IN YOUR ORCHARD
TIME TO CONSIDER Harvest is supposed to be the payoff—the culmination of a year’s work. But when the forecast turns wet, the excitement quickly shifts to concern. Rain during almond harvest isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a test of judgment, timing and field discipline. The good news is that with the right approach, you can move through a wet harvest without sacrificing quality or efficiency. The secret is understanding how almonds respond to moisture and making decisions that keep drying potential alive in the orchard. Moisture changes everything. Once almonds get wet, orchard management practices must change to match the conditions in the orchard. As the moisture works its way through the nut, hulls absorb water first and dry out first. Kernels absorb water last and dry out last. If mismanaged, microbes begin to activate, drying slows dramatically, and nuts can deteriorate while waiting for conditions to improve. The problem compounds when wet nuts meet wet soil. They stick, they pick up debris, and they resist drying. In windrows packed with leaves and organic material, heat can build up quickly from microbial activity. This creates conditions that compromise kernel quality.
Not all orchards behave the same way in wet conditions. Before you make any move, evaluate the variables that matter most: • Variety: Some cultivars, like Monterey, are slower to dry due to thicker hulls. • Soil type: Heavy soils hold water longer and delay entry into the orchard. • Tree size and canopy density: Dense orchards trap moisture and block sunlight. • Row orientation: East-west plantings tend to dry slower than north-south rows. • Stage of crop: Nuts still in the tree are far safer than nuts on wet ground. • Weather Forecast: When is the rain coming and how much is expected? If there’s one guiding principle to remember, it’s this: Your goal is to move the driest nuts first and create the best possible drying environment in the field for the rest. This approach reduces dryer time at the processor, preserves quality, maximizes throughput, and keeps harvest steady even when conditions aren’t ideal. If Nuts Are Still in the Tree, Leave Them There: It may sound counterintuitive, but one of the safest places for almonds during a storm is still attached to the tree. If rain is approaching and the crop isn’t ready, hold off on shaking. Trees offer protection from soil moisture and allow the nuts to wait out short-term weather without absorbing additional water. When Nuts Are on the Ground: This is where decisions become critical. If almonds are lying flat on wet soil, resist the urge to rake immediately. Moving them too soon only spreads moisture and pushes soil and organic matter (leaves) into the mix.
Wet windrow. Photo Credit: Mel Machado
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ALMOND FACTS
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