Organic Farmer - June/July 2018

June/July 2018 Organic Milk Producers Search for More Ways to Remain Profitable Five Key Points of Farming Soils Organically in Vineyards Bagrada Bug: New Research on a New Pest Building Life in the Soil on Organic Farms

PUBLICATION

Volume 1 : Issue 1

Helping Farmers Grow

Naturally Since 1974

Helping Farmers Grow NATURALLY Since 1974 www.newerafarmservice.com

Organic Products & Services • Compost • Custom Blends • VitazymeTM • Gypsum • Limestone • Root Stimulants • Liquid Fish Fertilizers • Mycorrhizae Fungi • Leaf Test

• AcadiamTM Seaweed Extract • Liquid Compost • Liquid R/S • Foliar Nutrients • Liquid Potassium • Humic Acid • Yucca Saponin Extract • Soil Test

Certified Crop Advisors on Staff

Contact Us Today!

Doug Graham Certified Crop Advisor License #329563 Tel 559-686-3833 doug@newerafarmservice.com FamerAve. June/July 2018 CA 93274 2 East Organic 2904 Oakdale Tulare,

Organic FARMER

PUBLISHER: Jason Scott Email: jason@jcsmarketinginc.com EDITOR: Kathy Coatney ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Cecilia Parsons Email: article@jcsmarketinginc.com PRODUCTION: design@jcsmarketinginc.com Phone: 559.352.4456 Fax: 559.472.3113 Web: www.organicfarmingmag.com

IN THIS ISSUE Milk Producers 4 Organic Search for More Ways to Remain Profitable

8

4

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & INDUSTRY SUPPORT Ian Grettenberger University of California, Davis

Five Key Points of Farming Soils Organically in Vineyards

Brian Hogg

USDA, Albany, CA

Neal Kinsey

Glenn McGourty

Winegrower & Plant Science Advisor UCCE Mendocino & Lake Counties

Peter Nell

Contributing Writer

Owner & President Charlie Pickett of Kinsey Agricultural California Services Department of Food & Agriculture, Sacramento, CA

Bug: New 12 Bagrada Research on a New Pest

Lester of Dixon Ridge 18 Russ Farms on Organic Trade

22

8

Building Life in the Soil on Organic Farms

UC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD Kevin Day

Steven Koike

David Doll

Emily J. Symmes

Dr. Brent Holtz

Kris Tollerup

County Director and UCCE Pomology Farm Advisor, Tulare/Kings County UCCE Farm Advisor, Merced County

26

What You Need to Know About Organic Almond Production

UCCE Plant Pathology Farm Advisor, Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties UCCE IPM Advisor, Sacramento Valley

County Director and UCCE Integrated Pest UCCE Pomology Farm Management Advisor, Advisor, San Joaquin Parlier, CA County

12

The articles, research, industry updates, company profiles, and advertisements in this publication are the professional opinions of writers and advertisers.

Organic Farmer does not assume any responsibility for the opinions given in the publication.

June/July 2018

www.organicfarmingmag.com 3

Organic dairy cows on pasture. All photos courtesy of Kathy Coatney.

4

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

Organic Milk Producers Search for ways to Remain Profitable By: Cecilia Parsons | Associate Editor

very large oversupply of organic A milk over the past two years has dairy producers seeking ways to cut

Organic Dairy Production

Organic Milk Prices

In California, organic dairy production is concentrated in the North Bay area—Sonoma and Marin counties, where historically dairies relied on grazing to supply a part of their cow’s nutritional needs. Beretta said going forward producers would have to depend even more on grass pastures for feed. Cutting back on cow numbers is also a strategy to stay afloat. With irrigation water, Beretta said he is able to have his cows on pasture 220-230 days per year, which cuts down on feed costs and does not significantly affect per cow production. He said cows on pasture might drop a half-gallon per day.

Since 2016, Beretta said, organic producers are receiving about $10 per hundredweight less for their milk. That has prompted more reliance on pastures for dry matter, cutting back on cow numbers or drying cows off early.

Dairies that have lost contracts with a processor or handler must either find a new home for their milk—in a saturated market—or consider a drastic cost cutting measure and produce conventional milk. A third option is selling out.

Beretta said there are about 85 dairies operating in the Sonoma-Marin area and nearly all are organic. The conversion to organic production over the last 12 years, he said, was mainly driven by the high prices offered for organic milk. The higher production costs in that area were another incentive to enter the organic milk market.

Though grazing provides a part of the diet during the year, cows have to be fed purchased feed during the winter months.

Prices for organic milk were in the $33-$40 per hundredweight range in 2016. Prices for milk began to fall last year and now average about $20-$21 per hundredweight. Although still above what conventional milk brings, organic producers have higher production costs. Western United Dairymen, a Modesto-based trade group reports conventional milk producers in California are receiving less than $16 per hundredweight for their milk.

In addition to oversupply of organic milk, there has been a shift in consumption. Beretta noted that for the first time in seven years, organic dairy consumption declined in 2017. Large retailers-Wal-Mart and Costco rely on volume. They have cut store prices on organic milk, but when prices for organic milk were several dollars per gallon higher than conventional milk, Beretta said, consumers abandoned

their costs and stay in business. Like the conventional dairy industry, higher levels of production and a shrinking milk market have taken a large bite out of milk prices.

Sonoma County dairyman Doug Beretta, who has been in organic dairy production since 2007, said prices started a downward trend last year and have continued to fall. Processors are paying less for milk, have cut back on contracted amounts or ended contracts with producers.

organic.

Future of Organic Dairies Richard Mathews, executive director of Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (WODPA) said the outlook for the nation’s 2,600 organic dairies appears bleak. Cuts in price and the amount of milk dairies can ship are affecting most dairies. Mathews said in the last two years income at many dairies has fallen by a third.

“Right now this is worse than 2013 when there was a shortage of organic milk,” Mathews said.

Organic dairy producers at that time were struggling and cutting back on cow numbers and dropping production. The largest organic milk processors, to keep their markets, began to offer better prices for organic milk. They urged producers to step up milk production and sparked transition of several large dairies to organic.

June/July 2018

Continued on Page 6

www.organicfarmingmag.com 5

Continued from Page 5

“That’s the number one reason we have the oversupply today,’ Mathews said.

About 94 percent of the organically produced milk in the United States is handled by just a handful of processors who have cut prices received by dairy producers by about 25 percent since 2017, he said. The processors no longer pay quality bonuses to producers and Mathews said the smaller producers are being forced out.

Processors are also ending contracts with producers. Mathews said DANONE, which purchased Wallaby Yogurt, is ending contracts with its smaller producers and moving operations to Utah where they will bring in milk from larger organic dairies. When those contracts end, Mathews said the producers would have to find new buyers for their milk.

Increased Government Oversight Low milk prices are also coming at a time of increasing government oversight. Mathews said the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is moving to emphasize organic dairy compliance including the pasture rule that requires a percentage of the cow’s feed come from grazing. USDA will be conducting inspections of organic dairies to determine if they are complying with the rule.

Idaho dairyman Sean Mallett said the current situation with organic milk production is creating uncertainty about continuing organic milk production into the future. Like many others, he is reducing expenses and pushing pasture dry matter intakes as much

Organic dairy cows on pasture.

