How We Grow

2020 Nov/Dec How We Grow

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A L M O N D O R C H A R D 2 0 2 5 G O A L S HARVEST DUST 15 8 https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1286027-2020-sept-oct-how-we-grow/9? product in the windrows, on the orchard floor, to dry. "I believe strongly, and many others in the industry do as well, that off-ground harvesting is the future of almond production in California's Central Valley," said Crowley. "Having these dryers at North State Hulling will put us in a prime position to be ready for off-ground harvest, allowing our growers to start thinking intentionally about the practice without the roadblock of how the product will get dried." The cooperative also plans to build their own net energy metering power plants on-site, powering the facility using almond shells and woody biomass. Biochar created as a result of the burning of shells and woody biomass will then be returned to the growers, who can incorporate it into their orchards' soil to improve soil health. 8 Industry members interested to learn more about ABC's research on finding higher-value uses for almond coproducts are encouraged to attend The Almond Conference 2020. Held virtually for the first time ever, this year's online setting will allow for maximum global participation and connection like never before. The agenda will include educational sessions, research updates, social gatherings and an exhibit hall, as in the past. The virtual setting also will present new opportunities for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors, including the flexibility to participate in an educational session in the morning, work in the orchard in the afternoon and attend networking events throughout the day. Get to Know Your Board – Part Six In the July/August 2019 issue of How We Grow, we published Part One of our series "Get to Know Your Board." In this series, we're profiling members and alternates of the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors, which is composed of ten members — five growers and five handlers — with each member having one alternate. This group of individuals embraces the California almond story and is living it every day, just like you. Read Part Six of this series below, which highlights two industry members who serve as alternates on ABC's Board, and be sure to check out past and future issues of How We Grow for more Board Q&As. When did you first become involved in the California almond industry? Alicia: My direct engagement with the industry began when I was hired to work at Blue Diamond Growers. However, I have lived and raised my family in Escalon, and many of our friends are almond growers and some are even Blue Diamond members. Christine: I grew up in the industry. My earliest memories are of my dad coming home from the orchards smelling like diesel and dirt. I loved riding in the bed of an open pickup truck and walking barefoot in the flooded orchards on a warm summer evening. Although I was a daddy's girl, I wasn't necessarily groomed for the industry. That just wasn't common for girls in the '70s and '80s, so I created my own path to a degree in biology and then a masters in fisheries. I have always been geared toward science. It was near the end of graduate school that I planted my first summer garden, and it was a gigantic success. Something just clicked in me that told me I was ALMOND COMMUNITY Christine Gemperle Grower, Gemperle Orchards Alternate, ABC Board of Directors Alicia Rockwell Director of Government and Public Affairs, Blue Diamond Growers Alternate, ABC Board of Directors Continued from page 14 Register for The Almond Conference today at almondconference.com.

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