Early Estimates for the 2017 Almond Crop

In late April and early May, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released what is referred to as a subjective forecast for the upcoming almond harvest. The information used to make this estimate is a survey NASS conducts with almond growers. The estimate they gave for the 2017 growing season was that the almond crop for 2017 was expected to be 2.2 billion. That would put the 2017 harvest a little higher than the 2016 crop which produced around 2.14 billion pounds of almonds.

Growing Conditions Effect 2017 Harvest

Almond growers are always concerned with the weather conditions because temperatures and rain, as well as pests and pollinating bees, are factors that directly impact the success of a growing season. One California almond grower with about 700 acres of almond orchard described the 2017 growing season as “pretty good.” There were fewer issues with mites and Navel orangeworm this season. Almonds trees need water and 2017 proved to be a wet season for almond growers. The wet weather is also attributed to reducing mite issues. The length of the bloom period also affects almond production. There was an extended bloom season in 2017. An extended, slowly progressive bloom season can increase the pollination period which results in a higher yield.

Objective Forecast for 2017 Almond Crop

In July, an objective forecast is given for the almond crop. This forecast is a scientific study and is a more accurate prediction than the subjective estimate. The information used to make this estimate is based on an actual count of the nuts on the trees. According to the objective estimate for 2017, almond farmers expect to harvest as much as 2.25 billion pounds of almonds from their trees. This total exceeds the subjective estimate released in April and May by 2.3 percent. It also puts the harvest amount over 5 percent higher than the 2016 total. In addition to the increase in overall harvest amounts, the kernel size of the Nonpareil kernels is the largest it has been since 2010.

What Happens to All the Almonds Grown in California

Almond plantation in California

The United States is the largest producer of almonds. Approximately 80% of the world’s almonds are grown in the United States. California is the only state that grows almonds commercially. Statistics show that in 2001 the yearly consumption of almonds among people in the United States was about 1/4 pound. By 2014 the yearly consumption per person had increased to 2 pounds. Almonds continue to gain popularity as a flavorful, crunchy snack and granola or trail mix ingredient. They are also being used in baking and as an alternative to wheat flour. A large portion of the almonds grown in the United States are used in prepackaged products such as cereal. Numerous health benefits can be gained from eating almonds. As people become more aware of the importance of maintaining healthy eating habits, almonds are one of the foods that become a consistent part of their health-conscious diet.