Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Non-Video

  • Six New Farmers Join the San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame

    Six New Farmers Join the San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame

    On Thursday, October 19, 2023 at a dinner at the Robert Cabral Ag Center, 6 new members were inducted into the San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame.  The 2023 San Joaquin Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees were:

    Dr. Marit Arana, A.L. Gilbert Company

    Eugene “Gene” Wallom, Lodi Farming Inc.
    Marden Wilbur, Lane Ranches
    Edward “Eddie” Alfred Zuckerman, Zuckerman Family Farms
    Marc R. Marchini (Posthumous)
    Chester “Bud” Rolland Murphy (Posthumous)

    The San Joaquin County Ag Hall of Fame honors those who have contributed so much to a great part of our heritage.  Our Agricultural Hall of Fame marks the efforts and history of those who have gone before, those who have graced our homes and enriched our hearts and those who in the days past laid the foundation upon which we build for today and tomorrow.  The agricultural community is a wonderful example of people working together and continuing a tradition that has been handed down throughout the years from people who had to sacrifice a great deal, both personally and physically, to nurture our land and our community.

    Honoree Bios:

    Dr. Marit Arana

    Dr. Marit Arana’s journey into agriculture exemplifies dedication and passion. Despite a non-agricultural background, her love for horses ignited at an early age. Determined to own a horse, she saved $200 by age 8, a promise her parents honored, marking the beginning of her lifelong agricultural involvement.

    Her academic path led her to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she ultimately, earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences. She had a short detour while at Cal Poly and earned an AA degree in Animal Health Technology from Hartnell College in Salinas.  Her educational journey continued at California State University, Fresno, where she achieved a Master of Science in Animal Sciences, specializing in equine nutrition and exercise physiology.

    Marit’s educational pursuit culminated in a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from the University of Arizona. Post-graduation, she returned to California, working for the University of California Cooperative Extension as the Dairy Farm Advisor for San Joaquin, Sacramento, Yolo, Solano and Contra Costa Counties.

    Marit joined the A.L. Gilbert Company as a nutritionist, and swiftly rose to Head of the Nutrition Department. Her expertise in animal nutrition extended to serving as the National President for the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) in 2008-2009. She also has played a pivotal role as Chairman of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Feed Inspection Advisory Board since September 2013.

    Marit’s contributions aren’t limited to agriculture. She’s been an active member of the Agricultural Awareness and Literacy Foundation (AAL), supporting consumer education through initiatives like Farmology, which educates children about the origins of their food, particularly those with little agricultural knowledge.

    Her involvement in activities such as the San Joaquin Chapter of California Women for Agriculture, participation in scholarship committees, mentoring students, and engagement with legislators, showcases her extensive impact on agricultural and non-agricultural communities. Her leadership and commitment to mentoring have inspired countless individuals, encouraging the next generation.

    Eugene “Gene” Wallom

    Eugene “Gene” Wallom, born in 1936 in New Glarus, Wisconsin, where he grew up helping his father on his farms from a very young age. Through his hard work and dedication, Gene landed a job and formed a partnership with Dino Cortopassi to from Donco Farm Equipment. This was the beginning of a fifty-five year partnership.

    In 1988, Gene and Cortopassi founded Lodi Farming Inc., a vineyard and orchard operation. They made significant innovations in agriculture, such as double cropping of wheat and kidney beans, no-till farming practices, center pivots, and the invention of a tomato vine trainer. They also built over-the-row equipment for vineyards, allowing two rows to be sprayed, dusted, or trimmed with one pass. Gene was one of the first to plant apples in San Joaquin County, planting the first orchard of Fuji in 1987.

    Soon Lodi Farming Inc. transformed into the largest apple grower in California. Gene was also one of the first to plant cover crops in orchards and vineyards, improving water penetration, soil tilth, and increasing organic matter in the soil. Gene has been a member of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau for over 60 years, serving as a volunteer project leader for the Alpine Victor 4-H Club. He has been a strong supporter of the San Joaquin County Junior Livestock Auction and has been a charter member of the Early Days Gas Engines and Tractors Association. Gene is also a member of the Mid-Valley Apple Association, the Lodi District Grape Growers Association, and the San Joaquin Valley Swiss Club. Gene served in the US Army from 1956-1960 and volunteered as a Lost Wax jewelry making instructor. Gene and his late wife Karen enjoyed traveling, especially on river cruises and he enjoys spending time with family and friends. His innovation, perseverance and devotion to his work has make him an important part of the San Joaquin community.

    Marden Wilber

    Marden Wilber, a graduate of University of California, Davis, has found success by embracing new ideas, working with others, and giving back to his community. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Marden owned and operated the El Mar Angus herd of purebred Angus cattle. In 1969, he was awarded the American Angus Association’s “Picture Bull of the Breed” and was named California’s Outstanding Young Farmer.

    In 1978, he established a partnership with his father-in-law Kenneth Lane. They started Lane Ranches, a successful cow-calf and stocker operation. In 2003, Marden was honored as the California Livestock Man of the Year at the 59th Grand National Rodeo, Horse, and Stock Show. Marden is a leader in environmental stewardship. He originated and directed flood control projects, and implemented an Agricultural Water Conservation Program.

