Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: Almond Board of California

  • Almond Board of California Announces 2026 Almond Leadership Program Class

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) announced the 2026 class of its Almond Leadership Program (ALP), welcoming 18 new professionals in the cohort. These industry professionals are committed to strengthening California almond farming and advancing the future of the industry through collaboration, leadership development and innovation.

    The ALP program brings together emerging leaders from across the almond value chain. From growers and agronomists to marketers, processors, field representatives and allied partners, this immersive experience is focused on building leadership skills, industry insight and solving real-world challenges facing California agriculture. Participants will be provided with in-depth exposure to the social, economic, environmental and regulatory forces shaping the future of the California almond industry. Each class member will complete a yearlong, self-directed capstone project focused on addressing a real-world challenge or opportunity for the industry.

    “This program is about preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate complexity, lead with integrity and represent the almond community with confidence,” said Rebecca Bailey, senior specialist overseeing ALP for ABC. “The 2026 class reflects the diversity of perspectives and expertise that will be essential for the long-term success of our industry, and we’re proud to invest in their growth and leadership.”

    Members of the 17th class will not only be working at their full-time jobs but will be involved in every aspect of the industry, including ABC activities in global marketing, production, nutrition research, food safety and more. The program is intended to sharpen their communications skills and build relationships with industry leaders, ABC staff and each other.

    “I joined the Almond Leadership Program because the future of California agriculture depends on thoughtful, engaged leaders who understand both on‑the‑ground realities and the policy landscape,” said Daniel Frea, class member and farmer/attorney at Wanger Jones Helsley PC. “ALP offers a unique opportunity to deepen my industry knowledge, build meaningful relationships and better serve the almond community.”

    Class members also have mentors, many who are ALP graduates, helping them to strengthen their industry knowledge, perspective and skill development.

    “I came into the almond industry without much of an agricultural background. In my first role, I was fortunate enough to work alongside some seasoned almond professionals. I enjoy being a resource to those that are new to or growing in the almond industry,” said Jereme Fromm, mentor and vice president of business development at California Nut Co. “The Almond Leadership Program gives participants an in-depth look into the many facets of the almond industry. Participants are exposed to everything from nutrition research, regulation and trade to market development and on-farm innovation. They also build some great relationships along the way.”

    Continuing a long-standing tradition of service, class members will also raise funds to support California Future Farmers of America (FFA), with a collective goal of raising more than $25,000 in scholarships for high school students pursuing agricultural studies in college. Since the program’s inception, ALP participants have raised more than $320,000 for FFA to help support the next generation of agricultural leaders.

    2026 Almond Leadership Program Participants

    • Rebekah Burrows, Customer Care Specialist | Grower – Owner/Operator, Advancing Eco Agriculture | GGI Farms
    • Grace Fales, Sales Manager, Baugher Ranch Organics
    • Daniel Frea, Attorney / Farmer, Wanger Jones Helsley PC / Frea Farms
    • Austin Jackson, Regional Manager – Member Relations, Blue Diamond Growers
    • Andrew Jensen, CEO / Agronomist, Crop Syndicate
    • Julian Jimenez, Production / Ranch Manager, Pomona Farming LLC
    • Natalie Kidd, Grower, Kidd Farms
    • Catherine Machado, Operational Support Manager, Manulife Farmland Management Services
    • Madison Martella, Grower Relations, Monte Vista
    • Prabh Monder, General Manager, Monder Farms
    • Connor Pate, Manager of Precision Agriculture, Belkorp Ag, LLC
    • Alexus Powell-Crow, Marketing & Communications Manager, Grow West
    • Noah Riley, Western Territory Sales Representative, Kula Bio
    • Hyeong Shin, Broker, HS Ventures
    • Orlando Tapia, Agronomy Specialist, Corteva Agriscience
    • John Unzueta, Procurement Manager, Cache Creek Foods LLC
    • Alyssa Valdez, Grower Relations, RPAC LLC
    • James Williamson, Investment Associate, PGIM Real Estate

    For more information about the Almond Leadership Program and the Almond Board of California, visit almonds.org.

    About California Almonds   
    California Almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture.

