This issue of Almond Facts highlights Blue Diamond's stronger financial position, operational transformation and commitment to grower returns, and exciting, new partnership with Julianne Hough. It reviews the 2026 harvest, almond market conditions, cooperative governance, legislative priorities and stewardship. Practical guidance covers pest management, postharvest irrigation, nutrition, orchard planning, and pollinator habitat to help growers build resilient, profitable operations.
SEP-OCT 2026
NEWS, VIEWS, AND INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Kai on Stronger Returns and a Bolder Future Co-op Principles: Choice, Voice and Control Early Insights into the 2026 Harvest Dancing in the Kitchen with Julianne Hough The Session Ends. The Work Ahead Begins
STRONG TREES. LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS.
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ALMONDS FRESNO COUNTY
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Blue Diamond Growers does not endorse or verify statements made by advertisers within this publication
SEP–OCT 2026
Contents
8 FIELD TEAM 10 THE COOPERATIVE EDGE 12 NEWS IN A NUTSHELL 18 CORNERING THE MARKET 20 GROWING THE GOODNESS 24 ADVOCACY REPORT 26 FIELD NOTES WITH MEL MACHADO 30 MARKET REPORT 34 IN YOUR ORCHARD
Preparing for 2027: Now is the time to optimize your post-harvest irrigation, nutrient budgeting and orchard management (page 42).
Features 6 President’s Corner – Stronger Returns. Bolder Future. President and CEO, Kai Bockmann, discusses Blue Diamond ’s multiyear transformation that is strengthening grower returns, reducing risk, and creating a more efficient cooperative. The billion-dollar brand and renewed investments in innovation fuel sustainable growth. Even as production costs rise, the cooperative remains focused on supporting grower-owners and building value for generations to come. 10 Harvesting Choice, Voice and Control In this “The Cooperative Edge,” Dr. Keri Jacobs explores how the cooperative principles of choice, voice, and control empower Blue Diamond grower-owners to maintain true ownership and independence in a competitive global market.
24 The Session Ends. The Work Ahead Begins. Almond Alliance president, Alexi Rodriguez, examines key California legislation and urges the almond industry to stay engaged in shaping agricultural policy. 26 Early Insights into the 2026 Harvest Mel Machado discusses early results from California’s 2026 almond harvest that show improved Nonpareil quality, but NOW and other pests continue to threaten crop quality and orchard health. Accurate damage diagnosis, sustained pest management beyond harvest, and protection of postharvest foliage are needed to preserve the 2027 yield potential.
ON THE COVER: The 2026 harvest is wrapping up and the crop is making its way out of the orchards. Photo credit: Mel Machado
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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stephen Van Duyn, Chairman of the Board | Modesto Kent Stenderup, Vice Chairman | Arvin Kelli Evans | Live Oak Dale Van Groningen | Ripon Michael Doherty | Arbuckle George A. te Velde | Escalon Nick Blom | Modesto Dan Mendenhall | Winton Matthew Efird | Fresno Chris O´Leary | Minneapolis, MN & Scottsdale, AZ Kristin Daley | San Francisco
Kai Bockmann, President and CEO
ALMOND FACTS STAFF Blue Diamond Growers Communications Department, communications@bdgrowers.com Jillian Luna, Managing Editor Mel Machado, Contributing Photographer
Gray Allen, Advertising Sales 916.783.4334 & 916.765.3234
Blue Diamond , the world’s largest processor and marketer of almonds, exports to over 100 countries. Almond Facts, established in 1922, is published bimonthly by Blue Diamond Growers , 1802 C Street, Sacramento, California 95811. Address all correspondence to the Editor, Almond Facts, P.O. Box 1768, Sacramento, California 95812. Advertising subscription rates provided upon request. Blue Diamond is a registered trademark and marketing brand of Blue Diamond Growers . Other registered trademarks are The Almond People, Smokehouse, Golden State, Celebration, From the Valleys of California, Confetti and Almond Facts. Blue Diamond Growers does not endorse or verify statements made by advertisers within this publication. Blue Diamond reserves the right to refuse advertising. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
© Blue Diamond Growers 2026
bit.ly/almondfactsmag
BlueDiamond.com
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ALMOND FACTS
5
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
I can hardly believe harvest is ending and how much we’ve accomplished since last September. Our results this year are an important milestone for our cooperative; they reflect all the work that has happened over the last several years to strengthen Blue Diamond and position us for long-term success. We’ve always been in it for the long haul, and our mission at Blue Diamond has always been to maximize returns to our grower-owners who entrust us with their almonds. As the world’s largest almond handler and marketer, with businesses ranging across retail, ingredients, and commodities, we are uniquely positioned to capture value across the entire almond value chain. Blue Diamond has consistently delivered returns that exceed industry averages over the long term. This year reflects the transformational efforts we’ve taken on behalf of our growers. Many of those actions stem from difficult decisions that we knew would strengthen the cooperative over time. The closure of our Sacramento manufacturing facility was one of them and, while never easy, it was the right decision for our growers. Since then, we have consolidated operations into our Salida and Turlock facilities while expanding our co-manufacturing partnerships. We’re already realizing meaningful savings, and those benefits are expected to continue well into the future. At the same time, there are still opportunities ahead to enhance efficiencies and drive even stronger returns over time. These efforts are contributing to a stronger financial position for Blue Diamond . Our balance sheet is incredibly strong, and our risk position has been dramatically reduced, enhanced by the consolidation of our operations. These are the results we’re working to create for growers every day, and the chart on the next page shows the final return for the 2025 crop. Beyond payments, I’m excited about the momentum we’re building across our business. The Blue Diamond brand remains one of the most valuable assets in our industry, now valued at more than $1 billion and maintaining leadership positions in both Almondmilk and Snack Almonds. Almond Breeze ® continues to perform well at retail, and the launch of Blue Diamond Almondmilk has introduced our brand to new consumers and expanded our reach in the marketplace. We also launched our first brand refresh in more than 20 years. The updated look honors Blue Diamond ’s history while ensuring our brand remains relevant, recognizable, and competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace. However, this investment is more than a new look. It’s about strengthening one of our cooperative’s most valuable assets, and positioning the Blue Diamond brand to drive growth and value for growers for years to come. Combined with our continued investments in innovation and marketing, these efforts position our brands for sustainable growth in the years ahead. We know that production costs continue to rise and growers continue to face challenges as rising fertilizer, energy, labor and pest management costs put ongoing pressure on profitability across the industry. It’s why the work we’re doing today matters so much. Every decision we make is focused on strengthening the cooperative and supporting the families who depend on it.
