IN THIS ISSUE: WHAT LIES BENEATH: KNOW YOUR PLANT-PARASITIC NEMATODES ON PERENNIAL CROPS SEE PAGE 10
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT NEEDS IN YOUNG ORCHARDS SEE PAGE 36
Tulare, CA November 7, 2024
Photo Courtesy Xavier Mascareñas
Publisher: Jason Scott
Email: jason@jcsmarketinginc.com
Editor: Marni Katz
Email: marni@jcsmarketinginc.com
Associate Editor: Cecilia Parsons
Email: cecilia@jcsmarketinginc.com
Production: design@jcsmarketinginc.com
Tel: 559.352.4456
Fax: 559.472.3113
Web: www.wcngg.com
Contributing Writers & Industry Support
Andreas Westphal Dept. of Nematology, UC Riverside
Anne Wardenm CEO, American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board
Caitlin Peterson Associate Center Director and Research Fellow, Water Policy Center, Public Policy Institute of California
Catherine Merlo Contributing Writer
Elizabeth Fichtner UCCE Farm Advisor, Tulare and Kings Counties
Ellen Hanak Senior Fellow, Water Policy Center, Public Policy Institute of California
Jorge Angeles UCCE Weed Management Advisor, Tulare, Kings and Fresno Counties
Kristin Platts Digital Content Writer
Lori Fairchild Contributing Writer
Renee Pinel President/CEO, Western Plant Health Association
Rich
SSp.,
Roger
Vicky
UC Cooperative Extension Advisory Board
Surendra K. Dara Entomologist, Oregon State University
Kevin Day County Director/UCCE Pomology Farm Advisor, Tulare/Kings Counties
Elizabeth Fichtner UCCE Farm Advisor, Tulare County
Katherine Jarvis-Shean UCCE Area Orchard Systems Advisor, Yolo and Solano
Steven Koike Tri-Cal Diagnostics
Jhalendra Rijal UCCE Integrated Pest Management Advisor, Stanislaus County
Mohammad Yaghmour UCCE Area Orchard Systems Advisor, Kern County
View our ePublication on the web at www.wcngg.com
The articles, research, industry updates, company profiles, and advertisements in this publication are the professional opinions of writers and advertisers. West Coast Nut does not assume any responsibility for the opinions given in the publication.
EMBRACING CHANGE: NEW LEADERSHIP FUELS INNOVATION IN THE TREE NUT INDUSTRY
By JASON SCOTT, MS | CEO/Publisher, JCS Marketing Inc. and West Coast Nut
The tree nut industry, a cornerstone of agriculture on the West Coast, is experiencing a profound transformation. As the publisher of West Coast Nut, I am both excited and optimistic about the recent wave of leadership changes across our various commodities. This editorial seeks to highlight the immense advantages these changes bring to our industry, fostering growth, innovation, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Strengthening Market Position
Leadership changes often come with a renewed focus on market dynamics. The tree nut industry is highly competitive, and maintaining a strong market position requires continuous innovation and strategic marketing. New leaders bring fresh marketing strategies, leveraging digital platforms and data-driven insights to reach a broader audience and better understand consumer preferences. This can lead to more effective branding, improved customer engagement and, ultimately, increased market share.
Enhancing Industry Collaboration
Collaboration within the industry is crucial for addressing common challenges and seizing collective opportunities. New leaders often prioritize building stronger relationships with stakeholders, including growers, suppliers, researchers and policymakers. By fostering a culture of collaboration, these leaders can facilitate knowledge sharing, drive joint initiatives and advocate more effectively for industry-wide interests. This unity can amplify our voice in policy discussions, ensuring the tree nut industry’s needs and concerns are adequately represented.
Driving Research and Development
Innovation is at the heart of agricultural progress, and research and development (R&D) play a pivotal role in this process. New leadership often brings a heightened commitment to R&D, seeking partnerships with academic institu-
tions, government agencies and private entities to drive scientific advancements. This focus on research can lead to the development of new crop varieties, pest management strategies and postharvest technologies that enhance the quality and competitiveness of our tree nuts.
Responding to Consumer Trends
Consumer preferences are constantly evolving, and staying attuned to these changes is essential for maintaining relevance in the market. New leaders are often more adept at recognizing and responding to these trends, whether it’s the growing demand for organic products, the emphasis on health and wellness, or the desire for transparency and traceability in the supply chain. By aligning our products with these trends, we can better meet consumer needs and drive demand for our tree nuts.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges
The agricultural sector is subject to a complex web of regulations, from environmental standards to trade policies. New leadership can bring a fresh approach to navigating these regulatory challenges, advocating for policies that support industry growth while ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations. By engaging proactively with policymakers and staying informed about regulatory changes, new leaders can help the industry adapt and thrive in a dynamic legal landscape.
Managing Nut Prices
Tree nut prices are a crucial aspect of the industry, directly affecting profitability and market stability. The recent leadership changes come at a pivotal time when global market fluctuations and supply chain disruptions have made price management more challenging. New leaders bring innovative pricing strategies, leveraging market intelligence and economic forecasting to stabilize prices. By ensuring fair pricing, they
can protect growers’ livelihoods while making tree nuts more affordable and appealing to consumers. This balance is essential for sustaining long-term growth and maintaining the industry’s economic viability.
Building a Resilient Future
The tree nut industry faces numerous challenges, from climate change and water scarcity to market volatility and labor shortages. New leadership is crucial for building resilience in the face of these challenges. By prioritizing risk management, diversification and sustainability, new leaders can ensure our industry is well-equipped to navigate uncertainties and continue to grow. Their vision and strategic planning can help create a more robust and adaptable industry, capable of withstanding and overcoming future obstacles.
The influx of new leadership across the tree nut industry is a promising development, creating a new era of growth and innovation. These leaders bring fresh ideas, modern practices and a renewed commitment to sustainability, collaboration and market responsiveness. As we embrace these changes, we can look forward to a future where the tree nut industry thrives, meeting the needs of consumers and stakeholders while ensuring the health and vitality of our agricultural ecosystems.
At West Coast Nut, we are dedicated to supporting and celebrating these leadership transitions. We believe that with the right vision and strategies, our industry can achieve remarkable success and continue to be a vital part of the West Coast’s agricultural landscape. Let us embrace this wave of change and work together to build a brighter, more prosperous future for the tree nut industry.
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IRRIGATION SCHEDULING IN YOUNG, NONBEARING TREES IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT AS IT IS IN MATURE ORCHARDS
By CECILIA PARSONS | Associate Editor
n the early, nonbearing years, an orchard’s longhealth can be affected by overirrigation or underirrigation. Recognizing small canopies and small root systems have limited uptake capacity is important in irrigation management. Their water needs will change as canopies and root systems expand.
Knowing the application rate of your irrigation system and the water holding capacity of the soil type in the orchard, a grower or farm manager can calculate the maximum amount of time between irrigations.
Irrigation scheduling can be soil-based, plant-based or weather-based, but to minimize overwatering or underwatering young orchards, a combination of those methods is recommended. At a UCCE workshop on irrigating young
Small canopies and small root systems in very young trees have limited uptake capacity. Water needs will change as canopies and root systems expand (all photos by C. Parsons.)
‘
Recognizing the limiting factors in an orchard’s soil type can help with irrigation scheduling.
’
orchards, Charles Hillyer, director of the Center for Water Technology at Fresno State, noted in irrigation management of young orchards, the idea is to correctly determine how much and when to apply water.
The water holding capacity of anyage orchard depends on soil type and texture. Recognizing the limiting factors in an orchard’s soil type can help with irrigation scheduling. Different soil types have different water holding capacities that can range from 0.4 inches of water per foot of soil in coarse sandy soils to 2.50 inches of water per foot of soil in silty clay soils.
Cameron Zuber, UCCE orchard systems advisor in Merced County, said determining when to begin irrigating is the first step in irrigating young trees. How much water the trees are using and how much water the soil can hold should be calculated. Next, check to see if your calculation of tree use is correct. In almonds, Zuber said first-leaf trees use about 40% of the evapotranspiration (ET) for mature trees. Second-leaf trees use 55%, third-leaf trees use 75% and fourth-leaf trees use 90%.
There is no perfect tool to check if water application is right, Zuber said, but he advised growers and irrigators to select a tool that works for them. Calculating the water application rate of the system can be done knowing how many gallons each drip emitter or microsprinkler puts out per hour.
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In pistachio trees, there is a strong linear relationship between canopy shading and evapotranspiration. Salinity issues with water and/or soil can make a difference in irrigation.
Pistachio Trees
Getting started with young pistachio tree irrigation management is a little different. Tobias Oker, UCCE irrigation and soils management advisor in Kern County, said there is a strong linear relationship between canopy shading and ET in pistachios. Salinity issues with water and/or soil can make a difference in irrigation. The weekly ET in the southern San Joaquin Valley for a one-year-old pistachio tree with a 5% canopy is 0.5. At a 10% canopy, ET goes to 1.0.
Oker noted pistachio tree root systems are deep-rooted. Young pistachio trees have rapid extension of seminal pivot or tap root and develop a system that moves deep into the soil. Other roots grow more horizontally closer to the surface seeking moisture. In Iran, where pistachio production has a long history, water use is much less and that is reflected in much lower crop yields.
Oker said microirrigation is best for young pistachio trees with emitters that apply water close to the tree right after planting. While the ideal wetting pattern for mature trees is 50% to 60% or a third to a half of the horizontal cross section of the area, young trees need a much smaller wetting pattern.
Oker said to initially position the dripper to apply water directly to the root ball of newly planted trees. It takes about 30 days for the tree roots to grow into the soil mass.
Phoebe Gordon, UCCE orchard crops advisor in Madera County, said overirrigation of young trees can result in disease and poor growth due
Applied nutrients are needed to support growth of trunks, roots, branches and leaves in the first year after planting in most cases.
Trees store nutrients in canopy branches, trunks and roots during dormancy and redistribute them during growth in the spring. Uptake of nutrients only occurs during active growth beginning at leaf-out. Highest uptake time is from onset of shoot growth to late stages of nut development.
to less oxygen in the root zone when soil is saturated. She advised getting data from sensors, ET, sap flow or canopy temperatures to determine when to initiate irrigation but noted tree water status and/or soil moisture conditions are more useful than ET in the first two months after planting trees.
Water should be applied in the root zone, not outside, in young trees. Wetting larger areas than needed increases evaporation losses, promotes weed growth and wastes water. She noted that two 1-gallon-per-hour external emitters placed 10 to 15 inches to each side of the tree provides enough capacity to adequately irrigate newly planted trees. This system should work until the third year when microsprinklers should be installed and the emitters plugged. As an alternative, microsprinklers can be used but capped to limit the spray radius during the first two years. Caps can be removed, and the sprinklers moved farther from the tree once the trees are growing well and the root system has expanded.
Walnuts
Irrigation strategy in young walnut trees is also a little different than young almond or pistachio trees, Moneim Mohamad, UCCE irrigation and soils advisor in Stanislaus County, said. He did agree with Gordon that tree water status and/or soil moisture conditions are better than ET irrigation scheduling right after planting trees.
To accurately estimate ET for irrigation in young walnuts, he said to consider site-specific conditions, cultivars and rootstock, and orchard floor vegetation. Higher or lower temperatures after planting can slow tree growth, Mohamad noted.
If using ET for scheduling, he said it changes 2% per 1% reduction in canopy shaded area for trees smaller than 20% midday shaded area. After planting, average PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) is 1%. An estimated average canopy of 1% suggests a crop coefficient adjustment of 2%.
A combination of three irrigation scheduling methods is recommended, Mohamad said, as it gives a grower more confidence in making informed and effective water management decisions.
He also cautioned against using a deficit irrigation plan on young walnut trees.
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WHAT LIES BENEATH:
KNOW YOUR PLANT-PARASITIC NEMATODES ON PERENNIAL CROPS
CSymptoms of root-knot nematode infection can be obvious, here on susceptible walnut roots. Depending on how long the infection has been in place, root-knots can have different sizes (all photos courtesy A. Westphal.)
alifornia produces over 400 different crops, many of them specialty and perennial crops that flourish on the state’s deep-rooting and fertile soils. These highly supportive growing conditions also favor infestations with parasites and pathogens that can host on the valuable crops. Among these, plant-parasitic nematodes rob yield as they feed below ground on roots of susceptible crops to sustain their own livelihoods.
Many pathogens and pests are relatively easily recognized; insects can be viewed under minimal magnification, fungi cause characteristic symptoms, but plant-parasitic nematodes are conspicuous and do require laboratory examinations.
Many plant-parasitic nematodes are in a size dimension of 20 thousandths of an inch. This rather abstract size exemplifies that these microscopic roundworms live in a world far removed from the general human experience. Effects of their life activities become visible by generic reductions of plant growth, lack of vigor and reduced productivity. The amount of damage they cause is dependent on their numbers. While tiny, large numbers of them can cause severe damage by reducing root growth and function, and by consuming plant nutrients that would be otherwise converted into plant growth and yield.
The Lifecycle
Plant-parasitic nematodes occur in different genera and species. Their life histories can vary substantially. For example, root-knot nematodes are closely associated with the growth cycle of their host plants. Only infective stages of these nematodes are mobile in soil. Once in the roots, these nematodes trigger changes in the host tissue that allow them to establish feeding sites. As these specialized cells develop, the nematodes discontinue moving. The sedentary parasites go through their life cycle at this location within the root tissue. In response to the nematode feeding, the host plant produces bulgy tissue around the infection site that makes up the gall creating the name-giving root knots. Such deformations can be a first indication for the presence of nematodes of this group. Lab work should confirm the presence of the nematode females within these root galls. Plants with resistance hinder these nematodes from completing their life cycle, and population densities decline on them.
Root lesion nematodes live inside the root for a portion of their life cycle as well. At first infection, these nematodes may only feed from the outside on root tissues. Eventually, they penetrate the root and carry on with feeding. These nematodes continue moving within the plant root tissue and never become sedentary. They go through their life cycle while
By ANDREAS WESTPHAL | Dept. of Nematology, UC Riverside
alike.
moving in the tissue and may return to the soil environment. These nematodes feed on cells they encounter while moving through the root tissues, removing contents from the impacted cells that may lose their function as a result. These nematodes do not cause the complex physiological changes as the sedentary nematodes would. Maybe because of this lack of intricate nematode host plant interaction it has been much more challenging to detect host plant resistance. Multiple nematode species live in the soil surrounding the host plant roots and feed only from the outside on the root system. For example, ring nematodes show this type of behavior. They go through their entire life cycle while living in the soil. They feed from the outside of the root system on small roots and root hairs. This rather “casual” interaction with the plant challenges the development of host plant resistance. Nematodes can easily move from one root system to alternative roots that may be more conducive for their nourishment and development.
