The Objective Forecast was released by NASS today putting the 2021 California almond crop at 2.80 billion lbs. This is 10% down from the 2020 crop of 3.12 billion lbs and 13% down from the Subjective forecast of 3.20 billion lbs. This forecast lands at the low end of expectations.

NASS cited significantly lower nutsets (on average down 18%, with nonpareil down 20%) as well as lower kernel weights (all varieties down 3% and nonpareil down 6%). Usually lower nutset result in larger kernels.

The combined effect of lower nutset and weight results in a projected yield of 2105 lbs per acre on 1.33 million bearing acres, down nearly 16% from average yield last season of just over 2500 lbs per acre.

Drought, water availability and extreme summer heat were cited in the report.

Using the usually reliable assumption that California will sell and ship what it grows, at 2.80 billion lbs there is no room for any shipment growth in the 2021 season, whereas shipments last season are looking to end at around 21% growth.
The market will figure out the price level that slows shipment growth, but it is likely higher than pricing seen in the run-up to the report.

Treehouse Almonds Farms - Treehouse Almond Update
Almonds in Palms of Hands - Social Sustainability Starts at Home
Treehouse Almond Update
Blanched Organic Almonds

You may also like

Overhead shot of Treehouse Almonds Farm 
Almond oil for industrial use: extraction methods, food vs. cosmetic grade, quality parameters, and sourcing specifications for food and personal care manufacturers.
All Blog PostsNews

Almond Oil for Industrial Use: Grades, Applications, and Sourcing Specifications for Food and Personal Care Manufacturers

 
Treehouse California Almonds - Market Update July 2026
All Blog PostsAlmond Market UpdatesNews

Treehouse California Almonds – Market Update July 2026

 
Whole almonds for industrial use: understand AOL sizing, USDA grades, natural vs. blanched, and which applications are best served by whole almonds at scale.
All Blog PostsNews

Whole Almonds for Industrial Use: Grades, Specifications, and Applications Across Food Manufacturing