Almond grower Patrick Abercrombie farms with his family in Kerman, California. In 2007, after about a decade of growing almonds, it became difficult for local hullers to keep up with the increase in deliveries. That paired with a year of untimely rains prompted the Abercrombie family to start stockpiling.

“What's happened now with the almonds is we've gotten to the point where they cannot process the almonds as fast as we can deliver them so therefore, we're all going to have to start storing them on site so that we can then get them processed.” - Patrick Abercrombie

Initially born out of necessity, Abercrombie has since become well-versed on the technique of storing almonds. In this episode, he shares a variety of tips, lessons and advice for others who may find themselves in the situation of needing to stockpile.

“Currently at the almond huller that we're at they give a 2 cent incentive for every pound that we stockpile. That basically covers the plastic and most of the labor to cover the piles and seal them.” - Patrick Abercrombie

In Today’s episode:

• Meet Patrick Abercrombie, almond grower in Kerman California
• Explore Patrick’s journey and process for storing almonds onsite
• Discover the obstacles and lessons Patrick has learned during his 16 years of storing almonds in piles

ABC Update

With the extra carryover in the crop this year, stockpiling can be a very practical way to extend almond storage if it’s managed properly. If not managed properly, growers risk product loss from mold growth or aflatoxin contamination, quality degradation or pest infestation. Almond Board associate director of food research and technology Guangwei Huang says this means it’s absolutely critical that the industry get this right. To help facilitate this, the Almond Board has a stockpiling guide available to help producers. The updated guide includes 3 sections: the first is the fundamentals of moisture management and other impact factors, the second to answer questions on harvest timing and drying, and the third to address area preparation, how to make a stockpile, and proper stockpile monitoring and management.

“This will require great effort and coordination from both growers and huller/shellers…. The keys to success in stockpiling are very simple: control moisture and control infestation.” - Guangwei Huang

For more information about this or any of the topics we discuss on this podcast, reach out to the Almond Board’s Field Outreach Team directly at [email protected]. 

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.