First of the Season, California Almond Pre-Bloom Report
February 8, 2013. Blue Diamond California Almond Pre-Bloom Report. This report covers observations and conditions just prior to the start of the 2013 bloom. Spirited storm systems passed through the state during the last half of November and much of December dropping a significant amount of rainfall upon...
Almond Harvest Operations Nearing Completion
November 9, 2012 Fall-like conditions prevailed during much of the period in the central region as the 2012 harvest entered its final stages. Rainfall swept over the region during the fourth week of the month and again in...
Warm September Allows for Speedy Harvest of Almond Crop
Throughout the California Central Valley, consistently warm summertime weather provided almond growers a golden opportunity to bring in a significant portion of the 2012 crop from the orchards. The year’s more advanced maturity level has allowed growers to harvest the crop in a timelier manner, especially in contrast to...
High Temperatures Push Harvest into “Full Throttle”
High August temperatures throughout the California Central Valley increased the pace of crop development and picked up the tempo of the 2012 almond harvest. Growers are busy harvesting the Nonpareil variety, and in some areas, the Nonpareil crop has already been shaken to the orchard floor or has already...
2012 Almond Crop Harvest Set To Begin
Throughout the California Central Valley, almond growers spent much of July in preparation for the upcoming harvest. Weed control, irrigation and insect management activities dominated growers’ attention during the period as they worked to support the maturing crop and prepare the orchards for an efficient harvest. The 2012 crop...
Harvest is Around the Corner
Summer’s arrival in the central region has brought the first signs of the upcoming harvest. As may be seen in the accompanying photo, the first “blank” kernels have made their appearance along the west side of the Central Valley. Hulls of these empty nuts typically split approximately two weeks...
Almond Crop Progressing Well Under Mild Temperatures
As the seasons transition from spring to summer, the California almond crop continues to develop at a slightly advanced rate compared to years past. The mild temperatures experienced throughout the Central Valley have allowed almond kernels across varieties to solidify and achieve their maximum weight. Due to the current...
Almonds Solidify as Temperatures Rise
The month of May will bring growers out in the orchard to take care of weed control, fertilization and pest management. Irrigation is also a big activity in May due to the normal increase of temperatures. Growers along the west side of the Sacramento Valley served by the...
Strong Almond Bloom Kicks Off 2012
The recently completed 2012 bloom has provided some hope of a crop that can fuel continued growth. California almond growers enjoyed relatively good conditions during February’s bloom season with only a few days lost to inclement weather. A cold air mass swept across the entire Central Valley during the...