Year-To-Date shipments of California almonds continue to track as expected, flat to last year, limited by supply. Current year crop receipts are 1.880 billion pounds, 7% behind prior year, continuing to project a final total below 1.9 billion pounds.

The 2012 California crop is greater than 80% shipped & committed, with committed backlog of less than 90 days of global supply. Based on low ending inventories for the current crop, there will be inadequate supplies of pollinators to support market demand from early summer through October when the new crop is available.

The U.S. is driving industry growth. Last month’s shipments were up 13% bringing the year to date increase to 8.3% over prior year, an increase of 33 million pounds. Export sales globally were down for the month versus prior year driven by declines in China, India and the Middle East. On a year-to-date basis, China and the Middle East are tracking behind prior year, 14% and 28% respectively, while India is up 11%. European shipments for April declined, leaving Europe tracking -4% versus prior year.

The 2013 almond crop has benefited greatly from the generally warm temperatures the region has received since the completion of the bloom. This has produced strong growth rates and relatively advanced maturity levels. Growers are now waiting for the first and best indication of maturity, which will be noted when the first nuts have become fully solidified.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service  (NASS) Subjective Estimate for the 2013 Almond Crop was released today at 2.0 billion lbs. The estimate represents a 3% increase in yield from the 2012 crop.

Added to the current 2012 Crop supply scenario, growth of 3% in 2013 crop consumption would result in carry-out inventories of significantly less than 300 million lbs. both this year and next.

Based on these expectations, firm pricing is projected through the summer for both current and new crop.

The California industry shipment number will be published on May 9.

This report covers conditions and observations made between Monday, April 15 and Sunday, April 28, 2013. The next report is scheduled for Monday, June 3, 2013.

Northern California Almond Bloom Report –

Sacramento Valley almond growers enjoyed dry conditions during the latter half of April, punctuated with periods of gusty winds. Coolest daytime temperatures were reported early in the period, with readings rising from the mid and upper 60’s, to peak in the upper 80’s to 90 degrees by Sunday, the 21st. Conditions moderated slightly during the latter half of the period, dipping back into the upper 70’s and lower 80’s. Morning lows in the southern areas and along the west side of the valley were reported in the mid and upper 40’s as the period began and peaked in the upper 50’s on the warmest days. Readings in the region’s northern areas exhibited a bit more stability with readings consistently in the mid 40’s to lower 50’s. Winds were once again a dominant factor in the region’s weather. Speeds of 10 to 15 were commonly reported with readings on windier days reaching above 25 mph.

Observers are reporting that the winds have provided the only real challenge for almond growers in the Sacramento Valley so far this year. Morning temperatures have remained above threatening levels, eliminating concerns of frost damage while warm daytime temperatures have provided for excellent growth rates. Winds have increased the degree of nut loss and amplified orchards water needs while complicating irrigation scheduling. Growers want to ensure that they are able to keep their soil moisture at optimum levels, but must take wind into consideration when scheduling irrigations to ensure that the trees have the best chance of standing up against the winds. Observers have noted that many plantings of the Monterey variety are shedding nuts quite heavily. While not unprecedented, it is a bit unusual to see the amount of nuts on the ground under the Monterey rows.

Throughout the region, mowers can be observed taking down excessive vegetation within the orchards. Sprayers have also been dispatched on the calmest days, treating for the summer-time fungal diseases Scab and Rust, which must be completed prior to infection. Growers have also stepped up their fertility programs this year in an effort to support the developing crop. Growers are monitoring the tree’s vegetative development and working to employ new protocols developed by University researchers to aid in early season tissue analysis used to monitor their orchards nutritional status.

While in better condition than those in the San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Valley almond growers are also monitoring their water supplies closely. Growers along the west side of the region drawing their water from the Tehama-Colusa Canal have had their allotments cut to 75% of contracted amounts. However, given that the full contract amount provides for only two acre-feet of water, growers there must increase their reliance their private wells to meet the crop’s water needs. All growers are monitoring pumping levels in their deep wells, with many reconditioning existing wells to ensure adequate supplies throughout the growing season.

