Almond planting trends have changed over the last 30 years and a new wave of varieties is providing new opportunities for growers .
INDUSTRY NEWS
Planting considerations
Tim Millen at L & T Nurseries in Robinvale has seen plenty of trends in the almond industry over the past three decades , with the latest being the introduction of new hardshell and self-pollinating varieties .
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Almond planting trends have changed over the last 30 years and a new wave of varieties is providing new opportunities for growers .
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A ROBINVALE nurseryman and consultant with 30 years of experience in the industry has reflected on planting trends within the industry and major considerations on growers ’ minds when deciding what to plant . Tim Millen from L & T Nurseries said the major factor driving trends within the almond industry is , of course , ‘ the bottom line ’, and with this in mind growers have to give consideration to the following factors that impact on their profit margin . “ High yield is a major factor that contributes to decisions around which variety to plant and is why Nonpareil and Carmel continue to be selected with a good track record in this area ,” he said . Another consideration for growers in trying to increase profit margins is reducing other operational costs such “ Carina has also proven to
In A Nutshell - Spring 2025 Vol 25 Issue 3 program is now growing some exceptional varieties that have been , and continue to be , tested in our growing regions .
- Tim Millen , L & T Nurseries as pollination and farm hygiene . Mr Millen is an advocate for the Australian almond breeding program , which has been running for the past 26 years . “ This program is now growing some exceptional varieties that have been , and continue to be , tested in our growing regions ,” he said . Carina is one such variety , with a semi-hard shell that ’ s fully sealed . Its kernels are light in colour and sweet tasting . consistently produce high yields , along with the allure of selfpollination ,” he said . Mr Millen said substantial savings can be made by planting self-pollinating varieties , due to the increasing costs of securing beehives . Farm hygiene is also a big factor in almond orchards with paper shell varieties , as growers work to keep carpophilus beetle and carob moth to a manageable level .
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