Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1159340
14 ALMOND COMMUNITY Continued from Page 13 inquisitive, talented people, and I appreciate the thought and sincerity with which the members of the Board and the staff work on issues and solve problems. This is an industry that is going places, and I enjoy being a part of that and having the opportunity to contribute. Q: What about the industry do you most appreciate and take pride in? HK: Almond growers take pride in what they are doing, but that does not mean they are happy with the status quo. They are willing to tackle the hard issues. Take harvest dust for example: We could have all sat back and pretended that the dust created at harvest was not a problem, but we chose to admit it exists and then invest in solving the problem. Another example is sustainability. Almond growers embraced this concept early on and that foresight served us well during the last drought as we were well-positioned to be able to tell our story with factual data. Industry members invest in the industry with both their time and talent — they participate on committees and they want research dollars invested in solving issues. Q: What industry accomplishment are you most proud of? HK: We have a great story to tell around the efficiencies we have achieved in water use. And we are willing to do more! I also look back and think about how early we invested in nutrition research. That research has paid off in big ways as it has filtered through consumers, the medical and nutritionist communities. Q: What advice would you give someone starting off in the almond industry? HK: Get involved and get connected. Learn about all aspects of the industry so you know what the challenges are at all levels. Also, get to know the people. You never know when you will need to pick up the phone to get insights on a particular issue; you need to know who to call! And, though not specific to the almond industry, don't push to get noticed, just work to earn the trust and respect of others. That will pay off in spades. Q: What's your favorite way to eat almonds? HK: I love to put brownskin almonds in the oven for 1 1 /2 hours at 250 degrees — it brings out the nut flavor in them and makes the very best snack, and sometimes even a great lunch when I am on the run! KENT STENDERUP Vice Chair, ABC Board of Directors Q: When did you first become involved in the almond industry? Kent Stenderup: Our family farm transitioned from alfalfa, cotton and juice grapes and planted our first almond trees in 2006. Myself and my cousin and partner, Andy, make up the third generation of Stenderup farming operations in Arvin, and neither of us have ever had the desire to do anything other than farm. Q: What does it mean to sit on ABC's Board of Directors? KS: Like most family farms, we try to become involved in the commodities that we grow. This allows us to gain knowledge and understanding of new concepts and technology, and to share that understanding with others. ABC has given me an opportunity to both gain and give. Q: What about the industry do you most appreciate and take pride in? KS: Andy and I have never been involved in an industry that has been able to both grow and retain profitability like the almond industry. I truly believe that this is due to the efforts of the Almond Board and the very responsible members within the industry. Q: What industry accomplishment are you most proud of? KS: Two key things come to mind: Kent Stenderup Stenderup Ag Partners