6

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

Darby Heffner (Left), research assistant and dairy herd manager for California State University Chico (CSUC), and CSUC student assistant, Amanda Neligh (Right), working in the pasture at CSUC dairy.

as possible during the grazing season.

Higher forage based diets are being fed when grazing is not possible.

Mallett, president of WODPA and an organic milk producer since 2007, did have some encouraging news. USDA-AMS (Agricultural Marketing Service) reports and anecdotal evidence from the industry indicate demand for organic milk is beginning to see some rebound from lows in 2017.

CSU Organic Dairy California State University (CSU) Chico’s organic dairy is somewhat shielded from economic troubles and is fortunate have a home for the milk produced by the school’s 85 cows.

Organic milk produced by the Chico State dairy is sold to Organic West, a handler based in Ripon. From there the milk is sold to fill contracts.

The dairy is currently receiving $27.59 per hundredweight, down from near $40 four years ago. Chico State dairy

manager and WODPA secretary Darby Heffner said Organic West has established a base plan meaning the dairy will receive a much lower price for any milk shipped over their base.

Like other organic dairies, Chico is counting on its pastures to supply the bulk of the cows’ diets.

“We are trying to get as much grass into the cows as possible. It’s our cheapest, but best quality feed,” Heffner said. Grain is their most expensive feed, and the cows receive about 12 pounds during milking. The farm also produces organic silage and grain hay for the Jersey cross cows.

Organic dairy cows on pasture.

Heffner said the dairy is managed somewhat differently than a privately owned operation. Because the dairy wants to maximize the use of pastures, they breed the cows to calve January-March. Peak milk production then meets nutritional peak for pasture grasses. Cows are dried up November-December.

The Chico State dairy, opened 11 years ago after about 85 acres on the school farm was converted to organic production. The dairy is the first university-based organic dairy in the West and the second in the nation.

Heffner said the dairy program is more about teaching students about organic milk production. Each semester the dairy employs ten students on its Dairy Management Team and another 6-10 students are hired to work on the dairy. Heffner said the students are responsible for all milking, pasture management and rotation, irrigation, nutrient management, calving, and if certified, artificial insemination.

Dr. Cynthia Daley, director of the university’s organic program, offers an upper division class on organic dairy production.

Comments about this article? We want to hear from you. Feel free to email us at article@jcsmarketinginc.com

June/July 2018

www.organicfarmingmag.com 7

FIVE

Key Points of Farming Soils Organically in Vineyards By: Glenn McGourty, Winegrowing and Plant Science advisor UCCE Mendocino and Lake counties

8

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

1

Initially, Deep Tillage: Maximum rooting is essential to use as much of soil surface area as possible for minerals, water and support of the aerial portion of the vine. In organic wine growing, an extensive root system will utilize more soil surface area for water and nutrient uptake. Nutrient levels in the soil solution of the rooting zone are typically lower in organic farming systems compared to conventional farming systems, since most soluble chemical fertilizers are not allowed under organic certification. To compensate, organic growers have the goal of growing a larger root system that contacts a larger soil volume. This is necessary to absorb nutrients found in lower concentrations than may be present in conventional farming systems. Organic growers depend on both the mineral and organic fractions of the soil to provide nutrition to the vines. Soil ripping should be done to allow good root penetration, without excessive tillage that would destroy soil structure or invert subsurface layers. Usually, loosening the soil to a depth of three feet is adequate. The object is to fracture any compacted horizons that might limit root growth.

If done properly, this will reduce soil bulk density and increase soil porosity.

High root density and long root hairs are necessary prerequisites for efficient uptake of nutrients from the soil.

Consequently, increased root density improves nutrient uptake. Root density is determined in part by rootstock genetics, as species differ in their root

Flame Crimson and Persian clover used in an organic vineyard. All photos courtesy of Glen McGourty.

morphology. Improving conditions for extensive rooting will create more resources for mineral and water uptake in the vines.

resilience in irregular rainfall events.

2

Build Soil Organic Matter: A goal in organic farming systems is to build up higher levels of soil organic matter than are found in conventional farming systems. The organic fraction of the soil can release minerals slowly over time, whereas soluble chemical fertilizers are usually available in a shorter time frame, and may leach causing ground water pollution. When using organic fertilizers, plant nutrients typically require biological processes to be mineralized.

Since organic fertilizers are usually less soluble than conventional fertilizers, it is less likely that soluble nutrients will leach from the soil profile and end up in surface or ground water, a common hazard with many highly soluble chemical fertilizers used in conventional agriculture. (It is possible that under some conditions, excessive nutrient leaching can occur in organic farming as well. However, organic winegrowers typically are not using large amounts of compost or other organic fertilizers, and nutrient leaching is not likely to occur.) Additionally, organic matter increases biological diversity in the soil, which helps in suppressing some root diseases and nematodes. Soil physical structure is also improved, allowing faster rates of water infiltration and water holding capacity, which gives the vineyard more

3

Use Compost and Cover Crops to Build Soil Organic Matter: Decomposing organic matter becomes a very important source Continued on Page 10

Product Update 2017 was an extreme year for navel orangeworm damage and high trap counts, and pressure has been reported in virtually all areas of the San Joaquin Valley this season. Correspondingly, with the difficulties encountered performing sanitation this past winter and spring by some growers, all available tools will be required to keep damage to a minimum in the high-pressure areas.

Accordingly, it is well known that a good insecticide program can reduce damage 50-70%.

However, insecticides alone have not been able to overcome weaknesses in sanitation efforts or high-pressure situations. Mating Disruption products on the other hand have consistently shown a 50% damage reduction in many trials. And deployment after the first flight in June can still be a viable option to aid in reducing damage. Newly registered products from TRECE, Inc. are now available for organic (and conventional) use. CIDETRAK® NOW MESO™ works great at the rate of 20/acre in pistachios, almonds and walnuts. And, the new CIDETRAK® CMDA+NOW MESO™ is especially well developed at the rate of 20/acre for controlling Codling Moth and Navel Orangeworm together in walnuts. Both products have shown good damage reduction in University and private trials.

Navel Orangeworm, Amyelois transitella

Codling Moth, Cydia pomonella

June/July 2018

INCORPORATED INSECT PHEROMONE & KAIROMONE SYSTEMS

Your Edge – And Ours – Is Knowledge.

www.organicfarmingmag.com 9

Bolansa clover used in an organic vineyard

Continued from Page 9

of both macro and micro nutrients for vines, and a feed source for soil microbes. Compost is organic matter that has been partially decomposed by microbes above ground, and is usually made from crop residues, bi-products and animal manures. Pomace left over from winemaking makes excellent compost when mixed with equal parts of animal manure and cured slowly by turning quarterly for one year. It takes from six weeks to one year to make compost, depending on feed stock, and normally the volume of the initial pile is reduced in half during the process. What is left is material resembling humus, or organic matter that is stable in the soil. It may take up to 10 years for all of the material in the compost to completely break down (the grape seeds in particular). As compost is mineralized, plant nutrients are released. Initially, growers may apply between 5 to 20 tons per acre to improve soil physical conditions in a new vineyard site. The rate depends on the soil condition (and budgets)—the more compacted the soil, the lower the initial organic matter content, the more material that is used. Once a vineyard is planted, typical annual applications of one or two tons of compost per acre are made.