Kai Bockmann President & CEO
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ALMOND FACTS
Blue Diamond Growers 2025 Crop Full Year Payment Rate
Rates
Average of High Quality
Final Cash Payment
Overall Average
Maximum Possible
Patronage Dividend
Revolving Reserve
Varieties
$2.89 $2.93
$2.97
$0.69 -$0.08 $0.61
Nonpareil/Sonora Inshell
$2.84 $2.88 $2.95 $0.83 -$0.08 $0.74
Nonpareil/Sonora/Supareil Meats
$2.62 $2.64 $2.67 $2.59 $2.64 $2.67
$0.65 -$0.07 $0.57 $0.69 -$0.07 $0.61 $0.74 -$0.08 $0.66 $0.74 -$0.08 $0.66
Independence Inshell
Independence Meats
$2.62 $2.67
$2.72
Carmel/Winters Meats
$2.60 $2.66 $2.72
Monterey/Neplus Meats
Calif/Price/Fritz/Wood Colony Meats
$2.59 $2.63
$2.67
$0.69 -$0.07 $0.61
$2.69 $2.72
$2.76
$0.78 -$0.08 $0.70
Butte/Padre Meats
$2.41 $2.12
$2.46 $2.49
$0.61
-$0.07 $0.54
Mission Meats
$2.12
$2.26 $0.48 -$0.07 $0.42
Mixed Meats
Above rates INCLUDE Volume Premiums and OSIP Incentive Bonus, but do not include the benefits of IC-DISC or DPAD.
$2.71
$2.77
$2.81
$0.74 -$0.08 $0.66
Total Average Return
Almond farming has never been easy, but ultimately, we are stronger together. For more than a century, Blue Diamond has delivered for growers, and we are determined to continue strengthening returns for generations to come. Our cooperative is stronger than ever, our products and brands are well loved, and our people have never been more up for the challenge. Blue Diamond is well positioned for the future, and I remain incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this cooperative alongside our incredible teams who make its success possible.
Kai Bockmann President & CEO
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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
FIELD TEAM
Regional Managers
Director, Supply Chain Strategy & Membership Kabir Tumber (916) 291-8342
Tehama, Butte, Glenn, Sutter, & Yuba Christine Ivory, (530) 518-9109 Colusa, Yolo & Solano Nicole Jansen, (530) 338-6440 Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, North of Hwy 205 & East of San Joaquin River KC Clendenin, (209) 596-5375 San Joaquin County, West of San Joaquin River & South of Hwy 205 Stanislaus County, North of Tuolumne River & Hwy 132 Justin Elam, (209) 303-7306 Stanislaus County, East of Hwy 99, South of Tuolumne River Austin Jackson, (209) 417-2010 Stanislaus County, West of Hwy 99, South of Tuolumne River, South of Grayson & Howard Road’s West of San Joaquin River Merced County, North of Merced River & Hills Ferry & Stuhr Roads Trent Voss, (209) 470-5981 Merced County, South of Merced River & Hills Ferry Merced County, South of Hwy 140 Madera County, North of Avenue 12, Firebaugh Blvd, Avenue 7½, & W. Nees Avenue Carla Youngblood, (559) 240-0906 Madera County, South of Avenue 12, Firebaugh Blvd, Avenue 7½ & W. Nees Avenue, Fresno County, North of Hwy 201/Avenue 400, North of Conejo Avenue & Kamm Avenue, West of Derrick Avenue Ashley Correia, (559) 356-1584 Fresno County, South of Hwy 201/Avenue 400, South of Conejo Avenue & Kamm Avenue, East of Derrick Avenue, Tulare County, Kings County, & Kern County Anthony Scudder, (559) 470-9731 Membership Office Jennifer Claussen Manager – Member Relations (209) 545-6225 & Stuhr Roads, North of Hwy 140 Kenny Miyamoto, (209) 323-8454
Chief Agricultural Officer Mel Machado (209) 545-6222 – Salida (209) 531-6352 – Cellular
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ALMOND FACTS
2026 Grower Liaison Committee Members
LEGEND
DISTRICT 1
DISTRICT 2
Kelli Evans Dan Cummings P. Samantha Lewis Larry Bradley Luke Konyn
Michael Doherty John Monroe Elaine Rominger Gerald Rominger Catherine Marsh Michael Samra Jacob Amsler Dustin Timothy Sid LaGrande Jonnalee Dunn Joshua Campbell Ryan Finnen Ashley Dowden Joe Ferrini Joe Martinez Gabe Grimmer
Chair Vice-Chair Ex-Officio Director
Tom Knowles Steve Carlos
Michael Montz Brian Erickson Ray Antonowich Daniel Varner Fred Montgomery Mark Mead
DISTRICT 3 Dale Van Groningen John Thoming Tim Mohler Jeff Stuit Clayton Bogetti Don Freitas Andrew Kamper John Almeida Jordan Van Vliet
DISTRICT 4
George te Velde Kevin Fondse Spencer Franceschetti Martin Adrian Lukas Doornenbal Ed Tilma John de Visser Scott Sand Wayne Bruns Joe Martin Connor Wagner Dwain Zack
For Grower Liaison contact information, please contact your regional manager.
