Weeds , a grower’s never-ending nightmare. I know there must be some growers out there, like me, who feel like we don’t control weeds, we just manage them. A pre- harvest herbicide application along with a close mowing of the orchard floor is one of the best options. This works well because healthy weeds die easier. I know it sounds backwards but if a weed is stressed it hardens off and weed spray materials tend to be less effective. Mowing after the weed spray also helps break down the dead weeds prior to harvest. This allows for a more efficient harvest.
being delivered. Again, the Almond Board of California has some Best Management Practices for Stockpiles that can be found here: Managing Almond Stockpiles | Almond Orchard Management.³ The main takeaway is to be sure the almonds are dry before stockpiling. Best practices stipulate no more than 12% hull moisture AND no more than 6% kernel moisture. Another informal measurement is, “If you have to ask if they’re too wet, chances are likely they are too wet.” If dry weather is present, have stockpiles open so moisture can escape. In the event of wet weather, cover the stockpile and do not place it in a low spot where water could accumulate. Once harvest is complete, it is time to start preparing for the next season. It is recommended to have tissue (leaf) samples taken in July to check the nutrition of the trees. A hull sample should also be done. This is separate from a tissue sample, because it will give accurate results for boron levels. If boron levels are low, post-harvest is an excellent window to improve the deficiency. Soil samples can be taken at this time, which will inform you if any post-season soil amendments are needed. It is best to review this information with your PCA/CCA to determine a plan. Lastly, the field staff at Blue Diamond Growers is here to help during this busy time. If you have questions about delivery, concerns about wet deliveries, or just need some information, please contact your regional manager. Good luck and have a happy harvest!
After all the prework is done, it’s finally time to harvest. But when should you harvest ? This photo shows the different stages of hull split . In early shake situations, where a grower may be trying to avoid Navel orangeworm damage, they may look at shaking at 2c. Growers who may be delivering inshell, will look at 5 or 6. With Independence variety, growers might say, ”I have all those stages on a tree at one time!“ In the end, it depends on the orchard, and what works well for its unique situation. Dust is another hot topic at harvest time. It is important for growers to help reduce dust. Controlling equipment speed, monitoring sweeper head height, and making sure to blow dust into the field rather than onto roadways are all helpful. The Almond Board of California has some great information on dust reduction that can be found here: Reducing Harvest Dust | Almond Orchard Management (almonds.com).² After the grower has shipped the harvested material to the huller, it will likely be stockpiled . This is quite common and has increased in recent years due to the sheer size of crops
Trent Voss, Regional Manager, Blue Diamond Member Relations
1. https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=8515 2. https://www.almonds.com/almond-industry/orchard-management/harvest/dust-reduction 3. https://www.almonds.com/almond-industry/orchard-management/harvest/stockpiling-harvest
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