Cover crops are also very helpful as a way to increase organic matter in the soil. Grasses help aggregate the soil as fibrous roots explore and hold soil in place against erosion caused by winter rains. Exudates from grass roots also encourage microbes that secrete waxes and carbohydrates that glue soil particles into aggregates and further stabilize them from erosion. Legumes when inoculated with Rhizobium bacteria will fix nitrogen from the 10

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

atmosphere into forms that plants can use. It takes about 75 times less energy to plant legumes to fix nitrogen in the soil compared to producing nitrogen as a conventional soluble fertilizer and applying it to your crop. Finally, there are cover crops that are used to produce carbon biomass while protecting the soil from erosion, such as mustards and radishes. These usually germinate with the first rains in tilled vineyards, produce leaves quickly, and protect the soil from the impact of rain drops. This prevents a negative chain of events that destroys soil aggregates, reduces infiltration into the soil, and allows soil erosion to happen as water ponds on the surface and moves off the vineyard landscape.

4

Keep the Soil Covered as Much as Possible: Soil that is not tilled and is covered with residue or living cover crops will have improved water infiltration, less erosion and better water quality in adjacent waterways compared to vineyards that are tilled. This can be a challenge in some vineyards where tillage is used to conserve moisture or make the vineyard more visually appealing (tillage is traditional in many winegrowing regions). There are numerous different choices for vineyard management systems in terms of cover crops, no-till vineyard management, limited tillage, and alternate row tillage and many combinations and permutations of these items. It is clear that water quality laws will require that virtually no silt leave your vineyard and end up in waterways, so protecting soil from erosion will be an essential practice to comply with this requirement. Many vineyards around the state have gone to self-reseeding annual cover crops to protect the soil. This includes annual

legumes such as subterranean clovers, bur medic, and annual grasses including Blando brome and Zorro fescue, and others. Once seeded and established, the vineyard floor is mowed annually after seed set has occurred; the seed germinates the following fall when it rains or is sprinkler irrigated, and the vineyard floor is protected from erosion.

5

Fertilizers That Are Applied Typically Require Biological Activity to Release Nutrients and Do So Over Time: Most organic fertilizers require mineralization by soil microbes to release nutrients.

Some break down fairly quickly (concentrated fish protein), others more slowly (feather meal) and some take years (rock phosphorus, potassium sulfate). These materials act like time release fertilizers, and it is important to understand that you won’t get instant responses in most cases. It is going to take time for them to work, and therefore, you may need multiple strategies to meet the crop nutrient needs on an annual basis. Using compost, cover crops and concentrated organic fertilizers requires an integrated approach that also requires information about other soil conditions including pH, cation exchange capacity, base saturation of the soil and soil salinity to develop an effective program. That in turn means soil testing to guide your decision making. You will probably want to work with a crop consultant or local farm advisor to develop an effective plan specific for your vineyard.

Comments about this article? We want to hear from you. Feel free to email us at article@jcsmarketinginc.com

June/July 2018

www.organicfarmingmag.com 11

Bagrada Bug: New Research on a New Pest By: Brian Hogg | United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA Ian Grettenberger | University of California, Davis, CA Charlie Pickett | California Department of Food & Agriculture, Sacramento, CA

he Bagrada bug, Bagrada hilaris (Figure 1, right), is a stink bug species T that has rapidly become a major pest of

cole crops (i.e., broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale) in California. It was first discovered near Los Angeles in 2008, and now occurs throughout the southern and central agricultural areas of California, and along the coast to Monterey Bay and beyond. The bug also has spread east into Arizona and New Mexico, has established populations in Texas and Hawaii, and has been intercepted in produce shipments en route to Florida. Its native range extends from eastern Africa into Pakistan and India.

Figure 1. An adult bagrada bug.

Photo courtesy of Ian Grettenberger.

12

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

Figure 2. The effects of bagrada bugs on broccoli seedlings. Bagrada bug feeding dramatically affected the growth of broccoli seedlings (left) compared to plants that were kept free of bagrada bugs (right). Photo courtesy of Ian Grettenberger.

Bagrada Bug Bagrada bug is particularly problematic in cruciferous vegetables (family Brassicaceae), but also feeds on a wide variety of other plants, including artichokes, beets, carrots, lettuce and peas. It reproduces rapidly and feeds in large aggregations, can reach very high numbers, and can completely destroy plants. Feeding by the bug is particularly damaging to young plants (Figure 2, Top). Uncontrolled populations have caused seedling mortality of up to 90 percent. Some transplant nurseries have suffered heavy losses, and the bug is now a common presence in urban gardens.

tics that make it a particularly insidious invader. It can feed on certain grasses and many widespread weeds in the family Brassicaceae, such as weedy mustards and wild radish, and these weeds act as reservoirs for bagrada bug populations, thereby promoting its spread and increasing damage to crops. Many of these weeds are invasive pests themselves in California.

Bagrada bug likely persists in weeds

die back. Two of Bagrada bug’s favored weedy hosts in Northern California are shortpod mustard, Hirschfeldia incana (Figure 3, center), and perennial pepperweed, Lepidium latifolium (Figure 4, page 14). Shortpod mustard is common along roadsides and in open fields, and perennial pepperweed occurs mainly alongside waterways such as creeks, canals and rivers. Both plants often occur in close proximity to cole crop fields in northern California.

Another distinctive characteristic of Bagrada bug is its habit of laying eggs individually in the soil (Figure 5, page 14). This behavior is unique among stinkbugs, which more commonly lay clusters of eggs on the underside of leaves. Burying the eggs likely provides protection from natural enemies, and could partially explain why bagrada bug has been able to increase in numbers so quickly.

Under particular threat are cole crops in California and Arizona, which account for 90 percent of the nation’s total production of this commodity. High Bagrada bug densities have been present for several years in southern California, and cole crop farmers to the north in the Salinas Valley reported devastating populations in 2013-2015.

During this time, individual cole crop farmers reported losses of up to $500,000. Damage since 2015 has been relatively mild, however, and Bagrada bug has yet to become a serious, chronic problem in central and northern California.

Control Options

Farmers have few options for controlling Bagrada bug. Conventional pesticides are currently the most effective control method, but are unavailable to organic cole Figure 3. Shortpod mustard, the most widespread weedy host of Bagrada bug in Northern California. Photo courtesy crop growers. An alternative to of Brian Hogg. conventional pesticides is needed for controlling Bagrada bug, espethrough the winter and then builds cially for organic farmers, who have up numbers through the spring and few defenses against this pest. Organic Distinctive Characteristics summer, before moving into cole crop farmers have had some success using Bagrada bug has a few characteris- fields in late summer when the weeds Continued on Page 14

June/July 2018

www.organicfarmingmag.com 13

Continued from Page 13

row covers to protect young plants, but this practice increases control costs and is only partially successful.

Biological Control A long-term solution is classical biological control, which involves introducing natural enemies from the invader’s native range to suppress pest populations below damaging levels.

Classical biological control attempts to reunite invasive pests with the natural enemies that help control them in their native range; one reason that invasive species can reach such high numbers is that they lack natural enemies in their introduced range. This tactic is more cost-effective in the long-term than other control methods that need to be continually reapplied, such as pesticides, because biological control agents become self-sustaining once they become established. Biological control agents do not observe property lines and can exert a regional effect on pest populations by spreading throughout infested areas. Crop losses, labor costs and insecticide use then should decrease as pest numbers decline.

