Micro-irrigation is becoming more popular in the Pacific Northwest hazelnut industry. Watch this brief interview with Agricare agronomist TJ Hafner, as he shares what’s worked best in his experience. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. Don’t currently receive this monthly publication. Subscribe for FREE at https://malcolmmedia.com/pacific-nut-producer-magazine-subscriptions/.
Anti-pesticide sentiment has never been more prevalent, as California courts and anti-agricultural organizations frighten the public with non-science based claims of the harmful effects of crop protection materials such as glyphosate. What farmers need to understand though now, is that much more than glyphosate is currently at stake. The legislature is now being pressured to change the whole pesticide regulatory system as we know it. Watch this brief interview with Michael Miiller, Director of Government Relations with the California Association of Winegrape Growers to learn more.
One of the main concerns with recent almond acreage trends is in the exponential growth of earlier harvesting varieties and how the how that will impact early stockpiling at hulling and processing facilities. Growers obviously want to harvest their crops as soon as possible, but Navel Orangeworm damage doesn’t stop as soon as the nuts leave the orchard. Watch this brief video with Martin Pohl from Hughson Nut as he explains the situation and need for the almond industry to evolve with the trends. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
As growers, both new and experienced, continued to add to the record almond acreage in California, many are constantly evaluating what varieties to plant. With many new varieties on the market and consumer trends continuing to evolve, there is a lot to consider in variety selection. Check out this brief interview with Martin Pohl from Hughson Nut Company as he shares his insights from a processor’s perspective. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
With the recent announcement that almonds would be exempt from the Produce Safety Rule under FSMA, growers may think they got off the hook regarding extra trainings and documentation for food safety practices in the field, but watch this video with Tim Birmingham from the Almond Board of California who clarifies the recent change. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
After so many years of drought, it’s difficult for growers to complain about all the recent rain events that have been occurring throughout California; however, the abnormally significant amount of precipitation this past month has posed its share of challenges to tree nut growers that have been anxiously awaiting entry into their orchards to make their much needed fungicide sprays and fertilizer applications. Some growers did suffer significant crop loss due to hail storms West of Tulare. Watch this brief interview with Tulare County Almond/Pistachio grower Brian Watte, also current Chairman of American Pistachio Growers, as he discusses the impact of the recent storms. Read more about it in the coming issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
The world is at war with California agriculture, and there never has been a more important time for the industry to be united and have a strong voice in Sacramento and Washington than now. That’s why we have lobbying trade organizations like the Almond Alliance of California to unite and support the needs and priorities of growers, hullers and processors. Watch this brief interview with Almond Alliance President Elaine Trevino as she explains at their annual convention. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
With all the new almond acreage coming into production, that means more almond hulls and shells to find a home for. So what are some economical options? Watch this brief interview with Julie Adams from the Almond Board of California to discuss options for exporting these coproducts overseas. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
With the largest pistachio crop ever in the west last year coupled with international trade issues, some might be concerned about prices and how to move such a large inventory; however, American Pistachio Growers (APG) reported that the demand is out there at their annual conference, and APG unveiled some exciting new marketing plans for the coming year, including a new market in India. Watch this brief interview with Judy Hirigoyen from APG, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Researchers and growers are tackling the formidable tree nut pest Navel Orangeworm from all fronts. One method underway is in utilizing the same sterile insect technology and facility that eradicated pink bollworm from the cotton industry years ago. There have been some challenges in adapting the system for Navel Orangeworm, as shared by Bob Klein from the Pistachio Research Board; however there is great potential for this program to aid growers in managing this pest. Watch this brief interview with Bob and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.