Central California Almond Bloom Report –

Dry conditions prevailed over the central region during the latter half of April. Daily maximum temperatures warmed during the period, rising from the mid and upper 60’s as the period began to peak in the mid and upper 80’s. Morning minimum temperatures generally followed a similar pattern with readings rising from the upper 40’s to the mid and upper 50’s as the period concluded. However, the morning of Wednesday, April 17th provided the coldest minimum temperatures when readings dropped into the mid 30’s after a day of dry, north winds, which dropped dew point readings to very low levels. Winds were a major factor in the period’s weather, though generally to a lesser degree than was experienced during the first half of the month. Wind speeds of 10 to 15 mph were common during the period with speeds topping out in the lower 20’s on the windiest days.

Observers are reporting that the 2013 almond crop has benefited greatly from the generally warm temperatures the region has received since the completion of the bloom. Morning temperatures have remained above damaging levels while daily maximums have reached above normal values on the vast majority of days. This has produced strong growth rates and relatively advanced maturity levels. While many orchards are still shedding nuts that will not be carried to maturity, the winds that the region has endured over the past month has generally scrubbed the trees clean. Kernels of the Nonpareil are just beginning to solidify. Growers are now waiting for the first and best indication of maturity, which will be noted when the first nuts have become fully solidified.

Growers have been busy irrigating and fertilizing the developing almond crop. Many have incorporated newly developed protocols for early-season leaf tissue analysis used to determine proper fertilization requirements. These new procedures, developed by the University of California are designed to help growers use fertilizer materials more efficiently, potentially reducing the amount required while maintaining optimum nutrition levels.

Water supplies dominate discussions in the region. Growers along the west side drawing their water from the federal Central Valley Project will be receiving no more than 20% of their contracted amounts, forcing them to rely on privately owned deep wells. Growers on the east side of the San Joaquin River who receive their water from Sierra Nevada snow melt via local irrigation districts have larger allocations, but still face limits on the total amount of water available. Growers are very concerned about their ability to meet their orchards water requirements should they experience a repeat of the abnormally high temperatures that struck the region during July and August 2012. Well drillers report that they are very busy reconditioning existing wells and drilling new ones.

As mentioned in previous reports, most noticeable within the region’s orchards is the amount of Non-infectious Bud Failure evident in many Carmel plantings. While the beneficial weather has produced very low bloom and post-bloom disease pressure, the degree of Rust and Scab observed during the past two years has inspired growers to treat their most seriously infected and susceptible orchards, many of which carry the scars of infection lesions on new woody growth. Treatments for these debilitating fungal organisms must be completed prior to infection and growers who have endured the most serious problems have been treating to prevent additional infections this year.

Some observers have noted increased gopher activity in orchards planted in sandy soils. In addition to disrupting the orchard floor, gophers can cause significant damage to root systems, enough to kill young trees and cripple older, mature trees.

Southern California Almond Bloom Report –

Dry and occasionally windy conditions dominated the weather in the southern region over the past two weeks. Daily maximum temperatures increased daily from the mid 60’s as the period began, peaking in the upper 80’s to just over the 90 degree mark in the warmest locations by Monday, the 22nd. Readings then moderated slightly to the low to mid 80’s in the period’s closing days. Morning lows exhibited a similar pattern, rising from the lower 40’s to the mid and upper 50’s before settling back into the mid 40’s. Observers noted on aberration in the morning temperatures on Wednesday, the 17th, when readings briefly dipped into the mid 30’s, under the influence of the previous day’s drying winds that reduced dew points to very low levels. Winds reached above 20 mph on several days during the period, causing some nuts to be lost and creating some degree of difficulty for growers.

Irrigation, weed control and fertilization dominated grower’s activities during the latter half of April. Observers have reported that almond orchards in the region are growing well under the generally excellent conditions, with the winds providing the greatest challenge during the period. Observers reported that as in the first half of the month, winds knocked a few more nuts from the trees, disrupted irrigation schedules and simply became a bit of a nuisance.

Water continues to dominate grower’s attention. Irrigation districts in the southern region are all reporting limited delivery seasons and/or reduced supplies. Growers receiving their surface water from the Friant/Kern Canal have had their supply reduced to 35% of contracted amounts, while those drawing from the federal Central Valley Project will receive no more than 20%. Observers have also reported that the Madera and Chowchilla Irrigation District delivery seasons will run for only 55 days. Almond growers will be forced to rely increasingly on their deep wells to meet the orchards water needs. However, growers have already reported some difficulty with their wells as pumping levels drop. Wells are being lowered to draw on descending supplies and new wells are also being drilled.