Nathan Mussi Michael Petz Zack Reinstein
DISTRICT 5
DISTRICT 6
DISTRICT 8
DISTRICT 9
DISTRICT 7
Stephen Van Duyn Neil Van Duyn James Kinzie Gordon Heinrich Chris Vanderstoel Jon Beck Jonathan Flora
Nick Blom Charles Crivelli III Steve Vilas Steve Scheuber Allen Peterson Jeff Lee Matt Romero John Hack Stan Chance Trevor Cordova Don Clark Bob Marchy Patrick Machado Bart Muller
Matt Efird George Goshgarian John Locker Andrew Cunha Ryan Metzler Michael Keith Smith Ranvir Tung Mitch Bagdasarian Mike Mohammadi Steve Bains Jay Mahil Macklin Riffel
Kent Stenderup Clinton Shick Ankit Behl Sam Ghilarducci Garrett Gilcrease John Allen Doug Kindig Brian Medeiros Karmjeet Jhandi Keith Gilbert Lisa Marroquin Harjinder Gill Mark Tos
Dan Mendenhall Steve Moeller John Pereira Bryan Jacobs Rick Scoto Dante Migliazzo Paul Atwal Minda Nespoli Jed Kruppa Steve Moreda Scott Sherman Dan Smith
Bob Kulina Cody Vella
Naomi Layland Garrett Bowman Brandon Riddle Paul Vermeulen
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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
THE COOPERATIVE EDGE
Harvesting Choice, Voice and Control Last issue, we began harvesting the Cooperative Principles through the eyes of Blue Diamond grower-owners. If you missed it, you have some homework to do. I also left you with a promise: we would return to Principle 1: Voluntary and Open Membership . Here we are. A dairy farmer who served on the board of his marketing cooperative once asked me whether his co-op was really following Principle 1. At the time, his cooperative was not accepting new members because it simply did not have capacity for more milk. How, he asked, could membership be called “open” if the door was temporarily closed? It is a fair question — one I get often — and a reminder, even to me, that the Cooperative Principles are guidelines for operating real businesses, not rigid rules to be interpreted literally. “Open” does not mean a cooperative must accept members it cannot responsibly serve. And “voluntary” does not mean membership comes without obligations. That brings us to Blue Diamond. Growers voluntarily choose cooperative membership, but that choice comes with commitment. At first, that can sound contradictory. But a marketing cooperative cannot build processing capacity, develop markets, make customer commitments, or plan for the future if its supply is entirely unpredictable. The commitment is part of what makes collective marketing possible. Principle 1 is about the freedom to choose membership while accepting the responsibilities that come with that choice. Which leads naturally to Principle 2: Democratic Member Control . Once growers commit their crop, capital, and trust to a cooperative, who directs it? In a cooperative, the answer ultimately comes back to the members. Blue Diamond grower-owners elect directors from among the membership to represent them in governing the cooperative, alongside at-large directors who carry the same responsibilities inside the boardroom. But Principle 2 is about more than voting. We commonly say that a cooperative is an extension of its members’ farms. Blue Diamond is an extension of its grower-owners and their orchards, reaching beyond their farm gate into processing, products, markets and customers. Grower-directors govern that extension, making consequential decisions about strategy, risk and the long-term economic position of members. Voting for directors is therefore much more than a cooperative tradition. It is one of the primary ways you exercise your control over an enterprise tasked with carrying your collective interests far beyond your orchards. And if Blue Diamond is an extension of its grower-owners, then Principle 4: Autonomy and Independence asks an important question: Who ultimately controls that extension ? Principle 4 sounds abstract, but its purpose is quite practical. No successful cooperative operates in isolation. Blue Diamond works with customers, financial institutions, regulators, suppliers and many other organizations. Autonomy does not require avoiding those relationships. It means those relationships should not displace the cooperative’s ability to remain governed by and operated for the benefit of its members. At the end of the day, decisions must remain accountable to the cooperative’s member-governed purpose and to the growers who own it.
10
ALMOND FACTS
Taken together, these three Principles tell an important story about cooperative ownership. Principle 1 gives growers a choice to join. Principle 2 gives members a voice in the enterprise they own. Principle 4 protects their control as that enterprise operates in the wider world. Choice. Voice. Control. They are not abstract cooperative ideals. They are part of what makes being a grower-owner meaningfully different from simply being a supplier. So far, we have mostly looked inward, exploring the relationship between growers and the cooperative they own and govern. Next time, we turn outward: What does a cooperative owe its cooperative neighbors — and its actual ones?
