Episode 11: Reviewing Cover Crop Programs with Growers Samantha Lopes and Kris Melgard

In this episode, we discuss the Seeds for Bees Program with two growers who have taken advantage of this resource.  Samantha Lopes, Operations Support Manager for Farmland Management Services, and Turlock almond grower Kris Melgard discuss their involvement in the program, why they wanted to try cover crops, what results they are seeing so far, what they’ve learned and whether they might recommend the program to other almond growers.

In Today’s episode:

• Meet Samantha Lopes, operations support manager for Farmland Management Services and Turlock almond grower Kris Melgard.
• Discover the Seeds for Bees Program and learn about the advantages and support it offers.
• Learn about the benefits cover crops offer to almond producers beyond supporting and encouraging the bee population.

ABC Update

Josette Lewis, Almond Board chief scientific officer, joins us to discuss the many programs offered to support bee-friendly initiatives. She said some companies are even willing to pay premiums for Bee Friendly Farming certified almonds. No matter what your motivations are, the Bee+ scholarship was created by the Almond Board to get the word out about these opportunities. Wondering if cover crops might work for your operation? The Almond Board of California’s new Cover Crop Best Management Practices is a great place to start.

Don’t forget to visit The Almond Conference Website to get up-to-date information on the annual event and to start planning your involvement.

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.