Western Farmer-Stockman Logo

The 2022 California walnut production is forecast at 720,000 tons, down 1% from 2021's production of 725,000 tons.

Farm Press Staff

September 12, 2022

2 Min Read
WFP-hearden-walnuts-handful.JPG
Tim Hearden

Walnut yields this season are expected to fall just short of 2021 levels, according to the latest objective measurement report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The 2022 California walnut production is forecast at 720,000 tons, down 1% from 2021's production of 725,000 tons. The forecast is based on 400,000 bearing acres, up 3% from 2021’s estimated bearing acreage of 390,000.

California benefitted from heavy rain and significant snowpack in late 2021, however the state has since experienced hot and dry conditions. As a result, water allocations were significantly reduced in many areas.

Related: California walnut farmers struggle to reach global markets

During the last two weeks of February, the Sacramento Valley experienced several nights of freezing temperatures. Frost damage was observed.

Estimated nut sets, sizing measurements, average number of trees per acre, and estimated bearing acreage were used in the statistical models.

The 2022 Walnut O.M. Survey utilized a total of 711 blocks with two sample trees per block. Survey data indicated an average nut set per tree of 981, down 1% from 2021’s average of 992.

Related: U.S. walnuts face stiff competition from Chile, China

The percentage of sound kernels in-shell was 98.0% statewide. In-shell weight per nut was 20.2 grams, while the average in-shell suture measurement was 32.4 millimeters. The in-shell cross-width measurement was 33.2 and the average length in-shell was 37.9 millimeters.

The Walnut O.M. Survey began in 1958 to fulfill industry needs for an accurate walnut production forecast prior to harvest. The original sample was chosen proportionally to county and variety of bearing acreage.

With each succeeding year, additions and deletions have been made in the sample to adjust for acreage removed, new bearing acreage, and operations that choose not to participate in the survey.

Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like