Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Sponsored Content

  • ANNOUNCING TOMRA 5C – A More Successful Future Awaits

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    As an innovative thought leader for nearly 50 years, TOMRA Food has brought many firsts to the industry, and now we bring you one more. We continue to raise the bar for food safety and product quality. We continue working closely with you, our processing partners, to break barriers as to what is possible with optical sorting and design equipment specifically to meet your wants and needs.

     

    We are thrilled to announce the release of the all new TOMRA 5C, ushering in a new era of sorting for the nut and dried fruit industry!

    Processing at 95% capacity or better, 100% of the time

    This innovative sorter builds on the award-winning TOMRA technologies and utilizes one of the most influential forces in the universe, gravity.

    Driven by data to continuously improve your sorting capabilities, this machine will usher in the future of nuts and dried fruit sorting.

     

    Reduce downtime, improve yield, lower direct costs, improve operational efficiency and increase quality with vast amounts of data

    Integrated with our powerful TOMRA Insight 4.0 data platform, the TOMRA 5C has been engineered with the processor and operator in mind. Combined with an easy-to-use and intuitive display, the TOMRA 5C adapts to your needs.

     

    Making real-time decisions to increase profits with easy to read and actionable data has never been more straightforward

    The future of the nut and dried fruit industry is automated. The TOMRA 5C brings a level of food safety and quality that minimizes or eliminates staff required for hand sorting. We have dramatically improved capacity, doubling the throughput for almonds.

     

    You may have spent your entire career in the dried fruit and nut business, but we can assure you that your product has never been seen like this before.

    Speak with one of the TOMRA experts today to book your demo and take your business to the future!

  • The Relationship Between Almond Tree Performance and Microbial Activity in Soil

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    By: Dr. Karl Wyant

    Although soil microbes, including bacteria and fungi, are microscopically small, they can have an enormous impact on the performance of almond crops. According to a recent study, soil microbial communities associated with tree crops are critical for their long-term growth and development, particularly under challenging soil conditions (Mercado-Blanco et al., 2018). Soil microbial communities are known to contribute to increased aboveground plant productivity, improve the availability of soil nutrients and water, and can help mitigate abiotic stressors and toxic compounds (Mercado-Blanco et al., 2018) for the associated crop (Weil and Brady 2017). In a case study conducted by Heliae® Agriculture, we analyzed the importance of microbial activity in almond tree soil.

    The PhycoTerra® product line of conventional and organic microalgae technology is a proven way to increase soil microbial activity that can have an immediate impact on your almond tree growth and yield. This idea, as eloquently expressed by Mercado-Blanco et al., (2018), is that the belowground microbiome can be harnessed to improve the growth and development of permanent tree crops worldwide. Let’s now turn our attention to two case studies showcasing the use of PhycoTerra® and PhycoTerra® Organic on improving almond growth and yield. The key connection here is that the PhycoTerra® product line had a direct, positive impact on soil microbial abundance and diversity, which lead to an improvement in crop performance (Mercado-Blanco et al., 2018).

    We were challenged to help optimize the establishment and growth of third leaf almonds near Bakersfield, CA and chose PhycoTerra® Organic to help drive optimal improvement in the soil microbiome. Using a planned, program approach, we applied 3 gallons/acre total of product in small doses at key timings, starting with petal drop. Since yield information was not available on the young trees, we used growth in trunk diameter as a proxy for crop response against a grower standard.

    Blocks on the PhycoTerra® Organic program showed a 30% average increase in trunk diameter compared to their respective control blocks of the same size. We are moving into Year 2 of the trial and should start to see yield impacts shortly.

    We were asked to help a grower gain additional value from a 19-year-old almond field, close to the end of its useful productive capacity. With that in mind, we felt revitalizing the soil microbiome, using PhycoTerra®, was key due to the relationship between tree crop production and belowground bacteria and fungi populations (Mercado-Blanco et al. 2018). We applied a total of four gallons/acre to the field at key timings using a planned, program approach.

    Application of PhycoTerra®, with the intent to increase microbial activity the soil, improved yield and value for both Nonpareil and Carmel almond varieties in an older orchard, compared to the grower standard. Additionally, the grower observed less lower limb die-off on the PhycoTerra® side and we believe this played a role in the improved yield. Nut size also increased, using PhycoTerra®, jumping from 25/27 to 23/25, for both varieties.

    Our research about the importance of soil microbial activity in soil at Heliae® Agriculture has led to the creation of a quality microalgae product for a variety of sustainable soil solutions that can have an immediate impact on your soil microbiome and the performance of your almond trees. To learn more about our Soil Microbe Food, PhycoTerra®, and how it can improve the soil on your farm, click here.

    References
    • Mercado-Blanco et al. 2018 – https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01006/full
    • Weil and Brady 2017 – https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/program/Weil-Nature-and-Properties-of-Soils-The-15th-Edition/PGM219427.html

  • Suterra® Introduces New Puffer® Device – Most Durable Puffer® Yet

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    Suterra is the global leader in sustainable pest control. Headquartered in Bend, OR they have the only dedicated pheromone manufacturing facility in the world. Fully integrated, they handle everything from early stage research and formulation to product design and manufacturing. This means Suterra® is able to deliver quality products growers can trust, with consistent chemistry and reliable hardware.

    Purpose-built for agriculture, the new Puffer® delivers precise applications of Suterra’s trusted formulations. The patented new design is the most reliable and easiest to use aerosol device available today.

    Easier to deploy – lighter weight and engineered to make placing the device correctly even simpler.

