Last week, the USDA NASS Pacific Regional Office released an initial subjective forecast for 2024 California almond production. NASS forecasts:
production at 3.00 billion pounds, 21% above last year' s final production of 2.47 billion pounds
almond bearing acres at 1,380,000, unchanged from the 2023 bearing acreage estimate
yield at 2,170 pounds per acre, up 380 pounds from last year’s yield of 1,790 pounds per acre
The subjective production forecast is based on a survey conducted from April 19 to May 5 from a sample of 500 almond growers. Respondents had the option of reporting
their data by mail, online, or phone.
The 2024 almond crop experienced fluctuating, but mostly favorable weather for the first half of the growing season. The bloom began the second week in February for the early varieties. There were a handful of storms that brought rain, wind, and hail to some areas, but overall mild temperatures and excellent weather from the end of February into early March helped boost pollination. Bee hours were reported to be significantly higher than last year. Bloom was finished by the middle of March.
Wet weather and warmer temperatures in April increased pest and disease pressures. There was minimal to no threat of frost damage and water allocation is not an issue for the second year in a row.