Growers are monitoring their orchards nutritional levels, pulling leaf samples for tissue analysis using new protocols developed by the University of California to determine fertility needs earlier in the growing season. Fertilizer materials are being applied primarily through the irrigation water by growers having drip or micro-sprinkler systems.

On the subject of pest management, Leaf-Footed Plant Bugs have made their presence known along the east side of the southern San Joaquin Valley, migrating into the orchards from the now drying grasslands. An occasional pest, this insect is capable of causing serious crop losses. The insect is particularly fond of the Aldrich, Fritz and Sonora and growers of these varieties are watching their orchards closely. Growers have noted the presence of adults and juvenile stages in the orchards and have treated as required. Observers have also noted the annual appearance of Southern Fire Ants. Growers will monitor populations during the growing season and treat as needed with bait formulations targeted to damaging species prior to harvest. Growers are beginning to treat their orchards with preventative miticides as well as fungicide materials intended to control Scab and Rust. As with the preventative miticides, the materials for Scab and Rust must be applied prior to infection in order to provide control. Treatments are being made to susceptible plantings with a history of infection.

As in the balance of the Central Valley, almond growers in the southern region with the Carmel variety are all commenting on the degree of Non-infectious Bud Failure visible this year. Many in the region will no longer plant the Carmel due to the variety’s susceptibility to the genetic disorder. There are no methods available to control the problem, which can severely impact yields.

Blue Diamond Almonds – Almond Bloom Report – April 15, 2013

The next scheduled report will be posted on April 29, 2013. In the event of any significant occurrences prior to that date, this site will be updated as soon as possible. 

Northern California Almond Bloom Report –

Mild temperatures accompanied the return of wet weather to the Sacramento Valley. Morning low temperatures were reported predominately in the 40’s during the period, with warmest locations along the west side of the region reporting readings in the low to mid 50’s. While daily maximum temperatures typically ranged from the upper 60’s to lower 70’s, highest temperatures were reported during the period’s final week when readings reached into the mid and upper 80’s under clear skies.

Rainfall returned to the region during the closing days of March and first week of April as a diffuse weather system moved across the Central Valley from the west. Official rainfall totals ranged from 0.8 inch to as much as 1.2 inches. Blustery north winds blew across the region in the wake of the rain with sustained speeds reported excess of 25 mph and gusts reaching over 40 mph. Fortunately, the winds were well forecast and almond growers were able to alter their irrigation schedules, which helped to enhance their tree’s stability. While some degree of nut loss was reported and some almond trees were blown-over, observers are reporting that the losses due to the winds were minimal.

Observers are reporting excellent growth and development of the 2013 almond crop in the Sacramento Valley. The predominately above normal temperatures the region has experienced this year has promoted rapid growth since the completion of the bloom and equally rapid sizing of the nuts for this point in time. Nuts that failed to be pollinated have already fallen from the trees, no doubt aided by the blustery winds and the trees have now begun to shed those nuts that they are unable to support to harvest.

Owing to the predominately dry weather experienced this year, no signs of springtime fungal diseases have been observed. However, growers have begun treatments to susceptible plantings having a history of the summertime diseases Scab and Rust, which must be completed prior to infection. Growers have also been busy fertilizing their orchards to ensure adequate fertility levels and controlling weed growth in and around the orchards. While irrigation plans were altered during the period, the rainfall received did not significantly reduce the need for irrigation and growers in all areas have been working to maintain their orchard soils at adequate moisture levels.

In the coming weeks, growers will step up their irrigations as temperatures rise. All will be monitoring the insect populations within the orchards closely, both pest and beneficial species in order to maintain the highest possible quality at the lowest possible cost.

Central California Almond Bloom Report –

Conditions turned damp during the period with mild temperatures, rainfall, wind and even a bit of hail punctuating the weather. Morning minimum temperatures were reported predominately in the 40’s with warmest readings reaching occasionally into the lower 50’s. Daily maximums ranged from the upper 60’s to mid 70’s during the majority of the period, with readings reaching to or slightly above 80 degrees during the period’s final week.