    In 1999 he established the Fitzgerald Ranch Conservation Bank, to protect and help vulnerable animal species in the area. Throughout his lifetime, Marden served as a leader in the cattle and agriculture industry, serving multiple committees such as the Cal Expo Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee, California Cattlemen’s Association, the San Joaquin County Valley Hay Growers Association and other organizations. He was an original founding member of the California Beef Cattle Improvement Association and the Northern California Angus Association. Marden was involved with the San Joaquin County Multi Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, the State Department of Fish and Game, and the Army Corps of Engineers on various projects to maintain a rural environment in the Clements area.

    Marden has volunteered and worked tirelessly, whether lobbying in Washington D.C., locally, or at the state level, on issues that he feels are critical to the agriculture industry. Marden was a Rotary member for over 25 years and is a Past President. He has served on countless committees involving the Clements community and is a University of California, Davis Alumni Association Member. Today, at the age of 87, Marden is still serving his community for the betterment of agriculture and the environment.

    Edward “Eddie” Alfred Zuckerman

    Edward Alfred Zuckerman, known as “Eddie”, is a third-generation farmer from the San Joaquin County Delta. His journey in agriculture began after earning a bachelor’s in business, when he joined his father in cultivating potatoes on McDonald Island. In 1978, Eddie’s vision diversified the family business as he introduced turf grass, founding the Delta Bluegrass Company.

    Since then, Eddie’s farming enterprise has thrived, expanding to around 8,000 acres with diverse crops such as sod, potatoes, corn, rice, almonds, wine grapes, wheat, barley, alfalfa, and sunflowers. Zuckerman Farms is now one of California’s largest potato growers and packers, serving local, national, and international markets. Delta Bluegrass Company, which he nurtured, is the largest sod grower in Northern California, acclaimed for its premium products. Eddie employs nearly 700 people annually, primarily in San Joaquin County.

    Eddie’s agricultural innovations shine, with Delta Bluegrass Company pioneering drought tolerant Kurapia and introducing native, eco-friendly grasses. His embrace of technology is evident in modern farming practices, utilizing advanced equipment, mobile app-driven irrigation, and robotics.

    Beyond farming, Eddie’s leadership extends to co-founding Delta Growers and serving as President of Turf Producers International. Eddie has served on the board for Central Delta Water Agency for more than 20 years and is very much involved in the ag and urban water matters for the San Joaquin Delta and California. Throughout the years Eddie has also served as a board member of various agricultural organizations, making a significant impact in the ag industry.

    In non-agricultural domains, Eddie’s service is admirable. He’s a National Ski Champion and a generous supporter of charitable organizations like St. Mary’s Dining Hall, Stockton’s Gospel Center Rescue Mission, Bread of Life, Red Rhino, and Uplift Foundation, to name a few.

    Marc R. Marchini

    Marc R. Marchini was born on December 15, 1941 in San Francisco, California and passed away August 7, 2018. Marc had a lasting impact on his brother, daughter, grandchildren, countless students and the community. Throughout high school Marc was involved with FFA and later attended Modesto Junior College. After some time at Fresno State Marc returned to Union Island to work in the family farming operation headed by his father and uncle.

    In 1983, Marc, his brother Paul, and father Angelo formed A. Marchini & Sons (later becoming A.M. Farms) where they predominantly grew asparagus and wine grapes. Throughout his career he participated in numerous research initiatives with the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) helping to improve asparagus cultivation practices, varietal development, pest and disease eradication, and mechanization.

    Marc was a recognized leader in the Delta as well as at the state and national level. Locally, he was active in the San Joaquin Farm Bureau and the Robert Union Farm Center. He also found time to be a trustee on the school boards of Delta Island and Tracy Unified School District. He even played an instrumental part in the planning and building of Merrill F. West High School. Marc sat on the board for the Stockton Asparagus Festival where he took pride in the festival’s famous Asparagus Alley. On the state level, he was involved in the California Asparagus Growers Association and creation of the California Asparagus Commission where he served as Chairman. Nationally, he represented the California asparagus industry by serving as a member of the National Asparagus Council.

    Agriculture was more than a vocation for Marc, it was an advocation. The impact he has made not only on his family but the community will live on.

    Chester “Bud” Rolland Murphy

    Chester “Bud” Rolland Murphy, grew up in Telegraph City on his family cattle ranch and passed away on February 22, 1991. Growing up Bud worked on the family Cow Calf operation while attending Bret Harte High School in Angels Camp, California.

    Soon after graduation, he attended Stockton College, where he studied and obtained a degree in math and engineering. Bud was drafted into the United States Army after college, where he completed four years of service. When Bud returned home, he helped run his family’s beef cattle ranches.

    In the early 1940’s, the family expanded their cattle operation to San Joaquin County. This move gave Bud the opportunity to use his engineering degree to develop the grasslands around Farmington into irrigated farmland that is still used today. Bud also used his engineering education to build over twenty reservoirs and stock ponds with the cooperation of the California Department of Water Resources. These stock ponds were not only used on his own ranches, but also for neighboring ranchers in his community. Bud understood the importance of water storage in this state and served as a longtime, founding member of the Central San Joaquin Water Conservation District.

