PODCAST · business
Almond Journey
by Almond Journey
This show explores how almond growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich is visiting with almond leaders throughout California who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry. Hearing the voices of these industry leaders might spark a connection or idea you can use in your own journey. That’s why we want to feature these stories of innovation, resilience, and community.
Episodes
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Episode 105: Reinventing Almonds in India
Mani Pandher joins the Journey to discuss the market for California almonds in India, and some exciting strategic changes to drive even more demand. Pandher discusses the history of success for California almonds in India, which has already become California’s top export destination. She also...
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Marketing Bulletin: Inspiring Premium Bakery Innovation in Mexico
September’s Marketing Bulletin explores how the Almond Board of California is growing demand for California almonds in Mexico’s bakery sector. ABC’s Becky Jeffers shares how they identified Mexico’s premium bakery category as a strong opportunity for almond usage and how the organization is…
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Episode 104: Nutrition Trends and Where Almonds Fit
Andrea Carrothers and Carmen Berry of FoodMinds join the Journey to provide a look back, and ahead, of what’s happening globally in terms of nutrition policy that may affect almonds. FoodMinds partners with the Almond Board of California and their recent report focuses on the “Make America…
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Episode 103: Phenology Models for NOW with David Crowder
Entomologist Dr. David Crowder joins the Journey to talk about a project that could be beneficial for management of navel orangeworm. Crowder shares how phenology models have been used to manage major pests in other crops like codling moth and Colorado potato beetle, and how the same approach…
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Almond Byte, August 2026: Key Wins in 2025/2026 Crop Year
This month’s Almond Byte from ABC’s Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team looks back at a busy 2025/26 year supporting market access for California almonds around the world. From progress on Japan’s voluntary aflatoxin pre-testing protocol and duty-free access into the European Union to...
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Episode 102: The Impact of Almond Stewardship with Dan Sonke
Dan Sonke joins the Journey from The Almond Conference 2025 in Sacramento to discuss sustainability programs and their impact on consumer perception and farming economics. At that time of this interview, Sonke was the head of sustainability programs at Blue Diamond Growers where he was…
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Almond Byte, July 2026: SNACKEX, Tariff and Trade Updates, US-EU Deal
In this Almond Byte, the Almond Board of California’s Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team provides updates on key international trade and regulatory issues affecting California almonds. The episode covers ABC’s participation at SNACKEX in Lisbon, recent tariff and trade developments, the...
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Episode 101: Bringing Clarity to Almond Markets with Carson Pettit
Carson Pettit joined the Journey to share what led him back to California and into the almond industry, some of the current market dynamics in the global almond trade, how RPAC is staying on the cutting edge of grower engagement, his experiences with the California Ag Leadership program, and his...
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Episode 100: A Brief History of California Almonds
Marlin Flory and Gerry Rominger join the Journey on its 100 podcast episode to reflect on how far the almond industry has come. About 100 years ago, the California almond industry was just starting to grow with applied irrigation. Flory and Rominger, multi-generational California almond industry...
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Episode 99: Economics and Agronomics with Mel Machado
Mel Machado joins the Journey to provide a wide-ranging “state of the almond orchard” discussion. Machado is the Chief Agricultural Officer at Blue Diamond Growers and discusses the current challenging grower economics, the decline in almond acreage, the decision to end the objective estimate and...
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Almond Byte, May 2026: Trade Shifts, Middle East Disruptions and USDA Funding
In this month’s Almond Byte, we’re digging into highlights from May’s Global Update and what they mean for California almond growers. We’ll cover the latest developments in trade and tariff activity, including movement on the farm bill and ongoing discussions tied to key export markets. We’ll…
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Episode 98: Irrigation Resources with Tom Devol
Irrigation and technology advisor Tom Devol has been helping growers with their irrigation system needs for years and he joined the Journey to discuss a couple of important resources that are freely available to the almond industry. Devol provides an overview and discusses the thought process...
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Marketing Bulletin: Almonds in Campus Dining, Where Tastes Are Shaped at Scale
College and university dining isn’t just feeding students, it’s shaping tastes at scale. In April’s Marketing Bulletin, ABC’s Ann Solo explains why campus operators can turn small ingredient choices into millions of meals, how almonds fit today’s plant-forward, allergy-aware menus, and what it...
