2019 almond shaking and sweeping

It is crazy to think we have been in almond harvest for two weeks now. Even crazier to think I am just now getting time to sit down and blog about it. But here we are...

We started shaking almond trees on August 6th, so more than two weeks ago. This year we started shaking more than a week later than we did the past several years. The almonds just weren't ready as early as they usually are. We have had cooler weather this year. Even to this day, there have not been as many 100 plus degree days as we usually get. I am not complaining personally, I have enjoyed this summer much better. The cooler weather just delayed everything.

The almonds need so many hot days to help them ripen and dry out for harvest. With cooler temperatures it just takes a little longer. I would say though, we are more on target to when almond harvest used to be. We only started harvesting in the end of July when the trees were more stressed from lack of water and hot temperatures. When the trees have more water available and cooler days, they are much happier.

We are pleased with the almond crop thus far. Yield looks to be pretty decent this year, but the main test will be when the huller is complete weighing the loads and they are run through USDA inspections and processing. 

So, I wanted to share some videos of how harvest has been going. If you follow me on Instragram you've been following along with all my stories, videos and harvest pictures. If not, we are in full swing. We finished shaking the nonpareil variety, which is the first to start. We are sweeping and even picking up almonds and taking them to the huller already.

I will have to share that part on a later post. Hopefully, you wont have to wait so long for the next one!

Until Next Time,

Almond Girl Jenny