    At heart, Bud was a cattle rancher, and in the 1970’s-1980’s, he developed a purebred polled Hereford herd. He was one of the first breeders to improve his herd using embryo transplants which won him many champions at major shows throughout California and all over the United States.

    Through all of this he saw the benefits to raising children within the agricultural community. With his wife Erna and their four children, he was a generous supporter of both the Farmington 4-H Club and the Escalon FFA Chapter. He encouraged his own children to be active members in both organizations and he continued to support them well after his family was aged out of the programs and into his late years.
     
    About the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce     
    Founded on February 21, 1901, the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce speaks for thousands of local businesspeople. For these 122 years, the Chamber has been the authoritative voice in all business matters throughout the Central Valley.  The mission of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is to aggressively develop and promote an economically vibrant business community.    
  • Bacterial blast/canker: What do we know?

    Bacterial blast/canker: What do we know?

    Diseases caused by Pseudomonas syringae can affect tissue throughout the entire tree, including bacterial blast of flowers, leaves, and shoots as well as bacterial cankers that develop under the bark in cambial and wood tissues of trunks, scaffolds, and branches. The pathogen commonly exists on plant surfaces in an orchard without causing disease, but cold, wet weather can trigger damaging infections. Bacterial canker/blast infections are most damaging, and potentially lethal, in stressed trees. Stress from ring nematodes or root-restricting hardpan predisposes almonds to blast and canker damage.

    The wet, cold spring of 2023 promoted widespread Pseudomonas bacterial infections in almond. This pathogen is becoming a consistent problem in cold, wet springs as almond plantings increase across the state.

    Currently, there are limited control options for bacterial canker/blast in almonds. The following list outlines factors influencing management practices and decisions.

    • Pseudomonas syringae is a damaging pathogen in cold, wet weather.
    • The pathogen is ubiquitous and occurs naturally on plant surfaces.
    • Infection risk varies with orchard site, rootstock, and variety selection.
    • Low spots (sites) are colder and thus, more prone to freeze damage.
    • Peach x almond hybrid rootstocks (Hansen, Nickels, Bright’s) are more vulnerable to ring nematode and subsequently to bacterial canker damage than Viking, Lovell, or Guardian rootstocks.
    • All almond varieties are susceptible to bacterial canker/blast infection, but some are more so than others. New self-fertile varieties are very susceptible to bacterial blast/canker.
    • Antibiotics can significantly reduce bacterial blast at bloom in almond, but none are currently labeled for almond. An effective, research-proven antibiotic (kasugamycin; Kasumin®) was available under Section 18 exception but is not currently labeled for almond.
    • Copper resistance is widespread in Pseudomonas syringae bacteria, making copper sprays ineffective.
    • Frost protection can help reduce damage.
    What can growers do to manage bacterial canker/blast?
    • If approved for use, treat with labeled antibiotic (for example kasugamycin; Kasumin®) 1-6
    • days ahead of forecast freeze. Expect only a week of protection. Note that very cold weather will damage buds even if an antibiotic is applied. Greatest economic benefit should come from bloom treatment.
    • If antibiotics are not labeled before bloom 2024, growers have limited options. Spraying copper to control bacterial canker/blast is generally ineffective. Adding mancozeb to copper may overcome resistance. Unfortunately, copper is phytotoxic and may cause leaf damage. Biologicals (Actinovate, Botector, etc) are not registered for blast control in almonds, but if applied for other bloom pathogens may reduce blast damage if applied multiple times (4, 3, 2, and 1 week before bloom).
    • Run frost protection irrigation if water is available. This will help reduce both frost damage and blast risk.
    • High rates (100 lbs urea/acre) of foliar lo-biuret urea in October reduced bacterial canker growth by more than 90% in UC studies in peach orchards. Lower rates of urea were not tested.

    In the long run, recognize bacterial blast and canker risk when selecting rootstocks and varieties for a colder site (valley floor, etc.). Almond variety and rootstock selections in the Sacramento Valley have changed, trending from more tolerant to more sensitive combinations. The traditional almond planting in the Sacramento Valley was Nonpareil and pollinators on Lovell peach rootstock – combinations generally tolerant to bacterial canker/blast. Trees on Marianna 2624 plum rootstock were much more susceptible to bacterial blast than those on Lovell peach. Newer rootstocks with a plum genetic background and newer varieties may also be more vulnerable to damage. Solid plantings of self-fertile varieties on certain newer rootstocks increase the risk of economic loss under cold, wet conditions.

    University of California researchers, funded by The Almond Board of California, continue to study Pseudomonas syringae bacterial infections of almond. Updates will be available at The Almond Conference (almonds.com/about-us/programs-and-events/almond-conference) this December. — By Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Farm advisor, Colusa, Sutter, and Yuba Counties

  • Post-Harvest Almond Orchard Considerations

    Post-Harvest Almond Orchard Considerations

    Postharvest nutrition: Use information from your leaf and hull tissue analyses along with 2023 yield and anticipated 2024 yields to plan your fall Boron, Potassium and Zinc applications. 1,000 lbs of almond kernels harvested removes 80 lbs of potassium from the field, so it’s important to wait until after harvest to develop your fall nutrition plan. These fall applications have an outsized impact on the following year’s yield. Nitrogen applied in the fall, however, does not benefit yield if an orchard is otherwise healthy. Read the Postharvest Nutrition Review for details on fall fertilizer applications.

