November/December 2024
Baugher Ranch Organics celebrates 40 years of almond success
Responsible for a third of California’s organic almonds, Baugher Ranch Organics was founded 40 years ago in Orland, California, by Chris and Marcie Baugher.
The couple launched the company with a vision to provide quality, organic almonds and address the growing demand for reliable, premium organic ingredients in the market.
Over the past four decades, Baugher Ranch has grown from a small family operation into a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes.
Today, the Baugher Ranch staff consists of a group of experts in organic farming and almond processing. It starts with Nisha Baugher-Carrow, CEO, and the leadership team, which includes Rania Baugher-Heaney as president and Ron Lautrup as vice president.
“Back in 1983, when my parents converted 135 acres of conventional almonds into organic, they were shunned upon by my father’s family and neighbors,” Baugher- Carrow said. “But they stuck to their guns. They had three kids to raise and put their best foot forward, and started processing and farming organic almonds.”
Back then, Chris would pack up his Chevy S10 with 25-pound cases of almonds and deliver them to natural food stores and grocery stores up to Oregon and down to San Diego, California. Marcie would stay at the warehouse to process and pack the almonds and take care of the accounting side.
As sales increased monthly, Chris transitioned to monthly semi truck deliveries and was approached by a natural food distributor. That is when the monthly road deliveries stopped and the distributor began picking up directly from the warehouse.
“We were growing the business, our neighbors and family started coming around humbly, seeing the orchard thriving and trucks coming in and out of the warehouse,” Baugher-Carrow said. “The business started expanding, and there was a need for more organic almonds. This is when we started purchasing from other organic almond growers throughout the state of California. Establishing a relationship with both growers and customers, we built a strong reputation in the organic almond industry.”
Some notable milestones include the expansion of product offerings, improvements in sustainable farming practices and achieving various certifications for quality and food safety.
“Success in almond harvesting and processing at Baugher Ranch relies on combining traditional methods with modern technology, maintaining consistent quality and adhering to strict organic farming standards,” said Amy Gates, director of business development.
The company, which is responsible for about 30% of California’s organic almonds, deals in Nonpareil almonds, Independence almonds, Carmel-type almonds, and a variety of California almonds known for adaptability and suitability for a wide range of processes and applications.
“We are a turnkey operation at Baugher Ranch and we carry a full offering of almond products,” Gates said. “We handle significant quantities annually, ensuring a steady supply for our partners. We offer primarily organic almonds, but also conventional. New this year to Baugher is our service offering of steam pasteurization (toll processing) for our partners.”
Postharvest, the company takes possession of the inventory, processes the almonds, keeps everything in its three cold storages and ships all onsite.
Keeping everything under one roof which provides control of all processes, inventory, quality and warehousing until product is shipped directly to our customers maintains almond integrity, Baugher-Carrow said.
Automation and technology
From day one, nuts were handsorted, but four years ago, advancements in technology made it the right time to invest in newer automated processes.
Baugher Ranch recently completed a cutting-edge production facility that spans 30,000 square feet and is designed for peak automation and efficiency. This state- of-the-art facility, commissioned in 2024, propels the company’s capability to deliver almonds with quality and excellence standards.
“We utilize automation and technology to improve efficiency, consistency and quality in almond processing,” Baugher-Carrow said. “Advancements such as state-of-the-art laser sorters, pasteurizing and automatic packing lines have made significant differences in our operations.”
The latest in sorting technology features advanced automated and pre-sizer sorting lines, equipped with state-of-the-art camera and laser technologies that enable precise identification and removal of foreign materials and product defects.
Real-time data, analytics and AI technology work seamlessly to enhance operational efficiency, allowing for rapid adjustments and improvements throughout the sorting and packing process.
The ranch boasts an automated and fully integrated packing line that showcases an industry-leading bag-in- box system, accommodating various packaging options, including 25- and 50-pounds and bulk super sacks.
Precision weight control guarantee accuracy at every stage of packaging, while vacuum-sealed and modified atmosphere case capabilities ensure product freshness and longevity. Custom label printing and robotic palletizing streamline operations further, making fulfillment smoother and more tailored to customer needs.
Baugher Ranch also prioritizes product preservation with onsite cold-storage facilities, encompassing 28,000 square feet of climate-controlled space maintained at temperatures below 40° F. This level of vigilance complements effective insect control measures, safeguarding the integrity of every package that leaves the facility.
Sustainable mindset
Sustainability is also a core value at Baugher Ranch, with efforts focused on eco-friendly farming practices, water conservation and reducing carbon footprint.
For instance, the company’s resilient farming methods — conservation tillage, agroecology and the cultivation of drought- resistant crops — help it address and adapt to climate-related challenges.
Organic agriculture plays a vital role in climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration. Plus, investment in solar technology illustrates this commitment, with solar panels generating 396,395 kilowatt-hour of clean energy each year, providing a 50% energy offset. This significant output not only powers the entire facility, but also highlights the company’s role as environmental stewards.
“These efforts are crucial for environmental stewardship and long-term viability,” Baugher- Carrow said. “We’ve always farmed organic, promoted organic and fully embraced it. It all comes down to soil health and the health of our families, our neighbors and the community.”
Looking ahead
While it faces some challenges including market volatility and climate change impacts, Baugher Ranch addresses adversities by diversifying its product line, adopting resilient farming practices and maintaining strong customer relationships.
In January, the company opened a ready-to-eat facility, its biggest investment to date, and plans to promote the addition throughout the coming year as it plans for the next expansion.
“For future growth, we aim to expand its market reach, invest in further technological advancements and continue its commitment to sustainability,” Baugher-Carrow said. “We see opportunities in new product development and partnerships in the organic food industry, and we plan on being here another 40-50 years.”