    Drop-resistant – built with real work applications in mind.

    Single button operation – easy to use with no user programming required.

    Air-tight seal keeps out water and debris – manufactured to withstand challenges of harsh agricultural climates.

     

    The new device is available in California for Navel Orangeworm, Codling Moth Puffer® products.

    For more information on the new Puffer device or any of Suterra’s other product offerings, please visit their website at www.suterra.com or contact a local Suterra® representative.

  • A Proactive Approach to Orchard Planting

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    California’s orchards are a vital part of the local economy, providing over half of the fruits and nuts we consume daily. The caretakers of these orchards work tirelessly to provide us with healthy, nutritious foods. Tree nut growers play a dual role in the health and safety of the communities in which they live, work and play – providing food and promoting safety.

    By planting new orchard trees that are compatible with power lines, growers can ensure safe and reliable power for the 16 million Northern and Central California residents who depend on it.

    Planting a new orchard is an important investment – one that growers consider carefully, after thorough thought and planning. Sometimes, planning new plantings around power lines is a missed step in the orchard planning process.

    Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) works with growers to plan before they plant, identifying power line-friendly planting locations early in the orchard planning process to help growers maximize their investment. Together, tree nut growers and PG&E can reach safe solutions that help meet growers’ needs while protecting electric system reliability and making sure California communities remain safe.

    In addition to keeping communities safe, taking a proactive approach to orchard planning helps growers avoid spending needlessly on land in incompatible areas; installing irrigation systems in right of way areas and planting trees that will ultimately require removal.

    Plan Before You Plant resources are available for growers to learn more about the importance of maintaining safe distances from transmission lines. Reach out early in your orchard planning process to schedule a visit to your orchard to have an expert identify power line friendly planting locations near transmission lines.

    For more information, visit www.pge.com/planbeforeplanting or call 1-800-743-5000.

  • Natural Health Benefits Bring Sports Team Ambassadors for American Pistachios

    Pistachios are coming to be the snack of choice for America’s professional football teams. Watch this brief interview with Men’s Health Magazine Nutrition Advisor Mike Rousell as he shares why, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. Don’t currently receive the magazine? Subscribe for free at: https://malcolmmedia.com/pacific-nut-producer-magazine-subscriptions/

  • APG Marketing in India Key with Growth of Pistachio Production

    As pistachio growers anticipate tremendous growth in production over the next several years, American Pistachio Growers continue to invest in new markets across the world. Watch this brief interview with Judy Hirigoyen from APG to learn more, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. Don’t currently receive the magazine? Subscribe for free at: https://malcolmmedia.com/pacific-nut-producer-magazine-subscriptions/

  • Walnut Grower Sustainability Survey

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    Consumers are increasingly concerned about where their food is coming from and how it is produced. In our 2019 consumer research, almost 84% of consumers cited sustainability as an important factor in their purchases to a varying degree, and retailers have taken notice of this changing consumer expectation.

    We are working with a UC Davis expert to develop a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for the industry, but several data gaps remain. That is why it is important to hear from the industry as we look to leverage our sustainability credentials and educate consumers and retailers.

    The California Walnut Board is currently conducting an online grower survey to get a better understanding of industry practices as we look to flesh out our sustainability story. And we believe we do have a great story to tell.

    Walnut growers can take the survey at https://walnuts.org/sust-survey

    The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete. 10 lucky participants will be randomly selected for Visa gift cards ranging from $50 to $500. We thank you in advance for your time and help in providing a better understanding of industry practices.

    California walnuts have been sustainably produced for 150 years. We have achieved longevity by preserving the systems on which a healthy harvest depends. Our sustainability practices include decades of ongoing, comprehensive research that guides our water conservation initiatives, our insect abatement efforts, and compel us to continually innovate to produce the world’s finest walnuts. As retailers consider the need for proven sustainability on the part of all food producers, we want to assure them that California walnut growers and processors are improving our sustainability measures to support our customers and ensure the success of our farms for the next generation.

  • RPAC Expands Almond Processing– Making Room for the Right Growers

    RPAC Owners are looking to continue to grow with high-integrity growers that produce top quality almonds. Based in Los Banos, RPAC has long-standing relationships with select almond growers, from Chico to Bakersfield.

    Established in 1986, the RPAC has undergone significant growth in the past five years.  Volume has grown 20% annually to approximately 50 million lbs.  As a result of this and expected continued growth, RPAC is investing in a major expansion. Beginning with the 2020 crop, the expansion will accommodate an annual capacity of approximately 100 million lbs.  The state-of-the-art facilities will continue RPAC’s tradition of operating the most advanced handling and packaging equipment available.

    RPAC Offers Growers:

    Stability – In business for over three decades.

    Flexibility – Offering call pool as well as season pool: flexible payment-plan options.

    Competitiveness – A strong and stable history of grower returns.

    Additional Resources RPAC Provides Helping Their Growers Succeed:

    • Farming Information– As growers themselves, RPAC is pleased to share growing information that is useful.
    • Water information– Farming in riparian, state, and federal districts, RPAC shares with their growers water information that is important.
    • Market Information–RPAC provides regular market information.  To access recent reports, visit  https://www.rpacalmonds.com/marketnews/

    If you have recently planted or purchased an almond orchard, and want to learn more, please contact Paul Ewing or Dennis Soares at (209) 826-0272, or rpac@rpacalmonds.com.

    More information is available at https://www.rpacalmonds.com

    RPAC Youtube Channel

  • Flexibility For Your Insect/Mite Problems in Tree Nuts

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    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.