  • Best Practices for Nighttime Applications

    Honey bee health remains a top priority for almond growers as bloom approaches. According to the Almond Board of California’s Honey Bee Best Management Practices (BMP), one of the most effective ways to reduce bee exposure to crop protection materials is to schedule applications during the evening or nighttime hours, when foraging bees have returned to their hives. The BMPs also emphasize strong communication among growers, beekeepers, PCAs, and applicators to ensure everyone involved knows when applications will occur and can coordinate accordingly.

    Working after dark though can be dangerous. While doing so helps to reduce pollinator exposure to applications, it also requires growers to operate within California’s specific nighttime safety regulations.

    Understanding Nighttime Safety Requirements

    California’s Outdoor Agricultural Operations During Hours of Darkness standards apply to all agricultural work occurring between sunset and sunrise. These regulations require growers to ensure adequate visibility throughout the work environment. Orchard areas, walkways, and paths to restrooms must meet minimum illumination levels measured directly where workers walk or perform tasks.

    Additionally, equipment such as trucks, tractors, and other self-propelled machinery must have headlights and rear lights capable of illuminating at least 50 feet ahead and behind, improving safety for both operators and ground crews. These lighting requirements help reduce the risks posed by diminished nighttime visibility, especially when work involves multiple people and moving equipment.

    Preparing Crews with Pre‑Shift Safety Meetings

    Before each night shift begins, California regulations require supervisors to hold a safety meeting to review important site information. Workers must be informed of the locations of restrooms, drinking water, designated break areas, nearby bodies of water, and high traffic zones. Because nighttime conditions can make familiar surroundings more difficult to navigate, these meetings ensure workers can safely move around the orchard and are aware of any specific hazards.

    Employers are also required to provide and ensure the use of Class 2 high‑visibility garments, helping equipment operators maintain awareness of workers on the ground. Review the Outdoor Agricultural Operations During Hours of Darkness fact sheet for more information and all of the requirements.

    A Unified Approach for Safer, More Effective Operations

    When growers pair honey bee protection guidelines with the required safety measures for nighttime work, the result is a more sustainable and efficient approach to orchard management. Bees remain safely inside their hives during nighttime applications, greatly reducing their exposure to crop protection materials. At the same time, crews can work confidently and safely under proper lighting, with clear preparation and the right equipment.

    As bloom approaches, these practices support the long‑standing commitment of the almond industry to safeguard both pollinators and people. This thoughtful balance ensures that orchards remain not only productive, but also safe and welcoming places for the bees that sustain them. To learn more about protecting pollinators, download the ABC Honey Bee Best Management Practices guide. — Article and image courtesy of Almond Board of California

  • Almond Board of California Gets Major Win in Japan Exports

    The Almond Board of California has reached an alignment with the USDA and the Japanese government on a pre-test protocol for aflatoxin in almonds. This will allow for easier shipping of almonds to Japan. Julie Adams from the Almond Board of California speaks about it with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Almond Industry Requests EPA Follow Sound Science in Essential Product Registration

    The almond industry is has just received Section 18 emergency approval for the use of an essential bactericide for the sixth year. A product that has been fully registered in other commodities, Kasumin should be permanently registered for use in almonds, but the EPA is ignoring the sound science showing that it’s safe and beneficial for almonds under critical weather conditions. Watch this brief interview as Jim Adaskaveg from UC Riverside explains with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Five-Year Almond Forecast Bright with Stronger Prices

    The future looks bright for the California almond industry with the release of a special five-year almond economic forecast. In an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during the Almond Conference in Sacramento, Roland Fumasi from RaboResearch at Rabobank discussed their five-year almond outlook and what growers can expect in the coming seasons. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Blue Diamond Growers Details Actions to Maximize Grower Returns, Honors George Goshgarian Jr

    Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s leading almond cooperative, held its 115th annual meeting on Nov. 19 in Modesto, highlighting a year defined by bold operational decisions and strategic transformation.

    Kai Bockmann, president and CEO, Blue Diamond Growers, shared with growers in attendance that the cooperative navigated a challenging year by responding with urgency and clarity to strengthen long-term competitiveness and grower returns.