    Cover crops: Cover crops or resident vegetation have numerous benefits including improving water infiltration and holding capacity, providing additional forage for bees in the spring, and providing easier access to the field when the soil is wet. It’s important to monitor soil moisture and irrigate after planting a cover crop if we have a dry fall. This ensures good germination of your cover crop. Check out the

    UC-Almond Board Cover Crop Best Management Practices Guide for information on timing, cover crop species selection, equipment and more.

    Weed survey: After the first rain, scout for weeds and develop your weed management strategy for the next year. Correct weed identification is critical for effective management plans, so utilize the Weed Research and Information Center Weed ID Tool if necessary.

    Winter sanitation: With reports of higher-than-average navel orangeworm damage in the 2023 harvest, winter sanitation will be necessary in most orchards. Count the mummies in 20 trees throughout each orchard. If more than 1 mummy nut per 5 trees is found, sanitize by shaking or poling nuts to the ground by Feb. 1 to reduce navel orangeworm pressure next year. Also note if mummy nuts are caused by hull rot, which may indicate a need to reevaluate your irrigation and nitrogen management practices next season. See the article on sanitation standards in this newsletter.

    Pruning: Prune out dead or damaged branches, taking care to avoid pruning if rain is in the forecast within 14 days to minimize the risk of infection of fresh cuts by rain-spread pathogens. Applying Topsin-M after pruning also provides protection against canker pathogens like Cytospora and Botryosphaeriaceae.

    Apply foliar zinc if deficient: Recent research in stone fruit showed that lower rates of zinc sulfate (5 lbs./acre) applied earlier in October were as effective in getting Zn into the trees as later sprays at higher rates without damaging leaves. Zn applied at a high rate (for example, 20+ lbs. zinc sulfate/acre) has the added benefit of defoliating trees, which may provide the advantage of reducing inoculum for the 2024 season in orchards where shot hole or rust were a problem. However, in a dry fall, heavy Zn applications will not defoliate trees.

    Dormant spur sampling: Sample dormant spurs for scale and mite eggs and examine green shoots for scab lesions. Use this data to decide whether to apply a dormant spray to manage scale and mites and then watch for scab lesion sporulation in spring.

    Honeybee planning: Get your order in for 2-3 honeybee hives per acre for self-sterile varieties for the spring pollination season. Self-fertile varieties should have 0.5-1 hive per acre. See our article on Honeybees, Colony Strength, and Beekeeper Challenges for best practices for using honeybees in the orchard.

    Process harvest samples: November is a great time to pull those harvest samples out of the freezer and evaluate them to identify specific pest damage.  — By Becky Wheeler-Dykes, Orchard Systems and Weed Ecology Farm Advisor, Glenn, Tehama, and Colusa Counties

  • Be Careful with Almond Variety-Rootstock Selection

    Be Careful with Almond Variety-Rootstock Selection

    Almond variety and rootstock selection is a quarter century investment. After choosing which crop type to plant, this is likely the most important decision you will make when planting a new orchard. The difference in results is massive. A poor selection could lead to the orchard failing to establish and needing to be removed or providing sub-standard yield for the life of the orchard. A successful selection could mean your trees are regularly yielding twice as much as a different variety-rootstock combination.

    Variety and rootstock selections are typically thought of separately. Each rootstock is bred or selected to have different strengths and adaptations for different soil types, irrigation volumes, levels of anchorage, and ability to withstand adverse field conditions like nematodes, soil-borne pathogens, and toxic elements. Varieties are selected with self-fertility, pollen-compatibility and timing, marketing classification and price, quality and consistency, disease susceptibility, yield, and other factors in mind. However, evaluating the compatibility of different varieties and rootstocks together is critical to deciding whether a combination will be successful. A well-known nurseryman once said, “It takes 20 years to prove a rootstock”. We would add that it takes even longer to prove a variety, and a variety-rootstock combination. Why is the process as much as 30-40 years to provide growers with a winning variety-rootstock? Regional variety trials take the first 15-20 years but are only testing in three locations across the Central Valley and on only one rootstock per location. Once early adopters then plant the new variety-rootstock combination they become the researcher for another 20 plus years. If the grower decides to plant the same variety-rootstock combination for a second-generation orchard, we know we truly have a winner!

