California almond harvest advances as August heat, rain and mites pressure orchards
California’s almond harvest expanded in August as growers reported smaller kernels, variable yields, pest pressure and localized heavy rain.
California’s almond harvest expanded rapidly across the Central Valley in August, with early regional yields matching industry forecasts but falling below 2025 production, according to Blue Diamond Growers’ Almond Industry News Update.
The report covers conditions and activities observed Aug. 3-30. Much of the early harvesting Nonpareil and Independence crop had been shaken and removed from orchards by the end of the period, particularly on the west side of the Central Valley. Harvest of self-fertile varieties was complete in some orchards, while growers had begun shaking Carmel and California types and advanced blocks of Butte and Padre.
Growers reported varying yields, fewer loads of in-hull almonds and lower turnouts, or the weight of finished kernels produced from each load. Small kernel sizes were also widely reported. University of California researchers had predicted smaller kernels following elevated temperatures in the weeks after the 2026 bloom.
Nonpareil reject levels tested so far were at their lowest in several years, although rejects increased slightly during the final week of the reporting period, most likely from third-generation navel orangeworm. Independence almonds showed higher damage levels, particularly brown spot and gum associated with leaf-footed plant bugs and stink bugs.
Weather and pest pressure also complicated harvest. Temperatures ranged from the lower 80s to just above 100° F in the northern San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys and reached 108° F in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Monsoonal moisture brought localized heavy rain, including more than 1 inch near Hughson. Spider mite infestations and severe defoliation were reported across many orchards.
Much of the crop remains unharvested. Blue Diamond Growers’ next Almond Industry News Update is scheduled for Sept. 28, with earlier updates planned if significant developments occur.
Photos by KC Clendenin, Anthony Scudder, Justin Elam, Austin Jackson and Mel Machado.