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Almond Byte, April 2026: Tariffs, Trade Deal Details, and Geopolitics
Highlights from April’s Global Update breaks down the latest tariff and framework agreement updates, what Japan’s Year 2 Pre-Test changes mean for shipments and reconditioning, and the newest signals out of China ahead of an important leaders’ meeting. We also cover how the Iran war is impacting...
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Episode 97: Almond Industry Overview with BOD Chair Bob Silveira
ABC Board Chair Bob Silveira joined the Journey to reflect on his many years in the almond industry, addressing issues with the almond carryout, the prospect of gene-edited trees and his thoughts on the future of the industry. Silveira and his wife farm 150 acres of almonds near Courtland,...
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Episode 96: U.S. Headwinds and Marketing Trends with Laura Morin
In this episode of The Almond Journey Podcast, ABC’s Laura Morin unpacks the significant headwinds facing the U.S. almond market, from declining snack category sales to broader economic pressures reshaping consumer behavior. Morin explains how inflation, shifting priorities and category-wide...
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Almond Byte, March 2026: Strait of Hormuz Ripples: Trade, Tariffs & USDA Updates
In March’s Almond Byte, we break down fast-moving geopolitical and policy developments that could ripple into almond trade flows. We start with the Israel-Iran conflict and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor linking Gulf ports to global markets. We also share a quick...
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Episode 95: Global Trade with Krista Dickson and Lindsay Tello
Trade experts Krista Dickson and Lindsay Tello join the Journey to discuss the current trade situation and the outlook for 2026. Dickson is a partner at DTB AgriTrade based in Washington, D.C. She has worked on agricultural trade issues for nearly 25 years. Tello is the new senior advisor for…
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Marketing Bulletin: Turning German-Winter Stillness into Almond-Powered Motion
Winter in Germany slows everything down — but it also opened the door to a creative opportunity for California Almonds. In this month’s Marketing Bulletin, hear how the Almond Board of California leaned into movement, sustainability, and natural energy to bring almonds to life in unexpected ways....
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Episode 94: State of the Almond Industry with Clarice Turner
Almond Board of California (ABC) President and CEO Clarice Turner joins the Journey to discuss the state of the almond industry. She discusses the current economic realities in the almond industry, and the Almond Board’s continued focus on growing overall demand, maintaining a favorable trade...
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Almond Byte, February 2026: Global Tradeshows and Tariff Updates
From global trade shows to major tariff and trade developments, ABC’s Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team breaks down what matters most in highlights from their February Global Update. Tune in to this Almond Byte episode for key takeaways on international market access, evolving trade...
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Episode 93: Honeybees and Pollination with Dr. Elina Lastro Niño
Dr. Elina Lastro Niño joins the Journey to share some of the latest research on honeybees and pollination. Dr. Niño is a professor of Cooperative Extension at UC Davis with a focus on apiculture. She discusses some of the challenges faced by beekeepers, her work on varroa mites and some new...
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Episode 92: 2026 Outlook - Nine Perspectives from Around the Almond Industry
People from around the industry join the Almond Journey Podcast at The Almond Conference 2025. We asked each of them to share what’s on the top of their minds headed into 2026. In this episode, you’ll hear some highlights from Dan Sonke, Lindsay Tello, Dinesh Bajaj, Laura Morin, Mel Machado, Luke...
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Almond Byte, December 2025: Latest on Trade, EU Deal, Japan Protocol and Tariffs
The December Almond Byte brings you a global look at trade and market access momentum for almonds, from ABC’s participation in the USDA T.R.U.M.P. Mission to Brussels, to fresh tariff framework agreements across Latin America and Europe. Also hear key updates on Japan’s Pre‑Test Protocol, the...
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Episode 91: Growth and Opportunity in the Almond Industry with Mallvinder Kahal
Mallvinder Kahal joins the Journey to share some of his unique experiences as an almond grower, processor and handler. Kahal is based in Madera County where he farms and started Atlas Almonds in 2020. Since returning to his family’s farm in 2015, he has expanded the operation and built Atlas...