Establishment of an effective parasitoid for Bagrada bug could enable organic producers to return to previous nonspray practices, and should also reduce the number of pesticide applications by conventional growers.

Parasitoids Tiny wasps called parasitoids are usually the most effective and environmentally safe agents for insect crop pests. Unlike parasites, parasitoids

typically kill their hosts relatively quickly, while parasites tend to kill their hosts slowly or not at all. Prey are killed when attacked because parasitoids deposit one or more eggs inside the body of their prey. The parasitoid eggs then hatch and develop into adults before emerging from the prey corpse. Furthermore, many parasitoids are specialists, and attack one or only a few host species. Although generalist natural enemies that are present in the introduced range may provide some control of the pest, natural enemies from the native range that are specialized on the pest are likely to be far more effective, and will not cause unwanted harm to native species.

Figure 4. Perennial pepperweed, a favored Bagrada bug host that is often found near waterways. Photo courtesy of Brian Hogg.

Candidate biological control agents must be thoroughly tested to ensure that they do not become pests themselves. During these tests, the agents are exposed to insects other than the pest species to determine whether they show a high degree of specificity for the targeted pest. The likelihood of non-target attack is typically determined by a combination of so-called choice and no-choice tests.

In no-choice tests, the candidate is only offered either the pest or another species. In choice experiments, the candidate control agent is offered the opportunity to choose between attack-

ing the pest species or another species.

Ultimately, the host specificity of the parasitoid species is determined by the number of non-target species that it can successfully parasitize.

Parasitoids from Pakistan We currently are testing two species of parasitoids from Pakistan that attack Bagrada bug eggs (Figure 6, page 16). These parasitoids complete their entire development within Bagrada bug eggs and are quite tiny. They are currently in a high-security quarantine Continued on Page 16

Figure 5. Bagrada bug eggs. Eggs on the left were laid in soil, while the ones on the right were not. The outside of the eggs is sticky, causing soil particles to adhere to the eggs. Photo courtesy of Ian Grettenberger.

14

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

®

www.westbridge.com

ORGANIC

®

Effective Plant Nutrients and Biopesticides

ORGANIC

®

®

Blossom Protect ™

Botector

June/July 2018

®

www.organicfarmingmag.com 15

Continued from Page 14

facility, where they will remain until we determine that they are safe for release. One of these parasitoids shows particular promise because it appears to be able to find and attack Bagrada bug eggs in the soil. We are measuring the host specificity of the parasitoid species on non-target stinkbug species in quarantine by recording the numbers of eggs of each stinkbug species that are attacked and that adult parasitoids emerge from. The host specificity of each parasitoid species will be estimated by the number of non-target stinkbug species that they attack. If a parasitoid shows promise, we will eventually submit a petition to release it. Completion and approval of a petition for field release can take three to five years (or more) for a single biocontrol agent. Most likely, there are more parasitoids of Bagrada bug to be discovered within its native range, including Africa, where we are actively searching for more parasitoid species that attack Bagrada bug.

Along with host specificity testing, we also need to determine what natural enemies already attack Bagrada bug in California to demonstrate that a new agent is needed. To survey resident natural enemies, we use “sentinel” egg traps, which consist of previously frozen Bagrada bug eggs glued to waterproof index cards. We place the sentinel egg traps in plant foliage and

Figure 7. A sentinel egg trap placed on the ground under a perennial pepperweed plant.

Photo courtesy of Brian Hogg.

16

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

on the ground, where Bagrada bug lays most of its eggs, in organic cole crop fields and patches of the weeds shortpod mustard and perennial pepperweed (Figure 7, below).

Freezing kills the eggs, and we use these to avoid spreading live bugs to new areas. We leave the cards in the field for a few days, before Figure 6. One of the egg parasitoids for Bagrada bug (Gryon sp.) that we are bringing them back to the labo- currently testing in quarantine. Photo courtesy of Marie Roche. ratory to observe likely overestimate actual predation on whether any parasitoids emerge. We Bagrada bug eggs. However, covering also check the eggs for signs of predaeggs on some cards with a thin layer of tion because natural enemies such as sand did not cause predation rates to ants, earwigs, or ground beetles could decrease. Clearly, some predators such feed on the eggs and destroy them. as lacewing larvae (Figure 8,below) will readily eat Bagrada bug eggs.

Sentinel Egg Traps In the past two years, we have placed sentinel egg traps at over 30 Comments about this article? We want sites throughout northern Califorto hear from you. Feel free to email us at nia. Our survey sites cover a region article@jcsmarketinginc.com from the Sacramento/San Francisco Bay Area south to Fresno in the San Joaquin Valley and to the southern end of the Salinas Valley. Very few parasitoids have emerged from the 1000s of eggs were have deployed, indicating that Bagrada bug eggs are parasitized at very low rates. Higher levels of parasitism have been recorded in southern California by Dr. Thomas Perring at University of California (UC) Riverside. However, sentinel Bagrada bug eggs were readily fed on by predators, and up to 100 percent of bagrada bug eggs have been consumed by predators at some sites.

We used time-lapse field cameras at a few of our sites to record what predators are attacking Bagrada bug eggs. Eggs are more easily accessible on our cards than they would be in their Figure 8. A green lacewing feeding on a bagrada bug egg in a natural state buried in feeding trial. Photo courtesy of Ian Grettenberger. the soil, so our cards

!

W E N

F O R C O D L I N G M O T H & N AV E L O R A N G E W O R M C O N T R O L

Only 20 dispensers/acre

The Season Isn’t Over!

for moderate population abundance

2- FOR -1

Codling Moth, Navel Orangeworm, Cydia pomonella Amyelois transitella

THE ONLY MATING DISRUPTION product on the market today approved for organic use!

Features:

Benefits:

· High performance, dual mating disruption proven in university and government trials

· Significantly reduces damage with a properly managed approach

· Codling Moth mating disruption reduces NOW access

· Additional “dual protection” from NOW infestation

· Dramatic reduction of dispenser rate and “no moving parts”

· Significantly less labor, less cost and “no mechanical worries”

· Full-season “temperature dependent A.I. release” · Proper pheromone release synchronized with NOW adult action · Non-toxic

· No residues, MRL’s or worker safety to worry about

· Patented, high performance hanging device

· Fast application, less labor and no branch scarring

· Apply with a simple pole applicator

· Fast, low cost application

· Personalized ready-to-use carrier pack

· Convenient application, better inventory control - less material/less labor

CIDETRAK® CMDA + NOW MESO™ Dispensers in use

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS READ THE LABEL

The BEST Monitoring Systems for CM & NOW

®

INCORPORATED INSECT PHEROMONE & KAIROMONE SYSTEMS

Your Edge – And Ours – Is Knowledge.

Ready-to-use carrier pack

June/July 2018

www.organicfarmingmag.com 17

© 2018, Trécé Inc., Adair, OK USA • TRECE, PHEROCON and CIDETRAK are registered trademarks of Trece, Inc., Adair, OK USA • TRE-1260, 05/18

Russ Lester of Dixon Ridge Farms

on Organic Trade

18

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

I

n 1979, Russell Lester and his wife purchased a rundown farm in Winters, California and began planting walnut trees. The Lesters farmed conventionally and adopted integrated pest management early on to protect the young trees. After his father’s diagnosis with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the Lesters transitioned Dixon Ridge Farms to organic production to reduce the health risks associated with pesticides and other inputs.

