The almond season in California is on the cusp of starting. Some growers have yet to start while others are already in the fields, knocking the trees and allowing the nuts to dry on the ground before picking them up. Earlier this year, a frost had likely caused some damage to almond trees but growers are yet to find out whether or not this will eventuate into lower yields. Only once harvest and packing are well underway will there be any reliable indication of numbers.
"We started harvesting at the start of the month and we should be done with the first variety - the nonpareil - within a few weeks," said John Diener of Red Rock Ranch. "Nonpareil is the most notable of the almond varieties and the one that represents the largest volume in California. We will also harvest other varieties such as the Butte though the latter part of August and into September."
John Diener (center)
"Harvest began a week later than usual but otherwise at this stage our crop looks average," he continued. "We are yet to see if there was any effect from the frost earlier this year. We are located on the west side of the valley and appear to be unaffected but we do know that there will likely be some issues in other parts of the valley. There have been some lengthy heat spells this summer and we have used more water this year."
Market softened by tariffs
Before packing and shipping has even commenced, the effect of the tariffs from China has already impacted the market. Prices are weaker than they were in previous years and the tariffs will likely be a major factor this season. But like the volume, the effects will not be realized until packing commences. This will only occur once sufficient volume has been harvested, making it worthwhile to begin the task of hulling and shelling.
"Overall, almonds have done well this year, but the market is off a little right now," Diener observed. "The tariffs have softened up markets already and will be a threat to a strong market this year. We will eventually run the nonpareil almonds through the huller and sheller which will determine quality and where the figures will be this season. But currently, we are not running this while we concentrate on building up stockpiles. Only once we are packing will we have a good indication of volume and where the market will be sitting this year."
For more information:
John Diener
Red Rock Ranch
Tel: +1 (559) 884-2840