All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned. Proof of sending will not be deemed proof of receipt by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right to edit or summarize the submission or any written description or picture prior to posting to Sponsor’s website and/or social media channels.

    5. Prize: The Winner of the Campaign (“Winner”) will receive a Grand Prize consisting of a $500 Amazon gift card.

    The prize will be sent to Winner’s provided email address within two (2) weeks of notification. Any applicable Federal, State or Local taxes are solely the responsibility of the winner and paying any expenses associated with any prize which are not expressly included as part of the prize. Prizes are not transferable. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize package with another prize of equal or greater value if advertised prize or any component thereof is not available.

    6. Winner Selection and Notification: Winner will be selected under the supervision of the Sponsor. Winner will be notified by email or by direct message on Facebook within five Sponsor business (5) days following selection of Winner. Sponsor shall have no liability for Winner’s failure to receive notices due to spam, junk email, or other security settings or for Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within seven (7) Sponsor business days from the time award notification was sent, or fails to timely return a completed and executed declaration and release as required, the prize may be forfeited, and an alternate Winner selected. Receipt by Winner of the prize offered in this Campaign is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Any violation of these official rules by winner (at Sponsor’s sole discretion) will result in Winner’s disqualification as Winner of the Campaign, and all privileges as Winner will be immediately terminated.

    7. Rights Granted by Contestant: By entering this Campaign, Contestant understands and agrees that Sponsor, anyone acting on behalf of Sponsor, and Sponsor’s licensees, successors, and assigns, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity and throughout the World, without limitation, Contestant’s entry, name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image, statements about the Campaign, and biographical information for news, publicity, information, trade, advertising, public relations, and promotional purposes, without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent. By entering this Campaign, Contestant represents and warrants that entry is an original work of authorship and does not violate any third party’s proprietary or intellectual property rights or right of publicity. If entry infringes upon the right of any third party including, without limitation, any intellectual property right or right of publicity, Contestant will be disqualified at the sole discretion of Sponsor. If the content of the entry is claimed to constitute infringement of any proprietary or intellectual proprietary rights or right of publicity of any third party, Contestant shall, at his or her sole expense, defend or settle against such claims. Contestant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sponsor from and against any suit, proceeding, claims, liability, loss, damage, costs or expense (including attorneys’ fees), which Sponsor may incur, suffer, or be required to pay arising out of such infringement or suspected infringement of any third party’s right.

    8. Terms & Conditions: Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Campaign should virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other cause beyond Sponsor’s control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper conduct of the Campaign. In such case, Sponsor may select the Winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Campaign or website or violates these Terms & Conditions. Sponsor has the right, in its sole discretion, to maintain the integrity of the Campaign, to void entries for any reason. Any attempt by a Contestant to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Campaign may be a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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  • After a Hard-Working Harvest, Trees Need Water to Remain Healthy

    Almond Board of California — Growers have a lot to think about leading up to and during harvest – prepping the orchard floor, timing the first shake in relation to hull split and achieving optimum moisture content during drying are just a few of the many important factors growers will consider from July to October.

    Even as this season’s bounty is being harvested, the foundation for next year’s crop is already being developed through fruiting-bud differentiation. The period from July to October, in normal years, is when floral buds develop and the next year’s crop yield potential is set. The principle is simple: more buds = likely more flowers = likely more almonds. 

    Many factors can affect crop yield, such as pollination, weather, and nutrient management decisions. But this year, especially, with a record projected crop on the way, one key practice growers should implement to maximize yield potential is optimized post-harvest irrigation. Because growers typically stop irrigating in the weeks leading up to harvest, their trees can be rather dried out come late September and early October.

    “The sooner you can get water back on your trees, the more you’ll be able to support tree health,” said Sebastian Saa, Ph.D., associate director for Agricultural Research at the Almond Board of California (ABC). “We know next year’s buds already are on the tree – water reduces the stress on the tree and therefore allows those buds to further develop.”

    One way for growers to think of post-harvest and late-season irrigation is that they are “paying it forward” for next year’s crop. During this critical time, trees’ water needs are significant and severe water stress can drastically affect bloom, fruit set and yield.