Rain swept across the region from the west during the last week of March and first week of April. Official rainfall totals for the period ranged from 0.8 inch to 1.5 inches. However, almond growers reported additional amounts falling from heavy, but isolated downpours that roamed through the region. Particularly heavy rainfall fell in areas of western Stanislaus and San Joaquin County on Sunday, March 31st as a strong storm cell moved from south to north through the area. While almond growers reported hail that damaged apricots south of Tracy, no damage was observed in the area’s almond orchards.

Blustery winds dominated the weather in the days following the storm’s passage with sustained speeds in excess of 25 mph and gusts reported as high as 40 mph. While almond growers reported some crop loss due to nuts being knocked from the trees, tree losses were minimal as the winds were well forecast and growers had held off irrigations in order to provide more stability for their trees.

Observers are reporting that the 2013 almond crop is developing well with little to no adverse impacts from the damp, windy conditions experienced during the period. Nuts of all varieties have broken free from their jackets and are growing well. As described in previous reports, nuts that were not pollinated have been shed from the trees and orchards are now entering a second period of shedding where nuts that the trees are unable to sustain to maturity are also being cast to the ground. Growers are commenting that the above normal temperatures the region has experienced this year has resulted in excellent growth rates, producing good nut sizing for this point in time.

Growers have been busy scheduling irrigations and fertilizer applications as they work to support the developing almond crop. The rainfall the region received provided only a small reduction in the need for irrigation and growers have been working diligently to maintain adequate soil moisture levels.

Observers have noted that the symptoms of Non-Infectious Bud Failure are visible in many Carmel plantings this year.  A non-infectious genetic disorder, the condition significantly reduces crop loads and dramatically alters the growth and development of the tree.

While there is little to no evidence of disease at this point, growers are treating for the summer-time fungal diseases, Scab and Rust in plantings having a history of infection. Treatments to control these diseases must be completed prior to the start of infection. Significant, but fortunately isolated infestations of Oblique Banded Leaf Rollers have been spotted along the west side of the region.  Almond growers are monitoring their orchards for signs of Leaf-Footed Plant Bugs that can be expected to move in from surrounding grasslands as these areas dry out. Growers will pay particular attention to their Sonora, Fritz and Aldrich plantings as they are preferred by this potentially damaging insect. Reports of high trap counts of Navel Orange Worm in the southern region have increased grower vigilance for this insect as well. Growers and Pest Control Advisors will be monitoring the situation and evaluating the best control practices should trap populations indicate that early season controls are warranted. For the first time, growers have a pheromone trap available to attract male adult Navel Orange Worm moths. This provides growers with a very valuable tool in managing the prime insect pest of almonds.

Southern California Almond Bloom Report –

Weather in the southern San Joaquin Valley turned a bit cloudy and windy during the period, with rain reported during the final week of March and first of April. Morning low temperatures remained at comfortable levels, with readings reported predominately between the mid 40’s and low to mid 50’s. While the preponderance of daily maximum temperatures were reported in the 70’s, coolest readings in the upper 60’s were recorded on the cloudier, wetter days with warmest readings reported under clear skies in the lower 80’s.

Some degree of rainfall was reported in all areas of the region, with 0.2 to 0.4 inch reported in the Madera and Fresno County areas. Precipitation was a more sparse in the region’s southern areas where official reports placed totals between a few hundredths of an inch to as much as 0.25 inch. As with the northern and central growing regions, blustery winds blew through the southern San Joaquin during the first week of April, particularly in the northern half of the region. Sustained speeds in excess of 20 mph were reported in Madera and Fresno County, with gusts reaching in excess of 35 mph in the windier areas. While observers reported some degree of nut loss and blown-over trees, the overall losses have been minimal.

Observers are reporting excellent nut development under the near-perfect growing conditions. While the winds and rain received during the period caused growers to alter their work plans, there have been little to no adverse impacts on the almond crop. Growers have been fertilizing and irrigating their orchards to support the developing crop and spent the days following the blustery winds removing blown-over trees and broken branches from the orchards. Irrigation schedules were altered in advance of the winds as growers worked to provide better anchoring for their trees.