Soil Sampling
Orchard or vineyard establishment should include evaluation of potential nematode infestations. In annual crop production, crop rotation is a highly effective management strategy, but in perennials, this concept of changing crops can only be applied every few decades, and even then it is limited in its effectiveness. Yes, many soilborne pathogens and pests are host-specific, but plant-parasitic nematodes typically have fairly wide host ranges. For example, root lesion nem-
Depending on the time of first infection and the time elapsed since then galls can have different sizes.
atodes can damagingly infect almond, pistachio and walnut alike. While walnut is probably the most sensitive tree species, the other two tree nut crops can also be damaged. Knowing the nematode communities will guide rootstock choice and help in making soil treatment decisions.
The first step for nematode management is soil sampling. Planning goes a long way to obtain the most meaningful information in an efficient manner. When an orchard or vineyard is scheduled for renewal (or planting to an alternate perennial), it is most advisable to sample the still-in-place planting before removal.
The sampler can be guided to the most appropriate sample location that is perpendicular from the canopy edge to the soil surface in the irrigation zone of the tree or vine. Inherent challenges of uneven distribution of nematode populations in the soil matrix render soil sampling strategies crucial for obtaining meaningful data that support pest management decisions. The first concept is stratifying the field for obvious differences in cropping sequence or soil texture differences. At times of consolidating production units, often smaller fields with different field histories are combined to a large unit that provides efficiency of scale operations. Soil texture differences are frequently larger in the horizontal expanse of a field than easily meets the eye. Soil texture maps can help in identifying these strata.
A second limitation of soil sampling is the depth distribution of the parasitic species. Some stratification of populations of plant-parasitic nematodes can be
observed (e.g., ring nematode is frequently found at elevated numbers in the upper 1.5 to 2 feet of depth.) In contrast, root lesion nematode can develop at depths wherever host plant roots are present. In research trials, soil samples from 5 feet deep still harbor large population densities of root lesion nematodes. This distribution becomes critical when designing soil sampling schemes.
Many circumstances can prevent soil sampling being done at the “perfect” time when the old orchard or vineyard is still in place, but the grower still needs to assess the nematode load of the field even if it is fallow. Once planting rows are obstructed by tillage operations, the likelihood of detecting nematode infestations is reduced. Any soil movement after plant removal dilutes infestation hot spots and makes detection of population densities more cumbersome. In addition, long, hot fallow periods coupled with topsoil tillage may dry out shallow soil layers. If this occurs quickly, nematode numbers may decline in these layers. At greater soil depths, the dry-down of the matrix is slowed, and nematodes may have a chance to adapt to the drier conditions, or simply survive in (minimally) hydrated root residues.
These processes result in low population densities in shallow soil layers despite the presence of nematodes at greater soil layers. This concept may result in erroneous results that nematode freedom is attested based on soil samples collected at 18 inches deep at the end of a summer fallow period. Populations present below this depth can reach newly planted perennials and lead to plant damage although the field was erroneously declared “clean.” To prevent these sampling mistakes in a late summer sampling, samples need to be taken from deeper soil layers. Soil of the collection layer should be at least earth-damp. Such a condition is likely to allow for nematode survival, and the likelihood of detecting residual populations is increased. Depending on the length of the fallow period, such layer may be 2 to 4 feet deep in soil. Also because of the dilution effects of tillage, more soil samples need to be collected for the composite sample to be sent to the lab. More information can be found at https:// www.youtube.com/watch? v=U7x0xHoKqC8.
Prunus root-knots. Root-knot nematodes can infect and damage almond, pistachio and walnut
Understanding Results
Soil samples need to be kept cool in sealed plastic bags (to conserve moisture) while being transported to a nematology laboratory. Currently used extraction methods vary in extraction efficacy but have in common that they require the integrity of the nematode body, and some of them for the nematodes to be alive and active. Letting closed plastic bags be exposed to the sun or freezing the soil sample must be avoided as such will kill the nematodes and render extraction results erroneous. In the lab, known soil amounts are submitted to extraction procedures. The extraction method most used by commercial laboratories is a density centrifugation method that highly effectively extracts nematodes that are free in the soil matrix at the time of sample processing. Nematodes that are embedded in plant tissue at the time of processing are more effectively extracted using a sieve-mist extraction method in which samples are intermittently exposed to water mist for several days. Knowing what method was used is critical to interpret the results when the extracted nematodes are identified and counted. Based on the fairly crude extraction procedures, nematode numbers may be quite variable. As a result, thresholds when treatments are required are broad and preferentially given as comparatively wide ranges. Efforts are underway to improve these methods by molecular methods that focus on quantifying the nematode DNA following standardized extraction methods. The aim is to provide more accurate nematode quantification, and thus be able to make more accurate treatment recommendations.
Never assume nematodes are not a problem in a particular field. Rigor in information collection and proper action will be the route to success. Even at times of dwindling returns, the homework needs to be done when establishing new orchards and vineyards. The additional expense of proper soil sampling may appear unnecessary, but in most instances it will be well worth it when protecting the large investment into a new perennial planting.
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A Closer Look at Biofungicides
By CECILIA PARSONS | Associate Editor
Biofungicides can be direct competition to fungal pathogens and exclude them, forming a protective barrier, can outcompete plant pathogens for infection sites or space, and can also stimulate a plant’s natural defense mechanisms to prevent fungal disease.
When weather conditions are right, fungal diseases can devastate yields in almond, pistachio and walnut orchards.
A growers’ typical plan is to apply a fungicide at the right time to prevent fungal diseases from affecting crop yields. Several fungicide applications may be needed to lower disease pressure, and that is where the rub is: Using the same chemical fungicide products over time increases the chance the fungal pathogens will develop resistance to the chemistries used.
UC researchers have always cautioned that fungicide products with different modes of action need to be rotated to prevent resistance from developing. That practice is becoming more difficult as fewer new chemistries are being developed and more restrictions are being placed on applications as well as markets that are less friendly to chemical applications. Enter biofungicides.
A Fit for Biofungicides
Biofungicides are made from beneficial organisms: fungi, bacteria and actinobacteria that are commonly found in nature. Biofungicides work to suppress fungal pathogens in several different ways. They can be direct competition to fungal pathogens and exclude them, forming a protective barrier. They can outcompete plant pathogens for infection sites or
space. A biofungicide product can also stimulate a plant’s natural defense mechanisms to prevent fungal disease.
“They fit really well in an integrated pest management program,” said Brooks Craven, branded products territory manager with Wilbur Ellis, distributor of the biofungicide Romeo CA.
Craven said a biofungicide can be part of an effective IPM program as a tool to reduce resistance development in fungal pathogens.
“We are still learning about how these products work, which ones will out-compete fungal pathogens. It will depend on the biofungicide product, but feel they are a viable option for growers.”
Most biofungicides are preventative, meaning they must be applied before disease outbreaks, while some may have some curative power. Craven said it is important growers or PCAs be aware of how a biofungicide product works and understand limitations and timing of application. Understanding an orchard’s disease history and environmental conditions are also important components of biofungicide use.
Growers may also look to biofungicides as a tool for zero-day postharvest intervals and avoiding MRL issues with export crops.
Reasons to Consider
Tree nut growers are considering biofungicide use in their
& ALMONDS
orchard for a couple reasons, Josette Lewis, Almond Board of California’s (ABC) chief scientific officer, explained. As more restrictions are placed on conventional pesticide use and fewer new products to combat disease are coming into the market, growers are looking at biofungicides as a part of their pest management practices. Market pressure is playing a part in grower movement to sustainable practices, and a biofungicide fits into that category.
This isn’t to say growers are making major changes in the use of fungicide products. Lewis said growers want to know that biofungicides work and if they are compatible with other pest and disease control products and application timings.
“We need to know the best use of these products, what environmental conditions call for applications, spray timing and even just how fast the spray rig should travel down the row,” Lewis said.
“Growers and pest control advisors need to understand how these products work, best application practices and how to integrate them into a conventional program.”
Third-Party Trials on Biofungicides in Tree Nuts
To answer some of these questions and give growers and PCAs confidence in making decisions on biofungicide use, ABC is conducting third-party, multi-year trials on biofungicides with the goal of making the results available to the industry.
The goal of the trial, said Lauren Fann, ABC’s senior specialist in pest management, is to test the efficacy of biopesticide products currently on the market and registered for use in almond. The trial will first evaluate biofungicides and their
Optimal spray timing and rig speed are just a couple questions that need to be answered with biofungicide research in tree nuts.
effectiveness in controlling common almond diseases (brown rot (Monilinia laxa), jacket rot (Botrytis cinerea), hull rot (Rhizopus, Monilinia, Aspergillus and Phomopsis), alternaria (Alternaria alternata) and rust) through replicated trials across the Central Valley. The data collected in 2024 will be used to gain grower buy-in, with the aim of scaling up the trials in 2025 to evaluate the integration of promising biopesticides into current grower disease management practices.
Fann noted with changes in regulations on conventional chemical use always on the horizon, growers may become more reliant on biopesticides to control diseases or insect pests. There can be grower and PCA concerns about the credibility of these bioproducts and their manufacturers, Fann said. While some biopesticides may show promising results for one disease, they may not be as effective for others. In contrast, she added, conventional pesticide products often manage a suite of diseases effectively.
Fann said the ABC trial is designed to gain knowledge about using biofungicides and if there is success to build confidence in products that work for multiple diseases. Many unknowns remain about bioproducts and how well they can be integrated into current pest management practices, she said, so this trial provides an opportunity to learn throughout its duration.
This is the first year of the trial, and the focus is on the efficacy of products in managing diseases in almond. Currently, ABC cannot provide specific guidance on using biofungicides beyond following the product label directions, as one year of data is insufficient. Fann said additional replication across multiple years is necessary to offer more concrete information.
“For the upcoming year, we are working with the individuals running the trials and collaborating with participating companies to gain insights on the best way to integrate these products into the grower standard trials next year.”
Lewis noted because biofungicides do not work like conventional fungicides, the way they work may be more nuanced.
The trial will provide more information about biofungicide use and efficacy.
There is somewhat of a stigma associated with ‘bio’ products, Craven said,
Biofungicides are made from beneficial organisms: fungi, bacteria and actinobacteria that are commonly found in nature (all photos courtesy
with the thinking that they may not be as good as conventional chemistries and cost more.
“There is a range of prices for biofungicide products,” Craven said. “The costs will depend on the specific products, with the ones for organic production in the higher range.
“The thing to keep in mind is they are environmentally friendly, and they play a part in preventing resistance development.”
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Wilbur-Ellis.)
San Joaquin Valley Makes Strides Toward Replenishing Groundwater
By CAITLIN PETERSON | Associate Center Director and Research Fellow, Water Policy Center, Public Policy Institute of California and ELLEN HANAK | Senior Fellow, Water Policy Center, Public Policy
Institute of California
California’s San Joaquin Valley faces some of the largest groundwater deficits in the state, putting the region on the frontlines for implementing the landmark 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Since 2014, local water agencies have been working hard to form groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) and complete plans for addressing the undesirable effects of overpumping. They’ve also begun the difficult work of implementing these plans, which collectively place a heavy emphasis on groundwater recharge as a key strategy to address overdraft.
In a recent survey, we asked valley water managers how groundwater recharge went during 2023, a very wet year, and we found recharge efforts expanded significantly. The amount of water put toward recharge in the San Joaquin Valley increased by 17%, compared to a similar survey conducted in 2017 (which was also a very wet year). This is an impressive increase, and it indicates some significant changes are underway in the valley.
Between 2017 and 2023, recharge methods themselves didn’t change dramatically. In both years, roughly half of all survey respondents used four main methods of groundwater recharge: in-lieu recharge (replacing groundwater use with surface water use), applying water in dedicated recharge basins, sending it through unlined canals or streambeds, and spread-
Water is diverted for the first time onto land converted to a groundwater recharge basin near Caruthers in Fresno County, California (photo courtesy Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources.)
ing it on farmland. The key change in 2023 was that more agencies were applying recharge water in dedicated basins, and that overall recharge volumes were up, which is consistent with recent investments in this key local infrastructure. Over half of all recharge still happens in dedicated basins, though volumes grew for in-lieu recharge as well.
That said, recharge methods are evolving. While the
A recharge project diverts water along the Cosumnes River during high-flow events (photo courtesy Ken James, California Department of Water Resources.)
share of agencies that report spreading water on farmland in their area has not changed much since 2017, the amount of water recharged by this method nearly doubled from 2017 to 2023. Interest in this method has grown dramatically, and a practice that was once regarded warily by many growers has now moved firmly into the mainstream. Although spreading water on farmland accounts for less than 10% of total recharge volumes, this is the area where we saw the largest growth. There may also be more recharge happening on farmland than was captured in our survey responses as this is one of the more difficult methods to track closely.
Overcoming Remaining Barriers
Some barriers to on-farm recharge remain, including the method’s incompatibility with existing irrigation systems and concerns about impacts on crop yields. In 2023, however, survey respondents reported that some of the technical difficulties associated with recharging on farmland have lessened in recent years. Crucially, some agencies have rolled out incentive programs for landowners, including offering pumping or allocation credits or even paying growers to put water on fallowed land. This has helped increase grower familiarity with the techniques, improve accounting systems, and meet grower demand for crediting schemes, but all signs point toward significant room for growth in recharge on farmland.
There are several key areas that growers, together with federal, state and local agencies, can emphasize to overcome barriers to recharging on farmland and bolster local groundwater supplies: Groundwater accounting is key Understanding the amount of re-
charge that’s occurring (and where) is fundamental to crediting for recharge activities and other aspects of groundwater sustainability. Groundwater accounting is a critical aspect of managing groundwater sustainably, but we found around 20% of rechargers still do not use any accounting method to track their recharge. Growers
and managers should continue working together to improve groundwater accounting at the local level.
Groundwater allocations help, too In overdrafted basins, accounting systems can also go a step further by setting up groundwater allocation
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The James Irrigation District utilizes pumps from DWR’s Emergency Pump Program to divert water and fill a basin for groundwater recharge in San Joaquin Fresno County, California (photo courtesy Jonathan Wong, California Department of Water Resources.)
FOR LESS THAN 10% OF TOTAL RECHARGE VOLUMES, THIS IS THE AREA WHERE WE SAW THE LARGEST GROWTH.’
programs, which set a cap on how much pumping is allowed each year. Early adopters of allocations did well on landowner recharge in 2023, and mindsets are shifting. Whereas allocations were once regarded solely as a punitive measure, they are increasingly recognized as an important incentive tool. Allocations also facilitate groundwater trading and banking, which reduce costs for water users and help to manage risks from drought.
