September 2003 NEWSLETTER

8800 South Minturn Road
Le Grand California 95333 USA
Office 559-665-8500
FAX 559-665-8588

Almond Industry Position Report

Carry-in August 1, 2003
2003 Net Marketable Crop (Received to date)

August 2003 (Million Lbs.)

164.0
46.4

124.9
155.0

Total Sold

Uncommitted Inventory (Not Sold)

279.9

(-69.5)

Position Report

California almond shipments for the month of August soared to a record 66.6 million pounds compared to 53.9 million pounds a year ago. The increase is most likely due to improved availability compared to last years when we experienced a small carry out. Our record setting shipments we have been experiencing month after month may come to an end in September. The reason why, because lack of availability in primarily the California varieties due to the late harvest. Not being able to match or exceed last years record pace should not be alarming. We simply do not have the supply to continue on this record setting pace. Crop receipts are standing at 46.4 million compared to 84.2 million pounds last August. Again this is due to the later harvest. At this early stage of harvest based on the Nonpareil production numbers it would be difficult for our industry to hit that 1 billion pound crop for the second year in a row.

2003 Crop Harvest

Harvest started about 5-10 days later than last year determined by soil type and location. The nonpareil harvest is pretty much completed in the south and 40-60% finished in the north. The quality has been hit and miss from day one. A delivery is either clean from insect meaning 1-2% or rough meaning 5%-10%. The main culprit is navel orange worm. Huller and shellers have reported the crop is a bit more difficult to process than last year with crack-out percentage running 2-3% less than last year. Processing at our plant is running slower this year because of the higher insect damage, currently on a weight average we are at 3.5%. The nonpareil production per acre is not living up to the State estimate or grower projection. Nonpareil appear to be about 30% less than last year. On the positive side sizes are much better than last year with average size falling in the 23/25 range. As we begin receiving the other varieties we hope to see an increase in the production, but based on the early deliveries, other varieties are not going to live up to expectations either with exception of Butte and Padre.

For 2003 Contracted Growers

Grower Received Summary Reports are faxed out to the grower on a daily basis (as soon as they are input into our system). If you have a fax machine and are NOT receiving your Grower Summary call the office so we can get you on our FAX list. Would you like your newsletter faxed or emailed instead of by snail mail? If so call the office

Buyer & Seller of Quality California Almonds