Irrigation has become a prime concern for the region’s growers as they face restricted supplies of surface water from irrigation districts. This has increased reliance on privately owned deep wells. Almond growers have been re-working existing wells and preparing additional wells as they struggle to ensure adequate water supplies. Some have reported rising bicarbonate levels in the water supplied by their wells, which can be toxic to the trees. Nut development and tree health to this point in time is reported as being quite good. The above normal temperatures the region has experienced this year has resulted in excellent growth rates and nuts that are quite well sized for the date.

While little to no evidence of infectious disease is found in the region’s orchards at this time, almond growers are treating plantings with a history of Scab and Rust infections. Treatments for these potentially serious summer-time fungal diseases must be completed prior to the visible infection can be observed and growers have begun treatments to their most susceptible plantings.  There have been reports of Leaf-Footed Plant Bugs in the Sanger area of Fresno County. Almond growers are monitoring their orchards for signed of this potentially serious pest, particularly in their Sonora, Aldrich and Fritz plantings, which the insect prefers. Growers in Madera County have also reported increasing activity of web-spinning spider mites. While not at treatable levels, growers will be monitoring their orchards, hoping that predatory insect populations can maintain mite levels below economic thresholds. Pest control advisors are reporting very high counts of Navel Orange Worm in the typically used egg traps. For the first time, growers and their advisors have the ability to deploy pheromone traps to monitor Navel Orange Worm adult populations within the orchards, which will be very useful in timing proper treatments to control this serious pest.

Almond growers with plantings of the Carmel variety have noted that Non-Infectious Bud Failure has become quite pronounced this year, with most of the region’s planting showing some degree of symptoms. Delayed and altered growth are typical symptoms, which can significantly reduce crop loads. The Carmel is most susceptible to this genetic disorder, which never gets better once it’s expressed in the tree.

Growers will spend the next month intent on meeting their orchards water requirements in order to safely get the crop to harvest.

April 10, 2013

2012 California Almond Crop is ~75% Shipped & Committed
Year-To-Date shipments of California almonds continue to track as expected, flat to last year, limited by supply. Current year crop receipts are 1.878 billion pounds, 7% behind prior year, continuing to project a final total below 1.9 billion pounds.

Eight months into the almond industry’s fiscal year, ending inventories project to be less than 240 million lbs., the lowest level in the last five years. The 2012 California crop is greater than 75% shipped & committed, with committed backlog of less than 60 days of global supply. Based on low ending inventories for the current crop, there will be inadequate supplies of pollinators to support market demand from early summer through October when the new crop is available.

The U.S. is driving industry growth. Last month’s shipments were up 8% bringing the year to date increase to 8% over prior year, an increase of 27 million pounds. Export sales globally were down for the month versus prior year driven by declines in China, India and the Middle East. On a year-to-date basis, China and the Middle East are tracking behind prior year, 12% and 24% respectively, while India is up 15%. European shipments for March were off slightly leaving Europe flat year-to-date.

The 2013 almond crop is now well into the differentiation process. The generally good conditions the region has experienced since the completion of the bloom has promoted the growth of the developing nuts and will also help to increase the proportion of nuts retained by the trees.

Historical Carryout (lbs. million) and Projected Weeks on Hand for Current Crop Year

Blue Diamond Almonds – Almond Bloom Report – March 25, 2013

The next scheduled report will be posted on April 15, 2013. In the event of any significant occurrences prior to that date, this site will be updated as soon as possible. 

Northern California Almond Bloom Report –

With the exception of Tuesday and Wednesday, the 19^th and 20^th, when a weakening weather system spread from 0.25 to 0.5 inch of rain over the Sacramento Valley, bright sun and generally clear skies reigned over the region during the period, helping to push the develop crop ahead. Morning low temperatures were reported predominately in the 40’s with coldest readings reported in the mid and upper 30’s in the period’s closing days. Daily maximum temperatures exhibited a general cooling trend, with warmest readings recorded in the mid and upper 70’s as the period began. Readings then decreased daily, dropping into the lower 60’s under the influence of drying winds that reached in excess of 20 mph after the storm’s passage before rebounding into the lower 70’s under calmer conditions in the period’s closing days.