These days, Dixon Ridge Farms includes over 500 acres of organic walnuts and Lester sources walnuts from over 60 domestic organic orchards to sell wholesale. Lester’s focus is on growing his business sustainably and using a whole systems approach to his farming and processing while providing the highest quality walnuts. Integrated pest management practices are used in tandem with fertility boosting cover crops. The organic practices protect natural resources, and as Lester puts it, simply enhance and work with what is already there in the orchard.

Consumer Demand Consumer demand for organic products grows each year. In a recent Organic Trade Association report, organic grew at a rate of 8.4 percent in 2016 compared to the overall food and non-foods market growth of just 0.7 percent. Overall, the organic nut sector reported 4.7 percent growth in 2017 up to $161 million.

Organic Walnut Data Lester notes that the organic walnut marketplace is strong, but it is difficult to assess the exact state of the market because complete organic market data and reports are unavailable. Despite the importance of market data to producers—market data allows producers to accurately track production trends and changes in exports or imports as well as to set prices that reflect supply and demand of commodities—organic producers still do not have access to consistent, reliable organic data.

By: Peter Nell Contributing Writer

The majority of publicly available organic walnut data comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Survey Certified Organic Survey.

According to the 2016 Certified Organic Survey, organic walnuts are nearly

Continued on Page 20

19

Continued from Page 19 exclusively grown in California by 186 operations on 5,975 acres. Their reported value of sales for 2016 was $24 million, an increase from $18 million reported in 2015. Other data is either not tracked or data is compiled from both organic and conventional producers.

The lack of organic-specific data is common for organic commodities. The USDA Global Agricultural Trade System (GATS) added trade data for organic products into its system in 2011. The system currently records trade data for 41 exported organic commodities and 47 imported organic commodities. Neither walnut imports nor exports are tracked via GATS. Currently, the only nuts tracked in GATS are almond imports.

California Walnut Commission The California Walnut Commission tracks and creates monthly reports on walnut shipments by country of destination. However, the reports compile all walnut data, both conventional and organic, and do not distinguish between conventional and organic. The lack of organic market data makes it unclear what Dixon Ridge’s market share is, the number of imports and exports of organic walnuts, and other information.

International Trade Lester follows international trade developments closely. Each year 30-40 percent of Dixon Ridge production goes to foreign markets. Dixon Ridge is currently certified to export organic walnuts to Canada, the European Union, and Japan.

News of the recent tariffs on walnuts and other imported commodities to China raised concern in Lester. Lester does not export for China but says the tariffs will send a ripple effect into agriculture and the entire walnut industry. He notes, “conventional walnut prices will fall, and then organic prices will be under great pressure to drop.”

Chinese Tariffs Lester also believes that Chinese tariffs on commodities will nullify progress industries have gained into the Chinese marketplace. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will allow countries that maintain the agreement to outcompete US producers. For example, tariffs on Californian wine will allow for wine

20

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

producers in Australia, New Zealand, and South America to import tariff-free wines into China and take advantage of the growing Chinese wine market.

Impact of Steel Tariffs The effects of tariffs also extend to non-agricultural commodities, Lester points out. In the fall of 2017, a fire broke out at Dixon Ridge Farms and incinerated a warehouse containing farm equipment and 40 tons of walnuts. Dixon Ridge is in the process of reconstructing and replacing essential equipment lost to the fire. However, quotes for steel and building construction increased seven percent and then 15 percent due to fears and speculation of tariffs on imported steel. In addition to building costs, farmers rely on steel for tractors, buildings, and equipment. Steel tariffs may increase the price of critical equipment as well.

Trade International trade allows Dixon Ridge to export California grown walnuts around the globe. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which

allows trade between domestic producers, Canada, and Mexico, is currently being negotiated. The loss of Canada or Mexico as stable trading partners will severely affect agriculture in the US, Lester says. In combination with Chinese tariffs, agriculture sits in a middle of a dangerous trade war. Tariffs or embargos of US products will lead to farmers losing revenue and more.

As Lester puts it, “the agriculture industry should be very aware of tariffs.

We, farmers, balance the trade deficit with China and other countries with our food production. They produce computer chips, steel, etc. cheaper than we can. That’s called trade. We don’t trade walnuts for walnuts, you trade walnuts for an iPhone.”

Domestic Competition Domestically, Dixon Ridge mostly competes with imported organic walnuts from India and Moldova. Lester notes that imported walnuts are often different varieties than those grown in California and recognizable by consumers. Consumer expectation of taste and quality are main drivers in the marketplace.

“Consumers assume that they don’t like organic walnuts but in reality, they don’t like those varieties,” Lester says.

The marketplace is not a level playing field, according to Lester. Tariffs on agricultural commodities will negatively affect domestic producers who already compete with producers in other countries that have lower input costs. But domestic organic producers have at least one significant advantage over imported products: high quality, flavorful walnuts backed by strong organic integrity that consumers enjoy worldwide.

“First time organic buyers may assume that all nuts are the same and not different varieties. They may think the difference in flavor is organic versus conventional and then the entire organic industry loses a customer.”

Comments about this article? We want to hear from you. Feel free to email us at article@jcsmarketinginc.com

US walnut producers are required by law to maintain high standards regarding the grading and quality of their products including color requirements and size classifications.

Organic Certification Dixon Ridge walnuts are certified at least twice before shipping out: once to receive a phytosanitary certificate from USDA and another to comply with the walnut marketing order. Organic walnuts must also carry organic certificates verifying their compliance with the organic standards. These assurances are why some international buyers often prefer US organic walnuts over others.

“In the US, there is enough oversight to have good organic integrity and high-quality products, “Lester says. “We can sell to other countries knowing full well that the domestic organic program is very, very good.

Essential Minerals For Certified Organic Farms

“We can go into an Asian market wholesale and say we’re certified with CCOF [California Certified Organic Farmers] and meet USDA/National Organic Program (NOP) standards, and many countries will purchase our products. India is closer, but they won’t purchase from there.”

Price Internationally, Dixon Ridge competes with walnuts grown in the European Union. European walnut producers, Lester says, have high standards and European walnuts are often priced higher than US. US walnuts are attractive to European buyers when the EU-US dollar exchange shifts.

Within the US, wholesale brokers have been more focused on cheaper products and their bottom line. Lester says that brokers are importing organic imports not because there is limited domestic supply, but because “brokers may not look at anything other than price and assume walnuts are the same.”

June/July 2018

www.organicfarmingmag.com 21

Extreme soil differences in the same field.

Photo courtesy of Neal Kinsey.

Building Life in the Soil on Organic Farms

By: Neal Kinsey, Owner and President of Kinsey Agricultural Services

T

he second law of thermodynamics tells us that life only comes from life.

