May 5, 2025California walnut growers optimistic for 2025 crop after favorable spring conditions
California walnut growers are expecting a strong 2025 harvest following a promising start to the season, thanks to ideal spring weather and improved water availability across the state.
According to details from the California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC), early-season conditions have been especially favorable for walnut orchards, with steady rainfall, improved snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains and optimal temperatures supporting healthy bloom and shoot development.
“Things are shaping up to be a tremendously good start to California’s walnut growing season,” said Davin Norene, owner of Big Time Farming and walnut growing specialist, in a news release. “We are predicting good things ahead of this year’s crop.”
The past three years have brought consistent rainfall and snowmelt, helping replenish soil moisture and fill surface water supplies across California’s main walnut-producing regions. That replenishment is providing a strong foundation for the current growing season, with early varieties already reaching key developmental milestones.
Bud break for early varieties began in mid-April, with all varieties, including Chandler, now exhibiting healthy shoot growth. The orchards are currently in a crucial growth phase, during which environmental conditions play a significant role in determining overall nut development, yield and quality.
Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Board & Commission, said the industry is encouraged by the shift in conditions after several challenging seasons.
“The exceptional start to this growing season is a welcome and energizing reprieve after navigating a series of tough seasons that demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of California’s walnut industry,” said Verloop in the release. “This spring, growers are well-positioned to capitalize on ideal soil moisture and perfect temperatures, setting the stage for strong yield and quality in the 2025 crop.”
The California Walnut Board is expected to release additional crop forecasts as the season progresses.
