It wasn’t just the low temperatures, rain and wind faced during bloom. Who could predict that Central California would be impacted by a hurricane ? On top of everything else, the moisture from that historic hurricane in August caused cosmetic staining on almonds intended to be shipped overseas as in-shell products. Fortunately, those quality almonds will still be able to enter the market in other forms. Many of you have also faced yet another challenge over the summer in dealing with our nemesis, the navel orange worm. And more recently, because of the weather-related delays in harvest timing, it’s been a race against time and seasonally shorter days to capture the valuable daylight needed to dry the almonds shaken onto orchard floors. It has been a historic year, for sure. That’s where the strength of our 113 year-old Blue Diamond Growers cooperative can really help. Despite the trials, not just in your orchards, but in reduced consumer demand, significant industry carryout, and uncomfortably low almond prices, we were still able to provide a competitive return this year, as reflected in the table [left]. Please note that the rates displayed on the left do not include Volume Premiums, Sustainability Incentives, Domestic Production Activities Deduction (DPAD) or IC- DISC advantages. Your actual crop earnings, including those applicable additions, are shown in the box on the last page of your personal grower’s statement.
As I mentioned in my letter that accompanied your 2022 Patronage Dividend, we have finalized a new strategic plan, created from the ground up, to buffer against the uncertainties faced across the industry and lay a strong foundation for our co-op’s future. I’m excited to share more details about our FY24-FY26 Strategic Plan with you on Nov. 15 at Blue Diamond ’s 113th Annual Meeting at the Modesto DoubleTree Hotel and Centre Plaza. Thank you to those who took the time to provide feedback through the online growers’ survey link sent in August to help us assess and improve planning elements of the Annual Meeting. Incorporating your input, the planning team has been working hard to ensure the event provides significant value to justify your travel time and attendance. You’ll find the link to online registration for the Annual Meeting along with a list of the educational grower sessions planned on page 11. I wish you good weather and success throughout the rest of your harvest activities. I look forward to seeing you all in November!
Kai Bockmann President & CEO
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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2023
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