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Episode 90: Farming, Fertilizer and Family Dynamics with Lee Erickson
Lee Erickson joined the Journey to discuss his almond story and experiences buying and building a fertilizer company. We also talk about his industry involvement and lessons learned while working with family in his multi-generational ventures. Erickson is the managing partner of TEP, Inc. and a...
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Marketing Bulletin: Almond Board’s Data-Driven Strategy Sparks Innovation in China
California almonds are making waves in China’s healthy snacking revolution, thanks to a dynamic partnership with Tmall — the country’s largest e-commerce platform. By leveraging the power of key opinion leaders (KOLs) and live-streamed shopping events, the Almond Board of California has driven...
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Episode 89: The Economics of Stewardship with Kabir Tumber
Kabir Tumber joined the Journey to discuss his background in economics and retail, and how that informs him in his current role in supply chain strategy at Blue Diamond Growers. Tumber grew up on a family farm in Yuba City where his family grew peaches, walnuts and prunes. After earning a...
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Almond Byte, October 2025: Tariff Removal in Turkey, Trade and Tariff Updates and More
In the October Almond Byte, get the latest global trade updates from ABC’s Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team. Highlights include Turkey’s removal of retaliatory tariffs on almonds — a potential major win for market growth — plus ongoing trade discussions with India, updates from...
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Episode 88: 50 Years as a Pest Control Advisor with Rob Kiss
Rob Kiss joined the Journey to discuss working as a pest control advisor (PCA), some of the current pest risks facing almond growers, and the importance of working together for industry priorities like research. Kiss recently retired from Bayer Crop Science where he worked as a pest control…
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Episode 87: Food Safety with Michelle Penney
Michelle Penney joined the Journey to discuss the importance of food safety in the almond industry. Penney comes from a multigenerational farming family and works as the food safety manager at Del Rio Nut Company. In this episode, Penney talks about quality and safety when it comes to almonds,...
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Almond Byte, September 2025: India Tax Reduction, EU Deal Details and More
Get the latest on ABC’s global outreach in the September Almond Byte: highlights from China’s International Tree Nuts Conference, India’s big win cutting GST on almonds from 12% to 5%, and movement in U.S.–EU trade talks as a proposed list of goods has been created. See how these shifts can…
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Episode 86: Pruning and Shaking Equipment with Scott Hermann
Scott Hermann joined the Journey to discuss the latest in orchard equipment, some of the history behind these machines, and the path toward autonomous equipment in the almond industry. Hermann is the general manager and CEO of TOL Incorporated, which manufactures and distributes pruning equipment...
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Episode 85: Building a Career in Almonds with Chris Chavez
Chris Chavez joined the Journey to share his story of not coming from an agricultural background and thriving in a successful career in the almond industry. Today, Chavez is the director of almond trading at OFI and he reflected on his experiences trading almonds, partnering with a food company…
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Almond Byte, August 2025: Market Access Year in Review
In this Almond Byte episode, the Almond Board of California’s Global Trade and Regulatory Affairs (GTRA) team takes a look back at the 2024/25 crop year, highlighting progress on key trade and technical fronts. From securing a breakthrough aflatoxin pre-testing protocol for almond exports to…
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Episode 84: Moroccan Team Visits California
In this episode of the Almond Journey Podcast, Julie Adams, vice president of global technical and regulatory affairs at The Almond Board of California (ABC), hosts a few special guests to discuss a recent Moroccan trade mission visit to California. Adams is joined by Jason New, division director...
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Almond Byte, July 2025: Morocco Visit, Pakistan Cuts Tariffs and More
In July's Almond Byte, international trade developments take center stage. A Moroccan delegation visited California in late June, engaging with almond handlers and ABC staff to discuss export solutions that could open new trade opportunities. Meanwhile, Pakistan has slashed almond import tariffs…
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Episode 83: Almond Economics with Brittney Goodrich, Ph.D.
Brittney Goodrich, Ph.D. joined the Journey to discuss the recent almond cost and return studies. Dr. Goodrich is an assistant professor in the department of agricultural and consumer economics at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her previous position as a cooperative extension...
