The first of four industry experts from our winter 2023 edition of SA Farmer. Almond Board of Australia CEO, Tim Jackson, speaks about weather conditions, harvest volumes and market conditions.

NOTE: This interview was conducted at a time when the 2023 almond harvest was still ongoing in the Riverland region.
 
Have recent wet conditions resulted in a later harvest? 
Ongoing rain events have slowed harvest across all regions of the industry.
The reality is you cannot shake until the almonds are ready, and you don’t want to be shaking when they are too green or too wet. 
We started harvesting in perfect conditions and moisture levels of kernels were ideal for both inshell and kernel markets.
Unfortunately, after getting off to a flying start the weather has turned and an early season break in the weather has slowed harvest, hulling and shelling. Growers and processors are now dealing with excessive moisture levels in product stockpiles and on the tree.
We are receiving reports some growers will still be harvesting into May and June unless we get a good break in the rains.

Have the wet conditions impacted almond quality at all? 
The quality of almonds early in the season were pleasing processors, but in more recent times the moisture levels are slowing everything down and drying product presents its own set of challenges quality-wise.

Will this result in lower volumes being harvested?
Even before the rains arrived, it was clear that predicted yields for the 2023 crop were going to be overstated.
A poor pollination followed by very mild growing conditions and issues with water quality due to the floods have all played a part in reducing crop potential.
The Almond Board of Australia is still working with key stakeholders to revise the January pre-season crop estimate of 156,200 tonnes. The information received across all growing regions suggests the number will be well below that. We hope to release a new estimate at the end of April once enough pollinators have been harvested.

What impacts did the recent flood have for almond growers? 
There’s been challenges with infrastructure where you’re trying to suck poor-quality water through filters. 
This alone has made it really difficult to deliver sufficient water and in-line fertilisation at the appropriate rates.

How are current global market conditions? 
Global pricing remains low although it has stabilised (recently). All eyes are on the Australian dollar exchange rate with the US dollar. That can have a significant impact on grower returns. 
Pricing over the past 18 months has been terrible and presented additional challenges to growers already facing high production costs and now, lower yields.
It is looming as another very tough year for almond growers.