Budget Planning: Avoid Surprises Budgets aren’t glamorous, but they’re essential. Knowing your costs up front prevents sticker shock later. A good budget should include: • Bees • Insurance • Electricity • Labor • Multiple spray applications (pink bud, full bloom,
The key to control is timing and product selection . Use efficacy charts like those from UC ANR to match fungicides to disease risk and rotate FRAC groups to prevent resistance. For example, if your first spray uses a Group 3 fungicide, follow up with a different mode of action such as Group 7/11. Keeping these rotations in place preserves your toolbox for future seasons. For fungicide efficacy charts, like the one shown, visit: bit.ly/fungicideUCIPM. Pollination: Setting up for Success Pollination remains the single most critical step for a strong almond crop. Here’s what to focus on in 2026: • Hive Strength – An eight-frame hive collects 2.5 times more pollen than a four-frame hive. Confirm hive strength in your beekeeper contract. • Placement – Space hives no more than ¼ mile apart in sunny spots for early warming. Avoid high-traffic or shaded areas. • Water Access – Bees need water; provide sources like bee buckets near hives to keep the bees anchored in your orchard. • Spray Timing – Apply fungicides at night after the bees have returned to the hives. Cover water sources and never spray hives directly. For more tips, check the California Almond Board’s Best Management Practices for pollination.
post-petal fall, hull split, etc.) • Fertilizer and weed control • Post-harvest costs
Track estimated versus actual costs throughout the season and compare against projected revenue. This helps you adjust midyear and plan for profitability. If you’d like an example budget template, I’ll gladly share one. Just email me at tvoss@bdgrowers.com.
Trent Voss, Sr. Regional Manager, Blue Diamond Growers
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JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2026
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