By Kyle Venell, NACD Pacific Region Representative 

Farm Journal Trust In Food, in collaboration with Blue Diamond Growers and Agriland Farming Company, Inc., recently hosted growers, industry leaders, and conservation partners for an in-field event focused on advancing innovation in California almond production. The takeaway was straightforward: growers are already testing and using new technologies. The challenge now is “scaling adoption in ways that align with day-to-day operations and economic realities,” says Kyle Venell, who attended as NACD’s Pacific Region Representative. 

NACD and Trust In Food partner to expand awareness of conservation practices and technologies. This event “reflects the kind of on-the-ground engagement needed to move those conversations into real-world application,” says Venell.

Focus on Automation 

During in-field demonstrations, attendees saw emerging technologies in action. A driverless tractor from Orchard Machinery Corporation, integrated with systems from Bonsai Robotics, Agriwater, Inc., and Rivulis Irrigation, demonstrated how automation can operate across orchard systems with multiple implements, including sprayers and mowers. Attendees also heard from Beewise, where Eliya Radzyner showcased an AI-enabled beehive system that monitors hive health in real time and alerts beekeepers to potential issues remotely. 

These demonstrations showed how automation is being integrated into existing almond orchard operations. The focus was on reducing labor demands, improving precision, and increasing operational efficiency. 

Conservation Practices and Programs Highlighted 

Speakers that included Valent and Pollinator Partnership, along with additional partners, focused on strengthening long-term orchard resilience through crop protection, soil health, and regenerative practices. Charlie Graham from the Noble Research Institute reminded attendees that, “A well-aggregated soil with deep root channels will absorb much more water than one that’s not.” 

Panel discussions brought together representatives from the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Madera County Farm Bureau, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, Blue Diamond Growers, American Farmland Trust, and the California Almond Board. 

The panels focused on conservation programs available to almond growers, and strengthening relationships between producers, trusted advisors, and private sector partners to support adoption at the operation level.  

Farm Journal’s intelligence team also examined the barriers growers report when considering new conservation technologies and how those barriers can be addressed. 

Tags: Soil Health, California, pollinators