The passage of the storm during the past week failed to deter the growth and development of the 2013 almond crop in the Sacramento Valley. Almonds of all varieties are now well into the differentiation process, with observers reporting three and four sizes of nuts visible. The largest of these are growing well and will be retained to maturity while the smallest are being cut off from nutrients and will be dropped to the orchard floor. The generally good conditions the region has experienced since the completion of the bloom has promoted the growth of the developing nuts and will also help to increase the proportion of nuts retained by the trees.

Growers have been applying preventative fungicides in an effort to protect the developing almond crop and the newly emerged foliage. While disease pressure has been quite low this year, the rains received during the period did increase the potential for infection. Ironically, the rain did not provide enough water to reduce the need for irrigation and growers have been irrigating as required. Growers receiving their water from the federal Central Valley Project have been advised that deliveries will be limited to 75% of contracted amounts. Growers have also been busy applying foliar nutrient sprays and mowing excessive vegetation within their orchards.

Central California Almond Bloom Report –

Bright sunny skies dominated the weather during the period, interrupted briefly by scattered showers on Tuesday, the 19^th and Wednesday, the 20^th. Morning low temperatures were reported predominately in the 40’s with coldest readings reported on the morning of Saturday, the 23^rd and Sunday, the 24^th as temperatures dipped into the mid 30’s. Daily maximum temperatures exhibited a general cooling trend during the period, with readings decreasing from their highest levels in the mid and upper 70’s at the start of the period, to the low to mid 60’s.

The threat of widespread rain went largely unfulfilled as a weakening storm system passed through the region Tuesday and Wednesday, the 19^th and 20^th. Rainfall totals from the storm ranged from a few hundredths to 0.16 inch. Brisk winds followed the storm, with speeds ranging from 15 to 25 mph, dropping dew points and increasing the risk of frost during the final days of the period.

Observers are reporting that almonds around the region are developing well under the influence of the generally beneficial weather conditions experienced over the past week. Almonds of all varieties are well into the differentiation process, with three to four sizes visible; the largest of these are breaking free from their jackets while the smallest are being shed from the trees.

The lack of significant rain has resulted in very low disease pressure this year. While growers have uniformly made a single fungicide treatment, they have been able to forego additional applications and the trees and developing crop are virtually free of fungal diseases. While the winds in the period’s closing days have helped to scrub dried jackets and spent petals from the trees, many remain to fall in the coming days. The dried jackets in particular can be a starting point for fungal infections should they remain in the trees and rainfall return to the region. Observers have noted a significant number of Carmel plantings exhibiting symptoms of Non-Infectious Bud Failure. Affected trees have particularly low crop levels and delayed leaf-out, leaving them to stand out starkly in the orchard.

Orchard activities conducted during the period include irrigation, weed control and foliar nutrient applications during the calmest days. Many also applied liquid fertilizer materials with their irrigation. Beekeepers have been very active removing hives from the orchards, though many remain as the period concluded.

Southern California Almond Bloom Report –

Temperatures moderated during the period as a weakening weather system brushed against the region. Morning low temperatures were reported predominately in the 40’s with warmest readings reported in the low to mid 50’s on Wednesday the 20^th as the insulating clouds from the approaching storm system covered the region. Winds with speeds in excess of 20 mph helped to dry the air after the storm’s passing and allowed minimum temperatures dip into the mid 30’s on Saturday, the 23^rd. Daily maximum temperatures were reported at their warmest levels early in the period, when reading reached into the mid and upper 70’s. Readings gradually decreased into the mid and upper 60’s under the influence of the weakening weather system that dropped trace amounts to a few hundredths of an inch from Madera, south to Tulare County late in the day on Tuesday, the 19^th and the winds that followed the storms passage. Warmer conditions returned to the region on the period’s closing days as temperatures reached into the lower 70’s.

Almonds of all varieties are developing well under the generally beneficial weather the region has experienced since the completion of the bloom. All varieties are well into the differentiation process, wherein the nuts divide into several sizes with the largest shedding their jackets and being retained to maturity while the smallest are shed from the trees.

The forecast of rain during the period inspired some in the region to add preventative fungicides to their foliar nutrient sprays in an effort to prevent fungal infections on the developing nuts and foliage. The generally beneficial conditions the region has experienced this year has resulted in very low disease pressure, leaving the crop virtually disease free while allowing almond growers to eliminate additional fungicide treatments. While growers do not like to see excessive winds that can lower dew points, promoting dangerous morning temperatures or damage the trees themselves, one fringe benefit of the winds experienced over the past week has been to help scrub spent petals and drying jackets from the trees, further reducing the potential for fungal disease.

