Almond Market Update February 2022 Week 5

As we reported in our last market report, January has been a very dry month with no significant rainfall. This has continued to cause concerns since temperatures in January were also running on both ends of the spectrum. 

As reported previously, lows in the high 30's and highs in the low 60's in the afternoon have been reported. More so, foggy nights and early mornings have once more appeared in the Valley.

Water levels in reservoirs have been rising gradually, but they're at a capacity between 40% to 65% of total and 50% to 75% of the historical average. 

Weather forecasts show that there won't be any rain in the coming weeks, which will burden the already tight water suppliers for the growing season.

Information About the Harvest

Growers have been preparing for the bloom since winter. They've been pruning, shredding resulting bushes, controlling weeds, managing pests, and more to ensure that the orchards are well prepared for the bloom.

The fog is actually giving them more opportunities to shake and mow mummy nuts.

Some growers have even completed last-minute insect and disease treatments to ensure the strength of the almond trees.

Problems Faced By Farmers

Farmers have pointed out an increase in the cost of growing crops over the past few months. Prices of fuel, fertilizer, chemicals, and labor have increased significantly, causing many farmers to rethink how they're harvesting almonds. Many have expressed concern about their ability to provide proper crop development support during the coming growing season. 

Scarcity of irrigation water, further demonstrated by the drought last year and the dry season in January, has proven to farmers that they need to re-evaluate how they practice irrigation and farming methods.

In other news, beekeepers have begun delivering hives to the almond orchards. Growers have resorted to placing water buckets for the bees since no natural water source is available.

It is worth noting that observers say that buds of all varieties are swelling and preparing for the bloom. Bud combinations are well synchronized, proving a potential overlap. 

We will let you know as the situation progresses.