September 9, 2005

Almond Market Demonstrates Resistance and Remains Quiet
The market continues to procrastinate on securing new contracts for the 2005 crop as prices remain at record levels. But as reports of a lighter than anticipated nonpareil harvest circulate, trading should begin to pick up. The August 2005 Position Report from the Almond Board of California detailed 2005 commitments at 243 million pounds vs. 339 a year ago. Adding to reduced commitments from the market are reduced shipments with 57 million pounds shipped last month - a 27% decrease from August 2004.

Grower prices continue to remain at all time highs. To enable RPAC, LLC to maximize your price and due to the inconsistency in today's prices please call for a firm price quote.

Nonpareil Reduction in Production Statewide
The 2005 harvest has been anything but normal. Overall, harvest has been moving at a slow pace keeping many Shellers at the same speed or close too the trailers coming out of the field, net result, limited stockpiling. Reports statewide show nonpareil receipts down 20-25% in the North, 25-50% down in the Central part of the growing region and 15-20% down in the South with older orchards being the hardest affected. It is still too early to make any assumptions on the California varieties as very few have been received.

Higher Rejects Being Seen
Peach Twig Borer and ant damage are responsible for a significant increase in inedible percentage this year. Some orchards are seeing as much as double the damage they saw last year. Although many growers have taken the appropriate steps for control in their orchards, higher than desired rejects are probable when a smaller crop is produced.

We encourage you to contact us if you wish to discuss your 2005 crop or any of the above topics. I can be reached at (209) 602-6926 or contact Pam Shaw at (209) 606-1418.

Return to "Newsletters"

For more information call 209-826-0272 or write:

RPAC

P.O. Box 2138

Los Banos, CA 93635

Click on the mailbox to email us

Fax 209-826-3882