Almond growers have been actively irrigating their orchards and will continue to do so. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has announced water deliveries from the federal Central Valley Project have been reduced to 20% of contracted amounts. Meanwhile, deliveries from eastside districts have yet to begin, leaving growers fully dependent on privately owned deep wells for their irrigation needs. In between irrigations, sprayers can be found applying foliar nutrients while mowers reduce excessively tall weeds growing within the orchards.

Blue Diamond opens Almond Innovation Center to develop new products

Blue Diamond Almonds – Almond Bloom Report – March 15, 2013

This is the final daily report of the 2013 bloom season. The next scheduled report will be posted on Monday, March 25, 2013. In the event of any significant occurrences prior to that date, this site will be updated as soon as possible. 

Northern California Almond Bloom Report –

Clouds covered much of the Sacramento Valley on Thursday morning as the trailing edge of a weakening weather system passing north of the state moved through the region. Morning lows were reported in the mid 40’s to lower 50’s while daytime highs reached into the mid 70’s, buffered slightly by the mid-day clouds. Observers reported that the bees took advantage of the warm temperatures, putting in 8 hours of very good activity, focused on the flowering weeds in and around the almond orchards.

The almond bloom in the Sacramento Valley has been completed. Observers are reporting that nutlets are developing well, taking full advantage beneficial weather the region has experienced and that the orchards have taken on the characteristic “dirty” or “fuzzy” post-bloom appearance imparted by the mass of jackets covering the trees. Almond trees continue to cast spent petals to the orchard floor while the growing nutlets increase in size and push free from their protective jackets. Nutlets are now beginning the differentiation process wherein those that will be retained to harvest flourish and grow larger, while other, smaller nutlets are sequestered and shed from the tree. This natural process is highly dependent on post-bloom weather, which affects the amount of nutrients that trees can produce to support the developing crop. Obviously, bright sunshine and warm temperatures will be preferred over the weeks ahead.

During the next week, growers will be monitoring their orchards closely. Irrigation will be normal task that will continue throughout the growing season. The threat of rain at the middle of next week has inspired growers to re-evaluate the degree of disease protection they may need. Treatments will be made as required by the conditions. And while growers go about the tasks needed to support their crop, beekeepers will be removing hives from the orchards, moving on to the next crop requiring pollination.

Conditions

Bloom Status

Data reflects a composite of the growing region

Central California Almond Bloom Report –

Almond growers woke to clear skies on Thursday morning and the promise of another warm day in the northern San Joaquin Valley. Skies quickly grew cloudy, however, as the trailing edge of a storm system passing north of the state approached from the west, producing a high, broken overcast by noon, and then gradually exited to the east by the end of the day. Morning low temperatures were widely reported in the mid 40’s while warmest locations under the clouds were reported in the lower 50’s. Daytime highs were reported a few degrees below the previous day’s values, held in the mid 70’s by the mid-day clouds and the 5 to 15 mph winds that propelled them across the region. While the winds provided the bees with a small challenge as they searched for flowers, they were nevertheless were able to put in 9 hours of excellent activity on the rapidly declining almond bloom.

With the exception of the late blooming Butte and Padre, the almond bloom in the central region has been completed. While younger, more vigorous plantings still have a fair amount of viable bloom, the vast majority of Butte and Padre plantings has already completed their bloom and have few viable flowers remaining. Casual observation of many of these plantings would indicate that a significant amount of bloom remains to be pollinated. However, closer examination reveals that these orchards are simply retaining their petals and few viable flowers are left to pollinate. This was confirmed on Thursday, by the fact that as winds blew through the orchards, petals were being shed from the tops of the trees where the winds had greater effect, while the lower areas of the trees where the winds could not reach still held a large proportion of spent petals. Given the warm temperatures experienced this week, the bloom of the most delayed plantings will be completed over the weekend.

Within the balance of the region’s varieties, Sonora, Nonpareil and the California type varieties are all shedding the last of their petals. Nutlets in advanced examples are also growing daily and breaking free of their protective jackets. Observers have noted that the growing nutlets are also beginning to differentiate in size, a natural process wherein the largest sizes are retained to maturity and much of the smallest size is sequestered and dropped from the tree.