Dr. Keri Jacobs, Executive Director,
Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership, and Partridge Chair in Cooperative Leadership, University of Missouri
Dr. Keri L. Jacobs is Executive Director of the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL), associate professor of agricultural and applied economics, and Partridge Chair in Cooperative Leadership at the University of Missouri. She works with cooperative CEOs, management teams, and boards across the agricultural sector on governance, financial oversight, and the board’s role in strategy development. Through GICL, she designs and facilitates director and leadership development programs and regularly engages with cooperative boards on complex organizational issues. Her research and outreach are grounded in sustained collaboration with cooperatives and industry partners and focus on how collective action and cooperative structures can strengthen producers’ position within agricultural supply chains. Dr. Jacobs serves on the NCBA CLUSA Cooperative Economics Council and the Nationwide Board Council and is North Central Director for the Extension Section of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association. Raised on her family’s hog and row-crop farm in eastern Iowa, she holds a B.A. in economics from Coe College and a Ph.D. in agricultural economics from North Carolina State University.
1 1
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
NEWS IN A NUTSHELL
# WeAreBlueDiamond Social Media Activity Last month, Blue Diamond spent some time remembering the tragic events of 9/11 keeping the loved ones of those lost in thoughts and prayers. We launched a social media video series with our chief ag officer, Mel Machado, and the field team to provide orchard and market updates. Finally, we celebrated the launch of our beautiful, new bluediamond.com website, which makes it easy to explore for our growers, customers and consumers alike.
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ALMOND FACTS
BLUE DIAMOND INVESTMENT PROGRAMS
Current Investment Rates available as of October 1, 2026
Blue Diamond Growers offers members short-term and long- term investment programs. The objective of these programs is to serve as a competitive investment alternative for our members and provide Blue Diamond Growers with a steady source of funds. The interest rates effective October 1, 2026, for the program are listed here:
Short-Term Investment Certificate (STIC)
Long-Term Investment Certificate (LTIC) (Maturity Date of 6/30/2029)
Initial Investment Required
$10,000
$50,000
Interest Rate
4.25%
2.25%
(Variable, subject to change)
(Fixed rate)
For more information, contact your local Regional Manager, or Member Services at (209) 545-6225.
This summary does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to purchase investment certificates. We will provide a package of documents for the programs to those members who are California residents and who express an interest in participating in the program.
13
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
NEWS IN A NUTSHELL
Pumpkin Bread Cook Time: 135 minutes Difficulty: Easy Serves up to: 12
Ingredients 1¾ cups all-purpose flour 1½ cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions 1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9”x 5” loaf pan. Line bottom with waxed paper or parchment. Grease the paper. 2. In large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg with electric mixer on low speed. Add remaining ingredients. Beat on low speed until ingredients are moistened. Beat on medium speed just until creamy. Spread evenly in prepared pan. 3. B ake 60 to 70 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely on cooling rack, about 1 hour. Store in refrigerator if desired.
½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ cup vegetable oil 2 eggs ⅓ cup Almond Breeze ® Vanilla Almondmilk 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
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ALMOND FACTS
Apple Crisp Macchiato Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Difficulty: Medium Serves up to: 4
Directions Apple Crisp Syrup 1. In a small saucepan, combine apple juice, ½ cup brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and apple. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook about 20 minutes. 2. R emove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Strain and pour into a glass with a spout. Set aside. 3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar and water together. Microwave about 30 seconds, until brown sugar is dissolved. Pour equal amounts of syrup into 4 mugs. Macchiato 1. In a small saucepan, add almondmilk. Bring to just a boil, then remove from heat. Use a milk frother to froth almondmilk mixture. Pour frothed almondmilk over brown sugar syrup and spoon froth over the almondmilk. 2. P our 2 shots espresso over each mug. Drizzle apple crisp syrup over the foam in desired pattern. 3. Enjoy!
Ingredients Apple Crisp Syrup: ½ cup apple juice ¾ cup brown sugar, divided 2 cinnamon sticks ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ cup apple, chopped
Macchiato: ¼ cup water 4 cups Almond Breeze ® Unsweetened Original Almondmilk 8 shots espresso
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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
NEWS IN A NUTSHELL
Growing With Care — Our 2025 Stewardship Report Blue Diamond ’s 2025 Stewardship Report brings the Growing With Care framework to life. This is a practical approach to stewardship efforts that can help us achieve our purpose to share the benefits of almonds with the world for generations to come. The report shows how Blue Diamond ’s operations and nearly 3,000 grower-owners, many from multi-generational family farms, care for people, land, water and almonds. The progress is tangible*: • 82% of employees said they are proud to be part of the Blue Diamond team • More than 60% of member acreage is enrolled in the Orchard Stewardship Incentive Program (OSIP) • More than 20% of acreage participates in Bee Friendly Farming • Cover crops were planted in 22,000 acres • 73% of Blue Diamond orchards use efficient micro-irrigation • 16,763 metric tons of organic waste was repurposed as animal feed View the full Stewardship Report to discover the people, partnerships and practices behind this momentum, and what comes next. 2025 STEWARDSHIP REPORT Growing With Care
2025 Stewardship Report: bit.ly/2025-GWC *Note: All citations are available within the full Stewardship Report.
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ALMOND FACTS
17
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
CORNERING THE MARKET
Dancing in the Kitchen Julianne Hough brings movement, excitement and an authentic love for Blue Diamond to a wide-reaching, new Almondmilk campaign. For Julianne Hough, the kitchen has always been more than a place to grab a quick bite. It is a stage, a gathering spot and, when the mood strikes, a dance floor. That mix of movement and everyday joy is at the heart of her new partnership with Blue Diamond Almondmilk, a collaboration designed to make familiar routines feel anything but ordinary. The multi-talented dancer, actress and host stars in two new campaign videos that tap into the exciting place the kitchen can be, while adding Hough’s signature energy. Hough turns everyday pours, sips and snack breaks into playful moments of choreography. Almondmilk Favorites to Fuel the Routine The campaign spotlights two distinct Blue Diamond Almondmilk varieties. Unsweetened Simple is made with just three simple ingredients: water, almonds and sea salt, while Chocolate Protein pairs creamy and indulgent chocolate with 8 grams of plant protein and 45% less sugar than chocolate dairy milk. Together, they offer easy options for a wide range of routines: poured into iced coffee or matcha, served with cereal, blended into smoothies, stirred into overnight oats or enjoyed straight from the glass.
