West Coast Nut Events · 2026
The Conversations Worth Bringing Home
Return to the ideas, people and practical questions from our grower gatherings. Explore event photos, key takeaways, original presentations and reporting from the year.
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January 14, 2026 · Chico
North Valley Nut Conference
A Wider View of the Orchard Business
In Chico, the conversation reached beyond the orchard to the markets and people that keep it working. Original presentations from James E. Sayre and Greg Jones put trade, long-term growing conditions and agricultural labor in focus.
Key Takeaways
Watch the Markets Beyond California
James E. Sayre examined export dependence across almonds, walnuts and pistachios, and how trade policies and competing origins shape market access.
Plan for Changing Growing Conditions
Sayre introduced the UC Davis Ag Suitability platform, which lets growers explore location-specific projections for chill hours and winter precipitation.
Weigh Labor and Capital Together
Greg Jones discussed how labor costs and uncertainty encourage automation, while equipment investment brings its own costs, utilization demands and financial risk.
Keep Exploring
Reporting and resources from the event.
- Global Markets, Trade Policies and Future Nut SuitabilityJames E. Sayre · January 14, 2026 · PDF, 2.4 MB
- A Take on Agricultural Labor MarketsGreg Jones · January 14, 2026 · PowerPoint, 2.5 MB
- Explore the UC Davis Ag Suitability ToolGrowing-condition projections referenced in Sayre’s presentation
Takeaways summarize the original 2026 conference presentations by James E. Sayre and Greg Jones. Figures and policy references in the slides reflect the presentation date.
February 19, 2026 · Turlock
California Walnut Conference
Quality, New Markets and Better Orchard Decisions
The 2026 gathering in Turlock brought the walnut industry together around a shared question: how to strengthen the crop’s value from the orchard to the customer. Market discussions sat alongside research posters, grower conversations and new ways to use walnuts.
Key Takeaways
Protect Quality Beyond the Farm Gate
Robert Verloop emphasized retail quality, better crop forecasting and stronger coordination across the walnut supply chain.
Give Walnuts More Places on the Menu
Chef Robert Danhi explored walnut creams, sauces and other food-service applications designed to make walnuts a more versatile ingredient.
Keep Research Close to Orchard Decisions
Sessions addressed replant nematodes, rootstock development and orchard pest management. The expanded poster session connected attendees directly with researchers.
Keep Exploring
Reporting and resources from the event.
- Read the Full Conference ReportIndustry Calls for Consolidation, Innovation at California Walnut Conference · West Coast Nut, March 13, 2026
Takeaways are drawn from West Coast Nut’s March 13, 2026 conference report. This recap covers Turlock in 2026; the next conference has its own current event details.
2026 · Fresno
Almond Day
What Really Shapes a Grower’s Return?
Almond Day brought growers, advisers and industry partners together in Fresno. The industry panel took a practical look at water, production costs and the management details that influence the check at harvest.
Inside Almond Day
Meet the people behind the industry and hear why they come together in Fresno.Watch on YouTubeKey Takeaways
Measure Return, Not Just Yield
Paige Gilligan and Mel Machado urged growers to examine input costs, equipment use and whether extra production actually improves the bottom line.
Get the Timing and Details Right
Panelists stressed irrigation, pest management and the basics of farming. Cost reductions need to preserve the practices that protect crop value.
Keep Water and Compliance in the Plan
The panel discussed groundwater constraints, recordkeeping and regulatory pressures, with a focus on staying informed and making steady operational improvements.
Keep Exploring
Reporting and resources from the event.
- Read the Grower Returns Panel ReportCecilia Parsons · West Coast Nut, August 16, 2026
Takeaways are drawn from Cecilia Parsons’ published Almond Day panel coverage. The recap video is the one featured on the JCS Almond Day website.
June 17, 2026 · Tulare
Pistachio Day
From Bloom Questions to Harvest Protection
Growers, crop advisers and researchers gathered in Tulare to compare notes on pollination, pest pressure, irrigation, nutrition and crop value. The program connected orchard questions with research and industry experience.
A Look Back at Pistachio Day
Revisit the people and moments that brought the pistachio community together in Tulare.Watch on YouTubeKey Takeaways
Understand What Happened at Bloom
Elizabeth Fichtner explained how early heat, uneven bloom and pollen viability contributed to the season’s low nut set.
Build Pest Management on Sanitation
Idongesit Mokwunye emphasized removing mummy nuts as the foundation of navel orangeworm management, alongside monitoring and well-timed in-season decisions.
Limit the Crop’s Exposure Before Harvest
The discussion connected early splits, orchard history, pest flights and harvest timing with the risk of damage to yield and quality.
Keep Exploring
Reporting and resources from the event.
- Read the Bloom and Pest Management ReportCecilia Parsons · West Coast Nut, August 8, 2026
- Read Jason’s Reflection on Pistachio DayTwo Words That Can Make You Better at What You Do · July 9, 2026
Takeaways are drawn from Cecilia Parsons’ published Pistachio Day reporting. The event date is documented in JCS’s 2026 recap, and the video is featured on the JCS Pistachio Day website.
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We’ll See You at the Next One.
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