- Driving Value through Innovation
- New Year, New Opportunities
- Why Sustainability? ABC's Sustainability Self-Assessment Program Discussed
- Reinvestment in Almonds and Heart Health Research
- What Does Greenhouse Gas Regulation Mean for California Almonds?
- Government Affairs: EU Pesticide Regulatory Reform
- Colony Collapse Disorder: Still No "Smoking Gun"
- EQIP Deadline for Priority 2010 Funding Is Jan. 15
- Thinking Out of the Shell: Innovation in New Products
- Increasingly Complex Legislative, Regulatory Landscape Forecast
- Needed: Enhanced Infrastructure
- Drought Management in Almonds around the World
January
12 Food Quality & Safety Committee 9:30AM 20 Environmental Committee 9:30AM
February
4 International Committee 9:30AM 18 ABC Election Ballots Due 24 PR & Advertising Committee 10:00AM
OF NOTE
New Mule Driver
Many thanks go out to Garton Tractor, Inc., and Log5 Corporation for partnering in the Kawasaki Mule giveaway at the 2009 Almond Industry Conference. Because of their generosity and industry support, Brent Zehrung left the conference with a brand new Kawasaki Mule to use in his operation. In addition to being a senior loan officer at Yosemite Farm Credit, Brent grows almonds at Zehrung Orchards in Hughson.
The Grand Prize drawing took place at the conference luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 10. Congratulations, Brent!
Watch for Your Ballot
The Almond Board election is right around the corner. Don't miss this opportunity to vote for the 2010 Board of Directors. Ballots are being mailed on Jan. 29, and need to be received in the ABC office by Feb. 18. Board members and alternates are instrumental in determining and setting protocol for the issues and policies that affect the whole almond industry. So, let your voice be heard.
For more information about the election, contact Sue Olson (209) 343-3224.
Industry Development Program Participants Recognized
The 2009 Almond Industry Leadership Program participants and pomology almond farm advisor interns were recognized at the Almond Industry Conference Gala celebration on Dec. 9 for successfully completing the programs.
The leadership participants took part in industry education and leadership-building activities over the past year. Graduates of this first leadership program are Mary Burroughs, Ryan Cosyns, Chuck Dirkse, David Doll, Ashley Gunlund, Tiffany Lionudakis, Paul Parreira, Jr., Jordan Phippen, Paul Reynolds, Vincent Ricchiuti, Darren Rigg, Stacey Shaw, and Micah Zeff. Read more about this program in the Oct. 28 issue of AgAlert.
The farm advisor interns spent the summer paired with experienced farm advisors, learning about and assisting with all aspects of a UCCE farm advisor position. Interns included Kevin Brooks, Jennifer Matthews, Kristin Warda and Rebecca Wheeler.
Retired Researcher Recognized
Mark Freeman was recognized at the Almond Industry Conference for his 29 years of service as the UCCE's citrus and nut crops advisor for Fresno County. Much of Freeman's research—such as using ant bait, culling almonds that have worm damage, and applying boron—has led to advances in almonds. Despite his retirement, growers will continue to benefit from Freeman's work, such as a pruning video that he produced in the 1980s in English and Spanish that is still available.
- New Mule Driver
- Watch for Your Ballot
- Industry Development Program Participants Recognized
- Retired Researcher Recognized
Winter sanitation is necessary to reduce NOW presence and control aflatoxin contamination. UC IPM guidelines state:
- Remove mummies before Feb. 1 by shaking and/or poling until there is an average of less than two per tree.
- Destroy mummies by Mar. 15 by disking or flail-mowing to prevent overwintering.
A new tool is being developed to help growers assess expected NOW damage in specific regions; the current model is for the southern San Joaquin Valley.
For more information on food safety issues, visit almondboard.com/foodsafety.
