Almonds:
Bloom conditions were near perfect for the first three weeks of the month. February 10th started the flash bloom this year. On February 22nd, the temperatures fell below 30 degrees in many parts of California along with the occurrence of rain and hail. Reports of 10 percent or more crop damage in certain areas are being circulated.

The asking price seems to be a little stronger today, as a result of the freeze. The damage sustained to the crop is yet to be determined. It will have an effect on next year’s crop without a doubt, but there will still be a 800-900 million pound carryover to next year. Water is also an ongoing concern. There are a lot of almonds left to sell and pricing is historically favorable.

NPS $1.95-$2.45
ABCs $2.55-$2.85
Cal/Carmel $1.90-$2.25

Pecans:
Prices are way up over last year. In-shell is trading at a solid $4.20+ per meat point, the average last year was in the low 3's.

Labor shortages keep most handlers from running more than one shift, so shipments have been delayed. The US west is almost completely sold and does not look like any price relief in the near future. We will watch with anticipation as the summer grows to a close and we see what is left in inventory, as well as what next year’s crop shapes up to be. Small pieces, as well as anything smaller, are coming up short due in part to the higher quality in-shell and the lack of many natives and lower quality in-shell 2’s and 3’s.

FJMH $6.00-$6.25
Fancy Pieces $5.00-$5.25

Walnuts:
Final crop size, according to California Walnut Board, was 720,163 tons short. That is lower than last year and higher than the estimate. Supply is down by 4 percent, but shipments are down 21 percent. This had a dramatic impact on pricing and seems to have leveled off.

LHP 20 $2.05-$2.25
CHP 20 $1.70-$1.85

Cashews:
The crop in Africa looks similar to last year - possibly better. Vietnam crops also seem to be similar to last year. Ocean going shipping rates are quadruple what they were last year and political unrest will also have an effect on market pricing. EU and US are uncovered April forward, which will add pressure.

WW 240 $3.95
WW 320 $3.75

Pistachios:
2021 crop receipts are 1.16 billion pounds. There was a 284 million pound carryover from 2020. Shipments are good and on track for crop size. Chill hours in California have been good this year, but a poor bud set in certain areas is being reported. This will likely affect overall crop size and we will watch with anticipation.

18-22 X number 1 $3.80
21-27 X number 1 $3.50
80 percent whole $9.10