Episode 6: Custom Harvesting with Luke Hicks

In this episode we meet Luke Hicks of LH Farm Service, a custom harvesting and orchard sanitation company. Luke shares about harvest operations, how he built his business from scratch, what equipment he uses and why, and where he sees harvest operations going in the future.

“For me, it's rewarding to get a guy's crop from the field to the processor. That's what makes me feel good and doing the best job we can. That's what I really enjoy about it.” - Luke Hicks

Luke discusses his custom harvesting business and how he makes sure his crews harvest efficiently, safely and effectively. He offers insight about important issues like harvest efficiency, equipment, labor and serving farmer customers. Ultimately, customer support and best-handling of his clients’ trees have helped him select the best equipment for his business.  

“I take extra care. We're handling somebody else's crop. I know that their livelihood is in our hands, it’s the care of their trees. It's up to us.” - Luke Hicks

ABC Update

In today’s ABC Update, principal analyst Jesse Roseman discusses Harvest Best Management Practices (BMPs). He shares why these BMPs are important, how they add value to almond growers and where to access these resources. 

Get a copy of the Harvest Best Management Practices by contacting the field outreach team: fieldoutreach@almondboard.com. 

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.