Almond Journey

Episode 91: Growth and Opportunity in the Almond Industry with Mallvinder Kahal

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mallvinder Kahal joins the Journey to share some of his unique experiences as an almond grower, processor and handler. Kahal is based in Madera County...

Episode 90: Farming, Fertilizer and Family Dynamics with Lee Erickson

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lee Erickson joined the Journey to discuss his almond story and experiences buying and building a fertilizer company. We also talk about his industry ...

Marketing Bulletin: Almond Board’s Data-Driven Strategy Sparks Innovation in China

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

California almonds are making waves in China’s healthy snacking revolution, thanks to a dynamic partnership with Tmall — the country’s largest e...

Episode 89: The Economics of Stewardship with Kabir Tumber

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kabir Tumber joined the Journey to discuss his background in economics and retail, and how that informs him in his current role in supply chain strate...

Almond Byte, October 2025: Tariff Removal in Turkey, Trade and Tariff Updates and More

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the October Almond Byte, get the latest global trade updates from ABC’s Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team. Highlights include Turkey’...

Episode 88: 50 Years as a Pest Control Advisor with Rob Kiss

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rob Kiss joined the Journey to discuss working as a pest control advisor (PCA), some of the current pest risks facing almond growers, and the importan...

Episode 87: Food Safety with Michelle Penney

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Michelle Penney joined the Journey to discuss the importance of food safety in the almond industry. Penney comes from a multigenerational farming fami...

Almond Byte, September 2025: India Tax Reduction, EU Deal Details and More

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Get the latest on ABC’s global outreach in the September Almond Byte: highlights from China’s International Tree Nuts Conference, India’s big wi...

Episode 86: Pruning and Shaking Equipment with Scott Hermann

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Hermann joined the Journey to discuss the latest in orchard equipment, some of the history behind these machines, and the path toward autonomous...

Episode 85: Building a Career in Almonds with Chris Chavez

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Chavez joined the Journey to share his story of not coming from an agricultural background and thriving in a successful career in the almond ind...

Almond Byte, August 2025: Market Access Year in Review

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Almond Byte episode, the Almond Board of California’s Global Trade and Regulatory Affairs (GTRA) team takes a look back at the 2024/25 crop ...

Episode 84: Moroccan Team Visits California

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Almond Journey Podcast, Julie Adams, vice president of global technical and regulatory affairs at The Almond Board of Californi...

Almond Byte, July 2025: Morocco Visit, Pakistan Cuts Tariffs and More

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In July's Almond Byte, international trade developments take center stage. A Moroccan delegation visited California in late June, engaging with almond...

Episode 83: Almond Economics with Brittney Goodrich, Ph.D.

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brittney Goodrich, Ph.D. joined the Journey to discuss the recent almond cost and return studies. Dr. Goodrich is an assistant professor in the depart...

Episode 82: Optimizing Your Irrigation System with Cory Broad

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cory Broad joined the Journey to discuss the latest in irrigation technology and management. Broad is the agronomic sales manager with AvidWater, and ...

Almond Byte, June 2025: China Exporting Renewals, Latest on Tariffs and More

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Almond Byte, highlights from June's Global Update by the Almond Board of California's Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team inclu...

Episode 81: Almonds and Sustainable Nutrition with Bobbie Williams

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bobbie Williams joins the Journey as both a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and an almond grower. She contributes her expertise as part of the...

Episode 80: Mike Sonke's Almond Journey

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Sonke joined the Journey to share his perspective as a farmer and grower rep. He also is active with the Almond Board of California (ABC), servin...

Almond Byte, May 2025: Latest on Tariffs, Outreach in Turkey and Morocco

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from May's Global Update, from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California, detail the latest in the...

Episode 79: Almond Marketing Insights with Craig Duerr

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Craig Duerr joined the Almond Journey Podcast to talk about marketing almonds around the world. Duerr has over 25 years of experience in marketing alm...

