2012 almond crop to equal last year's

Almond growers in the north state and throughout California expect a 2012 crop that is roughly equal in size to last year's, according to a government report.

From the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service office in Sacramento:

The initial subjective forecast for the 2012 California almond production is
2.00 billion pounds. This is 1 percent below last year's production of 2.03 billion
pounds. Estimated bearing acreage for 2012 is 780 thousand. This forecast is based
on a telephone survey conducted April 20 - 30 from a sample of almond growers. Of
the 458 growers sampled, 283 reported. Acreage from these reports accounted for 27
percent of the total bearing acreage.

The 2012 almond crop is shaping up nicely. February was warm and dry across the
State, creating favorable bloom conditions for almond trees. While the bloom period
was shorter than last year, the excellent weather made up for the shorter overlap and
bloom load was high. Chilling hours were plentiful. An early March frost resulted in
some spotty damage in southern San Joaquin Valley and an early April hailstorm
affected orchards in Merced County. Weather in the Sacramento Valley has been near
ideal. A heavier than normal drop was reported in the San Joaquin Valley. Low
disease and insect pressure were reported.

Dave Baker of Blue Diamond Growers told me today that sharply escalating demand for almonds is depleting carryover supplies, which could very well mean higher prices for almonds. For my story, check CapitalPress.com soon.