Almond Journey

Almond Journey
Almond Journey

This show explores how almond growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich is visiting with almond leaders throughout California who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry. Hearing the voices of these industry leaders might spark a connection or idea you can use in your own journey. That’s why we want to feature these stories of innovation, resilience, and community.

  1. 31 OCT

    Episode 69: Connecting with Consumer Through Cooking with Elisabeth Watkins

    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 has dedicated herself to teaching others about agriculture through cooking. Today she continues to make regular media appearances, including recent appearances on several Sacramento TV station morning shows displaying almond-based recipes. In this episode, Watkins offers her perspective on how to communicate about agriculture to mainstream audiences. “We need to get back into education. We need to get back into schools and be at the top of everyone's minds when it comes to their health and wellness.” - Elisabeth Watkins In Today’s episode: Meet agriculture marketing consultant and former Top Chef Junior champion Elisabeth Watkins from Linden, CaliforniaDiscover how Watkins surprised her parents with pursuing a Top Chef Junior competition she would go on to winExplore the different avenues commodity groups can take to better expose various industries to new ingredients and recipes to increase overall crop consumption The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry. ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

    29 min
  2. 11 OCT

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

    In this episode, Almond Board of California Directors Brandon Rebiero and Kelli Evans discuss the almond industry delegation that recently traveled to Washington, D.C. The trip was an opportunity to engage with key government and legislative offices, providing an update on almond industry issues. They also discussed market development and innovation activities, efforts to build demand, Board strategic priorities, and stewardship achievements. “Being able to be there and to back the staff and their requests or in their educating of facts is really powerful.” - Kelli Evans In Today’s episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Almond Journey Podcast 00:58 Meet Kelli Evans and Brandon Rebiero 02:33 Insights from the Washington DC Trip 05:55 The Importance of Grower Engagement 07:32 Brandon's Perspective on his Second DC Trip 18:21 The Impact of Data and Sustainability 25:29 Final Thoughts Learn more about the Almond Board of California committees. The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry. ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

    28 min
  3. 24 SEPT

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

    Kern County almond grower Bret Sill shares some of his experiences building the soil biology in his orchards through practices like integrating sheep into the orchard and planting cover crops. Sill also discusses his experiments with off-ground harvest and reflects on how this approach might fit into his overall system. Ultimately, Sill is looking to reach his productivity goals with minimal inputs while maximizing the value of every almond produced. “The things I've been thinking about is: how do we add more value (by) trying some of the regenerative practices. I can only cut out so much cost, and if I'm not adding value to that product, then how are we going to survive?” - Bret Sill In Today’s episode: Learn about almond producer Bret Sill of Sill Properties in Kern CountyExplore the process Sill Properties is taking to try new practices to reduce inputs and encourage soil biologyDiscover Sill’s approach to water management and recharging the groundwater in his area The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry. ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

    26 min
  4. 3 SEPT

    Episode 66: Red Leaf Blotch Found in California Almond Orchards

    According to a report produced by a collaborative effort between UC Davis and UC Cooperative Extension, the fungal pathogen red leaf blotch (RLB) was first detected in California almond orchards on the border of Merced and Madera counties in late May 2024. Previously known for its impact on almonds in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, RLB’s presence in California has understandably raised alarms. In this episode we are joined by UC ANR Associate Cooperative Extension Specialist, Dr. Florent Trouillas and Almond Board of California (ABC) Senior Specialist in Pest Management, Dr. Lauren Fann. Together they explore the latest on this disease, what impacts it may have on the almond industry and what growers can look for and do about its presence in California. “I'm actually quite surprised by how widespread the disease is already in this first year. The disease is definitely here to stay in California, which unfortunately brings another challenge for the industry here.” - Dr. Florent Trouillas In Today’s episode: Meet UC ANR’s Dr. Florent Trouillas and ABC’s Dr. Lauren FannExplore the pathogenesis and symptoms of Red Leaf Blotch in California almonds and what growers can look out forDiscover the threat of the disease and what is being done to mitigate its risk now that it's here For more information, read this article from the Almond Board of California: “A New Threat to California Almonds: Red Leaf Blotch” The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry. ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

    27 min

About

This show explores how almond growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich is visiting with almond leaders throughout California who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry. Hearing the voices of these industry leaders might spark a connection or idea you can use in your own journey. That’s why we want to feature these stories of innovation, resilience, and community.

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada