Last August Yolo Land Trust and long-time Yolo County farmer, Dave Silveira of Cache Creek 243 LLC, established a conservation easement on a 242-acre almond orchard located northeast of Esparto. It is YLT policy to annually monitor each of our conservation easements within one year of the date acquired and to continue to do so every year afterwards. On a recent warm afternoon in June, YLT staff visited the conservation easement to monitor and ensure the agriculture production was preserved.
This farm marked a significant milestone for YLT, it is the 75th conservation easement YLT has established with a landowner. Conservation Easement #75 consists of two adjacent parcels divided by the West Adams Canal. The land is planted in all almond trees and the nuts are grown and processed by Mariani Nut Company in Winters.
The almond trees are only four years old, planted in May of 2019. “This will be our first year of harvest, should have been last year,” Land Manager Dave Silveira states, “but no crop due to harsh spring frost.” Silveira added, “this year’s crop is very light due to heavy spring rain impacting pollination and another frost event after that, harvest should begin second week of August but may be delayed due to later growing season this year.”
According to the Almond Board of California, the trees on Conservation Easement #75 are in the “growing up” stage of their lifecycle. From March to June, almond kernels mature and grow to full size, with the shell hardening around it—both protected by a fuzzy outer hull. Once the spring rains stop and the weather heats up, farmers begin irrigating their orchards to support the growing crop, taking great care to ensure each drop of water is used responsibly and efficiently.
The almond hulls will then split open, typically starting in July. Which signals that harvest is right around the corner. The Almond Board of California explains the journey these almonds take from tree to table highlighting the techniques of shaking, drying, and sweeping before they leave the orchard to complete their processing journey. From August through October, mechanical tree “shakers” harvest the crop by vigorously shaking it to the ground. Protected by their outer hulls and shells, the almonds then dry naturally in the warm California sun for 7–10 days before being swept into rows by a “sweeper” machine. After that, a harvester or “pickup” machine drives over the rows, vacuuming the nuts up into a cart that brings them to the edge of the orchard for transport to the next stop on their journey.
We are excited to see these almonds trees are ready to produce their first crop! If you are feeling inspired by this orchard that will produce an abundance of almonds for years to come, we have a great recipe from our friends at Mariani Nut Company to share with you. Plus, this recipe is perfect for the upcoming 4th of July holiday!
Sweet Almond Fourth of July Cake – https://www.marianinut.com/recipes/fourthofjulycake
Almond Board of California, “Almond Lifecyle” – https://www.almonds.com/why-almonds/almond-lifecycle
* Please note that land under conservation easement by Yolo Land Trust is private and not open for public access.
