November 2004 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, 2004
2004 Net Marketable Crop (Received to date)

October 2004 (Million Lbs.)

148.9
722.5

250.2
386.8

Total Sold

Uncommitted Inventory (Not Sold)

637.0

(234.4)

Position Report

California Almond shipments for October were down 15.1 million pounds compared to October of last year. Shipments did hit 129.8 million pounds making October the second best month ever with October of last year being the best. Shipments for the first three months of the year now stand at 321.1 million pounds putting our industry 12.7 million pounds ahead of last years record shipping year. One reason why shipments were so strong last year is that harvest started late and California type varieties weren’t available for shipment until October. Where as this year harvest began early and California Types were ready for shipment in September. Because of a smaller 2004 crop than projected, supplies are going to become tighter making it impossible to continue this trend of record shipments. As a result we shouldn’t become alarmed when shipments start lagging behind last years record pace. The bigger question at this time is will our industry even hit a billion pounds? Probably not!

The Current Market

Prices have “leveled off” over the last two to three weeks. Most buyers are covered through December and are content to sit on their hands and evaluate two items: first to see how sales go during the holiday season and second to find out our true crop size. Currently the industry is at least 65% sold with 8½ months of contracting left in the year. One would think that supplies will become extremely tight come spring.

2004 Grower Pool Payment

The January pool payment will increase grower payment levels to the following: Nonpareil $1.50 per pound and all others varieties to $1.38 per pound. The target date to mail checks will be Wednesday January 5, 2005 . Remember our office is usually closed before Christmas until after the New Year Holiday. Be sure to contact the office if you need something other than the standard program.

Incoming U.S.D.A. Samples

As stated in our grower contract, USDA samples will be held for 60 days from the date of inspections. After that time we begin dumping these samples for processing. If you are considering a retest on an incoming lot, don’t waste any time. Contact your field representative immediately.

32nd Annual Almond Industry Conference

On December 1st & 2nd, the Almond Board of California will hold The 32nd Annual Industry Conference in Modesto at the Modesto Center Plaza . There will be several scheduled programs and speakers. Growers are being encouraged to attend. For more information you can contact ABC by phone at (209) 549-8262 or visit their web site at http://Conference.AlmondBoard.com.

Bee’s for Pollination

The word is out that Bee’s may be extremely short this year. I am sure all of you have already touched base with your bee supplier, but if not it might be a good idea to do so now.

Buyer & Seller of Quality California Almonds