Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: Matthew Malcolm

  • Alternative Uses for Processed Hazelnut Shells that can Benefit Growers

    Oregon hazelnut growers just wrapped up their largest harvest ever. With good weather and decent returns, growers are pretty happy and finally enjoying some much needed rest. Hazelnut processors, on the other hand, are hard at work processing and marketing the product. They are committed to the challenge of handling a record-sized crop, but unfortunately have to figure out what to do with the massive amount of shells/biomass that accompanies it. Processors can pay to have it composted… or, could this bi-product be utilized more profitably? Watch Matthew Malcolm’s brief interview with hazelnut grower and nurseryman Loren Birkemeier to find out.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • Five Ways to Avoid Expensive Irrigation Repairs & DU Losses

    Irrigation systems today are amazing at getting just the right amount of water where it needs to be to meet a crop’s needs; however, if these systems are not well-maintained, things can go south pretty fast, resulting in distribution uniformity-related losses and expensive repairs. During his presentation at Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo, UC Cooperative Extension Irrigation & Soils Advisor Moneim Mohamed noted that regular and proper irrigation system maintenance can prevent expensive repairs.  Watch his video interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network for five key tasks for preventative maintenance.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • Pecan Harvest Underway, Tight Supply May Bring Higher Prices

    Pecan harvest is underway, just in time for that Thanksgiving pecan pie; however American pecans are breaking out of their shell and being utilized by consumers around the world in more creative ways than ever before. During the State of the Tree Nut Industry presentations at Malcolm Media Ag Expos, Anne Warden, CEO of the American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board shared insights on the growth potential of American Pecans. After her address, she met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to elaborate and provide an update on pecan harvest and the market this year. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in the coming issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • New Pilot Program for Walnut Inspections Could be a Game-Changer for Entire Tree Nut Industry

    California walnut growers have been wanting to see more consistency on incoming inspections, and DFA of California has been leading the charge to deliver on that. Brendan O’Donnell, President of DFA of California met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share details on a new pilot program in walnuts that has been implemented this season that could be a game changer for the entire tree nut industry. Watch the interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going on at Fresno State, Thanks to Pistachio Harvester Partnership with OXBO

    Thanks to a collaborative partnership with OXBO, Fresno State ag students have hands-on access to state-of-the-art pistachio harvesting equipment. During the thick of pistachio harvest, Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Ag instructor John Williams, Jordan College of Agriculture Dean Rolston St. Hilaire, and OXBO Fruit Division President Robert Huckaby out in the Fresno State pistachio orchard to explain the collaborative nature of this partnership and how it stands to benefit the future of the pistachio industry. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • CAPCA on the Rise & Role of Biologicals in Crop Protection

    Crop protection tools are becoming more and more regulated and limited in California. Biostimulants, biopesticides and biofertilizers offer more options for growers. How they fit into conventional and organic farming systems is still being investigated and how the California Department of Pesticide Regulation should treat and classify them is still in debate. The California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) has been actively involved in the conversation though, advocating for tools for sustainable pest management. At their annual Conference, Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm sat down with CAPCA State Board Vice President Adam Tavares from AMVAC Chemical as he shared his perspective on where their at and priorities for the future.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • What is California Grown? New Board Chair Shares Perspective

    What is California Grown, its Mission, and what it means to the hundreds of agricultural commodities it represents? Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm met with the new Chair of the organization, Kiaran Locy from the California Prune Board to find out. Watch this video if you love agriculture and want to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • How to Effectively Control Rats on California Farms in a State of Emergency

    Rats have taken an unusual interest in the specialty crop capital of the nation. Many attribute the cause to the pest multiplying unchecked in orchards and vineyards in the Central Valley that have been abandoned due to water restrictions and economic challenges. This becomes a real problem when the rats move into neighboring farms in active production, tearing up driplines, feeding on crops and damaging trees. Growers are in a state of emergency and have limited tools for managing this pest.  Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm met with UCCE Wildlife Specialist Roger Baldwin at the California Association of Pest Control Adviser’s annual conference to gain answers on how to knock down populations effectively and keep the pest at bay.  Watch this brief interview and learn more by attending Baldwin’s presentation on rat control at the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo at the Fresno Fairgrounds on Nov. 14 (register to attend at agexpo.biz).

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • How to Manage Voles on the Farm & New Research Underway at Oregon State University

    Got voles on the farm and don’t know how to get rid of them? Oregon State University researchers are coming to the rescue. Watch this brief interview as Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm meets with Oregon State University representatives Dana Sanchez and Joshua Twining share advice on how to manage them, as well as new research developments on how to better understand their behavior and how they respond to modern mitigation techniques.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • Oregon Organic Hazelnut Collective Ramps Up Marketing Efforts with Grant Funding Boost

    Thinking about transitioning to organic hazelnut farming? The Oregon Organic Hazelnut Collective is community of organic growers ready to assist others in the process. The Collective is growing as consumers are taking more interest in how their food is grown, and thanks to some recent grant funding, the organization is ramping up their marketing efforts to reach even more consumers. Watch this brief interview as Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm meets with Cassedea Ashley and Judy Hirigoyen representing the Collective to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.