    “Our industry is facing real headwinds, from rising input costs and pest-related crop damage to persistent market volatility,” Bockmann said. “But we

    must stay focused on what matters most: maximizing returns for our growers while building a cooperative that will thrive for generations to come. The actions we are taking position us to do exactly that.”

    At the meeting, Blue Diamond’s leadership outlined concrete steps taken to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the cooperative’s market position across three strategic pillars.

    Transforming Operations to Drive Efficiency

    Earlier this year the cooperative announced plans to close its Sacramento manufacturing plant and consolidate operations to the existing Turlock and Salida facilities. The move will maximize efficiencies while moving the manufacturing facilities even closer to the almond-growing regions that are at the heart of the cooperative. The transition strengthens both efficiency and sustainability while honoring Blue Diamond’s commitment to growers.

    “It comes down to one fundamental thing: build a stronger and more profitable Blue Diamond that provides the best return for our growers’ almonds,” Bockmann said. “We’ve made the tough calls this year with decisions that position us for long-term success.”

    Driving Brand Performance and Innovations

    Despite category softness, Blue Diamond maintained the No. 1 position in both Almondmilk and Snack Almonds. The cooperative executed its first brand refresh in more than two decades, laying critical groundwork for renewed consumer engagement. The year saw the successful launch of new product lines including Almonds and More mixed nuts and almond-fruit produce blends in partnership with Oppy® to help establish a presence and ignite growth in the produce section. Additionally, limited-time flavors – including Cherry Slurpee® and Mike’s Hot Honey® – drove consumer excitement and helped the brand remain top-of-mind in a competitive marketplace.

    Expanding within International Markets

    Blue Diamond continues to expand its international footprint across multiple regions and segments. In Canada, the cooperative grew distribution with major retailers at a pace faster than both category and private-label growth. Strategic beverage partnerships and pipeline opportunities took shape in Japan, while new flavor tests launched across Europe for broader retailer expansion. The cooperative also strengthened its core almond segment leadership with in-shell almonds showing impressive growth in key markets including India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

    Announcing the 2025 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador of the Year Award

    At the annual meeting, Blue Diamond’s Board Chairman Steve Van Duyn presented the 2025 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador Award to George Goshgarian Jr., a Blue Diamond grower whose family has farmed with the cooperative for nearly 50 years. Goshgarian Jr. is from Fresno and is completing his MBA at Fresno Pacific University School of Business.

    For more than 13 years, Goshgarian Jr. has served in various capacities at the Almond Board of California, including the Environmental Committee, Almond Quality and Food Safety Services Committee, and Strategic Ag Innovation Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors for eight years, including two terms as vice chair. He values being part of a team that creates solutions to challenging industry issues and serves as a voice for farmers.

    “Serving at the Almond Board gives even the smallest farming operation a seat at the table,” Goshgarian Jr. said. “I’ve been very proud to represent Blue Diamond at the Almond Board of California for more than a decade.”

    Bockmann concluded the annual meeting with remarks reflecting the cooperative’s readiness for the years ahead.

    “Our balance sheet is strong, our strategy is clear, and our team is energized to execute,” he said. “The coming year – and beyond – is about translating strategy into results. We do this in service to our growers, and we’re confident in the direction and path forward.”

    About Blue Diamond

    Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing approximately 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs more than 1,800 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

  • Commercializing Almond Hulls as Food Ingredients

    Almond Board of California — Historically used for dairy cattle feed, almond hulls have had a consistent place in the animal nutrition space. However, a declining dairy herd, in combination with hulls being traded below their production cost, has propelled the industry and the Almond Board of California (ABC) to think about alternative revenue-generating opportunities.

    Helping lead this charge is ABC’s Biomass Working Group, formed in 2017 to explore new applications for almond co-products.

    “This biomass working group is where business meets science,” said Michael Kelley, chairman of the committee and president of Central California Almond Growers Association (CCAGA). “We have become exceedingly appreciative of the ideas and the potential for the commercialization of products using almond hulls.”

