MAY–JUN 2026
Contents
8 FIELD TEAM 10 THE COOPERATIVE EDGE 12 NEWS IN A NUTSHELL 20 CORNERING THE MARKET 22 GROWING THE GOODNESS 26 ADVOCACY REPORT 30 FIELD NOTES WITH MEL MACHADO 34 MARKET REPORT 38 IN YOUR ORCHARD
Why do influencers matter? Learn more about Blue Diamond Almondmilk’s strategic partnerships (Page 20)
Features 6 President’s Corner
30 The 2026 Bloom & Crop Potential Forecasting the production of any crop involves detailed analysis of the factors affecting the bloom, as well as the conditions prior to and after bloom. Chief Ag Officer, Mel Machado, dives into the factors that complicate crop estimates as well as Blue Diamond ’s own forecast. 44 Pre-harvest Considerations & Sample Evaluation This article outlines key pre-harvest considerations for almond growers including navel orangeworm management, wet weather harvest strategies, and quality preservation. Also learn how almond deliveries are sampled, graded, and evaluated in Blue Diamond Growers ’ test rooms.
Kai Bockmann discusses the final stretch before harvest season, the projected 2026 almond crop of 2.69 billion pounds, continued growth in the non-dairy category led by Almond Breez e®, and ongoing efforts to strengthen snack nut sales and global customer relationships. Former board member Ken Roos is remembered for his legacy and many contributions. 10 A Century of Relevance…and Counting Marking 116 years since the founding of Blue Diamond Growers , Dr. Keri Jacobs reflects on how the cooperative model remains as relevant today as it was in 1910 by helping growers collectively address enduring challenges such as market volatility, concentrated market power, and the need for greater control across the agricultural value chain.
ON THE COVER: Blue Diamond looks forward to another crop as the spring months wane and summer approaches.
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MAY–JUNE 2026
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