    In the Sacramento Valley, Krymsk®86, a hybrid of peach and Myrobalan plum parentage, is enormously popular due to rock-solid anchorage and a relatively higher tolerance of “wet feet” (flooding or soil saturation) compared to peach seedling rootstocks such as Lovell and Nemaguard. Krymsk® 86 rootstock has only been widely planted for about 15 years: while it consistently lives up to its promise of strong anchorage and strong production potential with many varieties, especially Nonpareil, we are still learning about how it performs with other varieties in different field conditions. In wet springs, Monterey and Butte on Krymsk® 86 rootstocks have demonstrated a higher tendency to have slow, yellow growth, a disorder termed ‘Yellow Curling Leaf’ (YCL). YCL symptoms have also been observed in Monterey on Rootpac®-R (almond x plum) rootstock. Trees with YCL express foliar symptoms similar to the Union Mild Etch (UME) disorder affecting those same varieties and others on the Marianna 2624 plum rootstock with typical symptoms including poor tree growth and yellowing leaves that roll and produce necrotic margins. YCL like UME, occurs mostly in second leaf orchards, although both disorders have been observed on older trees. UME was clearly linked to excess soil moisture in the root zone in wet springs or with over-irrigation resulting in excess soil moisture in late spring/early summer. Under those conditions weak pathogens attacked the small feeder roots, affecting growth, but rarely killing the trees. Affected Krymsk® 86 rooted trees, like those on Marianna 2624 usually recover over time when excessive soil moisture is corrected.

    More recently, some new self-fertile varieties have performed very poorly in the Sacramento Valley when grafted to Krymsk® 86. YCL symptoms for example have shown up in multiple seasons in some orchards – leading to a stunted orchard and the decision by the grower to remove the orchard entirely. Other orchards were removed early in the 2023 season after suffering massive tree losses due to suspected bacterial canker. Our current thinking is that like the UME issues on Marianna rootstock – the problems we are now seeing with certain varieties on Krymsk® 86 may have to do with the plum parentage of Krymsk® 86. Without testing each new variety that breeders produce on Krymsk® 86 over many years, we won’t know which varieties are more likely to have severe problems.

    Low vigor and yellow curled leaf (YCL) symptoms on 2nd leaf Independence® on Krymsk® 86 rootstock. Photos taken July 2, 2021. Photo Credit: Franz Niederholzer.

    Do you have a new variety struggling on Krymsk® 86?

    • Use the pressure chamber and soil moisture monitoring to avoid over-irrigation, which can exacerbate YCL symptoms.
    • Some growers have had success bypassing the rootstock and providing nutrition with foliar applications. However, this is very expensive, unsustainable, and doesn’t correct the fundamental problem for providing long-term nutrition.
    • Have ongoing discussions with your nurseryman, PCA, and farm advisor.
    For future orchards using a new variety:
    • If you have historic almond orchard performance, start your variety selection process with what has performed best previously. Your local farm advisor is a great resource for these variety and rootstock selection conversations.
    • Talk with your processor about what varieties the market wants now and what future trends could look like.
    • Consider rootstocks other than Krymsk® 86 (article and comparison tool / podcast). Self-fertile trees planted on other standard rootstocks without significant plum parentage (e.g. Viking and Atlas) or the more vigorous peach-almond hybrid rootstocks (e.g. Hansen 536, Brights, Nickels, and Titan) have not exhibited the same symptoms as those seen on Krymsk® 86 in the Sacramento Valley.
    • Stay tuned for developments at the UC Butte County almond variety trials (all varieties on Krymsk® 86 rootstock, planted at the CSU Chico University Farm) to help inform your decisions about new almond varieties. — By Luke Milliron, UCCE Orchard Advisor Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties; Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Farm Advisor Colusa, Sutter, and Yuba Counties; Katherine Jarvis-Shean, UCCE Orchard Advisor; Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo Counties; Clarissa Reyes, UCCE Orchard Advisor Sutter-Yuba, Butte, and Placer Counties; & Evie Smith, Former UCCE Staff Research Associate, Southern Sacramento Valley
  • DWR LandFlex Team Awarded Almond Champion of the Year Award

    DWR LandFlex Team Awarded Almond Champion of the Year Award

    Almond Alliance has announced the LandFlex team at the Department of Water Resources as their 2023 Champions of the Year. They are being honored for their leadership and partnership in developing the LandFlex program, which has emerged as a proactive and versatile solution safeguarding rural drinking water systems, increasing groundwater sustainability, and bolstering climate resilience.

    “The Almond Alliance is proud to give the Champion of the Year Award for the bold and creative leadership of this agency and team, who joined us in finding innovative solutions to a drought and flood crisis that was hurting our communities and our businesses,” said Mike Curry, chairman of the Almond Alliance. “Through voluntary collaboration and innovative on-the-ground strategies, LandFlex exemplifies the potential of community-driven initiatives to achieve meaningful and impactful results. We thank DWR, Director Nemeth, and the LandFlex team for their dedication to helping keep farmers farming and protecting our rural communities in California.”

    The Almond Champion of the Year Award is presented annually to those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in education, coalition building, partnerships, and promoting legislation and policies encouraging the advancement and protection of California agriculture and the California almond industry. The award recipient is decided on by our Government Relations committee members. Committee members include:

    • Mike Curry, Johnson Farms
    • Dick Cunningham, Cunningham Ranch Inc.
    • Blake Vann, Vann Brothers
    • Jeannine Grech, Campos Brothers Farms
    • Alicia Rockwell, Blue Diamond Growers
    • Dave Phippen, Travaille & Phippen
    • Melissa Frank, The Wonderful Company
    • Steve Van Duyn, Van Duyn Family Farms
    • Todd Meyer, Bear Republic Nut
    • Bill Lyons, Mapes Ranch
    • Sebastian Silvera, Gladstone Farms
    • Taj Samran, Hilltop Ranch

    Past recipients of this award include Assemblymember Adam Gray, Assemblymember Heath Flora, Connie Conway, former USDA State Executive Director of Farm Service Agency, Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua, and CDFA Undersecretary Christie Birdsong.