Marketing Bulletin: Creating an "Avocado Toast" Moment for Almonds

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In April's Marketing Bulletin, Laura Morin of the Almond Board of California shares the story behind the Board’s first major food service collaborat...

Episode 78: Almond Advocacy with Mallorie Hayes

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mallorie Hayes joined the Journey to discuss the importance of storytelling, outreach, and education to consumers, legislators, and key stakeholders. ...

Almond Byte, April 2025: New Protocol for Japan, EU's New "Vision"

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Almond Byte, the Almond Board of California’s Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team highlights two major regulatory de...

Episode 77: Almond Genetics and Variety Development with Chuck Fleck

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chuck Fleck joined the Journey to discusses the latest in almond genetics and variety development. Fleck is the director of horticulture research at S...

Almond Byte, March 2025: Tariff Updates, Morocco and Turkey Market Progress

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

March’s Almond Byte brings you the latest insights from the Almond Board of California’s Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team. This month,...

Episode 76: Three Board Members Share Their Almond (Board) Journeys

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Justin Morehead, Christine Gemperle and Darren Rigg all joined the Journey to share about their involvement with the Almond Board of California (ABC)....

Episode 75: Before You Plant Your Next Orchard with James Chinchiolo

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fourth-generation farmer James Chinchiolo grows primarily cherries and walnuts in Linden, California. He has two blocks that he’s looking to re-plan...

Almond Byte, February 2025: America First Trade Policy, Tariff Implications and Aflatoxin Update

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Almond Byte, highlights from the February Global Update breaks down the America First Trade Policy memo, new tariffs on major U.S. ...

Episode 74: Winning Over Consumers with Laura Morin

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Laura Morin is the director of marketing for North America and China at The Almond Board of California. She joined the Journey to talk about some of t...

Marketing Bulletin: Own Your Prime at Radio Row

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when one of the biggest names in sports takes over one of the biggest stages in marketing? In the January Marketing Bulletin, we dive int...

Episode 73: 2025 Outlook - Ten Industry Perspectives

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

People from around the industry joined the Almond Journey Podcast at The Almond Conference 2024 and were asked to share what’s on top of their minds...

Episode 72: Reflecting on the Almond Journey in 2024

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Almond Journey Podcast, we revisit some of the insights captured on this show over the past year. You'll hear highlights from N...

Almond Byte, December 2024: China Trade Mission, Food Labeling Law, Alternaria Mycotoxins

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from December's Global Update by the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California details ABC's participa...

Episode 71: Effective, Efficient and Safe Applications With Franz Niederholzer

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

UC Cooperative Extension Tree Crop Farm Advisor Franz Niederholzer joined the Journey to provide a practical overview of best practices for spray oper...

Episode 70: Continuing Education and the Almond Learning Hub with Huller Manager Dan Lawson

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Lawson is a licensed Qualified Applicator and the Huller Manager at Treehouse California Almond. Lawson joined the Journey and shares about his jo...

Almond Byte, November 2024: EU Meetings, Post-Election Updates and Country of Origin Labelling

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from November's Global Update from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of Californian dive into key intern...

Episode 69: Connecting with Consumer Through Cooking with Elisabeth Watkins

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As a kid growing up on her family's farm in San Joaquin County, Elisabeth Watkins won TV cooking competition Chopped Junior. Since that time, Watkins ...

Marketing Bulletin: Mexico's Bakery Scene Gets Almond Exposure

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In October's Marketing Bulletin, we're diving into the Almond Board of California's (ABC) latest market expansion strategy: bringing California almond...

Almond Byte, October 2024: World Food India, EU Elections, Japanese Inspections

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Almond Byte podcast, we dive into ABC’s debut at World Food India, where almonds took center stage in discussions on food pro...

Episode 68: Almond Industry Delegation Visits Washington, D.C.

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Almond Board of California Directors Brandon Rebiero and Kelli Evans discuss the almond industry delegation that recently traveled to...