Advance preparation pays off
Agencies that managed to stash water underground in 2023 told us such a successful recharge season wouldn’t have been possible without years of planning and preparation (two-thirds of our survey respondents cited such planning as a key enabler of their recharge efforts in 2023). Growers and managers should continue to collaborate on improving local, district-lev-
el planning for recharge. Planning could include assessment of the financial feasibility of different recharge options and forming recharge partnerships to leverage resources and opportunities across agencies and stakeholder groups. Partnerships can include sharing water, funding, local conveyance infrastructure and suitable land for recharge.
Boost
incentives
Incentives, such as groundwater pumping credits or price reductions for recharge water, helped drive the large increase in volumes recharged by spreading water on farmland from 2017 to 2023. More than two-thirds of the agencies where growers are recharging by spreading water on farmland reported using at least one type of incentive in 2023, and half reported using pumping credits.
Remove
regulatory barriers
Managers pointed to some state actions, namely executive orders to make diverting flood flows easier and support for acquiring emergency pumps and equipment for siphoning floodwaters, as being especially helpful. More remains to be done to refine the rules on when and how much water can be safely diverted, and to address other regulatory barriers such as acquiring permits for project construction and operation. Local and state agencies can work together to reduce regulatory barriers for recharge.
Infrastructure matters
Local agencies, with state support, can also evaluate smart plays for infrastructure, which remains an important barrier to groundwater recharge. Half of all 2017 survey respondents cited at least one infrastructure barrier, and this was still very much on the radar in 2023. By evaluating where improvements are needed, locals can optimize conveyance to get recharge water to suitable areas and look at options for expanding the role of surface storage to help slow water down. Groundwater sustainability agencies will also need to
Don Cameron, general manager of Terranova Ranch, and Matt Hurley, general manager, McMullin Area Groundwater Sustainability Agency, pose as recharge water flows through the pipe behind them (photo courtesy Andrew Innerarity, California Department of Water Resources.)
collaborate to address deficiencies in regional conveyance where it crosses basin boundaries.
To expand recharge on farmland, growers can equip themselves with dual-use irrigation systems, and managers can offer technical support. Our results suggest growers are increasingly finding solutions for technical problems around spreading water on farmland. However, managers still raised concerns about grower know-how in this area and the cost to growers for retrofitting, maintaining and installing adequate irrigation systems. State and federal funding programs and recharge incentives can help overcome these cost concerns, but growers with suitable lands should equip themselves to apply high-volume flows and lean on their local agency for technical support.
Our findings paint a hopeful picture for future groundwater management and agriculture in the valley. In six short years, valley rechargers have made many advances: Recharge volumes are up, interest in recharge is high, and some of the technical difficulties of newer practices like spreading water on farmland have been ironed out. Both local and state policies are evolving to reflect accumulating on-the-ground experience.
More remains to be done, of course. Our research shows up to 3.5 million acre-feet of additional water might have been available for recharge in 2023 in the San Joaquin Valley. Tackling the remaining barriers can help growers better manage water resources through both wet and dry years while
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keeping their local agencies on track to meet their groundwater sustainability goals.
Water is diverted onto a newly constructed groundwater recharge basin at Mountain View and Temperance near Selma in Fresno County, California (photo courtesy Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources.)
One Groundwater Sustainability Agency’s Path to Success
By KRISTIN PLATTS | Digital Content Writer
owner of
Farms,
sin in June 2022 (all photos courtesy
In California, where water quality and quantity issues vary significantly, getting a groundwater sustainability plan (GSP) approved is often a lengthy and challenging process for the state's groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs), which represent diverse stakeholders from both rural and urban areas. As of Jan. 31, 2024, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) reported that out of the more than 260 GSAs formed in over 140 basins, only 71 had approved GSPs. Additionally, 13 basins were found to have incomplete plans, and six were deemed inadequate. This review covered all basins that were required to submit plans by Jan. 31, 2022.
As GSAs continue to work on their groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs) to comply with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), the success stories of those who have achieved approval might serve as beacons of hope amid what seems like a monumental task. One such success story is the Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency (YSGA).
According to YSGA Executive Officer Kristin Sicke, YSGA benefited from an already well-established forum of water managers and the previously established Water Resources Association of Yolo County, which provided a strong starting point for developing and implementing their GSP.
“It was this perfect foundation for us to go and create a groundwater sustainability agency,” Sicke said.
From there, it was a matter of asking others in the county who could also be GSAs to join them, creating one GSA to cover the county. Sicke said once they received the ‘OK’ from DWR to consolidate the four subbasins in Yolo County, they were able to create YSGA.
“We felt that was going to position us in the best way to essentially leverage all the historical, county wide water planning that had been occurring, and really create economies of scale,” she said.
As they formed YSGA, Sicke said part of getting rural entities on board was to focus on how they would serve as the reporting regulatory compliance mechanism
but still maintain smaller management areas in the subbasin that would focus on the unique hydrogeology of an area.
Emphasizing efficiency at the top level for state reporting, while ensuring local control for smaller units, Sicke said given the county's vast size and diverse interests, some stakeholders were concerned their water rights could be encroached upon by other areas of the county, but their agreement for local control would address those concerns.
Working Together
While agriculture is a large part of Yolo County’s economy, Sicke said there is still tension between the ag and urban sector and the differing needs. With the goal of maintaining a cohesive team to create economies of scale and comply with legislation, she said they aimed to present a united front while also acknowledging and being sensitive to the unique interests within the group.
“For the most part, we’ve tried to keep the data at the very center, like what is the science saying, and that should help
Fritz Durst,
Tule
speaks to a group of landowners at a YSGA outreach meeting in the Hungry Hollow Area of Yolo Subba-
Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency.)
DETERRENT FOR SMALL MAMMALS
• Protects elds and orchards from damage by small mammals
• Suitable control of gophers, ground squirrels, voles, moles and similar pests
• Eliminates fencing requirement
• Safeguards irrigation equipment from damage
• Encourages small mammal pests to vacate the premises
• Promotes small mammal population control
• Helps limit the (potential) spread of wildlife-borne disease
• Shown to be e ective even after precipitation
• Odorless and non-toxic to humans and animals
SMALL MAMMAL DETERRENT
Each year small ground mammals cause extensive damage to farm elds, crops and equipment. Besides foraging on eld crops, many are burrowing animals, whose mounds and holes create hazards for livestock, obstacles for farm equipment and inhibit crops from growing on disturbed land. In other instances, these small mammals can get into stored grain or damage agricultural infrastructure (i.e. causing damage to drip irrigation lines).
Penergetic b ZV’s purpose is to act as a deterrent by discouraging these pests from inhabiting treated areas. Since the target species often live under ground and have developed elaborate networks of tunnels, with multiple entrances, when using penergetic b ZV it is important to carry out a fairly land-expansive spraying program to ensure adequate coverage of the area they occupy.
us drive a decision more than some of the political tensions between the different users,” she said.
Another key component for crafting a successful GSP, Sicke said, was being fortunate enough to have a well-managed aquifer and access to surface water, making groundwater a backup plan. But she said it was the collaboration of so many unique interests that helped its success.
“It was viewed as more of a team effort, and it seemed like it didn’t result in a lot of negative comments from the plan we created, which I think DWR viewed that well,” she said.
Proactive outreach to local and state environmental entities, such as The Nature Conservancy and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, helped engage them in the conversation, ensuring they were informed about the plan and its objectives.
“We haven’t hit the mark totally on groundwater-dependent ecosystems or interconnected surface waters, but I think us engaging them during the planning development made them feel like we were at least trying and putting our best foot forward,” Sicke said.
There was a significant effort by many of those entities to comment on the plans as well, which she said was mostly done
“I think they recognized we were working with them and we weren’t ignoring it altogether,” she said.
Navigating the Challenges
One of the largest hurdles while developing their plan was navigating some of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, explained Sicke.
“Developing a plan that you’re supposed to have large workshops for outreach during a pandemic is just exhausting,” she said. “We were really hitting our heads against the wall; how
“
– Kristin Sicke, Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency
” We haven’t hit the mark totally on groundwater-dependent ecosystems or interconnected surface waters, but I think us engaging them during the planning development made them feel like we were at least trying and putting our best foot forward.
do we communicate with people and have effective meetings?”
Zoom meetings worked for some but were a challenge for seniors who weren’t as familiar with the required technology to meet in an online setting. Another obstacle was rolling out a draft GSP they publicized as sustainable and visionary, but felt a little disingenuous to some, as the drought was still in full swing.
Sicke said she ended up writing a preface to the GSP, hoping to alleviate some of those hard feelings. It explained their plan was developed based on a specific period of hydrology and did not account for the drought conditions of the time but acknowledged they were being attentive to the unprecedented drought conditions and declining groundwater levels.
“I kind of made some promises about what we’re going to do moving forward and not act like our head is buried in the
A 2022 tour to Yolo County’s Good Humus Farms was one stop in a series of farms which aimed to develop relationships among landowners and convey the need to come together to solve groundwater issues.
YSGA executive officer Kristin Sicke speaks during a meeting to engage stakeholders in Yolo County. Similar meetings will continue to take place to provide updates on groundwater levels and discuss relevant projects and management actions.
sand and that we will start to consider demand management strategies because our plan didn’t have any,” she said. “I don’t know if it helped, but at least it helped me feel better to be a little bit more transparent.”
The Work Isn’t Done
As SGMA continues to be implemented and the priorities and boundaries of some basins change, DWR says new GSAs will likely be formed and existing ones may need to reorganize, consolidate or withdraw from managing all or part of a basin.
For YSGA and every other GSA with an approved GSP, that means an extensive review known as a periodic evaluation of their plan every five years. While their 2022 plan was conditionally approved, Sicke said DWR will want to see several things clarified in the periodic evaluation.
“Thankfully, I think DWR is being pretty realistic about not needing to do a brand-new plan but focusing on the areas that need to be enhanced or modified,” she said.
As they move forward, Sicke said they will continue to engage stakeholders in several ways. Given the county's unique hydrogeology, they have identified six distinct areas, each slated to have its own advisory committee. These committees are currently being chartered and are expected to be launched soon. The plan also includes holding biannual community meetings in each area to provide updates on groundwater levels and discuss relevant projects and management actions.
“I’m hoping that really allows for a better opportunity for us to have people come and get an update and also share any concerns they may have,” she said.
Sicke said she wants growers to know YSGA will continue to effectively implement their plan in the best way they can based on constituent needs.
“It’s in our mission to ensure we have continued access to groundwater,” she said, “We want to be there for the [growers] in our area, no matter what crop they’re growing, to make sure they have access to groundwater in dry years.”
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A timeline breaks down what is required of GSAs to comply with SGMA from 2015 through 2042.
From the Orchard
Mark Cavallero farms with his dad at Cavallero Farms where they recently purchased a new tractor. For a smaller operation like his, purchasing a single new tractor with an enclosed cab can make a huge difference in efficiency and the ability to get things done in any weather (all photos courtesy M. Cavallero.)
Future Farmers of America (FFA) lived up to its name in helping to push Mark Cavallero, of Cavallero Farms, into almond farming. As do most farm kids, Cavallero saw working on the farm as a ‘chore.’ It wasn’t until his FFA advisor suggested he compete for the FFA’s Proficiency Award that he found his true love for growing almonds.
“The impact and the ripple effect of the FFA program definitely shaped me into the person I am today,” Cavallero said.
Today, Cavallero and his dad continue to farm the family’s land in Madera, Calif, making Cavallero Farms a fourth-generation operation. Both he and his dad, Jim Cavallero, carry fulltime jobs outside of the farm. After the outside jobs are done, farming of the 40 acres of Independence almonds begins.
Q. What's the history of farming for you or your family?
The Cavallero operation began in 1912, established by my great grandfather Giuseppe Cavallero. Giuseppe Cavallero purchased 450 acres of land and began to farm grapes and cotton. Our family maintains ownership over parts of the original farm, but slowly, faced with the
Fourth-Generation Farmer Mark Cavallero Holds onto Family Legacy
By LORI FAIRCHILD | Contributing Writer
unique difficulties of farming in California, acres were sold. The operation is now based on what we call, “The Home 60.” My Dad made the decision to plant almonds in 1996, coincidentally the year I was born. I like to think I was literally born into the modern Cavallero Farming operation. Our almond operation and I have literally grown up together.
The transition to 100% almonds did not happen immediately. We maintained acreage of grape production for several years, but the market conditions for that crop ultimately led us to 100% almond production. In 2015, we removed most of the original trees and redeveloped with a block of Independence variety. The new variety did great, leading us to the decision to remove a small section of Butte/ Padre and replant with Independence. Shortly after, we removed our last 10 acres of Thompson Seedless grapes, and with total consistency, completed our farm with 100% Independence plantings.
Q. What’s your story of how you ended up in the industry?
Being born, raised and educated in Madera Calif., I eventually landed in the Madera FFA Chapter once enrolled in
high school. I was very active within the FFA program for four years and was also awarded the prestigious American FFA Degree. I enjoyed my time within the FFA program, but I was still missing the passion that I have today.
As I moved through the stages of FFA, I was exposed to many different activities and competitions, some of which included showing market animals and farm and ranch production competitions against other FFA members and their respective farms. My farm project took me all the way to the National FFA competition. At that point, I realized, “Oh, well, this is actually pretty fun, and I kind of enjoy the farming aspect now.”
After high school, I attended Reedley College with a focus on plant science. My initial plan was to be a PCA. Then COVID-19 happened, and I’m not great at learning from a computer. I was presented with an opportunity to work as a Grower Representative for Sierra Valley Almonds. I applied, interviewed, and I've been here since September 2020.
Cavallero Farms transitioned to Independence almonds, which are popular with Middle Eastern consumers.
Q. Talk a little bit about what it's like to be a smaller farm in the industry.
It's tough in a way, and it's rewarding
Farming taught me how to work, to be outside, and it shaped me into the man I am today. I would love to give that to the next generation.– Mark Cavallero, Cavallero Farms
in others. At the end of the day, we don't do anything different than a large-scale operation. We spray, we mow, we irrigate, we fertilize, we do everything that a large-scale operation does. The only difference, and it's kind of the nice part, is it's just me and my dad. We have no employees. It’s just the two of us, running the day-to-day, week-to-week processes.