    The award will be presented by the Almond Alliance at the California Almond Industry Political Action Committee’s Annual Modesto Fundraiser at Del Rio Country Club on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 5:30 pm. This event brings together members of the almond community as well as FFA students, elected officials, and designated special guests.

    RSVPs can be made to Annie Romero at aromero@almondalliance.org or 209-300-7140.

    About the Almond Alliance
    Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture. As the voice of almonds, the Alliance represents the fourth-largest commodity in the United States and the third-largest American export.

  • Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association Celebrates National Nut Day

    Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association Celebrates National Nut Day

    The Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA), hosted a charity event showcasing the nut industry on Capitol Hill in recognition of National Nut Day, celebrated each year on October 22nd. The event, hosted on Thursday, October 19th, included networking and volunteerism among Members of Congress, Hill staffers, industry colleagues and PTNPA Members.

    As “the voice of America’s nut industry,” the PTNPA included every commodity within the nut industry and demonstrated the efforts of its industry members which consistently provide safe, abundant and nutritious food to individuals and families across the world. More than 1,200 pounds of nut products were donated and delivered to the Capital Area Food Bank for immediate distribution to the community.

    “We’re thrilled to celebrate our industry by highlighting and donating a wide range of innovative and traditional nut products benefitting the Capital Area Food Bank,” said Jeannie Shaughnessy, CEO, PTNPA. “National Nut Day is a great time to shine light on our industry that works tirelessly to safely produce, package and transport nutritious, healthy, shelf-stable nut products, even during tricky economic and geopolitical times. We have great pride in showcasing the complexities, creativity, dedication and fortitude of the nut industry.”

    PTNPA organizations were quick to provide donations and included Algood Food Company; Blue Diamond Growers; Diamond Foods, LLC; Georgia Nut Company; Hammons Black Walnuts; Severn Peanut Co., Inc./ Hampton Farms; Hormel Foods/ Skippy’s, Hormel Foods/ Planters Nut & Chocolate Company; Pearl Crop/ Octonuts; Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc.; Truly Good Foods.

    “It is an honor to advocate on behalf of the nut industry, comprised of generous nut industry leaders, who take time to serve others and provide amazing products to those in greatest need. To work with companies who are diverse, resilient and compliance-driven innovators – and who proactively manage unthinkable challenges while making significant investments in best practices and food safety – is very rewarding. That’s the spirit of the incredible nut industry.” said Jeannie Shaughnessy, CEO, PTNPA.

    For more information, visit the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association online at www.ptnpa.org.

    About the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association

    The Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA), established in 1939, is comprised of leading nut industry companies and representatives, ranging from international household brands to fourth generation family-owned businesses. The organization exists to advance the nut industry through professional networks, advocacy and education for and on behalf of its members.

  • Organic Center Awarded Nearly $900,000 in Research Grants, Including Study of Orchard Grazing Benefits

    Organic Center Awarded Nearly $900,000 in Research Grants, Including Study of Orchard Grazing Benefits

    The Organic Center is thrilled to announce it is the recipient of almost $900,000 in federal funds through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) research program. The funds will enable The Organic Center to collaborate in four new important OREI research grant projects.

    The projects announced by USDA will address a host of vital and diverse challenges facing today’s organic agriculture, including how to ensure food safety in organic production systems; the exploration of organic farming methods that increase resilience to climate change and also help fight pests; the benefits and challenges of livestock grazing in orchards; and ways to expand organic cotton production in the United States.

    USDA awarded a total of more than $50 million in grants for 24 OREI projects and for 8 Organic Transitions Program (ORG) projects. ORG helps existing and transitioning organic livestock and crop producers adopt organic practices.

    The OREI awards totaled a little over $43 million in funding. OREI helps support wide-ranging research projects that specifically address the most critical issues impacting organic growers. The 2018 Farm Bill approved increasing funding for OREI to $50 million per year by 2023, thus establishing permanent funding for the program.

    “Our mission is to strengthen and advance organic farming through science-based research, and this unprecedented level of funding from USDA will do much to help us achieve our goal,” said Dr. Amber Sciligo, Director of Science Programs for The Organic Center (TOC). “We are extremely honored to be partnering with esteemed research institutions, universities, and non-profits in these projects, and to support the growth, expansion and continued improvement of organic.”

    What the projects are  

    Developing Risk-assessment, Educational, and Communication Tools to Lower Food Safety Barriers for Organic Specialty Crop Growers.

    Food safety is of paramount importance for every organic grower, but organic producers face unique challenges in trying to meet both National Organic Program standards and multiple food safety requirements. The Center’s biggest single award of almost $635,000 is for collaboration in a project led by the University of Rhode Island to equip organic growers and industry stakeholders – organic technical assistance/trainers/certifiers and food safety auditors/inspectors – with science-based tools and training to enable them to comply simultaneously with organic agriculture rules and food safety requirements. A key function of The Organic Center will be to host 10 regional, in-person workshops with farmers, organic inspectors and certifiers and food safety auditors and inspectors to help the organic experts understand the biggest food safety rules challenges and to educate the food safety specialists on organic practices, particularly those that may conflict with food safety rules.

