In this episode we visit with Kyle McClintock. Kyle is the vice president and general manager of San Joaquin Fertilizer. He is also an almond grower at IB Farming, his family’s farming operation. On the fertilizer side, they specialize in crop fertility recommendations and foliar nutrients as well as a couple of proprietary liquid soil amendments. Kyle is also a current participant in the Almond Leadership Program. Kyle shares a little bit about crop fertility in almonds, the current situation with fertilizer prices and what changes he’s seen in his 11 years in both the fertilizer and farming businesses.

“I know what it's like to be on one side of the desk and try to come in and discuss with a grower what we can do to help them out and help their operation. And then I also know what it's like to be behind that desk as the farmer and make those decisions on what is best for myself and my operation and how we optimize things. So it gives me a pretty cool perspective about the whole thing.” - Kyle McClintock

In Today’s episode: 

• Meet Kyle McClintock, the vice president and general manager of San Joaquin Fertilizer and also an almond grower at IB Farming
• Explore Kyle’s background and the scope of his operations as both a producer and fertilizer manager
• Discover the benefits and process of the Almond Leadership Program

“In this industry, or anywhere, building relationships and networking is extremely important. You've got to expand your horizons and learn new things and meet new people. And so I figured, this is my opportunity and I should take it and run with it. So that's what we did.” - Kyle McClintock

Contact the Almond Board field outreach team to access more available resources by sending an email to [email protected] 

ABC Update

You heard Kyle describe how he waited years before applying for the Almond Leadership Program, because initially he wasn’t sure if it was for him. Almond Board Senior manager of industry relations and communications Jenny Nicolau describes who the Almond Leadership Program is designed for. If you apply and are admitted into the one-year program, you’re in for a tremendous year of learning, meeting new people, and gaining access to new ideas that you can use for the benefit of your work and the industry overall. 

Register now for the Almond Conference December 7-9

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.