Episode 67: Off-Ground Harvesting and Soil Health With Bret Sill

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kern County almond grower Bret Sill shares some of his experiences building the soil biology in his orchards through practices like integrating sheep ...

Almond Byte, September 2024: China Visit, PEC Program Analysis, Morocco Potential

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In September's Almond Byte podcast, we dive into the recent visit of a Chinese Nut Delegation to California's Central Valley, hosted by the Almond Boa...

Episode 66: Red Leaf Blotch Found in California Almond Orchards

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

According to a report produced by a collaborative effort between UC Davis and UC Cooperative Extension, the fungal pathogen red leaf blotch (RLB) was ...

Marketing Bulletin: Own Your Prime Back and Bigger for 2024/2025

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the August Marketing Bulletin, we dive into the exciting return of the Almond Board of California's "Own Your Prime" campaign, featuring NFL legend...

Episode 65: Evaluating Farm Technologies With Joseph Jackson

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joseph Jackson grew up in his family’s farming operation in the Visalia area. Upon deciding to downsize the family farming operation, Jackson took o...

Marketing Bulletin: Exploring Market Opportunities in Turkey

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to July's Marketing Bulletin as we dive into Keith Schneller's recent trip to Turkey, representing the Almond Board of California. Discover how...

Episode 64: Farm Business Strategy With Nav Athwal

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nav Athwal joined the Journey to share his perspective on growing a farming business amid tough economic conditions. Athwal is the president of Tri-Nu...

Almond Byte, July 2024: DC Trip, Export Webinar and EU Election Highlights

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from July's Global Update from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California begins with the ABC annua...

Episode 63: Precision Plant Nutrition And Finding A Career Calling In Ag with Joe Palomino

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joe Palomino is a Clovis-based agronomist and Certified Crop Consultant (CCA) who works for Axiom Agriculture. His work focuses primarily on crop fert...

Marketing Bulletin: From Morning Ritual to Anytime Snack, New Almond Ads in India

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

California almonds are taking the Indian market by storm with a new advertising campaign aimed at younger consumers. The Almond Board of California's ...

Episode 62: Making Recharge and Cover Crops Work with Christine Gemperle

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Almond grower and Almond Board of California (ABC) Director Christine Gemperle joined the Journey again, this time to discuss groundwater recharge, cr...

Almond Byte, June 2024: Meeting and Trade Delegation Highlights

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how the Almond Board of California is helping to grow markets globally with key updates from recent trips by the Global Technical and Regulat...

Episode 61: Almond Stewardship with Alicia Rockwell

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alicia Rockwell, vice chair of the Almond Board of California and chief government affairs officer at Blue Diamond Growers, joined the Journey to shar...

Almond Byte, May 2024: Expanding Shipments to Both Existing and New Markets

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In recent months, the ABC Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team has been helping to expand global markets by meeting with key players in India,...

Episode 60: How to Plant a Tree and Orchard Recycling Update with Brent Holtz

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tree planting is a tremendous investment. The details of how to plant an orchard properly can have a big impact on the bottom line. In today’s episo...

Episode 59: Return on Investment of Integrated Pest Management With Thomas Martin

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Effective integrated pest management (IPM) programs for almond pests, especially for navel orangeworm, are not a one-size-fits-all situation and Thoma...

Marketing Bulletin: The Over Delivery of the Own Your Prime Campaign

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Coach Prime and the Almond Board of California joined forces around the big game earlier this year, further extending their game-changing campaign. Di...

Episode 58: Almond Nutrition Facts with Elena Hemler

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Almond Journey Podcast, we return to The Almond Conference 2023 where we sat down with Almond Board of California Director of N...

Almond Byte, April 2024: Tariff Suspensions, Endocrine Disruptors and More

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from April's Global Update – from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at ABC – include the details behind the suspension o...

Marketing Bulletin: Takeaways from Promising India Trip

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The March edition of the Marketing Bulletin from the Almond Board of California features President and CEO Clarice Turner who details her takeaways fr...