    Saa said growers who have self-compatible varieties may have more flexibility when it comes to post-harvest irrigation. Because there will only be one harvest per block in self-compatible orchard configurations, growers will not necessarily need to wait for the harvest of the pollinizer to irrigate again. Similarly, Saa also said that off-ground harvest (catching the nuts and drying them outside of the orchard) or semi-off ground harvest (catching them and re-allocating them to the middle of the row) also may provide flexibility when it comes to post-harvest irrigation.

    One key resource available to help growers better understand irrigation management – both post-harvest and year-round – is ABC’s     Almond Irrigation Improvement Continuum. This resource, developed by the Almond Board in partnership with many trusted and respected technical experts, provides a wide-ranging look at a grower’s site-specific irrigation system with the goal of improved efficiency and effectiveness. In the Continuum, growers and irrigation experts will find a step-by-step explanation of irrigation management and scheduling practices related to the following concepts:

    • measuring irrigation system performance and efficiency,
    • estimating orchard water requirements based on evapotranspiration,
    • determining applied water,
    • evaluating soil moisture, and
    • evaluating plant water status.

    Tom Devol, ABC’s senior manager of Field Outreach and Education, is available to help almond growers reach their goals of increased water efficiency. Devol and his team can meet growers in-person for in-orchard consultations to discuss irrigation systems, address challenges, and share ABC’s print and online irrigation tools. To schedule your own irrigation consultation, email Devol at tdevol@almondboard.com or call (530) 570-5558.

    More post-harvest irrigation information
    More information about the impacts of water stress on fruit bud development in relation to growing regions and varieties is available in the University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources publication 8515, “Drought Tips: Drought Management for California Almonds,” found at Almonds.com.

  • Soil Compacted Post-Harvest? Look to Cover Crops

    Almond Board of California — For the third year in a row, Chris Rishwain is preparing to plant cover crops in the windrows of his 150-acre almond orchard near Manteca. Although his original intent was to provide forage for honey bees during pollination, Rishwain has discovered multiple additional benefits to cover crops, one of the most impactful being the positive effect they have on compacted soil.

    “Soil compaction has been a problem for us,” Rishwain explained. “My goal to reduce soil compaction is aimed at helping improve the orchard’s water retention, allowing the roots of our trees to penetrate deeper in the soil to obtain water and minerals, and also to allow for better soil aeration, which supports the microbes in the soil.”

    Like many other almond growers, Rishwain just completed harvest, a time when shakers, sweepers, tractors and other heavy equipment can contribute to pre-existing issues of soil compaction in orchards up and down the Central Valley. Compaction also can be a greater problem in soils that have more silt.

    Soil compaction – coupled with other contributing factors – can negatively affect tree development and subsequent tree productivity. While there is work that can be done to prevent or decrease the severity of soil compaction before trees are planted in an orchard, once an orchard is established those options become more limited. That’s where cover crops can help.

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) continues to fund research into the impacts of cover crops. Much of that scientific work has been conducted by a team led by Amélie Gaudin, Ph.D., an associate professor of agroecology in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, as well as researchers from UC Riverside.

    Seed money available to growers

    One of the most enthusiastic promoters of cover crops in California is Project Apis m., which has managed the popular Seeds for Bees program for many years. Seeds for Bees encourages the use of cover crops to increase the density, diversity and duration of pollinator forage in California agriculture, while also improving soil health.

    “The seed mixes available through Seeds for Bees are designed to bloom at critical times of the year when natural forage is scarce but managed and native bees are active,” said Billy Synk, the organization’s director of pollination programs.

    Through the Almond Board’s Bee+ Scholarship Program, 100 almond growers can receive up to $2,000 each in FREE cover crop seed through the Seeds for Bees program. Funding provided by ABC’s Bee+ Scholarship will allow growers to plant an estimated 3,500 acres of quality pollinator forage statewide – that’s in addition to the cover crop seed Project Apis m. typically distributes directly to almond growers through their Seeds for Bees program each year. Applications are being accepted now, so growers are encouraged to visit Almonds.com/Pollinationto learn more.