Dead, lifeless soils cannot provide what is needed to grow healthy, nourishing food. Dr. William A. Albrecht, an authority on soil fertility and a strong supporter of natural and organically grown foods, used to illustrate what happens in such soils. He would explain how once it was learned what was necessary to extract all the colloidal humus from the soil then seeds would not sprout there. However, when just a very minute amount of humus was added back to the soil, then the seeds would sprout. Just that small addition made up only from the decomposition of living organism added to the soil made the difference.

Here is one more proof that life can only come from life. Soil does not provide life to the soil or the plant, only humus, derived from once living plants and animals, can be shown to do that.

22

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

those using organic programs, should be So it is not just soil that we need to a plan to build a system which will most grow crops, we need more than that to aid and encourage the required life in be successful at growing food and feed the soil needed for the best production crops. We also need what contributes and the highest quality of nutrition. to each soil by adding what gives life to What all farmers and growers the soil and the plants growing should then pursue is there. And the most effective a soil management path to accomplish this program that has the is a straight but very greatest capacity narrow way. It is to provide the not and cannot be utmost of appropriately done benefits to the and still provide life required the nutrient William A. Albrecht, Ph.D. (1888–1974) Chairman for the soil to dense foods and of the Department of Soils at the University of flourish. This feeds we need Missouri. Photo Courtesy University of Missouri then brings with a “broad Archives. Dr. Albrecht was a strong supporter us to the most brush” type of of natural and organic growers. The validity of critical question approach. his soil fertility work in modern-day agriculture that most of will be presented at the World Wide Agriculture Conference at the University of Missouri/ Build a System agriculture is Columbia in July 2018. still failing to The greatest address, and that goal in farming and is how to best gardening, and especially for Continued on Page 24

clean

NO Compromise - Organic Nutrition

Don’t settle when it comes to your organic nutrition program – choose AGRO-K and see the difference CLEAN delivers on your farm.

Focused efforts on combining the “5R’s” of crop nutrition – Right Nutrient, Right Time, Right Form, Right Mix, Right Place – in the plant will deliver the highest quality, highest marketable yield and highest return on investment.

Agro-K’s certified organic CLEAN™ line of foliar nutrients and soil biological products are manufactured to ensure maximum uptake and biological activity. We integrate our superior formulations with our deep knowledge of plant physiology and peak nutrient demand timing to build complete, high efficiency, cost effective nutrient programs that provide better value to organic crop production.

The CLEAN line is specifically designed to address the nutritional needs of organically grown fruit crops. Our formulations are soft on plant tissue, rapidly taken up, highly bio-available and compatible with most organic crop protection products. CLEAN nutrition helps fruit growers meet peak nutrient demand timing and address nutrient deficiencies quickly while easily being integrated into crop protection programs.

Fruit quality has many different components: size, color, visual appeal, internal texture, storability, shelf-life, reduced shrinkage & bruising. All these factors, are directly affected by nutrition and influence ultimate crop quality and marketable packout. Agro-K has a 40 year track record of helping growers increase profitability.

fast uptake and high availability so critical peak nutrient demand timings are not missed, preventing yield drag and quality issues.

CLEAN SYMSPRAY – A seaweed based foliar spray designed to promote plant growth, fruit set and cell division. CLEAN Symspray is also an excellent tool to prevent and/or reduce both environmental and physiological stress, leading to higher quality fruit at harvest.

CLEAN CALCIUM – An organic foliar calcium designed to increase calcium levels in both tissue and fruit while improving the nitrogen to calcium ratio. Higher calcium levels in the crop helps build stronger more disease tolerant cell walls. Thicker more durable fruit cells generate higher yields, less bruising, less shrinkage and longer shelflife – in short better quality and increased grower returns.

CLEAN BIOMAX – A fermentation derived food source for beneficial soil borne bacteria and fungi. Designed to increase nutrient cycling of compost and other organic matter while also maximizing plantavailable nutrients in the rhizosphere. Increasing soil available nutrients is the basis for increased crop quality and higher yields.

If you’re looking to increase marketable yield in your organic farm talk to Agro-K today about tailoring a nutrient management program to improve results and deliver higher economic returns.

CLEAN ZN, MG, MN, FE, CU, B – Organic micronutrients - zinc, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper and boron designed for keep white space around the seal equal to 25% the size of the seal

Science-Driven Nutrition

SM

AGRO-K CORpORAtiOn

8030 Main Street, NE • Minneapolis, MN 55432 Continued on Page 56 800-328-2418 • www.agro-k.com

© 2018 Agro-K Corporation

June/July 2018

www.organicfarmingmag.com 23

Continued from Page 22 provide for the living organisms most necessary for truly robust soil health. A program is needed that truly is based on provable results achieved by use of the basic principles of soil science which will provide the plant root and all that supports it the broad base of what is needed for the growth of our food and fiber crops.

Determining Nutrient Content Solving the individual problems that observable differences in a field indicates requires determining the actual nutrient content of each significantly different area. If there is too much of one element, there will always be too little of some other element in that same soil.

The question is, can that be correctly measured and properly changed? And that answer is a resounding yes. Those who refuse to accept the principles of measured soil balancing may strongly disagree, but neither do they have a real solution to correct what such testing indicates is specifically needed—just feed the plant and forget the soil is generally their offered excuse.

To solve the true problems of building life in the soil and finally accomplish what is required to reach each soil’s fullest potential generally

24

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

requires the power of both brain and muscle. There is no “pie-in-sky” scheme to sell some miracle product that will do all of this for you. The use of compost is a good example. Just the use of some compost may be quite helpful to a particular soil, especially one that has been badly mistreated or even poorly treated in the past. But for all the nutrient needs that differences seen in a field may be actually showing, the simple use of compost generally will not completely solve those problems.

The plants may grow better and the nutrient content improved. Better than doing nothing to help improve growing conditions! However, is that what is actually needed? Making things better is at least better than making things worse.

But where is the point that enough is accomplished to provide the most robust health for whatever consumes those growing plants? Does a soil that has too little or too much of some element, so that it adversely affects the ability of the plants grown there to take up sufficient amounts of what is being affected provide the true needs for the best of life and health?

When used to supply actual needs, composts are a great help, but if that compost has a significant amount of some nutrient the soil does not need, then that compost will cause problems.

It may not hurt yield in the beginning,

but adding what is not needed to a soil will restrict the uptake of other nutrients that are needed by the crop. So the use of compost alone cannot always accomplish supplying what a soil really needs to do its best. The same is true for cover crops or applying live microbes. The answers are not just the use of adequate amounts of certain humates or rock dusts. The truth is, there is likely nothing that will do all that is necessary for the proper type of needed effect, except for soundly based measured applications specifically provided to supply the needs and control the excesses that will be required to meet the different requirements of every different soil to grow the most nutritious plants.

“Different” Soil

What defines a “different” soil? Any difference you see from one part of the field to another is actually showing that is a soil with different needs. If the plants visually are not growing at the same rate in some parts as compared to others, there is a reason—and it is generally different levels of one or more measureable nutrients that can be corrected. If the soil is a different color, there are likely some differences that require being addressed separately in each case to help it attain top production and also grow nutrient dense plants.

If different parts of the field continue

to have more problems with one particular type of weed or grass which other parts though exposed to the same ones do not, differences in nutrient levels can cause that too. If some areas are affected more by insects or disease problems and others are not, expect differences in nutrient levels may be a contributing factor.