That versatility mirrors Hough’s own pace. Between performing, traveling, creating and training, she looks for simple, satisfying choices that move with her day from breakfast and post-workout refueling to the spontaneous kitchen dance break.
My lifestyle is always on the go, so I’m constantly looking for delicious, feel-good ways to fuel my day. Blue Diamond Almondmilk is a natural fit for me, and it’s something my dad and I both genuinely love. I had so much fun bringing the creative to life and leaning into that nostalgic feeling of dancing around the kitchen, making everyday moments a little more joyful. — Julianne Hough
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ALMOND FACTS
A Hands-On Creative Partner Hough’s role extended beyond appearing on camera. From the initial concept through the final spots, she helped shape the creative around her personality, active lifestyle and love of movement. Her choreographed work helped make Blue Diamond Almondmilk itself feel like a natural partner in the action. “Julianne brought such a joyful, hands-on energy to every part of this partnership,” says Maya Erwin, vice president, marketing and innovation, Blue Diamond Growers . “She understood exactly how to make the spots feel playful, nostalgic and completely her own. We’re thrilled to pair her creativity and passion for movement with the delicious versatility of Blue Diamond Almondmilk.” The fit was authentic from the start. Hough was already a fan of Blue Diamond Almondmilk and a Blue Diamond Lightly Salted Almonds snacker. When Blue Diamond reached out, she responded that she was already a big fan of the brand. From Screens to Stores The two videos are built for a broad digital audience, with a guaranteed 90 million views through connected-TV streaming impressions on Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, YouTube and other platforms. On social media, the campaign includes more than 300 million guaranteed impressions across channels including Meta, TikTok and Reddit. Behind-the-scenes social content will give audiences another view of the energy on set, with snippets from the making of the commercials. The partnership will expand again in January 2027, when Hough will share recipes featuring Blue Diamond products on social media. At retail, floor and shelf displays are planned for more than 6,000 stores nationwide, including Walmart and Kroger locations, bringing the campaign’s feel-good invitation from the screen to the aisle. It is a fitting final step for a partnership rooted in the idea that everyday nourishment can be practical, delicious and worthy of a little celebration.
The Back-to-School Breakfast Pairing Built for Modern Shoppers As back-to-school routines have returned, Blue Diamond Almondmilk and Magic Spoon are giving breakfast a modern upgrade. Together, they offer Millennial and Gen Z shoppers a convenient, better- for-you option that fits busy lifestyles. The partnership combines two brands with strong momentum and natural shopper overlap. More than half of Magic Spoon households already buy almondmilk, representing approximately 2.5 million shared households. The cross-category partnership is designed to drive trial and increase frequency. Magic Spoon’s high-protein, low-sugar cereal paired with Blue Diamond Almondmilk creates a complete wellness breakfast combining elevated ingredients, familiar appeal, convenience and credibility. A national back-to-school activation will bring the pairing to select Ahold Delhaize, Kroger, Safeway and Albertsons stores through shelf talkers, coupon tear pads, and boosted co-branded social content. Shoppers may also receive free Blue Diamond Almondmilk with a Magic Spoon purchase. With more than $219,000 in combined investment across nearly 2,000 select stores, the brands are positioning the pairing as a winning breakfast solution for modern shoppers and busy families restarting their morning routines.
19
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
GROWING THE GOODNESS
Coming Soon: Sacramento Pop-Up Nut & Gift Shop
To continue supporting our growers following the closure of the Sacramento Nut & Gift Shop please enjoy our once-a-month Blue Diamond Sacramento Pop-Up Shop!
Pop-Up Shop Details: • Located in the current Sacramento Nut & Gift Shop space • Offers Blue Diamond almond products only, including gift boxes containing six-ounce cans • Outside vendor products, gift baskets or trays containing non- Blue Diamond items, and taxable items will not be available at the pop-up shop Need to place a special order? • Contact the Salida Nut & Gift Shop via phone (209) 545-3222 or email orders@bdgrowers.com for special orders. Please note there will be a 15-day lead time plus ground shipping. • Subject to product availability
Want to send Blue Diamond gifts this holiday season? Growers who enjoy giving Blue Diamond products as holiday gifts are encouraged to shop the Salida Nut & Gift Shop while in Modesto for the annual meeting this fall. For special orders to be shipped or picked up at the December pop-up shop, an order deadline of November 9 will apply. A flyer with available products and current pricing will be distributed ahead of the holiday season. Happy shopping!
2026 Blue Diamond Pop-Up Shop Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Pop-Up Shop Schedule:
October 14 November 4
December 2
20
ALMOND FACTS
Blue Diamond Growers Foundation Scholarship available for 2027 - 2028 School Year
Scholarship Requirements:
Must currently live in Almond Growing Regions of California Must intend to pursue college major in Agriculture related field, with specific emphasis on plant and crop-related majors Must have 3.3 GPA or higher Enrollment verification to a college or university offering a four-year degree will be required for disbursement of award funds Application deadline: March 31, 2027
Scan the QR to Apply
This is a one-time award. Applicants who have applied and not previously been awarded a Blue Diamond Growers Foundation Scholarship may re-apply. Scholarship is available to applicants entering any year of a four-year degree program.