    Nutrition Potential

    One area almond hulls have shown strong potential for is human food products. Because of their high fiber content, natural sugars, phytochemicals, minerals, and processing versatility, they offer multiple benefits in the value-added ingredients food space.

    Being that they make up 50% of the almond fruit, they are also abundant in California, creating a reliable and readily available supply for large-scale product development.

    While some may question their safety for human consumption, there are positive indicators that prove almond hulls can meet food-grade quality standards. ABC Associate Director of Food Research and Technology, Guangwei Huang, noted that almond hulls have long been used safely in livestock feed, with no negative effects on animal health or performance. Studies have also shown that pesticide residue and toxicity exposure are not a concern.

    To explore these possibilities further, ABC partnered with Mattson, a product innovation firm, to develop samples of what could be done with hulls.

    These included a high-fiber bar made with 15% almond hulls, delivering five grams of fiber per serving, and a coffee beverage crafted from coarse-ground, roasted hulls. When added to coffee, almond hull powder helped reduce bitterness and enhanced sweetness. In baked goods like bread, it boosted both fiber and phytochemical content.

    Opportunity in “Upcycled” Markets

    Another advantage almond hulls offer is that by adding just 10% or more of almond hull powder to a product, it can qualify for a new third-party “upcycled” certification. While “upcycling” is a relatively new term, it’s become increasingly important to consumers concerned about food waste, noted Daniel Kurzrock, founder and CEO of Upcycled Foods.

    After working with upcycled ingredients across various commodities, Kurzrock said he’s seen firsthand the wide-ranging benefits. These include improved sustainability and circularity, the creation of new revenue streams, reduced disposal costs and stronger alignment with shifting consumer values.

    “The almond industry is not alone in seeing this potential,” he said. “There’s profit potential for every aspect of the stakeholder chain if we’re able to create uses that are solving problems for companies that buy ingredients.”

    Because the end-market for almond hulls is still being widely explored, he also suggested that at this stage in development, it’s important to initiate customer conversations before deciding what to invest in.

    “An approach that we find to be working with other materials is doing a pilot to produce some quantity of viable hulls that can go to a miller or a secondary processor to start those customer conversations,” he said.

    Steps for Commercialization

    While it’s not realistic to expect the hulls to be process-ready when leaving the huller/sheller, Huang said efforts to clean and improve their quality can still make a significant impact.

    “When the time comes, the industry needs to set minimal specifications or quality requirements for almond hulls for food uses,” Huang said. “We are trying to minimize foreign material, and most importantly, we need the involvement and attention of stakeholders. We’re not expecting the huller/seller to get hulls to the ready-to-process stage, but they can minimize those foreign materials down to less than 5%.”

    The industry must also complete a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) assessment for human consumption, a requirement mandated by the Food and Drug Administration since hulls haven’t previously been used as a food ingredient. This assessment  is expected to be completed by late 2025, Huang said.

    Innovations in Processing

    Several companies in the almond industry are already investing in hull-cleaning systems to ensure they are ready for when almond hulls receive food-safe approval. One of those pioneer companies is Cortez Growers Association.

    Recognizing almond hulls as a potential revenue stream, Cortez implemented a cleaning system to remove unwanted materials – sticks, shells, and almond meats – that typically end up in the hull pile. By separating these components, they could sell the almond meats as hash, a “refreshing benefit” to add value to what was once considered waste, said general manager, Dave Thiel.

    Other processors are also refining their methods. Corbin Sturdivan of Wilkey Industries explained that current hull cleaning systems include an aspirator to remove the shell from the hull and a detwigger deck to remove sticks from the hulls.

    “While this has worked for many years to reduce the fiber content for dairy feed, there is more refinement that we can do with this system by introducing additional screening and additional aspiration,” Sturdivan said.

    Through their trials with ABC, Sturdivan and his team discovered that by adding a screen to sift through the hulls, they could be better classified and ranked.

    “We would de-twig the product; it would be screened, and the screen would sift out all of the fines from the hulls,” he said. “What is left over is what we would call scalped hulls, and this is your larger, good material created from the early stages of hulling.”

    From their observation, Wilkey Industries also found that 1 to 1.3% of total hull weight can actually be recoverable kernel.