On certain jobs, we'll bring in pruning crews. We have one guy that helps us with irrigation occasionally because my dad and I both work full-time jobs. With some of the time-sensitive jobs, we will bring in some outside help, the same as a larger-scale operation will do.
I would say that one unique struggle as a small operation is that some companies might scoff off a smaller business because the payoff will be less. A large operation is going to hire a larger scale of service, which leads to a higher amount due for the service. We’ve built very good relationships with outside companies, but in the beginning, it was tough finding those companies that were willing to provide the smaller-scale services we needed.
Q. How does your passion for farming blend with your day job?
A lot of growers don't know exactly what processors do. Farmers are experts at farming. There can be a lack of connection and understanding between the field production and processors. With my employment at [Sierra Valley Almonds], I have learned there are multiple steps in the processing of almonds. The supply chain from field to consumer is built on the backs of very important companies and people, everyone working together to get our product to market. It has been a very enlightening few years. With my current job as a grower representative, I have hands-on involvement from start to finish.
I am fortunate to have the ability to grow my almonds, nurture them to
production, harvest them and transport them to the huller/sheller, which is the first step... to prepare them for either kernel or in-shell processing. From there, the kernels are shipped to the processing facility where they are USDA graded. At this point, my incoming grower analysis determines the quality of my almonds. This is where I finally see the results of my crop. Then the kernels are sized and graded and ultimately sold to buyers who prefer the Independence variety. The Middle East has become a fantastic market for this young variety, and the industry has done a great job marketing them as a nice-looking alternative to the Nonpareils.
Having the lifelong experiences of farming and developing my knowledge by working for a processor, I am able to bring a unique perspective to other growers who contract with Sierra Valley. I understand their concerns, the big financial investments that go into maintaining a permanent crop like almonds, but I am also able to communicate the unique characteristics of the global almond market to our growers. Farmers are experts at producing great crops, and I am proud to be a conduit of information between the daily market conditions and the marketing plans of our growers.
I can genuinely relate to my growers. I know exactly what it's like from start to finish. I know exactly when they're spraying, and I know what they're spraying because I'm doing the exact same thing. I know when the weather is affecting their crops because it's also affecting mine.
My dual involvement bridges that gap from processor to grower. I am that middle lightning rod that connects everyone together.
Q. Talk a little bit about how you juggle farming and working a full-time job.
It's definitely a lot of communication
between my dad and I. For example, this afternoon we're going to hook up a disc for some planned orchard management. The longer days make it nice. I get off work around 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It's all about communication for both of us, planning what we're going to do and executing it, the same as any farming operation.
On weekends, we work as much as we can. It can be tiring at times, but it's just something we know we have to get done, and it keeps us going. I know it keeps him young. He says the day he stops farming is the day he dies. So, we just do it, and overall, we make it work. We do the best we can.
Q. Going back to the farming side of things, how would you say farming practices have evolved over the time that you've been farming?
Technology is a big one, and my dad and I still butt heads about that. He's still on the old-school side, and at the end of the day, it is his ranch. I help when I can, and I do a lot. We have a great relationship, and we share ideas, but it’s his ranch, and he's the one writing the checks. I don't always get the final say, but we’ve made a lot of advancements in how we farm.
Unfortunately, we are a little bit smaller, so making things fully autonomous is quite expensive for us and not always a viable option. Our most recent upgrade was installing solar energy to our farm. Our entire ranch is on solar, which is nice. The up-front cost is big, but over time, it will lower our cost of production.
FULL LINE MANUFACTURER
Another improvement made this past year, it's really simple, and every farmer appreciates this: We finally got a nice, new tractor. We've been using older equipment for a long time, and having that efficiency, having a nice cab, being able to go out essentially whenever you need to, and you're not battling the elements, it's been a really nice upgrade for us. It's something as small as a new tractor that changes what we can and can't do.
Q. What are the three things that keep you up at night related to almonds?
The three things right now that keep us up at night are 100% almond prices. Obviously, we wish prices were higher. Current pricing is simply the result of global shipments versus a very robust total supply. We have a lot of almonds and a lot of acres still that are being planted. So those definitely keep me up at night.
The other one is water. Water is a big, big issue. SGMA, which is the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, is coming in here in 2025. Overall, we're pretty fortunate to be in the Madera irrigation district as of right now. We should be fine, but it's definitely something to be thinking about coming here in the near future.
The future of farming is the third concern. I don't know exactly where California farming is going, and it really seems like people don't want us to farm here in California. California is a unique state with excellent agriculture production, and it often feels like the masses want ag out of California.
Q. What do you think needs to be done to bring almond prices up?
Right now, the biggest target is consumption. The global market is in a weird place. Shipment numbers have been good this season, and the crop was smaller than the previous year. But prices are still flirting with a breakeven/profitable return to growers. The Almond Board of California (ABC) is doing great things to get almonds into the hands of consumers in other ways in addition to snacking in the established markets.
ABC is talking about almonds in beauty, health and fitness. There are so many other things, and almonds are beneficial for more than just a handful a day. Almonds are an excellent protein for those who prefer a plant-based diet. They're trying to promote it in other countries as well, definitely pushing it outside the States.
Unfortunately, almonds are a luxury, not a necessity as far as a staple. We export quite a bit of almonds, close to 80% of all California almonds go all over the world. But they are a luxury, not a necessity. People need wheat, rice, grains and cheaper staples to eat.
Another factor is Australia. It's the second-largest producer of almonds. They’re on the other side of the hemisphere, so they’re harvesting now while we just finished bloom. During the California bloom time, the Australian almonds are perceived as a fresher alternative to California. Buyers will want the freshest almonds they can get, so while the Australian almonds are being marketed, it can cause a slight drag to California almond prices.
Right now, our supply is high, and our demand is flat. I don't know what we can really do to get almonds back up to what I think would be a fair price. You can ask a thousand growers, and
Mark Cavallero says his dad, Jim Caval lero, has been his biggest mentor, even though they sometimes butt heads. “We both learn a lot of things from each other, which has been nice,” Mark Cavallero says.
they'll all have a different number in their head of what a fair price is, ranging from $4 a pound to $2 a pound. Eventually, something has to give.
I think overall acres will start going down. They already did in this past acre
ago. We do it for them. We do it because we love it, even if it doesn't pan out 100%
Well, the biggest thing is we try not to instead we try to rely on our ditch water, what fills the canals every year. This year, ginning of April. You buy it at a per-acrebad. It's one of the earliest years we've had
We try to use that water at that time,stead of pulling out from it. We've talked
Helping Farmers Grow NATURALLY Since 1974
building retention ponds instead of planting almonds to help recharge in that way.
We're definitely water-conscious. We're trying to do everything we can, and it's not just us. It's growers all over the state, and it's tough for sure, but all of us want to do it. I feel like farmers are the biggest stewards of the land. We know the land, we know what it wants and needs, and we're willing to help in any way we can.
Q. What would you say are the biggest assets of the almond industry in California?
The biggest assets are the growers. Without farmers, there are no almonds. Every single grower that farms almonds is equally important.
I believe that Western Ag Processors Association (WAPA), The Almond Alliance and the Almond Board of California are solid assets. The Almond Alliance helps us lobby and get things done in D.C. They’re knocking down doors and doing what small growers can't do. The Western Agricultural Processors Association is an organization committed to representing the tree nut industry on critical issues such as food safety, air quality, pesticides, worker safety, labor, transportation, water and water quality. WAPA is focused on regulatory and legislative issues. Neither WAPA nor the Almond Alliance market or promote.
The Almond Board of California promotes and campaigns for increased
almond consumption. ABC does not lobby due to their government involvement. They’re using the annual assessment dollars for nutritional research, communication and outreach to new and emerging markets to ensure everyone knows the benefits of almonds. The amount of work they do behind the scenes is incredible.
Q. What is your proudest or biggest achievement when it comes to your professional development or your farm?
I have a couple. In 2021, we planted 25 acres of Independence almonds. My dad let me take the reins on that, and I was able to develop it from start to finish. Seeing the fruits of my labor literally grow, we shook and processed last year for the first time, producing what I thought was an amazing first crop.
Seeing how the trees are now, how uniform they are, and the neat irrigation system, it’s nice because I can say, "Hey, I did that." It was a joint effort, but I was allowed to manage and make decisions on that new planting, and it was fun. It was definitely tough and a challenge doing it at 23 and not knowing exactly what to do. Even though I've been doing it for so long, knowing it deep down is different from actually doing it.
As far as my career as a grower rep, back in December, I got accepted into the
Almond Leadership Program through the Almond Board of California. It started in January, and it's been an amazing program. I'm very fortunate to be a part of it. I've met a lot of people and learned so much about the ins and outs of the industry that many people don't know. I'm happy I can bridge that gap now between my growers and the Almond Board of California.
Q. Making an impact on the community around you is important for a lot of growers. In what ways do you do that?
I was really big into FFA here in Madera. If it wasn't for FFA, I probably wouldn't be sitting here talking to you. I still give back to them constantly. The company I work for sponsors a lot of events with them, like dinners, fundraisers and helping with the local county fair. Personally, I help in any way I can with the young kids. They were at my ranch about a month ago for a farm tour, and I gave them a rundown of what a grower representative does. I explained how almonds start, how they’re processed, how they’re harvested and everything in between. I'll continue to do that. I definitely want to do more. Finding the time is a little tough, but I always try to when I can. So, I definitely give back, especially to FFA.
Q. You’re pretty young yourself, but if someone, one of your friends, or a high schooler came to you and said, "I want to get into farming," what advice would you give?
That's a hard one. Land is very, very expensive. I mean, I feel like you can if you want to but just going out and buying land is not something that an 18-year-old kid out of high school is going to do.
If I had to give any advice, I would say go find growers. They're always looking for help. Go run a tractor for someone, go ask for a job, do it that way, be behind the scenes on that front, and just work and see if it's something that you want to do. Eventually, if it's something that you want to do, go lease some land to start, and hopefully, one day you can buy it.
Q. Who was the biggest influence or mentor to you?
I have a couple. Obviously, my dad
Mark Cavallero and his dad, Jim Cavallero, examine some trees on their 60-acre farm. In 2021, Jim put Mark in charge of planting 25 acres of Independence almonds from start to finish. The project tested his knowledge of almond farming, but Mark is proud of how the orchard turned out.
and my mom have both been super supportive and helped me out in everything I've done. My dad has been my main mentor in everything farming-related.
We do everything together. We still butt heads, but I know if I have any questions about anything, he's there. And usually, as much as I hate to admit it, he has the right answer. It's always a pretty simple one, too. It's nice, too, because the older I get, the more technology-driven I am. We both learn a lot of things from each other, which has been nice.
As far as an overall mentor, FFA's Julie Luxon. She was my FFA advisor my senior year. Unfortunately, she wasn't one of my teachers (I wish she was), but she was the one that got me into all my proficiency stuff about the ranch.
She said, "You know, you work on your ranch, you should compete with others across the state." If it wasn't for her, I feel like I wouldn't be where I am. I still talk to her quite a bit, and she's the one that gets me to help the kids again. She always asks, and I owe her so much I can't say no.
As far as work and my career, my co-worker and manager, Jim Sitton, has been a huge mentor. We both got hired about the same time. He's been in the ag industry for over 30 years in various ag-related fields. It's been great learning from him. The knowledge and experience he has is diverse and always ties back to supporting our growers.
Q. What would you say has been the biggest advancement in farming in your time?
I think the biggest advancement is autonomy, whether it's an autonomous sprayer, an autonomous tractor or autonomous irrigation. With labor costs rising in California to an exponential rate, everyone’s finding a way to cut costs, it’s imperative. Simple and sweet. I think autonomy is the largest advancement we've seen, especially in the past 10 years alone.
Q. Do you use any regenerative farming techniques on your farm?
That's my goal this year, to plant cover crops, especially to help with the bees
and with drainage, to be regenerative overall. It's something we've talked about a lot, and I'd like to try to get it into practice, whether I do it this year or going forward in 2025. But it's something I definitely want to try.
Q. Grab your crystal ball and tell us what advancements you think are coming in the future.
I don't know if I can see that far into the future. To go back to what I said earlier, I think autonomy is just going to get bigger and bigger, and we're going to see it a lot more. I feel like regenerative farming as well will be larger. I don't really know what else will have a big impact. Maybe it's a good thing that we don't know, and we have to wait and see what is to come because everything is constantly changing.
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Does the government deserve 40% of your estate?
Maximize Your Estate Tax Benefits Before They Sunset
The federal government can currently tax up to 40% of an estate valued over $13.61 million for an individual or $27.22 million for a married couple. However, things are set to change at the end of 2025. Without extended provisions, the government will be able to tax up to 40% of any estate over $7 million, per individual
For every additional 100 acres, the potential exposure increases $1 million.
With strategic estate planning you still have time to reduce this potential estate tax liability. This reduces the burden on your heirs and helps support your family farming legacy.
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FROM THE BOARD
CHRISTMAS IN JULY... AND YEAR-ROUND
By ANNE WARDEN | CEO, American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board
At the American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB) and American Pecan Council (APC), we continue to hear great feedback on the Unified Pecan Promotion Plan, a set of four strategic initiatives to help increase pecan sales volume and prices for growers and supply chain partners. Those strategic initiatives include:
• Higher value through nutrition
• Expanded demand through new occasions
• Industry readiness through services strategy
• Incremental volume through exports
I’d like to share more about the second initiative on that list, what I playfully call “Christmas in July” for pecans. The winter holiday season drives a large part of the demand for the pecan industry. We all know pecan pies, and treats are a crucial part of traditions for many families.
While we need to maintain that important role in the holiday season, we also want to help break pecans out of their stereotypical role and expand demand all year long. We want to promote more frequent purchases by consumers for a wider variety of occasions, which can help increase the value consumers place on pecans and induce more turnover on grocery store shelves.
Rooted in the Holidays
The demand for pecans among consumers, both in the U.S. and globally, has grown over the years. However, there is a notable discrepancy between consumer interest and actual purchase frequency, especially during non-holiday periods.
This imbalance may contribute to lower prices for pecans being determined by seasonal fluctuations rather than reflecting the overall annual demand. To address this issue and maximize pecan sales throughout the year, the Unified Pecan Promotion Plan calls for marketing to increase usage occasions, thereby ensuring more stable pricing dynamics for pecan growers.
As one grower pointed out to me, “Americans love their chocolate-covered and candied pecans,” and trust me, so do I. We don’t need to leave the holiday treats behind, but we can also capitalize on other ways to eat pecans throughout the year and advance our industry together.
American Pecan Promotion Board is working to break pecans out of the holiday mold and grow year-long demand.