Episode 57: Navel Orangeworm Damage with Michael Kelley

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Kelley, President and CEO of Central California Almond Growers Association joined the Journey to share the challenges with the 2023 crop, espe...

Almond Byte, March 2024: Gulfood, India Trade Conference and a Pakistan First

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

March's highlights from the Global Update, by the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California, include a recap of t...

Marketing Bulletin: Trade Marketing and the Tastemaker Trials

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In February's Marketing Bulletin, here about the busy month of March set for the Trade Marketing and Stewardship group at the Almond Board of Californ...

Episode 56: Australian Almonds and the Carpophilus Beetle

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

At The Almond Conference 2023, Almond Board of Australia CEO Tim Jackson, and Senior Specialist of Pest Management at the Almond Board of California L...

Episode 055: Getting To Know Clarice Turner, CEO of The Almond Board of California

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are joined by Clarice Turner, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California. Turner shares about her listening tour with mul...

Marketing Bulletin, January 2024: QR Code Shares Almond Stewardship Story

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In January's Marketing Bulletin, learn how the Almond Board of California introduced a pioneering QR code initiative aiming to redefine consumer inter...

Episode 54: Hopes for the New Year From Nine Almond Industry Leaders

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is taken from nine different interviews conducted during The Almond Conference last month. People from around the industry were asked to ...

Almond Byte, January 2024: Suez Canal Delays, Great Britain PEC Launched

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from January's Global Update – from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California – include inform...

Episode 53: Thankful for the Last Twenty Years with Richard Waycott

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we celebrate the last twenty years of the Almond Board of California under the leadership of Richard Waycott. Waycott joined the Almo...

Episode 52: Employee Engagement with Jonnalee Dunn

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Almond grower Jonnalee Dunn joins the Journey from Arbuckle, California. Dunn is the growth and development manager at Henderson Farms, which is a 52-...

Almond Byte: Trade at TAC, Italy Mold and Hulls to China

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from December's Global Update, from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California, include the interna...

Episode 51: Finding Balance in the Orchard with Christine Gemperle

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Almond grower and Almond Board of California Director Christine Gemperle discusses how she finds balance between conventional farming approaches and e...

Marketing Bulletin, November 2023: Prime Time in Stores and GMD TAC Session

18 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

November's Marketing Bulleting from the Almond Board of California includes the details about the Building Global Demand for California Almonds market...

Almond Byte, Nov. 2023: Turkey Tariffs, Phosphate Duties and China Trip

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from November's Global Update, from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at ABC, include increased tariffs on almonds in the Tu...

Episode 50: From Grower to Processor With Raj and Taj Samran

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Raj Samran is chief operating officer of Hilltop Ranch, Inc. Taj Samran serves as vice president and handles grower relations for the company while al...

Marketing Bulletin, October: New and Proven Tactics in India

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October's Marketing Bulletin from the Almond Board of California includes the launch of several tactics this crop year in the Indian market, leveragin...

Almond Byte, October 2023: EU Inspections and State of the Union, Decree 248 Update

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from October's Global Update – produced by the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California – include...

Episode 49: Dick Cunningham and the Ups and Downs of Almonds

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dick Cunningham has a long history in the almond business as a grower and huller/sheller. Cunningham remains an active member of the Almond Alliance B...

Marketing Bulletin, September 2023: Almond Gift Giving and The Mother of All Snacks

30 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September's Marketing bulletin from the Almond Board of California highlights recent efforts in India around Raksha Bandhan and details the 'Mother of...

Episode 48: Hands-On Orchard Management with Dan Clendenin

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Grower Dan Clendenin producer almonds in both Merced and Madera as part of a family partnership with his siblings. Growing up, the family grew fresh m...

Almond Byte, September 2023: India Tariffs, EU Challenges, Port Worker Contract

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September's Global Update highlights from the Global, Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California. Today's Almond Byte cov...

