Almond Living Magazine

Report: Bee Supply to Meet Almond Pollination Demand

With almond bloom upon us, the Western Farm press has good news about honey bees. According to an article by Greg Northcutt, bee supply is “expected to meet demand for almond pollination” this year.

No, Almonds Don't Use 10 Percent of California's Water

Do almonds use 10 percent of California?s total water supply? The short answer is no. This myth, which we?ve heard a few times in the media, seems to trace back to a Slate article from last May. Its author generally engages in a thoughtful and nuanced discussion of California?s water use. He notes that almonds are an important economic contributor in the state and that all foods require water, including some that are far more water intensive than almonds.

Buds, Bees and Bloom- Part 1: Buds

These three B's are vital parts to a successful almond pollination and production. Over the next couple weeks I will walk you through Pollination's 3 B's and how each one is an important step to almond farmers. This post was written by Kern County almond grower Jenny Holtermann and originally appeared on her blog, You Say All-mend, I Say Am-end. This is the first in a series of guest posts from Jenny about the pollination process.

The Buzz on Bees

Spring comes early to California’s Central Valley, and farmers and beekeepers alike are already focused on the start of almond bloom. Almonds are the first of the many crops in California pollinated by commercial honeybees, and the February bloom provides bees with their first natural pollen after the long winter.

The State of an Orchard

Recently on a regional, agriculture-focused radio show here in California, almond grower Tom Rogers talked about the challenges and opportunities facing the almond industry today, with numerous examples from his own orchards. He touched on how he’s dealing with water shortages, and lessons he and his brother are learning about how they can irrigate most efficiently and effectively.

Study Shows How Almonds Lead to Jobs and Economic Opportunities for California

When it comes to the economic impacts of California almonds, maybe you?ve thought about the jobs on the farm and in the orchard, but did you know almonds also put people to work at hulling and shelling plants and manufacturing facilities, as well as generate jobs in supporting industries such as packaging and trucking? These employees then spend their hard-earned money at local restaurants and shops, on activities with their families, and any number of other goods and services in their community from groceries to new cars to school teachers.