GROWING THE GOODNESS
New Regional Manager, Kenneth Miyamoto, Shares His Family History and Passion for the Almond Industry
Almond Facts (AF): We love that you come from a family of Blue Diamond growers. Could you tell us a little bit about your family history in the almond industry ? Kenneth (K): My family have been Blue Diamond almond growers for four generations. My great grandfather emigrated here from Japan and raised my grandfather’s family on a farm. My grandfather followed in his footsteps and started farming following his service in World War II. He raised my uncle, father, and aunt on a forty-acre almond farm. My dad and his older brother formed a partnership and have
onto the elevator, and our primary focus was to grab as many sticks as possible out of the trailer before they made their way into the double with the almonds. Now everything is so much more streamlined and mechanized. The process is less laborious, safer, and more efficient. I don’t think I’ll ever be as excited as the first time I was able to operate an enclosed sweeper. AF: What was the greatest appeal that brought you to Blue Diamond ? K: Blue Diamond is an industry leader with worldwide brand recognition, but beyond that the role of Regional Manager allows me the best of both worlds. I get to be out in the field working with our growers and not only be a resource, but a conduit of information. AF: What helped you decide to become a Blue Diamond regional manager ? K: Having worked at the Agricultural Commissioner’s office for over seven years as an Agricultural Biologist, I knew I enjoyed working with growers. The Blue Diamond employees I’ve met over the years and growers ultimately made my decision easy. I knew I couldn’t pass up this once in a lifetime opportunity. AF: What is one of your greatest passions in this industry ?
continued farming almonds for Blue Diamond to this day. Growing up I remember seeing the big billboards with the slogan “A can a week, that’s all we ask.” AF: Could you share an exciting highlight about your life in the almond orchard ? K: I’m happy with the progress and technological advancements that have been made in the industry, primarily when it comes to harvesting equipment and implements. We would walk the windrows and pull sticks out by hand. During harvest the tractors would back the trailers
Kenny’s family, L to R: Giuseppe (brother-in-Law), Luca (nephew), Minda (twin sister), Kenny, Melba Miyamoto (mother), Allegra (niece), Galen Miyamoto (father)
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A L M O N D F A C T S
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