    Rishwain started participating in the Seeds for Bees program two years ago. He planted Project Apis m.’s Soil Builder mix, which includes brassicas, legumes and grains. In addition to the cover crops’ positive impact on honey bees, he also likes this mix because of its combination of shallow hair-like roots that help prevent erosion in addition to strong tap roots that grow deep into the soil, breaking up compacted areas.

    “I will use this mix again this coming year. I liked how it has a diversity of species that can improve soil health in our orchard in many different ways,” said Rishwain, adding that the experts from Seeds for Bees make choosing the right seed mix easy for any orchard situation.

    Synk said the most popular Seeds for Bees seeds mix that growers typically use to deal with compacted soils is the Mustard mix, which includes canola, white mustard, two kinds of yellow mustard and Diakon radish.  He also said 75% of Seeds for Bees participants list breaking up compacted soils as one of their primary reasons to plant cover crops.

    Similarly, Gaudin’s research shows that a mixture higher in legumes (such as clover and vetch) can boost nitrogen levels in the soil; conversely, grasses can help reduce nitrogen losses, decrease compaction and improve water infiltration.

    Typically, cover crops are planted in the fall – after harvest – and sprout naturally following the first rain of the new crop year. Their flowers provide additional forage for honey bees when almond trees are in bloom and their roots add organic material to the soil. The cover crops are then typically mowed down in late spring so orchard floors can be readied for harvest later in the year. Rishwain also uses a conditioner before harvest to filter out organic debris.

    Josette Lewis, Ph.D. , the Chief Scientific Officer for the Almond Board, said the organization expects to publish a practical guide on best management practices for cover crops at the start of 2021. In the meantime, growers are encouraged to participate in the Almond Board’s Bee+ Scholarship and visit the Seeds for Bees website to learn more about the benefits of planting cover crops in or near their orchards.

  • Report Provides Data on New Almond Varieties

    Almond Board of California—Innovation always has been part of the almond industry. That includes exciting research about new almond varieties intended to meet the changing needs of consumers, end buyers and fast-growing export markets.

    There are about 70 different varieties of almonds grown around the world. California orchards produce about 30 varieties, though 13 of them – with Nonpareil dominating – account for 98% of what is regularly grown. While other countries may grow multiple other varieties, when it comes to total production California remains on top, producing more than 80% of the world’s almonds and supplying millions of pounds annually to more than 90 export markets.

    Still, California growers and handlers must continue to adapt to provide almonds that satisfy shifting consumer appetites, end-buyer demands and other market forces. What a confectionery business or chocolatier wants in an almond can vary greatly from what someone snacking in India or China wants, which can differ largely from what a company producing almond milk in the U.S. wants.

    The diverse uses for almonds and ever-changing preferences continue to influence demand for specific kernel characteristics such as flavor, appearance, shape, texture and color. Similarly, to continue improving not only what we grow but how we grow, the industry is looking into almond varieties that check horticultural boxes, including the ability to produce more pounds per light intercepted and self-compatibility.

    Recognizing the need to constantly innovate and maintain high demand for California almonds, the Almond Board of California (ABC) began funding almond variety development research in the early 1970s and expanded that effort in the late 1980s to include rootstock breeding. Over the past 20 years, this research has delivered five new University of California (UC) varieties – Padre, Sonora, Kester, Winters and Sweetheart – and supported testing of most commercial varieties and rootstocks for overall performance, resistance to pests, diseases and abiotic stresses. The research has kept California on the cutting edge of almond production globally.

    Now, for the first time, decades of data and results from ABC’s first-ever Crack Out Day (an event held last November at which industry members tasted and compared more than 60 almond varieties from around the globe) have been pulled together in a comprehensive breeding report. For growers looking to replant their orchards as well as nurseries and private breeders, the report offers critical information about the performance and potential promise of different almond varieties.

