Stepping up to the Challenge

Foothill Orchard Wednesday 2/15/2017

Yours truly has served on the Production Research Committee of the Almond Board of California since some time in the 1980's. I have always been proud of the commitment our industry has made to discovering the most efficient methods of farming and educating the nearly 7 thousand almond growers in the state of the latest information.

As the industry has grown, and the demand for resources within the state have grown, the challenges continue. Here is a link to an important announcement from the Almond Board of a continuing and growing commitment to being responsible farmers.

Also a couple pictures of the bloom status.

Almond Board of California commits big bucks to innovation fueled future

Valley Orchard Thursday 2/16/2017

Mummies swept to the middle

Mummy removal has been a major activity over the last 6 weeks when the weather has allowed. After being put on the ground we sweep the mummies to the middles so they can be chopped up by the mower.

Mowed Middle with chopped Mummies

In this block we are only mowing every other middle. This preserves some forage for the bees that are being placed in the orchard. Although it just looks green, within the vegetation is blooming chickweed and shepherds purse.

We want to do all we can to have healthy bees!