Space-Age Forecasting for Almonds
It turns out some of the same technologies used in aerospace and remote sensing may help answer a question that matters to California growers: How many almonds are hanging in the orchard?
According to Ag Alert from the California Farm Bureau, California's almond industry is exploring new ways to forecast crop size as orchards continue to expand across the state. Accurate forecasts matter because California produces more than three-quarters of the world's almonds, and markets often react to expectations about crop size months before harvest.
For decades, estimates have relied heavily on counting nuts in sample orchards. But industry leaders say the growth and diversity of California's almond acreage has made forecasting more challenging.
Last year, the USDA's Objective Measurement Report estimated California's almond crop at 3 billion pounds. The final crop came in closer to 2.72 billion pounds, raising questions about forecasting accuracy.
Now, Sacramento-based Land IQ is discussing a forecasting calculator that uses satellite imagery, remote sensing, artificial intelligence and GIS technology to help estimate production more accurately.
For more, visit https://www.agalert.com/california-ag-news/archives/may-20-2026/why-rocket-scientists-began-counting-nuts-in-california/