For example, when cutworms are a problem in corn, the needed percentage of calcium saturation will be too low in those soils with the problem. This calcium percentage can be too low even on high pH soils. A good pH does not assure crops growing on that soil get enough calcium. Only correctly measuring the calcium saturation and what is needed to achieve the proper percentage in the soil will solve the problems associated with calcium deficient soils.

Therefore, if you have cutworms in your corn, no matter what the pH may be, that soil still needs more calcium to grow crops properly. Now a word of caution here, such soils need more calcium, but only what is needed to achieve the correct percentage of calcium saturation for that soil. We have had clients with cutworm in the field, but only in certain spots, like low areas where water tended to leach out the calcium. The cutworms only stayed

there, they did not move into the areas where the calcium already showed to be adequate. Correct the calcium and solve the problem. Add too much though and it can tie up something else and now cause a new problem. So the real question is how much is required, too little or too much is a problem. This is only one example of the problems that can result if growers rely only on soil pH to determine calcium needs.

Detailed Soil Analysis You cannot manage what you cannot measure. Use of a detailed soil analysis helps show these differences are present with the same set of nutrient problems time after time. The real need for growers is someone with sufficient knowledge and the field experience to help them understand why each problem in the different areas are there and what it takes to solve whatever is indicated to be out of order. Growers should set out to learn for themselves at least the basics of what is needed from the experience of those consultants actually working with an exact soil analysis to point out what action or actions will be required and which are most needed if everything cannot be accomplished at once. If the answer growers receive to treat observable differences can be solved by use of one product or combination of products in every different instance,

then most likely there is a disconnect somewhere between the needs of the soil and the “program” of the one giving the advice.

Again, you cannot manage what you cannot measure. Does agriculture have to rely on a program based on the simplest soil tests that cost very little and show almost nothing of value for correcting the true science of the soil?

Or is it possible to understand and even measure the basic needs of each different soil and correctly supply them? It is in fact possible to do such measurements and to explain what is needed in understandable terms. And those answers, which will be covered in the next article, is the greatest hope for those involved in building soils that provide the best organic production.

Comments about this article? We want to hear from you. Feel free to email us at article@jcsmarketinginc.com

Even such extreme soil differences as this can be remedied when the benefits exceed the cost. Photo courtesy of Neal Kinsey.

June/July 2018

www.organicfarmingmag.com 25

Flamer used to control weeds on the berm of the organic almond orchard. All photos courtesy of Kathy Coatney.

What you Need to Know About Organic Almond Production By: Cecilia Parsons | Associate Editor

D

o the economic rewards of almond production in an organic system make up for the challenges?

That depends, say industry leaders, farm advisors and growers, on the strength of the production plan and the dedication of the producer to an organic system. Prices paid for organically grown almonds may be double that of conventionally produced almonds, but costs of organic production can also be double. There are also costs for organic certification.

Organic Certification A major organic certifier, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), reports good market opportunities for organically grown almonds. In the last three years, more than half of imported almonds were organic.

Organic almond production in California is at around 5,000 acres, a virtual drop in the bucket compared to the 1.2 million acres of almonds farmed

26

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

conventionally. The number of acres producing organically grown almonds is increasing, said Wendy Larson of Big Tree Organics, but demand for organically grown almonds is outpacing production. There can be large price swings for the crop, she noted, but there are some larger almond producers who are adding organic production.

Planning Ahead Planning ahead and ensuring a good start for young trees is the best way to get into organic production, current growers and farm advisors report. It is much more difficult to transition a mature orchard to organic production or start a young orchard in an organic system.

Unless the site for a new planting has never been farmed, it is difficult to establish a new organic production system.

Ground previously planted in almonds or other crops may harbor parasitic

Continued on Page 28

Planning ahead and ensuring a good start for young trees is the best way to get into organic production.

NO NGM O

BIOSTIMULANT FERTILIZERS, PEST CONTROL & BIO FUNGICIDE

INCREASE FLOWERING & FRUIT PRODUCTION WHEN USING PURE PROTEIN DRY 99% OF NITROGEN DERIVED FROM FISH PROTEIN HYDROLYSATE, INCREASES WEIGHT OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES

PURE PROTEIN DRY 15-1-1 PRIMO AMINOS 18 TYPES OF AMINO ACIDS CONTAINS 80% + AMINO ACIDS 100% WATER SOLUBLE

7.5-1-25 5-7-14 11-8-8 ORGANIC CROP NUTRITION FOR ALL STAGES OF GROWTH

Weed-a-Way CONTACT AND PRE EMERGENT HERBICIDE

25(b) OILS MINIMUM RISK ORGANIC INSECTICIDES

APHIDS

MEALY BUG

LYGUS BUG

CATAPILLARS

MITES

SCALES

THRIPS

WHITE FLIES

AND BIO-FUNGICIDE

JOE HASLETT (805) 748-4033

L IA

RE

SALES CONTACT INFO: ERED MATE ST R GI

For Use In Organic Agriculture

Washington State Dept. of Agriculture

joehaslett.oap@gmail.com WSDA LISTED

www.OrganicAGProducts.com Guaranteed by AZ ENTERPRISES INC DBA ORGANIC AG PRODUCTS

2367 Brant Street·Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

June/July 2018

ED ZYBURA (805) 550-7776

edzybura@charter.net www.organicfarmingmag.com 27

Organic almond orchard showing grass grown in the center of the orchard that is intentionally left green.

Continued from Page 26 nematodes, high populations of weed seeds or pathogens that cause replant disease. Without pre plant soil fumigation, newly planted almond trees have difficulty establishing strong healthy root systems and often fail to reach yield potential. Most growers who want to go the organic route with almonds choose to use conventional production methods to establish a new orchard and transition to an organic system during the first three years before the first crop is harvested.

“Transitioning an almond orchard from conventional to organic production is not a simple process,” said Franz Niederholzer, farm advisor in Yuba and Sutter counties. Niederholzer, who has conducted studies of organic almond production at the Nickels Soil Lab in Arbuckle, California, said the process is complicated and calls for planning to meet nutritional needs in the orchard.

Transitioning an orchard site from a conventional system of farming to an organic system also requires a grower transition. Larson said producers who want to move to organic systems need to have a different mind set about managing their orchard. One of challenges is, she said, is getting used to ‘busy’ orchard floors instead of the clean floors they would normally have.

“They have to be pro active with their management practices,” Larson said.

Organic Systems Plan Developing an organic systems plan

28

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

prior to transitioning or planting is the first step. Larson said growers need to understand the concept of organic production and then write a plan to achieve their production goals. Both are necessary for becoming a certified organic producer. Being pro active includes more intensive crop monitoring to initiate action before pests or diseases threaten the viability of the crop. Orchard sanitation, a primary strategy for control of navel orangeworm, is critical to keeping populations down.

In addition to tree nutrition, Larson said the organic systems plan should include how weeds, insect pests, diseases and vertebrate pests are managed. Young trees need to be managed to prevent diseases. Monitoring for pests is critical so they can be controlled before populations build.

