RESULTS

The initial subjective forecast for the 2020 California
almond production is 3.0 billion pounds. Forecasted
production is 17.6 percent above last year's production
of 2.55 billion pounds. Forecasted bearing acreage for
2020 is a record high of 1,260,000. Forecasted yield is
2,380 pounds per acre, 10.2 percent higher than the
2019 yield of 2,160 pounds per acre. The subjective
production forecast is based on a telephone survey
conducted from April 20 to May 6 from a sample of 500
almond growers.

The 2020 almond crop experienced a dry February
throughout most of California, providing excellent
bloom conditions and plenty of opportunity for
pollination. Mild temperature eased concerns of frost
damage. There were some isolated storms in late
March and early April that brought inches of rain and
even hail to some areas, but there were no reports of
significant impact to the developing crop. With more
days of sunny weather, growers have been busy in the
fields applying fertilizer, irrigation, and weed and pest
control measures. Expectations of higher than
average yields were reported across the state.
Coupled with a large increase in bearing acreage, the
2020 crop is estimated to be the largest on record.