October 11, 2005

Almond Market Remains Slow
September export shipments experienced a 34.5% decline compared to the same month a year ago while domestic shipments were slightly better at 14% off. This is a result of a fragile, softening market; reduced crop receipts through the first two months of the 2005 crop year and cooler weather with sporadic rain throughout the growing region. Moreover, market buyers are continuing to try and resist high prices by means of only buying quantity as needed and as a result prices have slipped downward. This attitude of buying is sure to continue through the end of the year until buyers are able to make a better assessment of the total crop and could take us through next years bloom outcome.
Current sales are moving slowly as indicated above. If you are interested in selling your ‘05 crop, please call us for a firm price quote.

Crop Receipts Behind Same Month Last Year
At the end of September, the Almond Board Position Report detailed 352 million pounds of crop received to date. This is down 27% from September 2004; however this years harvest has already experienced some rain and initially started 10 days or so behind last year. The Nonpareil crop came in fast as a result of reduced yields. Since then, the California varieties are delivering crops equivalent to and up to as much as 30% off of last year depending on the region of the state. Harvest continues and despite nonpareil yields off dramatically in the Central region, the crop looks like it will finish within site of the original CASS estimate of 880 million pounds.

Your Responsibility to Food Safety
Your orchard floor is the first point at which almonds become vulnerable to microbial contamination. Knowing the risks and managing the possible sources for contamination in your orchards will assist this industry in avoiding another outbreak like those experienced in 2001 and 2004. A new publication, written specifically for almond growers, is now available from the Almond Board of California. You can obtain the Quick Start Guide to Good Agricultural Practices by contacting us at (209) 826-0272.

Bee Prices to Sting
If you have not been in touch with your beekeeper, do so now. Hive rental prices are promising to be higher than last year with many growers reporting prices averaging $100-$140 per hive. Be certain you are getting the number of hives desired and the highest quality available to ensure a consistent pollination this Spring – weather permitting of course.

Please don't hesitate to call me at (209) 602-6926 or Pam Shaw at (209) 606-1418 if you have questions about any of the above or about what you are hearing in the field.

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RPAC

P.O. Box 2138

Los Banos, CA 93635

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