West Coast Nut Magazine
October / November 2026
Research, field reporting and grower perspectives from the tree nut industry. Browse individual stories below, or open the complete magazine in the reader.
60 pages. Open a full-window reading view, scroll at your own pace, search the issue or zoom into any page. Every print advertisement is included.
Inside This Issue
Choose an individual article for comfortable web reading, or enjoy the complete magazine above.
From the Publisher
The People Behind the Harvest
Jason Scott reflects on the growers, families and orchard crews behind the harvest and the work that guides West Coast Nut’s reporting.
Winter Preparation
Planning for El Niño or Not? Is It Hype or a Hint?
Orchard drainage, sanitation, young trees and groundwater recharge are part of preparing for the possibility of a wet winter.
Orchard Research
Smoke in the Orchard: The Lingering Effects of California Wildfires
Researchers examine how prolonged wildfire smoke affects photosynthesis, carbohydrate reserves and recovery in California orchard crops.
Industry Recognition
Inaugural CCC Awards Recognize Leaders in California Agriculture
The 2026 Crop Consultant Conference honors Deborah Miller, Gary Osteen, Rich Kreps and Dr. Elizabeth Fichtner.
Pest Management
New Approach to NOW Control Takes a Genetic Route
Flyttr is developing a genetically sterile male navel orangeworm as a potential addition to California tree nut pest management.
Orchard Nutrition
The Consultant’s Take: Micronutrient Management Starts in the Root Zone
Iron, zinc and boron management begins with understanding soil chemistry, nutrient availability and conditions in the root zone.
From the Orchard
Keenan Farms Looks to the Next 50 Years
Elizabeth Keenan Schuh discusses her family’s pistachio business, water security, processing technology and plans for the next generation.
Special Report
2026 State of the Tree Nut Industry
California’s almond, pistachio and walnut industries assess market conditions, shifting acreage and the challenges ahead in 2027.
Walnut Quality
Tackling Rancidity Is Key to Building Sustained Demand
Robert Verloop explains how quality, handling and rancidity management can help strengthen sustained demand for California walnuts.
Pecan Research
“Trees for the Future” Aimed at Overcoming Environmental Challenges for Pecan Production
The “Trees for the Future” research project examines pecan genetics, bloom timing, salinity tolerance and pest resistance.
Orchard Technology
Drones Offer Flexibility but Come with Rules and Regulations in Agriculture
A UC workshop examines agricultural drone applications, operator requirements and the factors that influence performance in the field.
Hazelnut Management
Multiple Benefits to Heavy Pruning in Hazelnuts
Oregon State University’s Nik Wiman explains how pruning and hedging can renew hazelnut wood, improve access and support tree health.
A Northern Perspective
A Northern Perspective for Almonds: October
Franz Niederholzer reviews fall irrigation, sanitation, nutrition, drainage and orchard-floor preparation as growers plan for 2027.
From the Field
What I Want to Know After Harvest
The answers are in your damage samples, tissue results and orchard history. Put them to work before winter.