To reach our goals, we have two pathways: one we can undertake now and one that is a longer-term position for the industry.
Growing Non-Seasonal Demand
Today, we need to provide consumers with an increase in accessible retail purchase opportunities, especially outside of holidays, tied to new usage occasions. Think snacking, inclusion in cooking, baking as ingredients and nutritious pecan-focused recipes.
A few facts about pecan purchase behavior today:
• 51% of pecan shoppers choose pecans for baked goods
• 42% of pecan shoppers choose pecans during festive occasions
• Yet, a new study recently completed by Arizona State University found most of these consumers only purchase pecans a few times a year (Grebitus and Fuller 2023)
Pecans have an excellent reputation for having good taste, which is our product’s driving benefit in the marketplace today. The second reason for adding pecans to a shopping cart is because they are good for cooking and baking. Lesser known among consumers but still important is the fact that pecans provide health benefits and nutritional value.
We have room to grow our health benefits messaging, and we can do it through targeted marketing campaigns highlighting the versatility and health benefits of pecans, fostering partnerships with retailers to promote pecans as a staple ingredient in everyday cooking and snacking, and exploring innovative product offerings to appeal to a wider range of consumers.
Among other tactics, this plan considers:
• Partnering with national online retailers like Amazon and Instacart to drive relevancy and additional sales online
• Create in-store promotions in grocery chains nationwide to call out pecans as the snack of choice in the snacking or produce aisle, even if pecans are still hiding in the baking aisle
• Partnering with complimentary products (e.g., yogurt) when pecans can level up a dish
Packaging and food service improvements will be part of the ongoimg research into building demand.
Longer-Term Plan to Grow Everyday Demand
Next, we need increased investment in product innovation through food service partnerships and improved retail packaging to fuel a wider range of options for consumers. Here, we want to expand pecan presence on menus so consumers can get a taste of all pecans offer at their favorite restaurants and help pecan companies and other food brands expand pecan-based products and packaging.
This could include but is not limited to the following ideas for growth and innovation:
• Work with food service partners to innovate menu offerings using pecans
• Leverage diet trend information (e.g., plant-based, keto) to show how pecans easily fit into preferred menu options for today’s consumers
• Work with influential chefs/restaurants to create adapt able food service recipes
• Deliver research and insights for packaging improvements
• Track competitive packaging landscape and best practic es to share with the entire industry
• Provide concept inspiration and testing for industry consideration
Your APPB and APC team, under my leadership as your CEO, is taking immediate and long-term steps to break pe
'Today, we need to provide consumers with an increase in accessible retail purchase opportunities, especially outside of holidays, tied to new usage occasions.'
cans out of their holiday mold and grow year-long demand.
We are excited about the role nutrition positioning can play in driving demand with consumers. This is just one of our four key initiatives to increase pecan sales volume and price to support a sustainably profitable value chain that feeds the world.
I want to reiterate the values under which I and your entire APC/APPB teamwork operate. We are here to be your trusted partners and be known for our transparency and accessibility. I welcome your feedback and thoughts on the plan detailed in this article. Your texts, calls or one-on-one visits at a variety of upcoming shows and meetings are communications I look forward to.
We are committed to unifying the industry and taking actions that support the whole. Like you, we are driven by excellence and strive for an increasingly higher return on your industry investment.
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Nutrient Management Needs in Young Orchards Differ from Mature Trees
By CECILIA PARSONS | Associate Editor
One size does not fit all, particularly when it comes to nutrition in young tree nut orchards.
At a young orchard irrigation and nutrition management workshop hosted by UCCE Kern County, speakers detailed research and observations about tailoring nutrition deliveries to meet demands of newly planted and nonbearing almond, pistachio and walnut trees.
Applied nutrients are needed to support growth of trunks, roots, branches and leaves in the first year after planting in most cases. Cultivar, rootstock, climate and irrigation determine a tree’s potential for growth. Nutritional deficiencies in the early stages will lead to smaller, stunted trees with weaker growth.
Conversely, overapplication of fertilizer in excess of tree demand will promote lanky growth, loss of nutrients below the root zone and add higher input costs.
Accurate Accounting
Ben Halleck, a senior research assistant at Fresno UCCE, said effective nutrient management requires accurate accounting for crop and growth demand. When planning nutrition budgets, orchards should be assessed for previous year’s performance, previous season’s tissue analysis and overall canopy conditions.
Young, nonbearing trees need three macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Micronutrients are also essential for plant growth, and a deficiency in any micronutrient has the potential to cause a decrease in tree health and, later, crop quality and yield.
Halleck said nutrient management in young orchards requires understanding of tree requirements, uptake patterns, nutrient budgeting and soil and tissue analysis. Irrigation management to deliver nutrients to the trees is also essential.
Trees store nutrients in canopy branches, trunks and roots during dormancy and redistribute them during growth in the spring. Uptake of nutrients only occurs during active growth beginning at leaf-out. Highest uptake time is from onset of shoot growth to late stages of nut development.
Factors that influence nutrient availability to trees include soil texture and mineral composition, nutrient interactions, soil organic matter, soil pH, water quality and the fertilizer form and application method. Halleck said foliar applications can be used to overcome soil chemical or physical conditions that prevent uptake.
Distribution uniformity and irrigation efficiency also contribute to nutrient use efficiency. Flushing nutrients down below the root zone or uneven distribution is a waste of expensive orchard inputs.
That is why, Halleck said, frequent, small doses of nutrients are best for young trees. Concentrations of nutrients above adequate levels do not increase uptake.
Cameron Zuber, UCCE orchard crops advisor in Merced County, said the N baseline for new almond orchards is 30 pounds per acre. If second leaf trees bear a crop, that amount goes up to 55 pounds. By third leaf, 65 pounds per acre is recommended, or 68 per 1,000 pounds of kernels harvested.
When applying N to single trees, he warned, not more than one ounce per tree for any single application.
Almond Board of California notes that research shows trees planted after whole orchard recycling may require higher amounts of N in the first year. To ensure N is delivered appropriately, growers should look to hand delivery.
“Nitrogen is nitrogen,” Zuber said. Almond trees can use different fertilizer and organic N sources to meet their N demand. Those include ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and ammonium sulfate.
Irrigation water may contribute to the N budget for trees. Adding organic matter to the soil also provides N, but the rate at which it becomes plant-available varies depending on the carbon to nitrogen ratio.
In most California soils, N is the only required fertilizer for newly planted trees. It can be reduced or omitted the first two seasons on fertile soils. If N application is warranted. Moneim Mohamad, UCCE irrigation and soils advisor in Stanislaus County, said it is recommended to use granular fertilizer as the liquid form may burn roots. Applications are done in mid-spring and early summer. K may be required for K-fixing soils.
Young Pistachio and Walnut Trees
Phoebe Gordon, UCCE orchard crops advisor in Madera County, said it is critical to understand that just because a plant function is impaired
Nutritional deficiencies in the early stages will lead to smaller, stunted trees with weaker growth.
In most California soils, granular nitrogen is the only required fertilizer for newly planted trees.
by nutrient deficiency does not mean the function will be enhanced by overapplication of that nutrient. The nutrients to be concerned about in young pistachios are nitrogen, zinc, copper and possibly phosphorus.
Leaf sampling can be done to determine deficiencies. Samples are done in July, pulling subterminal leaflets from several leaves around each sampled tree. All four quadrants of the tree should be sampled, and samples pulled from at least five feet off the ground. Samples should be mixed, bagged and sent to a testing laboratory.
First-leaf pistachio trees may need very little N, Gordon said. Her suggested rates are not based on research but results from two field trials at the West Side Research Center. Pre-budded trees there received 1.33 ounces N while first-leaf trees received 2 ounces N. Fertilizer should be hand-applied at the tree base and drip emitters placed in the root zone.
Pistachio growers should also be aware of winter juvenile tree dieback in young trees, Gordon said. This condition is associated with rootstocks that have P Integerrima, PG1 or UCE 1 seedling or clonal. Affected trees are high vigor going into fall, usually, but not always associated with frost events. She suggested N applications be cut off for juvenile trees by July and irrigation cut off in late summer or early fall depending on soil type. The goal is to have growth stop before the first frost.
The micronutrient zinc is immobile in pistachios, including foliar-applied zinc. To be most effective, Gordon said, it should be applied during early spring flush as absorption
decreases rapidly as leaves age.
Copper deficiencies in pistachios are not uncommon, Gordon said, and are found in young orchards on the east side of the valley. Symptoms are tiny, undeveloped leaves at leaf terminals. Gordon said foliar applications are effective. The solution is 0.33 to 0.5 pounds CuEDTA to 100 gallons of water.
First-leaf walnut trees may not need any other nutrients besides N and even that input can be reduced the first two growing seasons on fertile soils. K may be needed when soils are low in K. The fertilizer can be banded or fertigated.
Mohamad said if N fertilization is needed, it should be done in mid spring or early summer in dry form or fertigation. He cautioned that during the first year, roots can be burned with N fertigation.
The 4 Rs of fertilizer management is the best strategy for young walnuts, he noted.
Resources
Online tools that can assist with nutrition budgeting include CropManage: https://cropmanage.ucanr.edu
CDFA FREP website for orchard crops: www.cdfa.ca.gov/ is/ffldrs/frep/fertilizationGuidelines
UC Davis Fruits and Nuts website: https://fruitsandnuts. ucdavis.edu.
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Electricity Infrastructure Issues? You Don’t Know the Half of It!
By ROGER A. ISOM | President/CEO, Western Agricultural Processors Association
Do you remember the 2010 movie Unstoppable with Denzel Washington and Chris Pine, where a runaway train loaded with toxic materials was heading full speed into the city? The same drama is playing out right now in California as the state is uncontrollably racing toward disaster in the effort to completely electrify the state.
In previous articles, we have discussed California’s ambitious goals to address climate change by eliminating
combustion and mandating everything go electric, including cars, trucks, forklifts, furnaces and buildings all in the next 20 or so years. It has been our impression this would tax the already undersized electric infrastructure system in the state. As we have mentioned, to build or expand tree nut facilities in the San Joaquin Valley, we are utilizing natural gas generators and solar installations. We truly believed the conversion to electric would cripple this state, but
we had no idea what else might be out there that would make this situation even worse.
In an ongoing effort to understand the electric infrastructure situation, the California Energy Commission (CEC), in conjunction with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), is preparing the Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR). According to the CEC, the IEPR Report is a collaboration of stakeholders designed to assess the state’s energy needs as it shifts away from oil and natural gas to renewable energy resources and alternative transportation vehicles. The report will provide policy recommendations with regards to the state’s future energy demands and needs. As part of this process, a special hearing was conducted this past May to identify electric load growth areas throughout California over the next 10 to 25 years. It was an eye-opener. Out of the gate, the state began with information on what they expect the ag sector and industrial sector to need in terms of electricity consumption. In the ag sector, they estimated agriculture will be consuming 0.46 terawatt-hours (TWh) or 460 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity per year by 2040. That does not include trucks; it only includes tractors, ATVs, forklifts and other equipment. Meanwhile, the CEC is expecting the industrial sector to consume more than 46 TWh by 2040. To seemingly confirm that incredibly high number, Southern California Edison estimated industrial electricity consumption to be at 4.4 TWh in 2045 in their territory alone. On a side note, SCE reported machine drives and refrigeration will make up the bulk of that electricity demand. That alone is scary, but it doesn’t begin to describe the demand that is coming. Next up to present at the IEPR hear was Microsoft, which made a presentation on “data centers”. Data centers are buildings designed just for storing electronic data. Imagine thousands of hard drives
Not including trucks, ag sector electrification by 2040 is estimated to consume 0.46 terawatt-hours (460 gigawatt-hours) of electricity per year.
Data centers alone are expected to require 5000 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year by 2040, over 10 times as much as agriculture by that same period.
and thousands of fans to cool the hard drives. These buildings range from 50 kW to 1,000 megawatts. The CEC estimated that data centers alone will demand almost 5 TWh or 5,000 GWh of electricity demand by 2040. PG&E seemed to confirm that by reporting they see data center growth at an annual 10% rate over the next five years and a global demand of 8,000 TWh by 2030.
But this still isn’t the only significant demand headed our way. One energy alternative that appears to be gaining steam is hydrogen. Many believe hydrogen will truly be the favored energy source when it comes to heavy-duty trucking as there is no weight penalty (i.e., batteries) and has the same power or better than diesel to get those loaded trucks up and over the Grapevine or Altamont passes. However, how do you create hydrogen? The most common way to create hydrogen is through electrolysis, which applies electricity to water to split the hydrogen and oxygen atoms apart and produce hydrogen. How much electricity you might wonder? SCE estimates that electrolysis in their territory alone will need 18,200 GWh by 2045. UC Irvine reported at the meeting they expect hydrolysis will go from zero today to needing 350 TWh or 350,000 GWh by 2050.
So, let’s add this up. Agriculture will consume 0.46 TWh, industrial will use 46 TWh, data centers need 5 TWh and hydrolysis 350 TWh. That means we will need more than 451 terawatt hours of electricity production by 2040. If you assume that much consumption was spread out over the whole year, we will need 0.45 terawatts of instantaneous demand. That is equivalent to 450 gigawatts or 450,000 megawatts. To put that into perspective, the nuclear power plant at Diablo Canyon only produces 2,250 megawatts at peak capacity. In other words, we need 200 Diablo Canyon power plants to produce the power needed just for ag, industrial, data centers and hydrolysis. That doesn’t speak to houses, businesses or transportation.
Where are we today? In 2022, California consumed a total of 287,220 GWh. This is a little more than one half of what we need by 2040, meaning we need to double our electricity production from what it is today. And we know California will only allow wind and solar to be the sources. Current wind only produces almost 32,000 GWh and solar about 49,000 GWh. So solar and wind currently only provide less than 30% of our total electricity consumption.
This only addresses the huge supply shortfall. What about the fact that the substations, poles, and lines are at maximum capacity throughout the state? What about the fact that PG&E claims they need a new substation for every 20 MW of new demand? This state is in no way ready to handle the coming electricity load. Remember last year when the Governor pushed his Climate Change agenda and then begged everyone not to charge their cars because the system was short during peak hours. Remember when they were going to shut down Diablo Canyon but then extended its contract through 2030? Well, state officials met last month to proceed with decommissioning plans. So, they want to shut down the one stable continuous energy source, when we need 199 more Diablo Canyon plants?
In the words of the immortal Johnny Cash, “I hear the train a-comin', it's rolling 'round the bend...”
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To build or expand tree nut facilities in the San Joaquin Valley, processors are utilizing natural gas generators and solar installations.
