Almond Journey

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 CrowderIn 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 predictionsGrowers 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.

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 SonkeIn 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 PlatformThe 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.

The December Almond Byte brings you a global look at trade and market access momentum for almonds, from ABC’s participation in the USDA T.R.U.M.P. Mission to Brussels, to fresh tariff framework agreements across Latin America and Europe. Also hear key updates on Japan’s Pre‑Test Protocol, the early‑December USMCA renewal hearings along with details on ABC’s return to Gulfood in Dubai this January.

Lee Erickson joined the Journey to discuss his almond story and experiences buying and building a fertilizer company. We also talk about his industry involvement and lessons learned while working with family in his multi-generational ventures. Erickson is the managing partner of TEP, Inc. and a partner in Erickson Farms, which produces almonds, grapes, olives, pistachios and prunes on about 3,000 acres in Madera, California. He also serves on the board of directors of the Central California Almond Growers Association and is the vice chair of the Almond Board of California’s Global Communications Committee.  “I own the company, but we also farm. So I know exactly what growers are going through…Watch what you're getting. Make sure what you're spending your money on is making you money. Especially right now, we're all tightening our belts.” - Lee Erickson In Today’s episode:  Meet Lee Erickson, almond grower and entrepreneur, who sits down with the Almond Board’s Taylor Hillman and podcast host Tim Hammerich.  Discover the lessons and insights Erickson has gleaned from buying and building a fertilizer company Explore the dynamics of working in a multigenerational family business Understand the rewards and responsibilities of getting involved on boards and 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. 

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 strategy at Blue Diamond Growers. Tumber grew up on a family farm in Yuba City where his family grew peaches, walnuts and prunes. After earning a bachelor’s and master's in economics from UC Davis, he worked as a consultant at the intersection of agriculture, water and economics.“I think the best transfer of knowledge is amongst the grower community. Hearing from those early adopters of, ‘Hey, this is my experience, and this is why I continue to do it.’ That's what I try to support or help facilitate in my role.” - Kabir TumberIn Today’s episode:Meet Kabir Tumber, the senior manager of membership development and sustainable agriculture at Blue Diamond GrowersDiscover the many macro and micro trends that are taken into account to determine what products are the best fit for grocery shelves and consumersExplore the nuance of incorporating sustainability not only into farming practices but into marketing opportunitiesThe 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.