Apply via the link: bit.ly/BDGFapp2027
GROWING THE GOODNESS
Mel Machado Recognized as National Nut Grower Impact Award Honoree Blue Diamond Growers is proud to congratulate Mel Machado, chief agricultural officer, on being named one of four recipients of the National Nut Grower’s inaugural Impact Awards.
The awards recognize individuals who drive innovation and progress in the nut industry, demonstrate strong leadership, and give back through service to agriculture-related organizations, boards and associations. Machado’s recognition reflects his long-standing commitment to supporting California almond growers and strengthening the industry’s future. For more than three decades, Machado has dedicated his career to Blue Diamond and its grower community. His leadership, industry involvement and grower-first approach have helped build lasting relationships across agriculture and have made a meaningful impact on nut production. Congratulations, Mel, and thank you for your many years of dedicated service to Blue Diamond and the almond industry.
Farming is a noble profession. It is an honor to work with growers who toil daily in the production of food for others. — Mel Machado
22
ALMOND FACTS
TGS IS IN THE ZONE Better Water Penetration With The Schmeiser Orchard Max Aerator
Patented Smart-Till tines fracture and open the soil 8” deep with little soil disturbance. Breaks hardened soil for longer irrigation sets and less ponding in the row middles. Delivering water and soil amendments directly to the root zone for Max results. • Maximizes water penetration • Increase irrigation runs • Incorporate soil ammendments • Reduces soil compaction • Fast at 6-8 mph reducing cost/acre
Call your dealer for a demo or see the video in action at www.TGSchmeiser.com
Better Root Zone Management from
1-800-288-8128 • www.tgschmeiser.com
23
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
ADVOCACY REPORT
The Session Ends. The Work Ahead Begins. As another legislative session concludes, several proposals we have been closely engaged in provide a good reminder of why participation in the policy process matters, and why the months ahead present an important opportunity for California agriculture. Three bills in particular, AB 1603, AB 2447, and AB 2646, carried significant implications for agriculture and illustrate the range of issues the Almond Alliance works on every day.
AB 1603: Protecting Access to Crop Protection Tools
AB 2447: Nitrogen and Water Quality AB 2447, the Nitrogen Pollution Reduction Act,
AB 1603 began the year as a significant concern for agriculture because of its proposed restrictions on pesticides containing certain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Earlier versions contemplated restrictions on the registration and agricultural use of affected products, including requirements that could have classified certain products as restricted materials. For almonds and other specialty crops, the concern was not simply about preserving individual products. Effective crop protection depends on maintaining access to a range of tools while allowing the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to evaluate products based on science, exposure, risk and actual use. Throughout the legislative process, AB 1603 underwent substantial changes. The enrolled version no longer contains the earlier prohibitions on registration or use. Instead, it requires the DPR to identify pesticides that contain intentionally added PFAS in its pesticide-use database, report usage trends and publish a list of registered pesticides containing those ingredients. The bill passed the Legislature and was presented to the governor on September 3. That is an important example of why engagement throughout the legislative process matters. Bills can, and often do, change significantly, and consistent participation helps ensure policymakers understand the practical impacts as proposals evolve.
proposed substantial changes to California’s Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. The bill would have directed the State Water Resources Control Board and regional boards to revise the program, establish quantitative limits on nitrogen fertilizer application and discharge, develop statewide field-level nitrogen reporting requirements and make certain field-level data publicly available. It also authorized possible adjustments to program fees. The almond industry has long recognized the importance of responsible nitrogen management and water quality. At the same time, growers already operate within an extensive regulatory framework that includes nutrient management planning, monitoring, reporting, and regional water quality requirements. Our concern with AB 2447 was the potential to layer new statewide requirements over programs already being implemented regionally, adding additional reporting and compliance obligations without adequately accounting for differences in crops, soils, production systems and regional conditions. AB 2447 was held under submission in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on May 14 and did not advance further. Again, the outcome reinforces the importance of agriculture’s early involvement, providing practical information about how proposals would operate on the ground before they become law.
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ALMOND FACTS
AB 2646: Agricultural Labor Costs AB 2646 would establish a $ 19.75-per-hour minimum wage for certain temporary or seasonal agricultural employees from outside California who are hired through an approved employment process, as well as for California employees performing the same or substantially similar work for the same employer in the same county. Beginning on January 1, 2027, that wage would be adjusted annually based on the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. For agricultural employers, the potential impact extends beyond a single wage rate. Labor is already one of the largest costs associated with producing, harvesting, processing, and moving California agricultural products, and changes in one category of agricultural wages can affect the broader labor market. AB 2646 passed both houses of the Legislature and was presented to the governor on August 31. The Almond Alliance has joined a broader agricultural coalition in raising concerns about the measure’s potential impact on labor costs and agricultural employers. Looking Toward November While the legislative session may be over, the policy conversation is not. California voters will go to the polls on November 3 to elect a governor, all 80 members of the State Assembly, and members in 20 State Senate districts, along with other state and federal offices. That means Sacramento will look different when the Legislature reconvenes. There are many unknowns that come with that kind of transition, but there are also opportunities. A new governor and newly elected legislators mean new relationships can be established and new conversations can begin. Agriculture has an opportunity to introduce itself to policymakers who may have limited experience with production agriculture and to help them understand the economic, environmental and operational realities of
producing food in California. But relationships do not establish themselves. We must participate. That means staying engaged with trade organizations like the Almond Alliance and sharing your perspective when issues arise. It also means building relationships with policymakers and candidates and, for those who choose to participate, supporting political action committees that help strengthen agriculture’s voice in the policy process. For the almond industry, there is an additional opportunity to lead. We have the scale and economic significance to be an important voice in conversations about the future of California agriculture. More importantly, we have a story worth telling. The almond industry has consistently demonstrated its ability to innovate, collaborate, invest in research, adopt new technologies and improve production practices. Those qualities position us well to not simply respond to policy, but to help policymakers better understand what practical, effective policy looks like. November will bring change. With change comes uncertainty, but it also creates an opening for new relationships, new ideas and a stronger understanding of California agriculture. Our job is to make sure the almond industry is part of those conversations.