Seeing Green
Smart sprayer technology turns on nozzles only when green plants are present, reducing herbicide costs.
By VICKY BOYD | Contributing Writer
When the Giacomazzis sold what was California’s oldest dairy herd in 2019, they had a history of conservation and sustainability practices that even garnered them the Leopold Conservation Award. They followed the same philosophy as they moved into almond production near Hanford, including use of PTx Trimble herbicide spot-spraying technology that targets weeds and significantly reduces the amount of product applied.
“Environmental solutions have to be the most profitable solutions, or nobody will adopt them,” said Dino Giacomazzi, who has about 700 acres of almonds. “I try to design systems that are the most profitable and most environmentally beneficial at the same time. And there’s no doubt of the value of a reduction of 70% of chemicals used.”
Mike Faria of Faria Land and Cattle Co. near Tipton had PTx Trimble WeedSeeker 2 technology installed on his tow-behind herbicide sprayer more than two years ago, and he said it didn’t take long to see a payback.
“I’m very interested in the efficiency of everything, and this one here is absolutely a no-brainer,” said Faria, who has 1,000 acres of almonds as well as row crops and dairy. “I just wished we could do this on our row crop rig.”
PTx Trimble is not alone in its WeedSeeker 2 precision herbicide application technology, which involves sensors that detect chlorophyll and automatically turn on spray nozzles in the presence of green plants. Through its joint venture
with GUSS Automation in Kingsburg, John Deere offers a similar but proprietary spot-spraying option on the new Herbicide GUSS autonomous sprayer. Depending on weed pressure, John Deere Business Integration Manager Sean Sundberg said, the system may save users up to 70% on herbicides compared to a typical broadcast application. Along with material savings comes increased efficiency, since users don’t need to refill sprayer tanks nearly as often.
“I’M VERY INTERESTED IN THE EFFICIENCY OF EVERYTHING, AND THIS ONE HERE IS ABSOLUTELY A NO-BRAINER." – MIKE FARIA, FARIA LAND AND CATTLE CO., ON THE PTX TRIMBLE WEEDSEEKER 2
WeedSeeker 2
Justin Prickel, PTx Trimble product team manager for smart sprayers, said the WeedSeeker 2 incorporates next-generation sensor technology that
includes upgraded optics. Each sensor unit, which guides an individual nozzle, uses NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) and near-infrared technology to essentially detect chlorophyll.
Each unit also has up to a 20-inch field of view, depending on boom height. In addition, each unit provides its own light source, so users can spray at night, under dense tree canopies or in other situations where lighting isn’t optimal.
Once a green plant is detected, the WeekSeeker2 sensor sends a signal to the solenoid to open the nozzle to apply the herbicide. When the green is no longer detected, the solenoid shuts off the nozzle.
Users can easily bypass the WeedSeeker 2 system to return to the conventional spraying mode during postharvest or early spring when they want to band a preemergent herbicide down the tree row, Prickel said. But applications of contact herbicides are where the technology shines.
“You don’t want to broadcast if it’s just for escapes or a maintenance application,” he said. “Maybe the first trip will save you 70% because you’re not banding it. The second trip may save 90% depending on the weed density.”
Because users are not applying berm to berm, they don’t have to stop to refill their tank as often either, increasing efficiency.
PTx Trimble offers WeedSeeker 2 as an aftermarket retrofit, and Prickle said it can be installed on self-propelled sprayers or tow-behind units. The number of sensors ranges from two on short
PTx Trimble’s WeedSeeker 2 has its own light source, enabling users to spray at night, under dense canopies or in other low-light situations (photo courtesy PTx Trimble.)
PTx Trimble offers the WeedSeeker 2 smart-spraying technology as an aftermarket retrofit, and it can be installed on self-propelled sprayers or tow-behind units (photo courtesy PTx Trimble.)
booms (one nozzle on each side of the tank) to up to 18 on the longest ones.
Herbicide GUSS
As with its other GUSS models, Herbicide GUSS was designed based on user input, Sundberg said. Expanding into herbicide application made sense for existing customers because they already had mapped their orchards for autonomous GUSS air-blast sprayers. Those same digital files can be used to guide the autonomous herbicide sprayer.
Through a joint venture, GUSS and John Deere offer up to nine different smart-spraying sensors as options on self-propelled autonomous Herbicide GUSS (photo courtesy GUSS/John Deere.)
GUSS offers up to nine different sensors as options on its herbicide sprayer, and he said most applicators who purchase a rig opt for the full package.
“The herbicide machine can do it all, so it’s really customizable to do what the grower feels is most important,” he said.
The sensors are built around chlorophyll detection, and the unit provides its own fluorescence, allowing users to spray in the dark or under less-than-optimal lighting, Sundberg said. Depending on weed pressure, the machine’s 600-gallon tank typically supplies an eight-hour shift.
Because of the initial purchase price, he said growers need about 500 acres of orchards to make things pencil out. It also works better in larger blocks, on flatter ground and with row spacings of at least 18 feet.
Seeing is Believing
Faria, who has been running WeedSeeker 2 on his tow-behind herbicide sprayer for more than two years, said he first became interested in the technology after reading about it and watching videos. What sold him was a demonstration conducted on 75 acres of his weediest ground.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Faria said.
He had been trying to reduce herbicide applications for some time and even thought of having his applicators manually turn the nozzles off in cleaner areas.
“For a while, we told our operators, ‘Just pay attention. Shut the boom on and off,’” he said. “They can do that, but they’re going to get tired.”
The NDVI and NIR sensors on each WeedSeeker 2 unit removed the human element while simultaneously targeting only weeds.
As the preemergent herbicides would break in spring, Faria said they would begin broadcast applications to manage weeds that began to germinate. In the demonstration block, that would have meant 7.5 loads, applying at 30 gallons per acre. Because WeedSeeker 2 only targeted weeds, Faria said the same area required just one load.
Over the entire almond operation, he said they average about $44 per acre per herbicide application. At a total cost of $44,000 per treatment, Faria said the $36,000 purchase price of the nozzle retrofit was more than recouped in just one application.
Originally, he had thought about putting the technology on a self-propelled PBM sprayer. But he decided against that because he has been working with FieldIn on its autonomous tractors. Eventually, Faria said he would like to have a self-driving tractor pull a sprayer equipped with WeedSeeker 2.
Having the smart sprayer system installed on one of his tow-behind sprayers allows him the flexibility to make the transition when the time comes.
Despite the system’s overall performance, Faria said they have encountered a few issues, which weren’t unexpected.
“When you add wiring sensors on every nozzle, you’re asking for trouble,” he said. “You have all this technology out there. These are problems you’re going to have with any sort of equipment, but it’s not overwhelming by any means.”
In many of their orchards, they use double-line drip irrigation that wets about a 24-inch-diameter circle. The dark spots may fool the sensor into thinking the patch is weeds.
Users can adjust the sensor sensitivity, but Faria said it can be complicated. Wet spots may be lighter in color on the sunny side of the tree compared to the shady side, forcing them to seek a “happy middle” setting.
Faria credited his foreman, Evan Lucas, for their success with WeedSeeker 2 that included learning how to operate and troubleshoot the system.
Another Firm Believer
Giacomazzi said he also was sold on the technology after having it demoed in his orchard last year. He then wavered between having an old sprayer retrofitted or buying an already equipped rig.
He ended up buying a new PBM berm sprayer equipped with the WeedSeeker 2 with plans to offload an older model. Although Giacomazzi had only used the new sprayer with the spot-spraying technology for part of one application by mid-June, he said he already saw benefits.
In the young orchard, which was particularly weedy because the small canopies didn’t shade out the weeds, Giacomazzi said he expected up to 25% to 30% savings. That was based on applying
from berm to berm at 25 gallons per acre.
He said they did slow a bit at the recommendations of the dealer, which improved the application. But it also helped reduce potential damage to young tree branches.
In most of their blocks, which are more mature and have larger canopies that shade out most of the weeds, he said he could envision up to 90% savings. If those estimates come to fruition, Giacomazzi said he would pay for the
unit in less than two applications.
Both Faria and Giacomazzi also pointed out the importance of having a good dealer, such as Laser Service in Fresno, to provide training, troubleshooting and service when adopting this type of technology.
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SOUTH VALLEY CONFERENCE Tulare, CA
Join us at the South Valley Conference, hosted this year at the spacious International Agri-Center in Tulare to accommodate our growing event! This expanded one-day trade show is designed to provide a comprehensive experience for professionals in the tree nut, citrus and processing industries.
Kaben and Jenn Kramer make a living off something Jenn is allergic to. The Kramer’s grow walnuts in Butte County, but it was Jenn’s allergy to the tree nut that spawned a business idea. In came sprouted walnuts, a result of soaking raw walnuts in water to the point of germination, which in turn produces a milder tasting nut and reduces allergens by lowering the phytic acids and tannins.
According to the Kramers, four out of five people who are allergic to walnuts can consume sprouted walnuts safely. While the Kramers don’t make any claim to be doctors and don’t recommend anyone with severe allergies consume sprouted walnuts, Jenn, who eats sprouted walnuts herself, is proof of the theory.
The Kramers own and operate Tenderlyrooted in Biggs, Calif. They market sprouted walnuts as an ideal snack, shipping subscription boxes and à la carte packages to loyal customers in all 50 states. Kaben, a fourth-generation grower, didn’t plan to come back to the family farm after college and setting off on a different career path, but said the time away gave he and Jenn a fresh set of eyes and led to some interesting innovation.
During a time when COVID-19 and then a downturn in the walnut market was making life difficult for growers, sprouted walnuts were a beacon of hope. Seeing less and less of a future in the traditional way of selling walnuts and realizing that diversification was going to be key, the Kramer’s decided they wanted to become price setters instead of price takers.
“We said we wanted to start some side thing where we try to make money
SPROUTED WALNUTS, A FRESH IDEA THAT SAVED A FAMILY FARM
By KRISTIN PLATTS | Digital Content Writer
like a normal business would, rather than on the commodity market,” Jenn Kramer said.
They set aside just 1% of their crop to test the sprouted walnut idea in 2019. Now, 10% of their crop goes to producing the farm-to-consumer snack. As they delved deeper into why more American’s aren’t eating walnuts, they realized their product could provide a different experience for a consumer who might not normally choose walnuts as a snack.
“We have got to get walnuts out of the baking aisle and into the snacking aisle,” Kaben Kramer said.
They describe sprouted walnuts, which don’t look any different from regular walnuts, as being less bitter tasting, with a mildly creamy, buttery flavor profile. There are also some added health benefits, with sprouted walnuts opening up nutrient chains that help the body absorb a higher percent of the nutritional value of a walnut, Kaben explained. And since sprouted walnuts aren’t heated in the same way as traditionally processed walnuts, the amino acids and vitamins are also preserved.
“You’re getting all the perks and benefits of a raw food, you’re getting the perks of removing the antinutrients that make it harder on our system, and the tannins are what leads to the bitter taste of walnuts,” he said.
From Farmers to Marketers
The Kramer’s say the biggest obstacle to jumping into their sprouted walnut dream was having to shift their own mindsets while realizing they also had to
shift the consumer mindset. Addressing specific customer pain points marked a significant change in how they perceived their product and its market. Along with overcoming typical new business challenges like developing a scalable e-commerce platform and pinpointing effective marketing strategies, making the strategic shift from being price takers to price setters, involved proactively locating and engaging with customers in their existing spaces and delivering products they desired directly to them.
“That was a significant shift in the way we approached what it means to be someone who produces something of value on an open market,” Kaben Kramer said.
Shifting to a direct-to-consumer marketing mindset with a product that many consumers have probably never heard of meant giving their customers something others couldn’t: a link to the people who grew it.
“People love Amazon because it’s cheap and its quick, but people also really care about where their food comes from, so how do you bridge those two?” Jenn Kramer said. “We ship literally twice a week from our farm to your door, year-round, 52 weeks a year.”
Other aspects of their marketing strategy included learning how to effectively promote themselves.
“We did a lot of reading and research because we were motivated, we knew we had a phenomenal product and we knew we had a beautiful answer to walnuts in America, instead of just exporting all of our nuts overseas,” Jenn Kramer said.
One of their most powerful marketing tools early on was social media, both
Kaben and Jenn Kramer, pictured with their children, Judah, Eisley, and Hartley, own and operate Tenderlyrooted Farms in Biggs, Calif. (photo by K. Kramer.)
Kaben and Jenn Kramer, pictured with their children, Judah, Eisley, and Hartley, own and operate Tenderlyrooted Farms in Biggs, Calif. (photo by K. Kramer.)
in telling their story in an authentic and vulnerable way to their followers and by utilizing the power of influencers to share honest reviews with their own followers. That meant shipping their products out all over the country with no ask or obligation. It paid off when they found a ‘Holy Grail’ in influencer Sharon McMahon of Sharon Says So.
“She has over a million followers; at that time, she had a few hundred thousand,” Kaben Kramer said. “She really shared our product, and we saw a huge increase.”
But there’s also something to be said for the power of great packaging, he said, with their goal being for Tenderlyrooted products to stand as an equal on grocery store shelves with the largest brands in the country.
“We want someone to walk in and
are to their food source.”
He also said success is easier achieved by investing in tools that foster trust and accessibility for the consumer that ensure quick and secure transactions when making a purchase.
“We found we win way more customers when we step into what every other major brand is doing,” Kaben Kramer said. “Just removing one click through the process increases conversion so much. As farmers, we’re not used to thinking this way.”
A Reward Worth the Risk
While just 10% of their annual crop is held back for sprouted walnuts, it’s the one thing that has kept the Kramer’s afloat in uncertain times.
“Without a doubt, sprouted walnuts have saved the farm two years in a row
sprouted walnut movement, they hope it will eventually grow beyond a niche, with more growers joining them. They propose that by withholding 2% of a crop and focusing on effective marketing and branding, other growers could boost their bottom-line revenue by 10% with a similar direct-to-consumer product; they just have to be willing to take the risk.
“We’ve learned a lot through a lot of mistakes, and we would love to share our expertise with other people,” Kaben Kramer said.
The Kramer’s believe success in this space hinges on being open-minded, curious and sensitive to customer needs while building on what you’re already good at.
“Our advice to people would be to start small and do it in parallel to what you’re already doing,” Jenn Kramer
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BREAKFAST Sponsored by SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition
Akif Eskalen, Professor of Cooperative Extension, Dept. of Plant Pathology, UC Davis
9:00 AM
Navigating Agricultural Challenges: Physiological Impacts and Innovative Solutions
Dr. Muhammad Ismail Siddiqui, Director R&D and Product Innovations, AgroPlantae
DPR TRACK Roof RatinManagement Citrus
Roger Baldwin, UCCE
Human-Wildlife Conflict Res. Spec.
