Growers and PCA’s want options when determining a pest control program. Products that have flexible application timing and are compatible in mixtures can bring these options. Gowan USA has a portfolio of products that fit this profile in nut crops.
Imidan® is a powerful broad-spectrum residual insecticide that has been trusted for decades to bring back control when other products seem to no longer get the job done to a satisfactory level. Always keep Imidan® in mind for control of Navel Orangeworm in almonds as well as control of Walnut Huskfly and Codling Moth in walnuts.
Magister® is a dual action miticide and fungicide controlling adult and immature mite populations plus delivering fungicidal control of key pathogens in nut crops.
Onager Optek® is a solid, proven miticide that provides residual control of eggs, immature mites and sterilization of adult female mites. An advanced formulation leads to greater coverage and translaminar movement leads to stronger results. A seven day PHI and air label keep options open all season.
Voting will begin April 29 to select one independent grower member and alternate position and two independent handler member and alternate positions on the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors. These positions will serve terms beginning on August 1, 2020.
Candidates for the independent grower position are:
Position One, Member (One-year term): Position One, Alternate:
Paul Ewing, Los Banos (petitioner) Joe Gardiner, Earlimart (petitioner)
Louie Ott, Modesto (petitioner) Brad Klump, Escalon (petitioner)
Mike Mason, Wasco (petitioner)
Candidates for the independent handler positions are:
Position One, Member (Three-year term): Position One, Alternate:
Terry Boone, Modesto (petitioner) Ron Fisher, Modesto (incumbent)
Alexi Rodriguez, Caruthers (petitioner)
Micah Zeff, Modesto (petitioner)
Position Three, Member (One-year term): Position Three, Alternate:
Jonathan Hoff, Denair (petitioner) Chad DeRose, McFarland (petitioner)
Darren Rigg, Le Grand (petitioner) Dave Phippen, Manteca (petitioner)
Ballots and instructions have been mailed to all independent growers whose names are on file with ABC. The Almond Board must receive ballots by May 27, 2020, for them to be counted. If an independent grower or a handler does not receive a ballot, one may be obtained by contacting ABC’s Bunnie Ibrahim, senior analyst, Government Affairs, at (209) 343-3228.
As a governing body for the industry, the ABC Board of Directors is comprised of five handler and five grower representatives who set policy and recommend budgets in several major areas including production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.
About the Almond Board of California
Almonds from California are a healthy, natural, wholesome and quality food. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds with a research-based approach to responsible farming, production and marketing on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond growers and processors in California, many of whom have third- and fourth-generation family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com or check out California Almonds on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the California Almonds blog. – Article and photo courtesy of the Almond Board of California
In celebrating the tradition and innovation of the State’s number one industry, agriculture, the California State Fair Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Agricultural Advisory Council, selects Bill and Carol Chandler as the Agriculturalists of the Year.
The Agriculturalist of the Year award is presented to an individual or individuals who have contributed extensively, in a professional capacity, to California’s agricultural industry. Award criteria stipulates the individual or individuals must have demonstrated leadership and clearly represented the industry over a number of years in one or more of the following areas: finance, government, production agriculture, education, labor, research, communications, trade and public service.
As a couple, Bill and Carol Chandler, contribute to the education and growth of the agriculture industry by serving the farming community in a variety of roles. Each in their own right continue to serve at local and statewide levels. Their peers recognize their commitment and leadership. “They are a dynamic couple who have demonstrated a true commitment to not only farming, but to family and their community,” said Cathleen Galgiani, State Senator.
“They truly are an unmatched duo when it comes to participating in leadership roles to articulate the value and need of the marvelous bounty of food, fiber and fauna that our state produces,” said Barry Bedwell, California Agriculture Leadership Foundation.
Bill is a third-generation farmer in Fresno County. Bill and Carol grow grapes, peaches, plums, nectarines and almonds on the family farm in Fresno County, which was founded in the 1880s by Bill’s grandfather, W.F. Chandler. Their sons, John and Tom, recently joined the family farming business.
