Aug 6, 2025Blue Diamond Growers reports steady progress ahead of almond harvest
Blue Diamond Growers released its latest crop progress report on Aug. 4, covering orchard conditions from June 30 through Aug. 4, 2025.
July delivered mostly mild weather, with daily high temperatures mostly below seasonal norms. Early in the period, highs edged just above 100 °F in the warmest locations but quickly subsided into the upper 80s and lower 90s. By the final week of July, readings rose into the mid and upper 90s. At night, lows dropped into the lower 60s during hotter days and fell into the lower 50s later in the period.
According to the crop report, isolated showers from Sierra Nevada thunderstorms brought light rain to parts of eastern Butte County. The brief but intense showers reportedly caused no significant issues.
In the orchards, growers focused on final harvest preparation. Efforts included weed control to clear orchard floors and ensure soil moisture ahead of shaking. Observers noted some orchards are showing excessive vegetation in tree rows — likely a cost‑containment strategy — that may hinder crop movement during sweeps and reduce harvested yield.
Pest control efforts centered on managing navel orangeworm (NOW). Growers coordinated treatments with hull split timing and reported low adult trap counts, consistent with mating disruption programs that also suppress trap attraction. Second treatments began mid‑July to maintain control and cover pollenizing varieties. Ant bait applications targeting specific species were also applied.
Harvest began during the third week of July in portions of the southern San Joaquin Valley and western Stanislaus County, targeting Nonpareil and Independence orchards. By the final week, shaking expanded into western Yolo and Colusa counties. More orchards in the Central Valley’s east side and along Highway 99 remained under irrigation, with shaking expected to start in mid‑August. Early deliveries from stressed orchards have reached huller/shellers and will help test facility readiness.
With mild conditions, targeted pest control and harvest underway, Blue Diamond Growers continues to prepare cooperators for the peak of the almond season. The co‑op’s next scheduled update is Sept. 2, though any significant developments will be posted earlier.