9:30 AM
CCA TRACK Continuous Fertigation
Devin Clarke, Agronomy Solutions Manager, Yara North America
10:00 AM TRADESHOW & BREAK
11:00 AM
Industry ‘Take the Stage’ 11:30 AM
Updates in Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation Efforts Joji Muramoto, CE Specialist, UC Santa Cruz
12:00 PM LUNCH
Searching EPA-Registered Pesticide Products More Effectively
Siavash Taravati, UCCE Area IPM Advisor, Riverside County
Johan Coetzee, General Manager of North America, Rovensa Next Jon Pasquinelli, Southwest Regional Manager, Rovensa Next 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM
Methods of Beneficial Insect Release for Integrated Pest Management
Hanna Kahl, Ecological Pest Management Specialist, CAFF
Impacts of Rodenticide Act on Rodent Management
Renee Pinel, President/CEO, Western Plant Health Association
5:00
Eryn Wingate, Agronomist, Tri-Tech Ag Products Inc.
Best Management Practices for Foliar Fertilization
Jerome Pier, Senior QualiTechAgronomist,
Panel Discussion: Potassium Applications and Timing in Perennial Crops
Steve Vasquez, ED, Admin. Committee for Pistachios; Ehsan Toosi, Dir. R&D, True Organic Products Inc.; Paul Giboney, Ranch Agronomist, Hronis Inc.; Mae Culumber, UCCE Farm Advisor, Fresno County; Bryce Belgum, VP, Tri-Tech Ag Products Inc.
Irrigation Challenges with SGMA and Wetland Areas
Cory Broad, Agronomic Sales Manager, AvidWater
Disease Management in Prune Orchards
Themis Michailides, Plant Pathologist, UC Davis
Artificial Intelligence and Farm Data Management
Zac Ellis, Sr. Director of Agronomy, Olam
Presentation of WRCCA’s CCA of the Year award, Scholarships and Honorariums 1:00 PM 1:30 PM
Nitrogen Stabilizers
Larry Stauber, Technical Development Manager, Verdesian Life Sciences
2:00 PM
Top 10 Pesticide Violations in 2023/24
Judy Brant, Inspector, Tulare Ag Commissioner’s Office 2:30 PM ADJOURN
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Water Management Tips in the Heat of Summer
By RICH KREPS | CCA, SSp., Contributing Writer
It’s been a wee bit hot lately. Let’s get real, maybe only 2 degrees F less than the Devil’s armpit! We have had years before where the entire month of June was over 100. I’m sure there have been Julys that hot as well. But this July was hotter than a Texas BBQ. Trees suffer in these types of temps, especially with lack of chilling at night to offset the shutdown during the day. They have to recover properly in the evening, and
water is a huge part of that. We need to be more diligent to keep them healthy and productive. Sometimes, we need to change the way we water in the heat of the moment.
Typical irrigation sets run 24 to 48 hours. Many growers are often chasing that elusive and mythical deep water of summer. A good agronomist buddy of mine, Guy Brautigam, used to tell me there wasn’t any water in the soil
of any significance after the fourth of July. I’ve seen the data to prove him right. The thought that we have to get water to 3 feet to keep trees healthy all summer is definitely in question now. I have seen year after year experiments from very good growers that keep things growing and healthy with 18inch pushes of water.
The arguments I have had with growers getting surface water deliveries and not having access at all hours of the day are legitimate. Running your own wells can give you the luxury of irrigating every night or every other night. But if we can get surface water, we need to use it. However, if water is ordered and we can run two nights in a row at 12 hours instead of one long 24-hour set, I’ve seen data that suggests better penetration and efficacy from splitting the set.
Obviously, there is significant savings when you’re pumping for electrical use off-peak. The evaporation that happens in the heat of the day is less. Absorption of water without going fully anaerobic can also keep the good
Growers are getting better at making every drop of water count.
Smaller shots of water more frequently can result in improved splits and nut fill.
‘Water efficacy is critical during nut fill for us. We must get that right or lose yield, period.’
soil biology active and alive. You’ll also have the opportunity to inject needed nutrients in the same week that may not be compatible to run together. The soil has a buffering effect and can be made more efficacious by the active soil biology. There are so many advantages to pulse irrigating if you can pull it off.
With most of my influence in the tree nut industry, and more specifically being able to run experiments on my own farm, I’ve found water efficacy is critical during nut fill for us. We must get that right or lose yield, period. But so often we overwater almonds late in the season and run into mold and fungal issues. We try to push that water deep as well and then go too long between sets. Nuts can get too dry and sticky on the tree. Smaller shots can help that. In pistachio, in my experience, those smaller shots, given more often, have led to more split nuts and heavier nuts.
Foliar sprays are also very dependent on the water stress in our trees. Making sure our crops are hydrated before a foliar spray shows better nutrient uptake in those blocks. Give them a shot of water as close as possible to a spray. Long irrigation sets must dry down significantly longer before a spray to get equipment in and out. If you are running smaller shots more often, you can get in sooner. Your nutrition shots will be better absorbed with happy trees.
Water management in a state like California is becoming more and more difficult. Not knowing year to year what our allocations will look like is nerve-racking to say the least. Having two back-to-back, phenomenal rain and snowpack years only to see a water allocation of 40% is mindboggling. Getting blamed for
wasting water, while growing food, is ludicrous. Yet here we are.
We must keep getting better and better at making every drop count. Fortunately, we are. Changing our irrigation practices can be a daunting task depending on the logistics of your operation. Keep in mind, the savings and benefits can be significant. The best growers in the world here in the valley never cease to amaze me with their ingenuity. Making more changes every
year is impressive to say the least. We are making it happen, but year after year, we see thoughts change and practices improve. The old saying, “If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen,” may need to be changed for growers. We thrive in it. If you can stand the heat, you’re probably a farmer!
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Reality Meets Optimism at WAPA Annual Meeting in June
By MARNI KATZ | Editor
California nut handlers and processors acknowledged the challenging environment in the nut industry over the last couple years at this year’s Western Agricultural Processors Association annual meeting in June,
WAPA staff laid out the regulatory and legislative environment they have been battling to help keep almond, walnut and pistachio processors on steady footing while those handlers and marketers work to stimulate demand and improve efficiencies throughout the supply chain.
Economic Outlook
At the WAPA confefence Roland Fumasi, head of Rabo Research Food and Agribusiness North America, offered a contrast of stabilizing, expansion and contraction for the nut industry but generally held to a more optimistic position.
“Yes, there’s been a lot of pain in the tree nut industry over the last few years, particularly in walnuts and almonds, but things are turning around,” Fumasi said. “As we look at the 2024-25 marketing year and even the next five years, things are going to start to look much more positive.”
The degree of optimism depends on the tree nut. Fumasi said Rabo research shows almonds are in a stabilization period. While some forecasters have argued that there will be hundreds of thousands fewer bearing acres of almonds over the next five years, Fumasi expects it to be much more stable. Pistachios, on the other hand, are expected to continue expanding in production over the next five years, particularly as non-bearing acreage comes into production. Walnuts will likely see a continued pullback in production to tighten supply even more.
“That’s where we see things, but we expect much stronger markets in terms of pricing for all three tree nuts in 202425,” Fumasi said.
“In summary, almonds are stabilizing, pistachios are expanding, and walnuts need to pull back on production.
We expect stronger pricing for all three tree nuts in the coming years.”
Reflecting on almond grower prices and global production, Fumasi said production levels in California and logistical challenges are stabilizing, which, along with a lowering of interest rates and reduced carryout, should help drive almond demand and prices worldwide.
“The growth in global consumption is expected to get back on track, as is domestic demand as economic conditions improve,” he said.
For pistachios, lower prices in recent years have propelled shipment growth. Domestic consumption growth has been more than 10 percent annually, which should over the next five to ten years. However, average prices might weaken as supply increases.
Walnuts present a different game. Global production has been high, but most walnut consumption is in-country production. China and Chile have been increasing their exports, putting pressure on California walnuts. Despite tighter carryout and reduced production, walnut prices are expected to strengthen, but not enough to make the walnut system whole, Fumasi said.
Food Safety
During the breakfast keynote presentation, James Gorny, senior science advisor for produce safety at the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition outlined how the FDA is restructuring under a new office of microbiological food safety to look at reducing the risk of pathogen contamination in the food supply chain.
This will likely result in new ways the industry deals with the federal government on these issues but also improve communication with state agencies and lead to faster decision making and response times. This timely conversation drew interest in light of a recent E. coli outbreak last spring that was linked to organic walnuts.
A full trade show floor provided a glimpse of the technologies and efficiencies nut processors are turning to enhance the bottom line throughout the supply chain (photo by K. Platts.)
James Gorny, senior science advisor for produce safety at the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, outlined new ways the ag industry will be dealing with the FDA on food safety (photo by K. Platts.)
WAPA First Vice Chair Kirk Squire, Horizon Nut Co., acted as host and emcee of this year’s WAPA annual meeting in advance of his role as board chair next year (photo by M. Katz.)
The WAPA annual meeting provides an opportunity to renew business connections and establish new ones as well (photo by K. Platts.)
Twelve illnesses had been linked to this outbreak.
In the long term Gorny also discussed the proposed final rule on preharvest ag water that could lead to new reporting requirements for irrigation systems to identify and reduce microbial hazards in the system.
The proposed rule, in the works for the last 10 years, includes new requirements for inspecting and monitoring irrigation water systems and taking action on deficiencies. Gorny said the FDA has received nearly 200 public comments from growers and industry groups encouraging flexibility based on actual risk.
Legislative Roundtable
An annual tradition at the WAPA annual meeting WAPA President and CEO Roger Isom sat down the state legislators who are active in the problem solvers’ caucus to highlight some of the areas where law makers are finding common ground. State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil and Assemblyman Juan Alanis are examples of two legislators who work across the aisle to find common sense solutions to the complexities in California.
“Our state is so big that one size fits all does not work,” Alanis said. “We think in the middle of the row and look there for solutions.”
One such issue is water supply and protecting surface water supplies from appointed bodies. Alvarado-Gil said it is important growers and handlers put their experiences around water distribution and supply on record.
Similarly appointed boards are driving new mandates around renewable energy that aren’t consistent with reality, Isom said.
To this end, Alanis said, “Has anybody seen a semi-truck charger on the wide of the road? The infrastructure is not there for EV mandates.”
The panel agreed that working together to inject reality into proposed mandates would continue to be an important goal for WAPA and the caucus.
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WAPA President Roger Isom addresses questions to members of the congressional problem solvers caucus State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil and Assemblyman Juan Alanis, who explained ways they are working across the aisle to bring common sense legislation to California (photo by M. Katz.)
Silverleaf Nightshade: A Challenge in California Orchards
By JORGE ANGELES | UCCE Weed Management Advisor, Tulare, Kings and Fresno Counties and ELIZABETH FICHTNER | UCCE Farm Advisor, Tulare and Kings Counties
Figure 1. Silverleaf nightshade is widespread in California (a); blue dots indicate the distribution of the weed. Silverleaf nightshade affects young pistachio orchards in the southern San Joaquin Valley (b) (map courtesy CALFLORA 2024.)
Figure 2. Silverleaf nightshade colonizes open areas in orchards where missing trees allow sufficient light to reach the orchard floor, facilitating growth of the weed (a). In spring, distinct violet and yellow flowers (b) on the current season’s growth are a diagnostic feature, as well as the berries remaining on the prior year’s growth (c).
Silverleaf nightshade, Solanum elaeagnifolium, is a perennial weed native to South America, Mexico and the southwestern and southern U.S. It is widespread in California where it affects diverse agricultural and non-agricultural systems, including orchards, rangeland, pasture, roadsides and disturbed areas. Because it readily adapts to high temperatures, low rainfall and saline and drought conditions, silverleaf nightshade is a problem in orchard systems. It is widely distributed in California and is currently affecting both young and mature orchards (Figures 1 and 2). Silverleaf
nightshade is currently affecting young pistachio orchards in western Fresno and Kings Counties. In Tulare County, it is found in pistachio orchards that were planted in unmanaged fallow land or in fields near roadsides where it is commonly found. In mature orchards, missing trees create gaps in the canopy, thus allowing light penetration to the orchard floor and enabling establishment of resident populations of silverleaf nightshade (Figure 2a). In orchard systems, it competes with developing trees for resources, while the toxic glycoalkaloid compounds in the leaves and berries pose an additional threat to livestock and other animals if consumed.
Identification
Silverleaf nightshade is an herbaceous, perennial weed belonging to the Solanaceae family along with other weeds, including black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), hairy nightshade (Solanum physalifolium) and horsenettle (Solanum carolinense). The mature plant is generally 1 to 3 ft high and can be readily identified by the small yellow to brown berries (~0.5 inch in diameter) and silver-gray foliage that often contains prickles (Figure 2c). The flowers are violet with distinct yellow centers (Figure 2b)
Life Cycle
Silverleaf nightshade is difficult to control because of its perennial life cycle in California. It emerges in early spring to late summer, with new plants growing from both seed and rhizomes. It flowers from summer to early fall, generating around 200 small fruits on each plant. Each fruit may contain 24 to 150 seeds. The seeds may be dispersed by birds that have consumed the fruit or by the movement of soil. The plant is also disseminated by movement of soil containing rhizome fragments. The mature plant dies back with the first frost, but the rhizomes survive underground.
Impacts
The weed competes with young orchard trees for resources, such as water, light and nutrients. If left unmanaged, silverleaf nightshade can also interfere with irrigation operations and potentially reduce vigor of young trees. Since silverleaf nightshade can adapt to alkaline and saline soils, it has the potential to outcompete many of the summer annual weeds and become the dominant weed in a population.
Management
Silverleaf nightshade is difficult to control in orchards. Tillage is not recommended because the movement of rhizome fragments may result in spread of the weed across orchards. Mowing can be an effective strategy to prevent weeds from setting seed. Flail mowers are often used in orchards and vineyards to mow weeds in between tree rows. After mowing, however, new silverleaf nightshade shoots may sprout from underground rhizomes, regenerating the weed. Despite the efficacy of mowing, most commercial mowers will miss weeds in the tree row. Hand weeding can be used to remove some of the weeds around the trees, but precautions need to be taken to protect the skin because mature plants are covered with reddish prickles.
Table 1. Herbicides registered for use in California tree and vine crops (https://wric.ucdavis.edu/).
Weeding tools, such as shovels and hula hoes, are effective but can damage surface drip hoses if the user is not careful.