Bill, a graduate of the University of California, Davis in Agriculture Production has had a long history of involvement in California agriculture. He has served and continues to serve and be recognized on a number of boards and commissions over the years, including:
California Association of Winegrape Growers, Nisei Farmers League, Fresno County Farm Bureau, California Cling Peach Advisory Board, Freestone Peach Association, California Fresh Fruit Association, U.C. Davis Foundation Board, U.C. Davis Fresno County Alumni Scholarship Chair, Cal Aggie Alumni Association Director, and U.C. President’s Agriculture Advisory Committee.
A graduate of Class 6 of the California Agriculture Leadership Program, Bill is also involved in his community as a board member of the Sequoia Council of Boy Scouts of America and is the recipient of the Silver Beaver award.
Carol is a partner in Chandler Farms. Carol is actively engaged in the business administration portion of the farming operation. Prior to joining the family farm, Carol taught in the San Joaquin Valley, including Fresno City College. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Davis, and her Master’s Degree from California State University, Fresno.
Carol is a past State President of California Women for Agriculture, a member of the Board of Directors of Western Growers Association, Fresno State Board of Governors, the Central Valley Community Foundation and American Agri-Women. She is also a member of the CSU Fresno Water Task Force and serves on the UC President’s Advisory Commission on Agriculture and Natural Resources. Carol previously served on the California State University Board of Trustees, University of California Board of Regents, California Post-Secondary Education Commission, U.S. Department of Agriculture Advisory Committee on Emerging Markets, Grape & Tree Fruit League, and the Fresno County Fair Board.
Recognized by the California State Legislature as Woman of the Year in 1992 and 2002, Carol has further been acknowledged for her outstanding contributions to agriculture and education as the recipient of the Tapestry Award presented by Common Threads for outstanding achievements in agriculture, and as the Agriculturalist of the Year by the Fresno County Chamber of Commerce.
The Chandlers will formally be honored at the California State Fair Gala, an evening supporting the California agriculture award winners and the Friends of the California State Fair scholarship program on Thursday, June 25, 2020. Those interested in attending and honoring Bill and Carol Chandler can purchase tickets at https://calexpostatefair.com/gala/.
SCS Global Services announced today that Bullseye Farms is the world’s first almond farm to be independently certified under the internationally recognized “Sustainably Grown” standard for agricultural crops. Bullseye Farms, a diversified farming operation based in Woodland, California, grows almonds marketed under the “Almond Lane” brand.
“As the first almond grower to meet the high-bar requirements of the Sustainably Grown standard, Bullseye Farms has proven itself to be a leader in the industry,” said Kevin Warner, SCS’ manager of sustainable agriculture.
“Working through the Sustainably Grown certification process has opened our eyes to the amount of thought and effort we have put into implementing progressive practices,” said Nick Edsall, Bullseye’s orchard manager. “We’ve worked hard to create a working environment that we can all be proud of. It’s not often that we step back from our day to day activities to reflect on decisions we have made that contribute to the wellbeing of our employees, our environment, and our community. Being formally recognized under the Sustainably Grown certification validates our efforts and gives us motivation to continue on the path of sustainability.” He described several of the company’s achievements, including:
Competitive employee benefits, resulting in a <1% average turnover rate
Hosting frequent educational community field days, industry tours, and university research and workshops
Increasing orchard soil health to decrease overall inputs
Moving away from pyrethroids and relying more on beneficial insects for pest management
Progressive and state-of-the-art irrigation monitoring data collection techniques that create a multi-faceted water management strategy
The Sustainably Grown certification standard applies to products meeting the highest levels of environmental, social and economic sustainability. The program has been benchmarked to numerous international schemes for ethical and sustainable performance. It applies to agricultural operations around the world, large and small, providing a roadmap to satisfy the emerging market for environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
“Producers of Certified Sustainably Grown crops work diligently to provide a safe and healthy work environment, support farm communities, and protect vital environmental resources such as clean air, clean water, and wildlife habitat, while reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions,” explained Warner. “Having earned the right to carry the Sustainably Grown label, the Almond Lane brand has proven its resilience and relevance to today’s sustainably-minded marketplace.”
About Bullseye Farms
Bullseye Farms is located in Woodland, CA, one of the most fertile areas for growing in the United States. It produces tomatoes, tree crops, and several award-winning rotational crops. Its goal is to produce the best quality product possible on a large scale, bringing value and taste to buyers and consumers alike. Bullseye Farm’s almonds are currently offered at select Northern California grocers, hotels, restaurants, and on Amazon under the label “Almond Lane.”
