Alternative Harvesting Updates: Logistics and Economics

The main learning objectives of the session include understanding the updated research on various harvesting techniques and their potential benefits and challenges. Key points include the economic analysis of alternative methods, such as off-ground harvesting, which can reduce dust generation and improve air quality. The session also covers the advantages of early harvesting, such as reduced insect and pest diseases, improved orchard floor management, and potential cost savings in labor and fuel. The session highlights the importance of effective drying techniques to ensure nut quality and discusses different methods of drying almonds, including mechanical drying and the use of dedicated drying lots. Additionally, it addresses the challenges of managing moisture content, the impact of windfall nuts, and the benefits of returning hulls and shells to the orchard to enhance soil health. The overall goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of alternative harvesting methods to help growers make informed decisions for improving profitability and sustainability.

After completing this course, learners will be able to:

• Understand the updated research on various harvesting techniques and evaluate their potential benefits and challenges in almond cultivation.
• Analyze the economic implications of alternative harvesting methods, such as off-ground harvesting, focusing on their ability to reduce dust generation and improve air quality.
• Explore the advantages of early harvesting, including reduced insect and pest diseases, improved orchard floor management, and potential cost savings in labor and fuel.
• Recognize the importance of effective drying techniques for ensuring nut quality, and compare different methods of drying almonds, including mechanical drying and the use of dedicated drying lots.
• Address the challenges of managing moisture content in harvested almonds and the impact of windfall nuts on overall yield and quality.
• Discuss the benefits of returning hulls and shells to the orchard as a practice to enhance soil health and sustainability.
• Provide growers with a comprehensive understanding of alternative harvesting methods to facilitate informed decision-making aimed at improving profitability and sustainability in almond production.