The Almond Board recently hosted newly elected congressman from Modesto, Josh Harder, for a harvest demonstration, where he saw firsthand how almond growers are using agricultural incentives and new technology to reduce dust produced during harvest. Grower and chair of the Harvest Workgroup Brian Wahlbrink showcased a new low-dust harvester he purchased with partial funding from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s low-dust harvester pilot program.
The harvester qualified for this incentive program based on research funded by the Almond Board, which worked to evaluate new low-dust technologies to demonstrate their effectiveness in reducing dust. The ability to prove their effectiveness therefore encouraged the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to provide this incentive funding to almond growers.
Joining Rep. Harder and Wahlbrink on the tour were ABC’s President and CEO Richard Waycott and Senior Specialist in Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Jesse Roseman, Director of Grants and Incentives from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, Todd DeYoung; District Conservationist Diana Waller and Soil Conservation Technician Grace Gomez from NRCS, and Karen Warner and Briana Gonzalez, members of Harder’s staff. Those assembled had the opportunity to learn and see how almond growers are working to achieve the industry’s Almond Orchard 2025 Goal to reduce harvest dust 50% by 2025.
During the demonstration, Wahlbrink walked the group through the three steps involved in almond harvest, noting that after shaking he uses a conditioner that not only creates a cleaner windrow, but also allows him to reduce drying time and start irrigation earlier postharvest. This reduces stress on the trees more quickly following deficit irrigation used during harvest.
Wahlbrink then explained how his new harvester largely removes dust through vibration prior to being exposed to the fan. He described how his older harvester had generated a much larger and opaque dust plume, which is now greatly reduced through the use of a conditioner and low-dust harvester.
In addition to growers’ access to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s program, NRCS has for several years provided per acre incentive funding for the use of low-dust harvesters. The District’s program is newer and, like other engine replacement programs they manage, can pay 50% or more of the cost of new equipment.
Rep. Harder showed great interest in how agricultural incentives can help drive new, more sustainable practices that are not only a part of helping the almond industry reach its 2025 Goals, but more broadly part of a larger effort to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the Central Valley. And, following the demonstration, attendees enjoyed almond shakes from nearby Robert’s Ferry, capping an informative and educational day with a tasty almond treat.
If you are a grower and have questions about the NRCS or District incentive programs, please contact Jesse Roseman at jroseman@almondboard.com.
