The latest production forecast for California's almond crop has 2012 production down from last year's totals. But while this year's forecast is less than last year's, it is only slightly lower than 2011's record yields.The USDA production forecast for 2012 is 2.00 billion pounds, slightly down from last year's 2.03 billion pounds. The 1.5 percent dip is not significant considering the size of last year's crop, and while 2012 production is anticipated to be below 2011's totals, it is still 360 million pounds more than 2010's production of 1.64 billion pounds.
Yield is also expected to be less than 2011's mark of 2,670 pounds per acre. 2012's yield is forecast at 2,560 pounds per acre, a 4 percent decrease from last year.
While it was reported that frost in March and hail in April affected orchards in southern San Joaquin Valley and Merced County, damage was characterized as spotty and was not widespread. February weather created favorable bloom conditions while low disease and insect pressure was reported.