    “The California almond industry is always looking for better and more sustainable almond varieties,” said Sebastian Saa, ABC’s associate director of Agricultural Research. “We’re convinced that through research and innovation, we’ll find varieties that produce not only more pounds of almonds, but also higher quality with reduced management costs and horticultural inputs in terms of water use, pest management and more. As technology and experience advance, it will allow us to discover better, more efficient varieties.”

    Saa listed the following as some of the key takeaways and learnings provided by the report:

    • The growing number of self-compatible varieties being developed globally.
    • Spanish varieties are mostly hard shell, but some new selections are soft shell and should be evaluated in California.
    •  Spanish breeding programs have mastered late-bloom varieties and self-compatibility traits.
    • The Australian breeding program has some varieties that scored very high during Crack-Out Day and should be evaluated in California.
    • Several varieties created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and UC breeding programs are performing quite well in ongoing trials in California.

    ‘Diversification is key’

    Breeding is an art of balancing improvements while accepting some trade-offs. To define this balance, experts must consider the various segments of the almond industry, starting with the growers, moving to the hullers and shellers, handlers, food companies and then, ultimately, the consumer. As Saa said, “Diversification is key.”

    “Different uses and different needs demand different varieties,” he explained. “When you think about an almond variety for snacking, for example, you think about crunch and strong flavor. But when you think about a variety for almond milk, you’re probably thinking about milder flavors. And if you’re looking for a variety to cover in chocolate, you’re looking for a short but round kernel shape.”

    Nonpareil and other soft-shell varieties dominate the snack segment because of their shape, smooth surface and light blonde color. Mission varieties like Marcona, Butte, Padre and Fritz typically are used for natural roasted and bulk purposes, as well as in candy and chocolate applications. And California varieties like Carmel, Monterey and Wood Colony often are roasted, salted and flavored. They also are good for slicing and slivering.

    Key varietal differences covered in the report include a summary of how many popular almonds grown in California are auto-incompatible, meaning they require cross-pollination between different varieties, and yet how some of the new varieties are self-compatible, requiring no cross-pollination. Another horticultural distinction covered in the report is crack-out percentage and double percentage. California varieties and some Australian varieties have a high crack-out percentage (kernel-to-shell ratio). In addition, the report discusses different varieties’ tendency to produce kernel “doubles,” and finally, maturity rate and its impact on harvest timing is also mentioned. Armed with this knowledge, said Saa, growers can be more flexible and have more operational diversification.

    “If you have only one variety that you need to harvest within a narrow window, you put a lot of demand on your resources at one critical point in time. However, when you have multiple varieties that you can harvest sequentially, you can leverage your equipment and maximize your resources,” Saa said. 

    Looking ahead to the future of breeding

    Creating new almond varieties is a slow and complex process. It can take as long as 15 years to develop a new breed and then another 10 to 15 years to truly test it.

    “Once you develop a variety, you need to see how it performs under differing weather and environmental conditions — and there’s only one harvest per year,” Saa said. “So in order to be confident in a new variety, we need to test during multiple harvests across the valley. Today, we’re trying to do that more efficiently than ever before.”

    To provide a mechanism to evaluate new varieties across the diverse almond-growing regions in the state, the Almond Board began funding long-term and multi-locational Regional Varietal Trials (RVTs) almost 50 years ago. The first trial ran from 1974-1981 and the second from 1993-2006.

    The current RVT – involving orchards in Butte, Stanislaus and Madera counties, all planted with 30 identical varieties – began in 2014. Saa expects the study to last until 2025. ABC coordinates with the UC’s research system on the RVT, and the UC provides important contributions from the leading plant nurseries and private breeders in the state.

    Saa said some important characteristics that researchers will evaluate in RVTs moving forward include:

    • a bloom period that begins no earlier than Nonpareil,
    • self-compatibility,
    • crack-out percentage equal to or more than 40%,
    • percentage of kernel “doubles” equal to or less than 10%, and 
    • increased yield potential.

    Growers interested in ABC’s RVT are encouraged to check out UC Davis’ Fruit & Nut Research & Information Center, as updated information from the ongoing RVT is expected to be published on the center’s website in early 2021.