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Episode 82: Optimizing Your Irrigation System with Cory Broad
Cory Broad joined the Journey to discuss the latest in irrigation technology and management. Broad is the agronomic sales manager with AvidWater, and a member of the Production Stewardship Workgroup at The Almond Board of California (ABC). In this episode, Broad discusses his work helping growers...
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Almond Byte, June 2025: China Exporting Renewals, Latest on Tariffs and More
In the latest Almond Byte, highlights from June's Global Update by the Almond Board of California's Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team include critical renewal steps for almond handlers exporting to China, detailed discussions with Chinese officials to strengthen trade relations, and...
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Episode 81: Almonds and Sustainable Nutrition with Bobbie Williams
Bobbie Williams joins the Journey as both a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and an almond grower. She contributes her expertise as part of the Almond Board of California’s (ABC) Nutrition Research Committee and the Environmental Stewardship Workgroup. Williams discusses her farming...
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Episode 80: Mike Sonke's Almond Journey
Mike Sonke joined the Journey to share his perspective as a farmer and grower rep. He also is active with the Almond Board of California (ABC), serving on both the Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee and the Global Communications Committee. In this interview recorded at the Almond Conference...
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Almond Byte, May 2025: Latest on Tariffs, Outreach in Turkey and Morocco
Highlights from May's Global Update, from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California, detail the latest in the complex world of tariffs, examining the recent 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs between the U.S. and China, and the potential impacts on the...
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Episode 79: Almond Marketing Insights with Craig Duerr
Craig Duerr joined the Almond Journey Podcast to talk about marketing almonds around the world. Duerr has over 25 years of experience in marketing almonds, first with the Almond Board of California, then with Campos Brothers Farms where he currently serves as vice president of global marketing…
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Marketing Bulletin: Creating an "Avocado Toast" Moment for Almonds
In April's Marketing Bulletin, Laura Morin of the Almond Board of California shares the story behind the Board’s first major food service collaboration—a spring promotion with Smoothie King, the world’s largest smoothie chain. Currently running around the country from March through May, the...
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Episode 78: Almond Advocacy with Mallorie Hayes
Mallorie Hayes joined the Journey to discuss the importance of storytelling, outreach, and education to consumers, legislators, and key stakeholders. During this conversation, she shares her journey into the almond industry and her role in advocating for almond growers. Hayes highlights the...
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Almond Byte, April 2025: New Protocol for Japan, EU's New "Vision"
In this episode of the Almond Byte, the Almond Board of California’s Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team highlights two major regulatory developments shaping almond exports. First, a major milestone for U.S. almond trade with Japan: USDA and Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor & Welfare…
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Episode 77: Almond Genetics and Variety Development with Chuck Fleck
Chuck Fleck joined the Journey to discusses the latest in almond genetics and variety development. Fleck is the director of horticulture research at Sierra Gold Nurseries. During this conversation, he shares his journey into breeding almonds and almond rootstocks, what’s driving his breeding...
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Almond Byte, March 2025: Tariff Updates, Morocco and Turkey Market Progress
March’s Almond Byte brings you the latest insights from the Almond Board of California’s Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team. This month, ABC made waves at Gulfood 2025, connecting with key buyers and exploring future opportunities in Dubai’s expanding trade landscape. Meanwhile, new...
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Episode 76: Three Board Members Share Their Almond (Board) Journeys
Justin Morehead, Christine Gemperle and Darren Rigg all joined the Journey to share about their involvement with the Almond Board of California (ABC). These industry leaders discuss why they’ve decided to stay engaged with ABC over the years, and how their perspectives have changed since becoming...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This show explores how almond growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich is visiting with almond leaders throughout California who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry. Hearing the voices of these industry leaders might spark a connection or idea you can use in your own journey. That’s why we want to feature these stories of innovation, resilience, and community.
HOSTED BY
Almond Journey
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Almond Journey have?
Almond Journey currently has 173 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Almond Journey about?
This show explores how almond growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich is visiting with almond leaders throughout California who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their...
How often does Almond Journey release new episodes?
Almond Journey publishes regularly with 173 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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You can listen to Almond Journey on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Almond Journey?
Almond Journey is created and hosted by Almond Journey.
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