    Expanding Resilient Climate and Pest Protection Systems for Diversified Organic Specialty Crop Producers.

    Dealing with insect pests, weeds and severe weather are challenges for every farmer, and even more so for organic producers who do not use chemical pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. Organic vegetable growers are especially susceptible to invasive insects and weeds and the vagaries of today’s climate. The Organic Center has been awarded $101,000 to work with the University of Kentucky and the non-profit organization Organic Voices to help advance the awareness and most effective use of mesotunnel protection systems – fine-mesh netting barriers secured over specialty crops – that have been proven to provide a dual purpose protection system for organic vegetable producers, including small-scale farmers, homesteaders, and gardeners.

    Influence of Orchard Grazing on Soil Health and Pest Control While Mitigating Food Safety Risk.  

    The benefits of grazing sheep or other livestock to help convert cover crops to manure are becoming more well known, and interest in grazing livestock on cover crops in nut orchards has shown a steady increase in recent years. However, there are concerns about food-borne pathogens and food safety with this practice. The Organic Center, with a $75,000 award, will collaborate with the University of California at Davis to help design and coordinate an integrated research-extension approach to assess the benefits of livestock grazing on cover crops on bacterial populations, soil health, pest control and economic outcomes, with the goal to enhance the value of cover crops while limiting food safety risks in organic orchards in two distinct nut orchard regions in California.

    Expanding Organic Cotton Production in the US Cotton Belt Through Research and Outreach on Organic, Regenerative Practices.  

    The organic cotton sector in the U.S. is currently a $2 billion industry and is poised for rapid growth, fueled by consumer demands and growing interest among leading textile industry players to include organic cotton in their product portfolios. But organic cotton acreage in the United States remains small, and the need to increase domestic cotton production is critical. The Organic Center has been awarded almost $60,000 to work with Texas A&M University to help implement a coordinated research, extension and education program to promote and expand organic cotton production in the U.S. Cotton Belt.

    “The OREI program provides the most important pool of funds to advance our work at The Organic Center,” said The Organic Center’s Sciligo. “While this pot of funding has seen tremendous growth through the implementation of the last farm bill, future bills need to continue to increase the funding dedicated to organic research. We have come a long way in the past few decades, but with the increased demand for organic in the marketplace and the initiation of several USDA programs aimed at significantly increasing organic transition, the need for current organic research is unprecedented.”

    About The Organic Center

    The Organic Center’s mission is to convene credible, evidence-based science on the health and environmental impacts of organic food and farming and to communicate the findings to the public. The Center is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) research and education organization operating under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association.

  • Minimize Potential Sudden Autumn Freeze Damage in Walnut

    Minimize Potential Sudden Autumn Freeze Damage in Walnut

    Damage from a sudden autumn freeze can occur when trees experience freezing temperatures prior to going into dormancy. With sudden autumn freeze damage occurring in three of the last five years, preparing for these freeze events needs to be a regular part of every walnut grower’s summer and fall orchard operations. The best approach to escape damage from a fall freeze is to have frost alarms ready and turned on by October 15, completely rehydrate trees after harvest, and actively irrigate during frost events.

    Left: Withhold irrigation until a terminal vegetative bud sets on the trunk. Right: After a severe freeze event cut into the southwest-facing trunk, looking for dark brown discoloration of the cambium. (Photos: Janine Hasey)

    Steps to prepare:

      1. Tender new growth is most vulnerable to freeze damage: prevent trees from pushing late-season growth by cutting off N applications by mid-August (young trees) or early September (mature trees).
      2. For young trees, withhold irrigation starting in early to mid-September, waiting to resume irrigation until after a terminal bud (left photo) is set on the trunk. After the terminal bud has set, resume irrigation to avoid tree stress and defoliation. For bearing trees, terminal buds usually set as a side effect of the water cutoff done ahead of harvest.
      3. Keep groundcovers cut to 2 inches or less starting in mid-October. This allows sunlight to reach the soil surface, storing heat for a warmer orchard through the night.
      4. Rehydrate trees immediately after harvest, and actively monitor soil moisture and freeze predictions (usually from mid-October through December) until trees are acclimated to frost (see note below). Trees with adequate soil moisture are better able to withstand low temperatures without damage than trees in dry soil. This is because water-filled spaces in the soil conduct and store more heat than empty airspaces. If a freeze is predicted and the soil is dry, it should ideally be wetted 2 to 3 days before a freeze event. Light irrigation to moisten a dry soil surface the morning before a frost will help obtain the greatest heat storage for re-radiation at night (if there is no ponding going into the freeze event).
      5. Some growers with the ability to actively irrigate during sudden autumn freeze events have reported great success in preventing damage. We know from work in almonds that active frost protection can achieve as much as 4 degrees of warming with solid set, 1-2 degrees with micro-sprinkler, and maybe even some benefit running a drip system.

    When do you no longer have to worry about preparing for the next freeze?

