Once again, California Almond growers are raising the bar. With the California Almond Objective Report forecasting a 5.1% increase to more than 2 billion pounds, more crop than ever may be subject to stockpiling. 
To maintain the highest nut quality and integrity, dry storage of almonds is essential. Almond Board of California offers these steps in preparation for stockpiling almonds:
1. Allow almonds to dry fully on the orchard floor. If rain falls on windrows, be sure to spread out the almonds to allow for proper drying. Almonds with hull moisture more than 12% or kernel moisture more than 6% should not be stockpiled.
2. Choose a stockpile location in an area that will provide a raised or sloped bottom to drain moisture away. Be sure stockpile is free of trash and away from stored equipment.
3. Create stockpiles oriented with the pile in a north/south direction, and smooth the tops so they are flat.
4. Manage stockpile moisture. Cover with a white-on-black tarp, and measure relative humidity. If moisture levels are too high, open up the tarps in the daytime to allow moisture to escape, and close them at night, when relative humidity tends to increase.
Read the Almond Board of California’s “Stockpile Management Best Practices” to ensure your stockpiling process is safe and efficient this season.