For more information about Bullseye Farms and Almond Lane, visit www.bullseyefarms.com.
About SCS Global Services
SCS Global Services has provided global leadership in third-party sustainability and food safety certification, auditing, testing, and standards development since 1984. Its programs span a wide range of industries, recognizing achievements in food and agriculture, green building, product manufacturing, forestry, consumer goods, climate, and more. SCS is a California Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. More information available at www.scsglobalservices.com.
In April and May, once new shoots start to grow, growers will be able to identify trees that are potassium deficient as their leaves will be pale, rolled into a boat shape and have developed tip and marginal scorching. Photo courtesy of UC IPM
By Almond Board of California — Almond trees need a variety of different nutrients to thrive, though one of the most important among them is nitrogen. From proper management to understanding the relationship between nitrogen and yield, it’s imperative that growers understand how this element benefits tree health and their productivity each crop year.
Comprehensive nutrient management improves many aspects of tree growth, yield and kernel quality during an orchard’s lifespan. Balanced nutrition, experts say, takes place over many months and should be timed to when the tree most needs it – typically, that’s in mid-March, when at least 70% of leaves are on the tree, and continues in phases throughout the growing season.
Beyond nitrogen, though, two other key nutrients trees are also necessary to maximize trees’ productivity – zinc and potassium. As with nitrogen, growers always are advised to keep the four R’s in mind when applying any nutrient or fertilizer:
Right rate: Match supply with tree demand from all inputs (fertilizer, water and soil)
Right time: Application must coincide with tree demand and root uptake
Right place: Delivery must be to active roots, not below the root zone
Right source: Maximize uptake and tree response and minimize waste
Zinc
Zinc helps trees when cells are dividing and growing, and also is important for next year’s bud set, according to Univeristy of California (UC) Davis professor Patrick Brown, an expert on almond nutrient management. Typically, it is applied via foliar sprays or micro-drip irrigation in the spring.
“Zinc needs to be ‘fed’ to the tree when it is hungry so that it can reach the buds,” Brown explained.
Leaf and soil analysis are important in monitoring zinc needs, Brown said. Leaf values should be at least 20 parts per million (ppm) in the summer, though orchards with readings of less than 30 ppm “will frequently respond to zinc.” In addition, a soil pH level of more than 7.2 can impede zinc uptake. Reducing the soil’s pH from 5.5 to 7.0 via acid injections or ammoniacal nitrogen sources will help with trees’ zinc uptake, and frequent zinc applications via micro-irrigation are the most effective.
Trees that are suffering from a lack of zinc will have small, pale leaves, Brown said. Other symptoms include late bud emergence and erratic flowering. Deficiencies often occur when cold, wet weather in early spring is followed by a warm period, which drives up trees’ zinc demand.
More on zinc demand and foliar application can be found in this published research paper written by Brown, the Almond Board’s Sebastian Saa and UC Davis professor Claudia Negron in March 2018.
Potassium
Potassium is important for development of the hull, shell and kernel. As with nitrogen, Brown recommends applying potassium in multiple smaller applications throughout the growing season. The rate, he said, should be 80 pounds per 1,000 pounds in yield.
Potassium deficiency symptoms often appear in early-to-midsummer and are worst on older leaves of current shoots. Trees also typically show slow growth and smaller leaves, and may produce yields below potential. Low potassium levels often carry over into the following year, “decreasing the number of flowering spurs where trees will set nuts,” as noted by Brown and UC Cooperative Extension farm advisors Katherine Jarvis-Sheen and Joseph Connell in the article “Potassium management for sustained almond yields.”
Leaf analysis is the best way to measure potassium levels and detect concerns early. Brown, Connel and Jarvis-Sheen recommend collecting leaf samples in July because they are “relatively stable at that time.” Potassium levels about 1.4% are “considered adequate.” The trio also states that “higher-than-adequate levels will also help provide ‘back-up’ for heavy set years, which may be especially important to sprinkler irrigated orchards where in-season fertigation to meet higher than usual potassium needs is not effective.”