Over the coming week, growers will be monitoring their orchards closely for signs of fungal diseases and will provide protection as required. Irrigation will be a regular activity, as well.

Conditions

Bloom Status

Data reflects a composite of the growing region

Southern California Almond Bloom Report –

While clear skies reigned over the Kern County throughout the day on Thursday, cloudy skies covered much of Madera and Fresno Counties as a mass of clouds passed over the region. Morning low temperatures dropped only into the upper 40’s and lower 50’s, while daytime highs reached unseasonably warm levels, rising into the low to mid 80’s. Observers reported that the transient clouds failed to deter the bees from the daily duties, allowing for a full 9 hours of very good activity on the insignificant amount of bloom.

The almond bloom in the southern San Joaquin Valley has been completed. While some vigorous Butte and Padre plantings still have a small amount of bloom available for pollination, even these delayed orchards will complete their bloom over the coming weekend, given the temperatures the region is currently experiencing. Preceded by the early blooming Sonora, nutlets of the Nonpareil and California type varieties are now breaking through their protective jackets and growing in size. This process will continue over the next few weeks as the nutlets differentiate in size, with the largest retained and the smallest cast to the orchard floor.

Aside from the natural “dirty“ appearance imparted by the mass of jackets covering the trees, almond orchards around the region are becoming increasingly green as their newly emerged leaves grow in size.  This leaf cover is required to provide the nutrients needed by the developing crop. Growers will support the growing nutlets by properly fertilizing their orchards, using materials applied through the soil, irrigation water and directly to the leaves themselves. All of this will be accomplished while growers control weed growth, irrigate and beekeepers remove their hives from the orchards.

Conditions

Bloom Status

Data reflects a composite of the growing region

Blue Diamond Expands In Sacramento:

Opens World’s Only Almond Innovation Center

“Every major innovation in almonds has come from Blue Diamond,” explained Blue Diamond President and CEO, Mark Jansen, at the opening of the 6,500 square-foot Almond Innovation Center.  “As a result, we are expanding our Sacramento headquarters to include the world’s only research center dedicated to designing cutting-edge almond products,”

Blue Diamond, a cooperative owned by over half of the state’s almond growers, expects to increase new almond product sales growth five-fold over the next five years. “The new facility will be a showcase for initiating new almond product concepts for our consumer business and for the most innovative global food companies,” added Jansen.

The success of Blue Diamond’s investment in new snack products broke all sales records in the North American market in 2012.  While Blue Diamond’s snack almond business grew 21 percent, the Almond Breeze Aseptic Milk business jumped 21 percent and chilled Almond Milk sales skyrocketed 59 percent.   Nut Thins cracker sales rose 28 percent. New snack products introduced early in 2013 include Roasted Coffee, Mocha and Caramel Macchiato flavored almonds, and three fruit-inspired flavors, Raspberry, Blueberry and Strawberry.

Likewise in the global ingredients business where almonds are used in a variety of foods, sales increased 35 percent and almonds remained in first place as the leading nut in new food products worldwide.  Value-added revenues over the last two years are up 69 percent.

“Global almond product innovation has doubled Blue Diamond revenues in three years to well over $1 billion in sales,” said Jansen.  “The robustness of U.S. almond shipments, even with this year’s short supply, is directly attributable to new uses for almonds that our cooperative has created.”

Today Blue Diamond received the Powering Innovation Capstone Award at SACTO’s annual Salute to New Industry luncheon.  The Capstone Awards recognize and celebrate leadership and excellence in driving growth and prosperity in the Sacramento Region.

The 2-billion pound California almond crop is valued at $6 billion and generates nearly 50,000 jobs.  New jobs and additional revenue will be returned to almond growing communities as production and value-added products continue to grow.  Over 80 percent of the world’s supply is grown in California.  Almonds are the state’s largest food export and the largest specialty crop export in America.

Contact:

Susan Brauner, Public Affairs Director

For Release @ 10:30am, March 14, 2013

(916) 446-8354, sbrauner@bdgrowers.com

Photos of the Almond Innovation Center available on request:

Visit: www.bluediamond.com, www.bdingredients.com or www.almondinsights.com.