Episode 47: Postharvest Technology with Bikram Hundal

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bikram Hundal is the vice president of operations for Custom Almonds and Sequoia Nut Company. Hundal shares how technology is changing the game in alm...

Marketing Bulletin, August 2023: Almonds Go Prime Time and ICC Cricket World Cup

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

August's Marketing Bulletin from the Almond Board of California. A Partnership of Legends: California Almonds + Prime Time California Almonds are goi...

Almond Byte, August 2023: Year in Review - Decree 248, EU Challenges and Trade Strategy

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights reviewing the crop season from August's Global Update, from the Global, Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of Califo...

Episode 46: Industry’s D.C. Relationships on Display with Brandon Rebiero

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we visit with Brandon Rebiero, co-founder and the head of farming at Gold Leaf Farming. Rebiero, who also serves on the board of dire...

Episode 45: Strategic Planning with Lucas Schmidt

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lucas Schmidt, the vice president and chief operating officer of Grow West and Almond Leadership Program graduate, joined the journey to reflect on so...

Almond Byte, July 2023: D.C. Trip and India, UK PEC and China Registration Updates

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from July's Global Update, from the Global, Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California, in today's Almond Byte...

Episode 44: Investing in Agriculture's Future with FFA Scholarship Recipients

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we meet four impressive members of the California Future Farmers of America (FFA) who were awarded scholarships this year by The Almo...

Marketing Bulletin, June 2023: Almonds Take Over Mexico, Health Ads and Climate Change Partnership

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

June's Marketing Bulletin from the Almond Board of California. Almonds Take Over Mexico CityDuring the first two months of 2023 and around Nation...

Episode 43: Limiting Risk on New Practices with Tanya Gemperle-Goncalves

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tanya Gemperle-Goncalves of Gemperle Farms has taken a particular interest in finding ways to improve their almond operation over time. She joined the...

Almond Byte, June 2023: McKalip Visits CA, MRL Workshop Recap, Labor Union Update

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

USTR Chief Ag Negotiator Visits CaliforniaAfter speaking at the recent Agri-Pulse Conference, ABC was able to arrange orchard visits for USTR Chief Ag...

Episode 42: Industry Perspectives with Huller Michael Kelley

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Kelley is the president and CEO of the Central California Almond Growers Association. With four shellers in two locations, the association is ...

Marketing Bulletin, May 2023: Leveraging Nutrition Research, German Partnership, Expo West

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

May's Marketing Bulletin from the Global Market Development and Reputation Management teams at the Almond Board of California. Leveraging Nutriti...

Almond Byte, May 2023: Tariff Impacts, Transportation Update, Decree 248

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from the May 2023 Global Update from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California. Economic Impact An...

Episode 41: Stewardship Metrics with Mackey Violich

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackey Violich is part of the ownership team at Capay Farms, a 13,000-acre almond and walnut farming operation. As sustainability manager, Violich has...

Episode 40: Monitoring and Mass Trapping of Navel Orangeworm Females with Dennis Yotsuya and Elonce Peterson

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Almond grower Dennis Yotsuya has a small orchard in Cortez, California. Through winter sanitation and mass trapping, he has been able to avoid hull sp...

Episode 39: The Business of Family Farming with Keith Yamamoto

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Third generation farmer Keith Yamamoto and his family farm a variety of crops including almonds in Westley, California. Diversification in crops, mark...

Almond Byte, April 2023: Decree 248, Transportation Updates and Upcoming Turkish Visit

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from the April 2023 Global Update from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California. Decree 248 Updat...

Episode 38: Farm Finance and Accounting with Ted Reimers and Robert Holtermann

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A banker and CPA – who both also grow almonds – join the Journey to talk about farm finance and accounting. Ted Reimers is the vice president in t...

Almond Byte, March 2023: Gulfood Show and India Trade Conference, Great Britain Changing PEC

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Highlights from the March 2023 Global Update from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California. ABC participatio...