A balanced approach
Something all growers should recognize, Brown said, is that the right balance of many key nutrients is necessary to optimize a tree’s use of nitrogen. The way to detect balance, he said, is through regular leaf analysis and other monitoring methods (sap analysis, trunk measurements, carbohydrate analysis and soil nutrient status).
“Optimizing nitrogen use efficiency requires optimal management of all inputs,” Brown said. “If any nutrient is undersupplied, yield is lost and response to other elements cannot occur. And if any nutrient is oversupplied, money is wasted.”
And, unlike the weather, nutrient management is something growers can directly impact.
“Nutrient and water management are items that growers control that impact profit, the value chain and protection for the planet,” said Steve Petrie, director of agronomic services for Yara North America. “Nutrient and water management are intertwined. You can’t do one properly without the other.”
For more information on optimal nutrient management, check out this presentation on nutrient management given by Brown, Petrie and others at The Almond Conference 2019 in December.
Recycling trees onsite can sequester carbon, save water and increase crop yields, making it a climate-smart practice for California’s irrigated almond orchards, finds a study from the University of California, Davis.
Whole orchard recycling is when old orchard trees are ground, chipped and turned back into the soil before new almond trees are planted.
The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, suggests that whole orchard recycling can help almond orchards be more sustainable and resilient to drought while also increasing carbon storage in the soil.
“To me what was really impressive was the water piece,” said corresponding author Amélie Gaudin, an associate professor of agroecology in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences. “Water is central to how we think about agriculture in California. This is a clear example of capitalizing on soil health. Here we see some real benefits for water conservation and for growers.”
Burn vs. turn
Drought and high almond prices have encouraged higher rates of orchard turnover in recent years. The previous practice of burning trees that are no longer productive is now restricted under air quality regulations, so whole orchard recycling presents an alternative. But how sustainable and effective is it for the environment and for farmers?
For the study, scientists measured soil health and tree productivity of an almond orchard that turned previous Prunus woody biomass back into the soil through whole orchard recycling and compared it with an orchard that burned its old trees nine years prior.
They also experimentally reduced an orchard’s irrigation by 20 percent to quantify its water resilience.
Their results found that, compared with burn treatments, whole orchard recycling can:
Sequester 5 tons of carbon per hectare
Increase water-use efficiency by 20 percent
Increase crop yields by 19 percent
“This seems to be a practice that can mitigate climate change by building the soil’s potential to be a carbon sink, while also building nutrients and water retention,” said Gaudin. “That can be especially important as water becomes more limited.”
Study co-authors included Emad Jahanzad and Kelsey Brewer of UC Davis; Brent Holtz, Sean Hogan and Cameron Zuber of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Cooperative Extension; and David Doll, who was formerly with UC Cooperative Extension.
The study was funded by a Specialty Crop Block Grant Program of the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Almond Board of California. — By Kat Kerlin, News and Media Relations, 530-752-7704, kekerlin@ucdavis.edu
Almond growers sometimes get a bad rap in the general public as being abusive to bees or sucking too much water out of the ground, but it is quite the contrary. Almond growers are stewards of the land, and with the help of the Almond Board of California, and a new ties with the Pollinator Partnership, growers are going to be equipped with great tools to prove their environmental and sustainable practices in the orchard at bloom. Watch this brief video with the Daren Williams from the Almond Board of California for more details, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support and see them at their booth at the APG Conference in Monterey, March 2-4 (Booths 20-21).
There are byproducts in any industry; but is it possible to eliminate waste and make use of it all? The Almond Board of California believes so, and growers are working together to achieve this by 2025. But how does this work at the grower level. Watch this brief interview with local almond grower Christine Gemperle as she shared her experience in doing so at the recent Tree & Vine Expo at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. Read the full report in the coming issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support and see them at their booth at the California Almond Conference in Sacramento, December 10-12.
The Agriculturalist of the Year award is presented to an individual or individuals who have contributed extensively, in a professional capacity, to California’s agricultural industry. Award criteria stipulates the individual or individuals must have demonstrated leadership and clearly represented the industry over a number of years in one or more of the following areas: finance, government, production agriculture, education, labor, research, communications, trade and public service.
Recycling trees onsite can sequester carbon, save water and increase crop yields, making it a climate-smart practice for California’s irrigated almond orchards, finds a study from the University of California, Davis.
Burn vs. turn
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