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. 4d ago

    Almond Byte, October 2026: EU, DC Delegation Recaps, Trade Updates and More

    In October’s Almond Byte, the Almond Board of California’s Global Technical and Regulatory team explores trade and regulatory developments affecting California almonds. Hear highlights from the EU and UK delegation’s visit to California and ABC’s fall Washington, D.C., meetings, where export access and growers’ economic pressures were key topics. The team also details the latest on the EU’s packaging requirements, U.S.-China trade developments and Japan’s Pre-Test Program. Tune in for a look at ABC’s work to address trade barriers, support export readiness and keep growers and handlers informed.

    Almond Byte, October 2026: EU, DC Delegation Recaps, Trade Updates and More

  2. 4d ago

    Episode 106: Almond Variety Trials with Luke Milliron

    UCCE Orchard Farm Advisor Luke Milliron joins the Journey to talk about almond variety trials and growing almonds in the north Sacramento Valley. Milliron has a prolific body of work including co-hosting the “Growing the Valley” podcast and producing resources through field days, newsletters, videos and other outreach. He is also a member of The Almond Board of California’s Global Communications Committee. “(Variety trails) are the best way to find out what the worst is; finding stuff that should never be in a farmer's field. I want stuff to blow up in my face during these trials and not in a grower's field where big money is being lost.” - Luke Milliron In Today’s episode: Meet UCCE Orchard Farm Advisor Luke Milliron and learn more about his almond journeyExplore the work Milliron and colleagues are doing with almond variety trials, and the value that this research brings to the industryDiscover the issues and priorities of almond growers in the northern Sacramento Valley. Resources: Sac Valley Orchards: https://www.sacvalleyorchards.com/“Growing the Valley” podcast: https://www.growingthevalleypodcast.com/“Last update from the 3rd generation Regional Almond Variety Trial” podcast episode: https://www.growingthevalleypodcast.com/podcastfeed/2026/4/29/last-update-from-the-3rd-generation-regional-almond-variety-trial“Rootstocks Part 3: Almond Rootstocks with Jarvis-Shean, Duncan, and Connell” (one of Miliron’s favorite episodes): https://www.growingthevalleypodcast.com/podcastfeed/almondrootstocks *Contact Luke Milliron directly (530) 828-9666* 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.

  3. Oct 1

    Episode 105: Reinventing Almonds in India

    Mani Pandher joins the Journey to discuss the market for California almonds in India, and some exciting strategic changes to drive even more demand. Pandher discusses the history of success for California almonds in India, which has already become California’s top export destination. She also shares the opportunity yet to be realized in the market and answers what the Almond Board is doing to adapt: repositioning almonds, driving demand through integrated campaigns, and winning over younger shoppers. “When you have consumer love, emotional connection and credibility for a brand; that is what long term growth is built on. And that is what we’re trying to do in India.” - Mani Pandher In Today’s episode: Meet Mani Pandher, senior strategic advisor at the Almond Board of CaliforniaExplore the successful history of California almonds in IndiaDiscover the reinvented strategy for growing demand for California almonds in the region. 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

  4. Sep 17

    Marketing Bulletin: Inspiring Premium Bakery Innovation in Mexico

    September’s Marketing Bulletin explores how the Almond Board of California is growing demand for California almonds in Mexico’s bakery sector. ABC’s Becky Jeffers shares how they identified Mexico’s premium bakery category as a strong opportunity for almond usage and how the organization is working directly with bakers, culinary schools, chefs and industry events to inspire new almond-based products. From hands-on workshops and major trade shows to an upcoming harvest tour in California’s Central Valley, the episode highlights how education, creativity and personal connection are helping bring almonds to the forefront of bakery innovation in Mexico.

    Marketing Bulletin: Inspiring Premium Bakery Innovation in Mexico

  5. Sep 15

    Episode 104: Nutrition Trends and Where Almonds Fit

    Andrea Carrothers and Carmen Berry of FoodMinds join the Journey to provide a look back, and ahead, of what’s happening globally in terms of nutrition policy that may affect almonds. FoodMinds partners with the Almond Board of California and their recent report focuses on the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative and as a result the interest in defining the term “ultra processed food.” Explore how this movement could impact the almond industry specifically, and why it’s important to be part of the conversation. “ We know almonds are nutrient dense and have a lot of health benefits, and then it's being compared to a product that doesn't have nutrient dense foods. It's hard to compare apples to apples.” - Carmen Berry In Today’s episode: Meet Andrea Carrothers and Carmen Berry of FoodMindsExplore the impacts of the MAHA movement on the almond industryDiscover the significance in having a clear definition for what the label “Ultra Processed Food” means 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.

  6. Sep 4

    Episode 103: Phenology Models for NOW with David Crowder

    Entomologist Dr. David Crowder joins the Journey to talk about a project that could be beneficial for management of navel orangeworm. Crowder shares how phenology models have been used to manage major pests in other crops like codling moth and Colorado potato beetle, and how the same approach could help California almond growers with navel orangeworm. Often called "nature's calendar,” phenology is the study of the timing of recurring biological events in the natural world. Crowder says that using a phenology model can provide predictive information about the behavior of things like insect pests. “Trying to give people simple models of when something might happen seven to 14 days in advance, sending them a text message, ‘Hey, your bugs are going to be flying,’ these are the most effective models.” - Dr. David Crowder In Today’s episode: Meet Washington State University Professor of Entomology Dr. David CrowderExplore the value phenology models can offer growers in managing insect pests including navel orangewormDiscover the trials available that producers can participate in to evaluate the use of the phenology models predictions Growers can create an account and explore the Decision Aid System at treenuts.decisionaid.systems/ 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.

  7. Aug 20

    Almond Byte, August 2026: Key Wins in 2025/2026 Crop Year

    This month’s Almond Byte from ABC’s Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team looks back at a busy 2025/26 year supporting market access for California almonds around the world. From progress on Japan’s voluntary aflatoxin pre-testing protocol and duty-free access into the European Union to strengthened relationships in key markets including China, India, Mexico, Morocco and the United Kingdom, the GTRA team worked to resolve nearly 100 trade and technical issues, protect export opportunities and represent California almonds in global regulatory discussions.

    Almond Byte, August 2026: Key Wins in 2025/2026 Crop Year

  8. Jul 30

    Episode 102: The Impact of Almond Stewardship with Dan Sonke

    Dan Sonke joins the Journey from The Almond Conference 2025 in Sacramento to discuss sustainability programs and their impact on consumer perception and farming economics. At that time of this interview, Sonke was the head of sustainability programs at Blue Diamond Growers where he was responsible for building and leading enterprise sustainability strategy, reporting, and governance. Sonke also led development of one of the world’s largest farmer datasets through the California Almond Stewardship Platform (CASP), and serves as the current chair of the Almond Board of California’s Environmental Stewardship Working Group. “We have an amazing, science-backed story for our customers around the world. When they buy almonds from California, they're buying something that's not only a healthy product, but has a high degree of environmental protection associated with it.” - Dan Sonke In Today’s episode: Meet Dan Sonke, chair of the Almond Board of California’s Environmental Working Group and almond industry leader in sustainabilityDiscover how Sonke has pursued a career in developing and executing agriculture sustainability across multiple industriesExplore the creation and intention of the California Almond Stewardship Platform 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.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Almond Journey
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    175
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Almond Journey
  • Show Website
    Almond Journey

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