Alexi Rodriguez, President & CEO, Almond Alliance
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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
FIELD NOTES with MEL MACHADO
2026 Harvest Observations: Early Insights from the Season California’s almond harvest has nearly finished. While some of the crop remains to be shaken, swept and delivered, enough almonds have been received and tested to offer some valuable early insight into what worked, and what challenged growers this season. These observations are intended to spark discussion while the season remains fresh in our minds. They represent the results of the test data recorded on the early crop deliveries. A more complete assessment will emerge once the entire crop has been received.
A Positive Start for Nonpareil Quality One encouraging trend emerging from early deliveries is a noticeable reduction in reject levels in the Nonpareil. Based on early crop receipts, reject percentages are tracking near 2022 levels and represent the lowest levels seen since 2020. That said, deliveries received in the first days of September revealed an uptick in damage, most likely from the third flight of navel orangeworm (NOW). While statewide averages appear favorable, some growers have unfortunately experienced significant damage. Reports of double-digit reject levels continue to surface, with NOW accounting for most of the losses in these situations. Orchard sanitation, treatment timing, local pest pressure and neighborhood influences can all contribute to elevated damage levels. In many cases, these factors interact with one another, creating situations that overwhelm otherwise effective management programs.
The Continuing Challenge of Under-Managed Orchards The total bearing acreage as measured by Land IQ satellite data and what is actual “productively bearing” is quite different. The relative health of the actual bearing acreage also distorts the industry’s true average per acre yield. The 2026 growing season did nothing to change this issue. There are a significant number of low or minimal care orchards throughout the Central Valley. Aside from the mathematical issues these orchards create in calculating the true average yield, they also create problems for neighboring growers by acting as a source of navel orangeworm inoculum. Pollinizers Highlight the Complexity of NOW Control Managing navel orangeworm becomes even more challenging when dealing with Nonpareil’s orchard partner pollinizer varieties. While treatment timing in Nonpareil can be difficult enough, later-maturing pollinizer varieties face an additional challenge. A
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ALMOND FACTS
• Ants are a diminishing problem. We have effective, easy to use and reasonably priced ant bait formulations available.
• Damage from gum and brown spot due to plant
bugs is a fairly stable issue, but when combined with the damage from NOW, it becomes a major reason why Aldrich deliveries fail to qualify for high-quality premiums. Understanding which factor is driving losses is essential. Effective management begins with accurate diagnosis. Monterey and Fritz, the last to harvest, have similar challenges from NOW. But we do not currently have enough of these varieties in house to comment on. We’ll cover these once harvest concludes. Independence Faces a Different Threat Reject levels in the Independence follow a different pattern. Leaf- footed plant bugs and stink bugs have created problems for several varieties for years. Independence is especially attractive to plant bugs, with brown spot being the result of their feeding. While losses due to NOW fluctuate, losses due to brown spot have been increasing for several years. Unfortunately, controlling plant bugs has been especially challenging. Overlapping generations and limited control options have limited growers’ abilities to effectively manage this insect.
Understanding Rejects Matters Sound knowledge of the cause of your rejects is critical for effective control. Blue Diamond can provide you with the breakdown of damage in your deliveries, and I encourage growers to request this information on a representative number of their deliveries. The chart below shows the actual damage levels in Aldrich deliveries as vertical bars and the breakdown of the major causes of damage. From this chart, we can gather a few takeaways: • NOW damage generally follows the pattern of the total rejects. NOW is once again the major cause of rejects in Aldrich.
third NOW flight often coincides with the actual harvest of the Nonpareil, allowing another generation of moths to lay eggs on varieties that remain vulnerable. Although it is still too early to establish meaningful statewide quality trends for 2026 pollinizers, early deliveries of Aldrich have shown significantly higher reject levels than the corresponding Nonpareil blocks from the same orchards. That difference reinforces a lesson the industry continues to learn: effective NOW management must extend beyond Nonpareil harvest.
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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
FIELD NOTES with MEL MACHADO
Defoliation Threatens Next Year’s Crop Much like spider mites, the most serious implications from red blotch result in defoliation of the current year’s foliage and the impacts on the following crop. Growers throughout the Central Valley are noting that their orchards are covered in spider mites. I’ve had many calls from growers asking what to do about their orchards that have lost most, if not all of their leaves. While it doesn’t necessarily mean that these orchards will not have a crop in 2027, the crop has a high likelihood of being adversely impacted. Premature defoliation reduces the tree’s ability to manufacture and store carbohydrates during the critical postharvest period. Those reserves fuel bloom, leaf-out, and early nut development the following spring. An orchard that loses significant leaf area before normal leaf drop can still produce a crop the following year but yield potential may be compromised.
