Almond Journey
This show explores how almond growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich is visiting with almond leaders throughout California who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry. Hearing the voices of these industry leaders might spark a connection or idea you can use in your own journey. That’s why we want to feature these stories of innovation, resilience, and community.
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Episode 91: Growth and Opportunity in the Almond Industry with Mallvinder Kahal
<p>Mallvinder Kahal joins the Journey to share some of his unique experiences as an almond grower, processor and handler. Kahal is based in Madera County where he farms and started Atlas Almonds in 2020. Since returning to his family’s farm in 2015, he has expanded the operation and built Atlas Almonds from scratch.</p><p> </p><p>“I think maybe that's the big gap. Really connecting the farmer to the wholesale market to talk about the love and the story that goes into the almonds. I think that's the component that we haven't quite fully mined out yet.” - Mallvinder Kahal<...
Episode 90: Farming, Fertilizer and Family Dynamics with Lee Erickson
<p>Lee Erickson joined the Journey to discuss his almond story and experiences buying and building a fertilizer company. We also talk about his industry involvement and lessons learned while working with family in his multi-generational ventures. Erickson is the managing partner of TEP, Inc. and a partner in Erickson Farms, which produces almonds, grapes, olives, pistachios and prunes on about 3,000 acres in Madera, California. He also serves on the board of directors of the Central California Almond Growers Association and is the vice chair of the Almond Board of California’s Global Communications Committee. </p><p>“I own the compan...
Marketing Bulletin: Almond Board’s Data-Driven Strategy Sparks Innovation in China
<p>California almonds are making waves in China’s healthy snacking revolution, thanks to a dynamic partnership with Tmall — the country’s largest e-commerce platform. By leveraging the power of key opinion leaders (KOLs) and live-streamed shopping events, the Almond Board of California has driven almond awareness and sales to new heights. But the strategy is evolving, it’s no longer just about selling almonds, but also about inspiring innovation and shaping the future of almond products in China. </p><p>With Tmall’s deep data insights, the Almond Board is helping Chinese brands discover new ways to use almonds, from beauty...
Episode 89: The Economics of Stewardship with Kabir Tumber
<p>Kabir Tumber joined the Journey to discuss his background in economics and retail, and how that informs him in his current role in supply chain strategy at Blue Diamond Growers. Tumber grew up on a family farm in Yuba City where his family grew peaches, walnuts and prunes. After earning a bachelor’s and master's in economics from UC Davis, he worked as a consultant at the intersection of agriculture, water and economics.</p><p>“I think the best transfer of knowledge is amongst the grower community. Hearing from those early adopters of, ‘Hey, this is my experience, and this i...
Almond Byte, October 2025: Tariff Removal in Turkey, Trade and Tariff Updates and More
<p>In the October Almond Byte, get the latest global trade updates from ABC’s Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team. Highlights include Turkey’s removal of retaliatory tariffs on almonds — a potential major win for market growth — plus ongoing trade discussions with India, updates from Washington, and insight into how diversification is strengthening export stability worldwide. You’ll also meet new ABC team member Lindsay Tello, joining as Keith Schneller transitions toward retirement, and get a preview of key global trade sessions planned for The Almond Conference, December 10–12 in Sacramento. </p>
Episode 88: 50 Years as a Pest Control Advisor with Rob Kiss
<p>Rob Kiss joined the Journey to discuss working as a pest control advisor (PCA), some of the current pest risks facing almond growers, and the importance of working together for industry priorities like research. Kiss recently retired from Bayer Crop Science where he worked as a pest control advisor and customer business advisor. His almond journey started in 1955 when his grandpa planted almonds in Livingston, California. He remembers growing up around those almonds and how they influenced him to eventually pursue a career as a PCA.</p><p>“The clock is ticking on how to control navel orangeworm. In ad...
Episode 87: Food Safety with Michelle Penney
<p>Michelle Penney joined the Journey to discuss the importance of food safety in the almond industry. Penney comes from a multigenerational farming family and works as the food safety manager at Del Rio Nut Company. In this episode, Penney talks about quality and safety when it comes to almonds, implementing food safety programs, obtaining certifications and collaborating with people across the industry. </p><p>“When we're packing these almonds, we're not just putting nuts in a box. We are sending almonds internationally that are going to be consumed by somebody. So, we are feeding the world and we want do...
Almond Byte, September 2025: India Tax Reduction, EU Deal Details and More
<p>Get the latest on ABC’s global outreach in the September Almond Byte: highlights from China’s International Tree Nuts Conference, India’s big win cutting GST on almonds from 12% to 5%, and movement in U.S.–EU trade talks as a proposed list of goods has been created. See how these shifts can unlock demand, spur innovation, and open doors for California almonds worldwide.</p>
Episode 86: Pruning and Shaking Equipment with Scott Hermann
<p>Scott Hermann joined the Journey to discuss the latest in orchard equipment, some of the history behind these machines, and the path toward autonomous equipment in the almond industry. Hermann is the general manager and CEO of TOL Incorporated, which manufactures and distributes pruning equipment and their Twin D Shaker throughout North America. Hermann also shares some of his work on the Almond Board of California’s Production Stewardship Workgroup. This interview was another one of the many valuable conversations recorded at the Almond Conference 2024.</p><p>“ Maybe they're not ready to go full off-ground (harvesting), but semi off-ground in thi...
Episode 85: Building a Career in Almonds with Chris Chavez
<p>Chris Chavez joined the Journey to share his story of not coming from an agricultural background and thriving in a successful career in the almond industry. Today, Chavez is the director of almond trading at OFI and he reflected on his experiences trading almonds, partnering with a food company to explore regenerative almond production and joining the Almond Board of California’s Environmental Stewardship Workgroup.</p><p>“The almond industry in general is a very collaborative environment. Obviously, there are a lot of different handlers, and theoretically, we're all competitors, but really, I think before we're competitors, we're all almo...