    Fully dormant mature healthy trees can tolerate temperatures to the low 20’s (°F) or below. We believe walnuts acclimate by having the first mild frost events in autumn with lows near or just below 32° F. However, we do not know how many mild freezes are required to acclimate trees in autumn. If the soil is dry ahead of the third, fourth, and maybe additional freeze events – it’s better to irrigate and be safe if you can do so. In addition, consider keeping up your freeze response program longer into fall or early winter for younger orchards with lots of current season’s growth.

    If you suspect freeze damage occurred, cut into the branches shortly after the freeze event and check the tissue for drying or browning (right photo). Sunburn after freeze can further damage tissue on the southwest side of the tree. Paint the southwest side of damaged trees with 50% diluted (1:1 water to paint) white interior latex paint. Painting up to a week after the freeze event can reduce additional damage by half or more. You can learn more about freeze recovery in our article 2020 Walnut Freeze: Road to Recovery.

    — By Luke Milliron, UCCE Farm Advisor Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties; Jaime Ott, Orchard Systems Advisor, Tehama, Shasta, Glenn, and Butte Counties; Janine Hasey, UCCE Farm Advisor Emerita; and Joe Connell, UCCE Farm Advisor Emeritus

  • Managing Salty Soils and Water

    Managing Salty Soils and Water

    Almond Board of California — Salinity poses a significant challenge to almond growers in certain areas and can greatly impact the performance of an orchard over time, costing producers in lost income. According to Mae Culumber, nut crop advisor from the University of California Cooperative Extension, almond trees are salt-sensitive and understanding soil salt levels and water sources become crucial even before planting an orchard.

    Mae Culumber, UCCE Fresno County Nut Crops Advisor

    There are two types of salt stress that impact almond trees — osmotic stress and specific iron toxicity. “It’s important to know the type of problem that you’re dealing with, particularly when you have a change in water source, to know what the composition of salts is,” Culumber said.

    Osmotic stress arises from salt accumulation, hampering water and nutrient uptake, leading to reduced vigor and early yield loss. If salt accumulates over time, specific iron toxicity becomes evident, causing the tree to absorb salts and accumulate in the roots, resulting in necrotic leaves. This damages the tree’s ability to photosynthesize and nourish developing kernels.

    Culumber said maintaining a balance between salinity and amendments is essential and regular soil sampling helps decide between water or soil applied amendments. “Annual sampling is recommended for the soil, and we want to sample at both depth and the top zero to three inches,” Culumber said. “That will help us decide whether or not we’re going to use water applied or soil applied amendments.”

    A newly introduced management guide provides insight into different salt types, their impacts on almonds and sources of stress. The Salinity Management Guide for Almonds, written by Culumber and co-produced by the Almond Board of California and UC ANR, simplifies complex calculations, and helps growers develop customized strategies based on their soil and water analyses.

    “The guide tries to break it down into individual steps and tell you exactly what measurements that you need from those soil and water analysis to make those calculations. We tried to make a complicated subject of calculating these amendments into something that everyone can do based on looking at that information.”

    This comprehensive guide offers a solution-driven approach to tackling salinity issues, empowering almond growers to make informed decisions and implement effective strategies for successful yields. The resource is available in a physical copy that can be ordered through ABC’s Grower Resources order form, and as a downloadable PDF on Almonds.com.

  • Introducing a Butte County UC Walnut Variety Trial

    Introducing a Butte County UC Walnut Variety Trial

    A ten-acre Butte County Walnut Variety Trial was planted at the Chico State Farm in May of this year. A collaboration between Chico State, UC Davis Walnut Improvement Program, and UC Cooperative Extension, this variety trial aims to identify new varieties that will perform exceptionally well in this region. The orchard is being managed using conventional practices that are currently industry standard for Chandler production. Eighteen new selections developed by the UC Walnut Improvement Program are planted in the replicated trial, along with Solano, Wolfskill, Howard, and Chandler. All trees are planted on RX1 rootstock on a 26’ X 26’ spacing with micro-sprinklers. The selections were chosen for qualities including kernel color and size, yield, blight ratings and late flowering dates in preliminary greenhouse and small plot field trials. Early bearing, long-term yield and nut quality, resistance to and avoidance of walnut blight, as well as heat tolerance will be monitored over the next several years.

    Generous support from the Walnut Board of California, Sierra Gold Nurseries, Crain Ranch, M&T Chico Ranch, and the staff and management at the CSUC University Farm made this project possible. Additionally, the variety trial was recently awarded funding by the CSU Agricultural Research Institute, which will support ongoing field operations, student involvement and training on the farm, and data collection and testing in the field. We will provide periodic updates on the progress of the variety trial and host field meetings in the years to come, but if you’d like to learn more please contact Clarissa Reyes, Orchards Farm Advisor based in Yuba/Sutter Counties at: clareyes@ucanr.edu or Becky Wheeler-Dykes, Orchard Systems and Weed Ecology Farm Advisor based in Glenn County at bawheeler@ucanr.edu.  — By Becky Wheeler-Dykes, Orchard Systems and Weed Ecology Farm Advisor, Glenn, Colusa, and

    Tehama Counties