    “That translates to roughly 3% of your kernel production that is actually sitting in the hull pile,” he said. “So, by integrating a screen and some additional aspiration, not only can we clean the hulls, but we can also reclaim those kernels and hash that have much higher value to be sold instead of letting them go to dairy feed uses.”

    Additional Sorting Techniques

    As cleaning technologies continue to advance, innovations in color sorting are emerging as a key tool for preparing almond hulls for food-grade applications. The team at Chandler Automation has spent time working on this, and the initial models have been successful at “creating pure hull piles in one pass,” said CEO, Sean Chandler.

    More research is needed to determine where this best fits in the manufacturing process – be it at the huller, processor, or a separate site and how it will be financially feasible.

    “We have to do more research on our side to see the best way to mechanically clean hulls, mechanically feed it, and mechanically pass it through our systems because the technology is there to create that pure, premium hull,” he said.

    Looking Ahead

    As ABC continues to refine its strategy for marketing almond hulls as a food ingredient, the industry is taking proactive measures to position itself for success, and that starts with collaboration among all players involved.

    “We are about to begin a new journey to generate more revenue from almond hulls,” Huang concluded. “It will take a while and more effort to develop the market and demand, but if you are interested in creating more value out of almond hulls, many of us can work together to shorten the process.”

  • Almonds Are Key to Achieving Coach PRIME’s Renewed Health Goals

    Deion “Coach PRIME” Sanders is back for another college football season, persevering after challenges with his health. As he gears up for the hustle and grind, his commitment to personal health is stronger than ever, with a mission to motivate others to live a healthy life, part of which includes eating better-for-you snacks like almonds. Packed with nutrients, almonds are more than just a snack; they are a cornerstone of the healthy lifestyle Coach PRIME is championing.

    Whether Coach PRIME is leading his team and family toward success or motivating others to make the right decisions, he is deeply committed to living with purpose, and that includes how he takes care of his body. Backed by research, daily almond snacking supports his intentional approach to health. Almonds are his go-to snack in the locker room, his office and even on the sidelines, making them a meaningful partner in his everyday routine.

    “I take my health seriously—now more than ever—and others gotta do the same to be their best and stay prime,” said Sanders. “Almonds aren’t just a snack, they’re part of the process, and I’m committed to the process. Take your health seriously, be consistent, and eat your dern almonds every day. Don’t wait another second to focus on what your body needs.”

    Snacking can be a healthy habit when done right, and Coach PRIME is calling on everyone to start today by making smarter snack choices that fuel the body and promote overall health. Almonds are a powerhouse snack, delivering steady energy and satiety through a natural blend of 6g of protein, 4g of fiber, 50% DV of vitamin E, 20% DV of magnesium, 13g of “good” unsaturated fats and only 1g of saturated fat in one serving (23 almonds). From aiding heart and metabolic health to gut support and beyond, almonds play a valuable role in healthy living. Plus, almonds’ versatility makes them a smart choice for anyone looking for simple, consistent nutrition.

    Tune in for more from Coach PRIME and California Almonds with ads airing on national and cable TV networks like CBS Sports and ESPN. Visit almonds.com and follow California Almonds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see how almonds are a key part in Coach’s renewed health journey.

    About California Almonds 

    California Almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational 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.

  • Confronting the Rodent Crisis: Challenges and Interventions for Almond Growers

    California almond growers are facing an unprecedented challenge this season as a severe roof rat infestation sweeps through orchards across the Southern and Western San Joaquin Valley. An early survey indicates the outbreak has impacted well over 100,000 acres, a number that has likely grown, causing widespread damage and significant economic losses.

    What the Almond Board of California Has Learned

    Almond growers across Merced, Fresno, Kings, and Kern counties have reported an alarming spike in rodent populations. Over the last several months, ABC has participated in tours and meetings about the severity of this rat infestation, and field observations indicate that these rodents are using irrigation canals and other waterways as corridors, enabling them to rapidly spread between orchards and diverse agricultural fields. This mobility is exacerbating the extent of damage and complicating containment efforts.