Herbicides can be an effective weed management method to control silverleaf nightshade in different tree and vine crops. There are six post-emergent herbicides and one preemergent herbicide registered for use in trees and vines in California (Table 1). Preemergent herbicides are normally applied during the dormant season and most only control weeds before they germinate. Preemergent herbicides will not control silverleaf nightshade that emerges from rhizomes in the summer. Post-emergent herbicides can be used to control silverleaf nightshade that emerges in the summer and early fall before harvest. In the summer months, a combination of mowing and the use of post-emergent herbicides can kill the aboveground tissues of silverleaf nightshade and deplete the belowground propagules in soil. Post-emergent herbicides need adjuvants, such as nonionic surfactants and crop and seed oils, to increase their efficacy.
Specific to pistachio, there are 12 preemergent and 13 post-emergent herbicides with different modes of action that are registered. Pendimethalin, rimsulfuron, mesotrione, flumioxazin, isoxaben and flazasulfuron are herbicides that have great control over black and hairy nightshade. Isoxaben can suppress silverleaf nightshade but can only be used in pistachios that have been established for at least three years. Glyphosate, glufosinate, pyraflufen-ethyl, paraquat and carfentrazone are post-emergent herbicides with different modes of action that can be used to control different weeds and can be used up to two weeks before harvest. 2, 4-D is another post-emergent herbicide that is registered for use in pistachios but needs to be applied to trees that have been established for at least one year and has a preharvest interval of 60 days. Studies have shown glyphosate and 2, 4-D have excellent control of silverleaf nightshade. Glyphosate is a systemic herbicide that can potentially kill the root and rhizome system of silverleaf nightshade when applied at the correct timing and rate. Furthermore, always consult herbicide labels on information regarding the required adjuvants, preharvest intervals, application rates and maximum applications per season.
Because silverleaf nightshade is a problem in mature olive orchards adjacent to the foothills in Tulare County, UCCE
Weed Management Advisor Jorge Angeles (Tulare and Kings counties) recently initiated a study evaluating post-emergence herbicides, alone and in combination, for management of the weed. A suite of 10 treatments was applied in late Spring 2024, and preliminary data on treatment efficacy will be available by late July. Angeles is also interested in establishing a trial in late winter to evaluate efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides for management of silverleaf nightshade in table olives.
Silverleaf nightshade is difficult to control because of its adaptability to diverse agricultural systems, its tolerance to many herbicides and its perennial nature. A combination of cultural practices, such as mowing between tree rows, and implementation of an herbicide program with products containing multiple modes of action should be used to develop an effective management strategy for silverleaf nightshade. Additionally, developing and maintaining field records before planting is a great way to determine the history of a field, and weed surveys in the winter and spring can help determine what weed species are present in a field. Last, to prevent introduction of silverleaf nightshade into orchards, it is important to sanitize tractor equipment and manage the weeds that grow on the field edges or near irrigation canals.
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The Backbone of Agriculture is Community
By RENEE PINEL | President/CEO, Western Plant Health Association
Local businesses, from equipment suppliers to grocery stores, rely on the spending power of growers and farmworkers, and farms depend on these suppliers and services to keep them operating efficiently.
trol and soil health, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of agricultural policies and market demands. Their work is vital not only for food production but also for the economic stability of rural areas.
Agriculture is often viewed through a narrow lens, focusing primarily on the work of growers and farmworkers and the agricultural industry. However, the reality is far more complex. Agricultural communities are deeply interconnected, with relationships extending beyond fields and barns. This network includes local communities, families, small businesses and local government budgets.
When agricultural sectors face challenges, the ripple effects are felt across the entire community. Understanding this interconnectedness is crucial for fostering a pro-community approach that ensures we all thrive together.
At the core of agriculture are the growers and farmworkers who toil day and night to produce the food that sustains us. They are a key component of our agricultural communities, but their efforts are not isolated; they are part of a complex system that relies on numerous interdependencies.
They manage the land, make critical decisions about crop rotation, pest con-
But as we look at growers and farmworkers as the hands-on group that drives agricultural productivity, from planting seeds to harvesting crops, the impact of agriculture extends far beyond the fields. Local communities are intricately linked to the agricultural sector, with various areas of community life directly and indirectly influenced by its successes and struggles.
Agriculture is a significant economic driver in many rural areas. The income generated by farming operations supports local economies by creating jobs, generating tax revenues and stimulating demand for goods and services. Local businesses, from equipment suppliers to grocery stores, rely on the spending power of growers and farmworkers, and farms depend on these suppliers and services to keep them operating efficiently.
Small businesses in agricultural communities range from feed stores and equipment repair shops to boutiques and cafes. They cater to the unique needs of growers and residents, ensuring the community remains vibrant and self-sustaining. These businesses are often family-owned, with deep roots in the community, and they play a crucial role in the local economy.
The economic health of agricultural communities is closely tied to local government budgets (tax revenues from agricultural activities fund essential
services such as schools, healthcare and infrastructure.) When agriculture thrives, so do local budgets, enabling investments in community development and public services. Conversely, when the agricultural sector faces downturns, local governments often struggle to maintain these services.
No better example of this interdependence can be seen over the past few years as California struggled through our recent drought. As land was taken out of production, local communities suffered alongside growers. Aside from the obvious impact of fallowed land, which meant no work for farmworkers, local businesses that serviced everything from tractors to service trucks were impacted, and restaurants that fed robust communities were empty. Businesses providing basic family health services, from dentists to hospitals, were stressed or closed. The reduction in services resulted in more businesses down the chain being stressed or lost and more stress on remaining farms.
The interconnectedness of agricultural communities is also evident in the social fabric that binds families together and supports communal life.
Growers, farmworkers, local business owners and their employees’ families are all integral parts of local communities. Their children attend the same schools, play on the same sports teams and participate in the same community events as those from non-agricultural backgrounds. Schools in these communities often serve as hubs for social interaction, bringing together diverse groups and fostering a sense of unity. We attend local festivals, farmers' markets and sporting events. We are truly intertwined economically and socially. This interconnectedness has
Local markets in rural communities provide a market for growers and illustrate the relationship between agriculture and community.
allowed California to develop the rich and culturally diverse communities we should be proud of that other parts of the country do not enjoy!
For example, consider a small town in Northern California where the local school hosts an annual fall festival showcasing local produce and crafts. These events provide a market for growers and often serve as a significant fundraiser for the school, illustrating the relationship between agriculture and community.
Regulations and Legislation
Impact the Entire Community
Agricultural communities are not isolated from broader societal issues and regulations. Changes in agricultural policies, environmental regulations, and market conditions impact more than just the farm; they affect the entire community.
Government policies on agriculture, such as subsidies, tariffs and environmental regulations, can significantly impact all livelihoods.
These policies affect local economies, influencing everything from employment rates to school funding. A comprehensive pro-community approach to policymaking considers these broader impacts, ensuring regulations support the agricultural sector and the entire community.
For instance, water regulations significantly impact local growers’ ability to irrigate their crops, but they also create a community-wide discussion about balancing production, environmental goals and protection, lost jobs and ensuring community wells don’t run dry and are safe, especially during drought cycles.
Another example is how to manage the use of pesticides. Growers are listening to communities and trying to move to lower-risk products whenever feasible. At the same time, communities should work with growers to ensure the government is updating its regulatory structures to provide an array of these products to growers on a timely basis. Additionally, if California believes it can manage pest infestations through prevention, the State should fund these efforts and not leave it to local communities to bear the costs.
Bring the Community Together
We must work to foster resilient and
thriving agricultural communities that embrace a pro-community approach that recognizes and nurtures the interconnectedness of all sectors, which is essential. We must collaborate on solutions that bring together growers, farmworkers, local businesses, government officials and community members to address common challenges. This approach encourages dialogue, shared decision-making and collective action, ensuring policies and initiatives benefit the entire community.
The Department of Pesticide Regulation is attempting to bring parties together through its Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Roadmap. SPM’s goal is to help identify newer lower-risk pesticide products, create a regulatory structure that brings these products to the market, provide communities with knowledge about the regulation of pesticides so they can participate in informed conversations and provide stakeholders with ongoing opportunities to engage in these conversations. However, this is easier said than done. For this type of initiative to be
successful, all community members must be part of the discussion and engage in honest, transparent conversations. These won’t be easy conversations to have, but if communities interact based on what we have in common rather than what our differences are, we can find success.
Growers, farmworkers, families, local businesses and government entities are part of a complex web that sustains rural life and must be part of the solution. Embracing a pro-community approach ensures we all prosper together, united by our shared commitment to the well-being of the entire community. This interconnectedness can be a powerful voice.
Renee Pinel is the president and CEO of Western Plant Health, a Sacramento-based trade association whose member companies promote the environmentally safe and agronomically sound use of their products.
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View from the Top
‘We’re Waiting for
the Turnaround’ Almond
and pistachio producer
Stuart Woolf hopes for improvement but plans for change.
By CATHERINE MERLO | Contributing Writer
When Stuart Woolf was a young man, he shrank from public speaking. Hated it, in fact.
“I would freeze up and have an anxiety attack,” he remembered.
But those days are just a memory now. Thanks to a Dale Carnegie course, Woolf not only found the confidence to stand before an audience but put his voice to work for California agriculture.
Woolf’s ability to deal with speaking obligations and other challenges has grown through his 30 years as president and CEO of Woolf Farming and Processing. The company owns most of the 30,000 acres it manages across California’s Central Valley. Based in Fresno, the Woolf operation primarily grows almonds, pistachios and processing tomatoes. It also does some of its own processing and marketing.
But Woolf’s roles have expanded beyond the family business. He’s served on the boards of the Almond Board of California, the California
League of Food Processors, the UC President’s Commission of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the California Chamber of Commerce.
Last November, Woolf became chairman of the board of Western Growers Association. The 2,300-member organization represents growers of fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts.
In June, Woolf spoke with West Coast Nut about the challenges his family company faces, his outlook for California’s almond and pistachio sectors, and his views on farming with limited water in the years ahead.
Q. California is about to harvest another big almond crop. What’s your forecast?
It’s changing rapidly based on some of the latest shipping reports. I always look at the industry’s ending
inventories. If they’re growing, typically we end up with lower pricing. It wasn’t that long ago we had inventory levels at record highs. Given the shipments being reported, we’re driving industry inventory numbers down to levels where we typically have better pricing. I think the almond market remains undervalued. So, even with the likelihood of a big crop, if you consider the fundamentals, I’m optimistic.
I feel great about industry shipment levels, which continue to grow. Another thing I look at is the number of non-bearing acres in the state. That has really dropped. During these tough years, growers have planted fewer new acres. They’ve pulled out a lot of older trees. So, I think the industry is poised for a pretty good recovery.
Stuart Woolf spends much of his time focusing on how to sustain his farming operation with increasingly limited water supplies (photo courtesy Western Growers Association.)
This bucolic view of a Woolf almond orchard belies the stresses of farming in 2024 (photo courtesy Harris-Woolf Almonds.)
Q. Has Woolf Farming pulled out trees or slowed down your new plantings?
We have reduced our plantings in the Westlands Water District, but over the last decade we increased them in areas with more secure water. We’re now managing properties near Orland in the north and all along the eastern slope to Arvin in the south. This was before SGMA [Sustainable Groundwater Management Act]. We replaced some of our almond acreage on the Westside with pistachios, which require less water and are more tolerant of well water. We still have a lot of almonds. But we have, during these years of low market prices, been pulling out some of our older orchards. We’re waiting for the turnaround.
Q. What’s your outlook for pistachios?
Last year, when the industry had a large carry-in and a huge crop, there was a lot of concern. But the industry has demonstrated the ability to ship
its supply. This year’s crop is going to be a little smaller. Some of my friends who are large pistachio players have told me we need a crop of over 1 billion pounds to meet demand. Longer term, pistachios are poised to have a lot more volume given all the non-bearing acres.
Another consideration is pistachios have benefited from having a true market leader in the Resnicks and The Wonderful Company. They have done a terrific job helping grow that market. By comparison, the almond sector is highly fragmented with lots of sellers.
The vertically integrated Woolf operation includes this Harris-Woolf almond processing plant near Coalinga (photo courtesy Harris-Woolf Almonds.)
It’s more of a commodity market. So, a question is, “What happens to California’s pistachio industry longer term when you have a lot more acres coming into production and there’s uncertainty about life after the Resnicks?” I don’t think they’re going away anytime soon. I hope not. But Stewart [Resnick], just like the rest of us, isn’t getting any younger. We’ve benefited greatly from his leadership. Let’s hope some form of it continues into the future.
Almonds have successfully developed a broad ingredient market. You don’t have that to the same extent with pistachios. Pistachios are more of a favored snack item, but how big can that market be? We’re really going to have to push the limits to find out.
Q. What do you see as the biggest challenges for California’s tree nut industry? What’s needed to fix them?
I’m more farmer than anything, and coming from the Westlands Water District, I would say water is the big-
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gest challenge. Water is our limiting factor. With SGMA, the water supply is only going to get tighter. That’s going to limit our acreage. Something like 80% or 85% of the state’s almond trees are south of the Delta. Long term, it would be hard to believe we won’t see treenut acreage shrink.
To address the lack of water, California needs a statewide plan so that, when we do get major rainfalls, we can optimize recharging throughout the valley. If we can’t improve our overall longterm water outlook and enhance groundwater banking, we will have limited our ability to grow. Simply put, I don’t think we can regulate, restrict or reduce our way into prosperity. We must create alternative plans,
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something the state does not do well. We have to.
Q. At Woolf Farming, what are you paying most attention to in 2024?
I’m focused on the 30% to 40% of the lands we’ll likely fallow long-term when SGMA is fully implemented and how to optimize and preserve my family’s legacy of land.
For example, I’ve been focused on policies regarding solar installations on farmland. Specifically, will growers be able to keep their surface and groundwater rights if they install solar on their own land? We have a number of acres under long-term leases with large solar developers. We look at it almost like it’s just another crop. Whether we plant almonds for 25 years or it’s a solar project, it’s still an income stream and part of our farm rotation.
We’ve also established a number of recharge basins. And we’re looking into alternative crops. I’m planting agave, which is a drought-tolerant, climate-resilient crop. I will likely vertically integrate and build a distillery. I’m just trying to figure out what to do with this land and how to generate income using less water.
Sacramento is full of good intentions but short on good outcomes. I’ve heard others say opportunities come from challenges. If that’s the case, we have plenty of opportunities.
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Harris-Woolf Almonds handles 80 million pounds of almonds a year (photo courtesy Harris-Woolf Almonds.)
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