Introduction to the California Almond Industry

50 Pages·2017·2.79 MB·English

by  David Doll

Introduction to the California
Almond Industry
David Doll
UCCE Farm Advisor
Merced County, CA
Background: California Production
•Commercially grown for over
100 years, 400,000 ha
•Water system provides
adequate irrigation
•Largest coordinated
pollination event in world
•Price, Highly mechanize,
reduction of input costs
driving growth
Background: California Production
Unique components of CA
industry:
• Floor harvesting
• High water demands and
applications (9000-12000 m3
applied/ha)
• High density plantings (but
not too high- 296-350
trees/ha)
• Thin shelled, non-
compatible, early blooming
varieties.
Background: California Production
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e profitability over
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CA Almonds: Acreage and Production Trends
CA Almonds: Acreage and Production Trends
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Increased Plantings
500 n 1000
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CA Almonds: Production and Price Trends
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Market Expansion
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International Market -
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n n Developing Countries 8
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“Bad Fat Era” 2002 Healthy Claim as result
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9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
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CA Almonds: Farm Value Trends
30000
Increased Revenue from
n
gains in production AND
o
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25000 n it o marketing!
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9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
CA Almonds: Farm Value Trends
Year Statewide Unadjusted 2014 CPI
AVG Yield Cost/kg Adjusted
(USD) Cost/kg (USD)
1985 2250 kg/ha 2.36 5.29
1992 2250 kg/ha 2.40 4.12
2003 2700 kg/ha 2.80 3.62
2011 2800 kg/ha 3.33 3.52
Decreasing input costs due to
mechanization, labor reduction
Dilution of expenses over greater
yields/ha
California Almond Industry
In 40 years, the California Industry has went
from an average of 840 kg/ha to 2533 kg/ha
More acreage + More Yield = Bigger Crops
How did we get there?