    Roof rats are arboreal, meaning they spend a considerable amount of their life above ground, often building nests in trees. However, for several years, researchers have noted that in almonds and other tree nuts, they use burrows extensively.  Although it’s undetermined as to why, some believe it’s the lack of cover in the winter months that drives this behavior.

    According to preliminary findings from a CDFA-led surveyconducted in the fall of 2024, monitoring efforts revealed particularly high densities of rats in the reported areas, with up to 32 rats captured per night at some locations. Direct damage to the trees occurs through consumption of nuts, girdling of small and large limbs, and burrowing in the root zone. Additionally, damage to irrigation systems, equipment and other infrastructure within orchards is often greater than direct crop loss.

    Economic analyses from the CDFA report estimated total on-farm losses ranging from $109 million to $311 million. Major expenses contributing to these figures included drip line replacements, which alone accounted for losses between $56 million and $168 million, and yield losses resulting from disrupted post-harvest irrigation, estimated at $43 million to $129 million. Additional significant costs stemmed from direct tree damage, farm equipment repairs, machinery cleaning due to rodent contamination and replacement of damaged trees.

    The lower-end estimates assumed less extensive damage, such as 25% of affected acreage needing drip line replacement and 10% tree damage. Conversely, the higher-end scenario accounted for more severe conditions, including drip line replacements on 75% of impacted acreage, 15% tree damage, and substantial farm equipment repairs and maintenance.

    Photo Caption: Irrigation line damage from rats

    Drip line damage and yield reductions alone represented nearly 90% of the anticipated financial impact. Furthermore, CDFA cautions that these numbers may underestimate the true financial burden, as broader impacts, including newly planted orchards and extensive post-harvest cleanup beyond farm machinery, were not fully quantified in the preliminary analysis.

    During ABC’s learnings, one grower noted the replacement of an entire drip irrigation system was estimated at $20,000, and the rodents also chewed through irrigation wiring causing fires. A second almond grower detailed extreme damage that was estimated at a 50% crop loss, even while he was exterminating between 50-100 rats a day.

    Photo Caption: Aside from equipment and tree damage, rats are eating the nuts themselves on the tree.

    UC ANR’s IPM Recommendations

    Farm managers, PCAs, and growers are expressing growing frustration and concern over their ability to sustain operations. Management strategies currently in use include bait stations and aluminum phosphide treatments of burrows in the winter, and less conventional methods such as snap traps, owl boxes and applying carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide into burrows as another fumigation option. However, many growers report these tactics are labor-intensive, costly, and insufficient for the scale of this infestation. Additionally, growers noted that rotating bait flavors has become necessary as rodents quickly grow wary and “bait shy.”

    Based on research led by UC ANR scientists Niamh Quinn and Roger Baldwin, growers are advised to implement a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy tailored specifically to roof rat behavior in tree nut orchard environments. The cornerstone of effective IPM is rigorous monitoring with the use of tracking tunnels and ink cards. Strategically placed game cameras can pinpoint rat activity hotspots, while also providing information on how rat numbers are changing over time.

    Using that information, growers can then implement targeted baiting programs. Elevated bait stations containing diphacinone-treated oats, positioned every 165 feet, align with roof rats’ natural climbing behavior while minimizing risks to non-target species. For tree nuts, bait stations strategically placed on the ground could also help, although this application is limited to dormant seasons. To have a significant impact, growers must keep stations full of fresh bait over a period of about four weeks. In situations where rat densities are very high, a longer period may be needed.

    Again, monitoring is important during the bait program period and growers should stop the program when bait consumption becomes minimal. As a reminder, rodenticide regulations are ever-changing, and applicators should always read the label carefully to ensure compliance.

    Strategically placed snap traps in protective trapping tunnels, spaced approximately 245 feet apart, form a crucial component of long-term rat control post-baiting. Regular maintenance and monitoring of these traps are necessary to sustain effectiveness. Collaboration among neighboring orchards can further enhance the efficacy of these integrated pest management measures.

