Aug 26, 2024Almond harvest picks up despite pest, weather pressures
Blue Diamond Growers’s latest crop progress report indicated California’s almond growers have experienced a mix of relief and challenges in August as the harvest season accelerated across the Central Valley.
Cooler temperatures provided some respite from July’s intense heat, but pest issues and weather-related disruptions continued to pose difficulties.
“The pace of harvest operations has reached full throttle,” said Mel Machado, vice president of member relations at Blue Diamond Growers in the company’s recent crop progress report. “We’re seeing harvest in full swing, but growers are dealing with the impacts of high temperatures from earlier in the season, which have affected kernel size and quality.”
Harvesting of Nonpareil and Independence varieties began in earnest, with many pollinator varieties also ready to be shaken. However, rainfall in parts of the Sacramento Valley temporarily halted operations, requiring growers to wait for the crop on the ground to dry, according to the report.
Pest pressure remains a significant concern, particularly from navel orange worm (NOW) and web-spinning mites. While damage from NOW is reported to be lower than last year, brown spot caused by plant bugs and an explosion in mite populations have growers and pest control advisors on high alert.
“Mite infestations are the worst we’ve seen in many years,” Machado noted, raising concerns about potential impacts on next year’s crop.
The report also indicated that huller/sheller operations have ramped up to 24-hour shifts, with some facilities already stockpiling product due to the rapid pace of harvest. Growers are expected to continue harvesting and irrigating as weather permits, ensuring the next year’s crop receives critical post-harvest care.
The next crop update is scheduled for Sept. 30, with additional reports as needed for significant occurrences.