Red Blotch Expands Across California Red blotch has become one of the most discussed issues of the 2026 season. First identified in a single Merced County orchard in 2024, this invasive fungal disease has spread throughout much of the San Joaquin Valley and into portions of the Sacramento Valley. University of California plant pathologist Florent Trouillas has documented both disease symptoms and effective management strategies. Multiple fungicide options are now available that can provide meaningful control when applied correctly. But judging from the number of orchards that are impacted by red blotch, it appears that many either made the economic decision not to treat, missed the proper treatment timing, or were impacted by late season rains that promoted the production of additional spores, leading to late infections. As I fly around the valley, I’ve noticed that the reddish hue in orchards with advanced infection is visible from the air.
Red Blotch Damage. Photo credit: Mel Machado
Severe Red Blotch Infection Leading to Defoliation. Photo credit: Mel Machado
Low or No-Care Orchards Serve as Sources of NOW. Photo credit: Mel Machado
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ALMOND FACTS
Mites can defoliate trees. Photo credit: Mel Machado
Protecting foliage remains one of the most important principles of sound almond management.
The full story of the 2026 crop has yet to be told. Once harvest is complete and all deliveries have been received, we’ll revisit these trends in greater detail. For now, these early observations offer valuable lessons that can help shape management decisions for the seasons ahead.
Looking Ahead As harvest continues, several themes are beginning to emerge. Navel orangeworm remains the industry’s most significant insect challenge, particularly in pollinizer varieties. Success continues to depend on sanitation, mating disruption, effective materials, proper timing and thorough coverage. Plant bugs continue to cause excessive damage, especially in Independence. At the same time, red blotch and spider mites remind us that protecting tree health after harvest is every bit as important as protecting the crop itself.
Mel Machado, Chief Agricultural Officer, Blue Diamond Growers
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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
MARKET REPORT
ALMOND MARKET UPDATE
Blue Diamond Growers Almond Market Update — September 11, 2026
MARKET SUMMARY Demand Drivers • Global shipments have exceeded prior year in six of the past seven months. • Exports experienced a strong start to the year (+31% YOY). • India demand surged ahead of festival season (+170%). • Europe remained strong despite higher prices (+6%).
Demand Constraints • Higher prices are creating buyer resistance, with some market reducing purchase quantities or shortening coverage. • Domestic shipments remain soft with signs of stabilization (-3.3%). • China/Hong Kong direct shipments declined amid continued trade uncertainty (-52%). Supply Constraints • Tighter transition between crop years due to decreased carry-in position by 2.7%. • Yields in Nonpareil and Independence receipts are signaling a lower 2026 crop than 2025, as forecasted. • Larger kernel sizes are increasingly limited and creating a wider gap in premiums between sizes.
Supply Drivers • Harvest began two weeks early and accelerated new crop receipts for August (+55%). The increase is not a reflection of crop projection. • Early Nonpareil quality is strong with low reject levels.
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ALMOND FACTS
Looking Ahead: Fundamentally, the industry enters the new crop year from a solid position. The 470.7-million-pound carry-in (of which only 447.1 million pounds is estimated as edible) is down from prior year and confirms the tightness in supply from one crop to the next. Downward pressure on crop potential and overall supply and demand fundamentals continue to support a stable-to-firm market outlook. Export demand remains healthy with the coming weeks expected to provide clarity on crop size, kernel sizing and the degree to which rapidly appreciated pricing can be absorbed by end markets. SHIPMENTS India: India was the clear standout in August, receiving 44.3 million pounds, up approximately 170% from 16.4 million pounds last year. The increase reflects stronger replenishment ahead of the festival season and a normalization from the unusually low August 2025 shipment level. The magnitude of the increase is notable given elevated pricing and confirms India’s continued importance as the primary outlet for California inshell almonds. Local consumption will become increasingly important ahead of festival season as buyers will begin to replenish stocks that dwindled at the end of the 2025 crop year. China/Hong Kong/SE Asia: August shipment data highlights an ongoing shift in Asian trade flows. Vietnam posted a 10% increase versus last year, while Thailand (+84%) and Malaysia (+53%) recorded significant gains, reflecting their growing roles as processing and transshipment hubs serving Chinese demand. Direct shipments to China/Hong Kong, however, declined 52% year over year. Looking ahead, optimism remains that the September 24th meeting between President Trump and President Xi could lead to progress on trade and tariff issues, potentially paving the way for increased direct shipments into mainland China ahead of Chinese New Year. Europe: Europe posted another constructive month, with total shipments reaching 45.8 million pounds, up approximately 6% year over year. Western Europe increased 8%, led by Italy, Germany, and the United
Kingdom. Despite elevated pricing, European buyers continue to seek coverage, although purchasing remains disciplined and increasingly focused on shorter shipment windows. Middle East: Middle East shipments totaled 14.2 million pounds, down 17% from last year. Performance varied considerably by destination. Turkey increased 113% to 7.0 million pounds, while the UAE declined 63% to 4.3 million pounds and Saudi Arabia declined 54%. The shifting regional mix, as highlighted by a 265% increase into Pakistan, continues to reflect changing trade routes, inventory positions and geopolitical/logistical disruption rather than a uniform change in underlying consumption and overall demand levels. Domestic: August domestic shipments totaled 46.8 million pounds, down 3.3% year over year. While this may not have been the start to the year the industry had hoped for, the improvement in shipment performance over the last six months provides optimism that the market has stabilized. As prices rose over the last month, purchasing activity slowed and shifted to closer, strategic locations. This cautious approach is expected to continue. Looking ahead, domestic demand is expected to remain steady, with a pipeline of commitments providing support for shipments in the next few months.
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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
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