    During the dormant season, broadcasting zinc phosphide bait or applying zinc phosphide within burrows is also an option, although the efficacy of this bait for rats in California orchards is unknown. Burrow fumigation with aluminum phosphide, gas cartridges or carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide injection devices are also options. UC ANR advises growers to be aware that if using aluminum phosphide, in addition to normal requirements that apply to all restricted-use fumigants, you also now need to have a Burrowing Vertebrate Pest Fumigation Certificate (PCA license) to use this product.  Also note that any diphacinone-treated bait for use in bait stations must be bought from a County Ag Commissioner’s office.

    Based on the level of infestation learned from using the tracking tools, multiple overlapping strategies may be necessary to reduce the populations.  And if possible, rotating to a non-diphacinone option is a good decision to avoid diphacinone-resistance.

    Additional Support and Resources on the Horizon

    Industry groups are mobilizing to provide tangible support for growers facing ongoing rodent pressures. CAPCA, in collaboration with the Almond Board of California and other agricultural partners, is pooling funds to purchase and distribute abatement stations or owl boxes to affected regions, depending on CDFA recommendations.

    Additionally, CDFA is actively working to facilitate updates to pesticide labels for rodent control materials. Specifically, updates and approvals for the use of zinc phosphide and diphacinone are in progress, which could expand application options for growers if finalized. These advancements would provide growers with additional chemical tools to integrate into their rodent management programs.

    Furthermore, the latest information and assistance opportunities are being planned for informative sessions at the 51st Annual CAPCA Conference in October and The Almond Conference in December. UC Cooperative Extension’s Roger Baldwin will be presenting Monday, October 20, at the annual CAPCA conference in Reno, Nevada. ABC’s Gabriele Ludwig will be leading a discussion about rodent control in the face of changing regulations at The Almond Conference December 10-12 in Sacramento, CA. — By the Almond Board of California

  • Revised Forecast Reveals Larger California Almond Crop

    The 2025 California Almond Objective Measurement Report published Thursday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) estimates that the crop harvested in 2025 will come in at 3.0 billion meat pounds.

    The Objective Estimate is up 7 percent from USDA-NASS’s Subjective Forecast in May and 10 percent higher than last year’s crop of 2.73 billion meat pounds.

    “The Objective Measurement reflects the hard work by California almond growers during uncertain times,” said Clarice Turner, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California. “While shipping has remained consistently strong, we know uncertainty remains surrounding future trade policies. We continue to engage with trade partners and stakeholders to encourage constructive solutions that support fair and stable trade so California almonds can continue to be enjoyed by consumers around the world.”

    The 2024 harvest yielded 2.73 billion pounds, 2.5% below the 2024 Objective Report estimate, reflecting the difficulty of precisely forecasting crop size given the current fluctuations in weather and economic factors.

    The report shared the 2025 almond crop experienced variable weather during bloom, which began in early February and peaked in the middle of the month. Storms brought rain, wind and hail, which hindered bee hours and blossom growth. Conditions improved in early March with warm temperatures accelerating the crop’s progress through the end of bloom. Mild temperatures and timely rain in spring supported nut growth and continued through early summer, lessening heat stress in orchards. Lower than normal pest and disease pressure have been reported. Harvest is expected to begin on time.

    “While this year’s Objective Measurement estimate is higher than the industry expected, shipments remain strong. We are focused on innovation—expanding almond applications, reaching consumers through new channels, and opening markets around the world,” added Turner. “The Almond Board is actively driving initiatives to stimulate demand around the world.”

    USDA-NASS’ forecasted yield is 2,160 pounds per acre, up from 1,980 in 2024. The forecast for the average nut set per tree is 4,364, an increase of 7 percent compared to 2024. The Nonpareil average nut set of 4,526 is 9 percent higher than last year. The average kernel weight for all varieties sampled was 1.60 grams, down 0.6 percent from the 2024 average weight. The Nonpareil average kernel weight was 1.60 grams, down 2 percent from the 2024 average weight.

    The 2025 Objective Report is based on actual almond counts using a statistically rigorous methodology. The survey was conducted from May 24 to June 28 and 1,892 trees were sampled in 946 orchards. USDA-NASS conducts the annual Objective Report, Subjective Forecast and Nursery Survey to provide the California almond industry with the data needed to make informed business decisions.