Weeds

Weeds can be a major limiting factor to tree growth. Larson said there are several strategies used in organic systems. She said mulch, weed fabric or plastic have been used to prevent weed Larson said the organic systems plan has to start with improving soil health to growth. Organic approved herbicides are provide a healthy environment for young not effective, she said, and are also expensive. Steam treatments to wilt leaves trees. With this foundation, nutritional are also used, but they are only effective needs of young trees are more likely to with broadleaf weeds. Flaming weeds is be met with the use of organic prodone more often on mature orchards. duction approved fertilizer. Even if an Mowing or hoeing weeds is orchard is established with still the most used weed conventional farming Flamer used to control control methods, she methods and the goal weeds on the berm of the organic almond orchard. said. of transition to organic production, Variety and growers need to Rootstock build soil bio Selection diversity and encourage miNiederholcrobial activity. zer said almond That is accomvariety selection plished by adding and rootstock approved organic selection are critical matter or compost in organic production and incorporating it into systems as there is a range the soil. Building up the soil of susceptibility to some diseases. health is much easier in a young orchard Susceptibility may not be an issue in a that will be transitioned, Larson said. conventional system, he said, but can be Transitioning older orchards to organic is more difficult because often soil health big deal in organic production due to the is not optimal.

Continued on Page 30

Providing the Gold Standard for Fertility Programs in Agriculture, Since 1980

“NATURE’S

Are You Haunted By Problems In Your Field?

ENERGY

Are You Defining Your Soil Fertility Or Is A Fertilizer Program Driving You?

AT WORK!”

Are Your Fields Plagued With Insects & Diseases?

s

ORGANIC PRODUCTS s Bacterial Inoculum Products

• Activates - 1005, 2004, 2005, PMSLA, NF

Mycorrhizae Products

• Endo Maxx • UltraFine ENDO • Granular ENDO

Soil Food Products

• NRG's Nature's Solution • Wake Up Organo • True 315 • Ferti Nitro Plus

Rock Mineral Products • Azomite • Kelzyme

Humic & Fulvic Products

• Power K • Soluble Fulvic Acid (by Ferti Organic)

Seaweed Products

• Ferti Organic Soluble Seaweed Extract

CONTACT US TODAY!

34284-B Road 196 Tel: 559.564.1236 info@callnrg.com June/July 2018 www.organicfarmingmag.com 29 Woodlake,a CA 93286 Fax: 559.564.1238 www.callnrg.com

Continued from Page 28 limitations on crop protection tools. Later maturing crops with late harvest dates are more vulnerable to pest damage.

Orchard Site Selection Success with organic production can also depend on orchard site. Growing areas with higher humidity, where leaves remain wet for the longer periods pose challenges for an organic system.

Proximity to conventional orchards with high pest populations can make control difficult. Niederholzer said soil fertility would be the most expensive crop input.

Certified organic approved nitrogen applied via drip costs 10 times more than conventional nitrogen fertilizer and almonds have a high demand for nitrogen.

Larson said transplanted almond trees need not be certified organic. The three year transition program begins at planting and both the trees and ground are managed according to National Organic Program (NOP) standards and growers work with their third party organic certifier to be sure all applications are permitted under NOP rules.

Organic Advisory Panel Kelly Damewood, director of policy and government affairs at Santa Cruzbased organic certifier CCOF, said the transition period is when a grower should work closely with their certifier.

In addition to certifier assistance, she said Natural Resources Conservation Service (NCRS) as well as University of California (UC) farm advisors could help growers during the transition period.

•MARK YOUR CALENDAR•

The Almond Board of California (ABC) has a new organic advisory panel to provide guidance and recommendations to the board. The panel does not have committee status, but members supply input on topics of interest to the organic almond industry to the ABC board and committees.

2018 2018

Brad Craven of Superior Almond Hulling, Cantua Creek, is chair of the panel, and Steve Koretoff, Purity Organics, a handler in Kerman, is vice chair. Larson also sits on the panel.

For These Industry Events

Date

Event

Location

June 15th

OFAC Seminar Series

Chico, CA

June 20th

Central Valley Almond Day

Fresno, CA

July 25th

OFAC Seminar Series

Clovis, CA

August 30th

OFAC Seminar Series

Stockton, CA

October 26th

South Valley Nut Conference

Tulare, CA

November 2nd

Mid-Valley Nut Conference

Modesto, CA

November 14th

OFAC Seminar Series

Tulare, CA

November 28th

Kern County Ag Day

Bakersfield, CA

November 29th

OFAC Seminar Series

Cloverdale, CA

organicfertilizerassociation.org

www.wcngg.com

organicfertilizerassociation.org organicfertilizerassociation.org

www.wcngg.com www.wcngg.com

organicfertilizerassociation.org

www.wcngg.com

organicfertilizerassociation.org

Organic Advisory Panel meetings are public and can be attended by any interested industry member. On topics that affect the whole organic almond industry, particularly if there is no consensus, the Board may request a query of all organic almond growers and processors prior to adopting a recommendation presented by the panel.

The Organic Advisory Panel members have reviewed the history of the Almond Board's funding of research related to organic management of pathogens and insect pests, as well as other research projects related to organic production.

The panel is also considering: • Research into postharvest fumigation options; • Shelf-life studies; • Production reporting; • New pasteurization technologies; • Farm bill implications.

Comments about this article? We want to hear from you. Feel free to email us at article@jcsmarketinginc.com

30

Organic Famer

June/July 2018

!

W E N

The Season Isn’t Over!

F O R N AV E L O R A N G E W O R M C O N T R O L

Only 20 dispensers/acre for moderate population abundance

Navel Orangeworm, Amyelois transitella

THE ONLY MATING DISRUPTION product on the market today approved for organic use!

Features:

Benefits:

· High performance mating disruption proven in university and government trials

· Significantly reduces damage with a properly managed approach

· Dramatic reduction of dispenser rate and “no moving parts”

· Significantly less labor, less cost and “no mechanical worries”

· Full-season “temperature dependent A.I. release” · Proper pheromone release synchronized with NOW adult action · Non-toxic

· No residues, MRL’s or worker safety to worry about

· Patented, high performance hanging device

· Fast application, less labor and no branch scarring

· Apply with a simple pole applicator

· Fast, low cost application

· Personalized ready-to-use carrier pack

· Convenient application, better inventory control - less material/less labor

®

CIDETRAK® NOW MESO™ Dispenser in use

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS READ THE LABEL

Ready-to-use carrier pack

The BEST Monitoring System for Navel Orangeworm

INCORPORATED INSECT PHEROMONE & KAIROMONE SYSTEMS

Your Edge – And Ours – Is Knowledge.

June/July 2018

www.organicfarmingmag.com 31

© 2018, Trécé Inc., Adair, OK USA • TRECE, PHEROCON and CIDETRAK are registered trademarks of Trece, Inc., Adair, OK USA • TRE-1255, 05/18

First Liquid D er ived Organic Potassium

No adul terated added anions (N itrates,Sulfates, C hlor ides) as a car r ier

100% soluble source Plant-sourced organic K Nuetralize soluble and insoluble anions Ferticell® Pro K is an organic certified, plant-derived, liquid Potassium fertilizer, designed to supply this key nutrient in a highly usable form.

With Pro K derived from fruit rind ash, there are no carriers (Nitrates, Sulfates, Chlorides) added and potassium plays the key role in cation-anion balance.

June/July h 2018 32a gro pOrganic w w w. l a s mFamer a u sa. com/w ere -to -buy

Contac t Your Lo ca l D e a l e r