In February, we gathered at Sperry Farms in Waterford, CA along with our partners, East Stanislaus RCD and National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) for a bilingual field day, just as the trees were beginning to blossom. Farmer Wes Sperry began the day describing their organic and regenerative practices used on one of their almond ranches, and how practices such as cover crops enhance water infiltration. In addition, cover crops help control dust, sequester carbon, and contribute to a more climate-resilient orchard system. Wes also shared how he enjoyed working in his organic orchard that is much more alive with pollinators and beneficial insects, which are crucial for almond pollination and pest control.

Martin Guerna (NCAT) discussed the wide range of benefits of cover crops that enhance both soil and ecosystem health. These plants improve soil structure, organic matter, and microbial activity, boosting overall fertility and making the almonds heathier and less attractive to pests. Legumes in the mix fix atmospheric nitrogen, while deep-rooted varieties recycle nutrients for tree uptake. Some cover crop species can disrupt pest and disease cycles or act as natural biofumigants, further supporting orchard health with minimal chemical input.

Deedee Soto (NRCS Partner Biologist with Xerces Society) gave a tour of the hedgerow planting and discussed how these plants support parasitoid and predatory insects important to the suppression of the most significant almond pests. She also described how native bees play a vital role in almond orchards by complementing honey bee activity, especially during cooler, windier, or early morning hours when honey bees are less active. Their presence increases pollinator diversity and redundancy, making the system more resilient to weather changes and potential declines in honey bee populations. When both native and honey bees are present, they influence each other’s foraging patterns—honey bees tend to move between varieties more frequently, which improves pollination effectiveness. She also highlighted specific attributes of the plants as we walked the hedgerow: Ceanothus and redbud fix nitrogen, mulefat blooms late in year, rose provides edible rosehips, buckwheat attracts a wide range of beneficial insects, manzanita provides early-season forage for bumblebees, and gum plant offers long-lasting blooms that support the beautiful, metallic-colored sweat bees.

Saul Alba (BioBee) discussed biological control in almonds, highlighting farmscaping as an ecologically grounded, whole-farm strategy that can boost the effectiveness and abundance of arthropod natural enemies. To remember the different components of farmscaping that support beneficial insects with critical resources, he shared the acronym SNAP—Shelter, Nectar, Alternative prey, and Pollen. He also described the use of drone-based augmentative releases of predatory mites, which help control pest spider mite populations.

Trina Walley (E. Stanislaus RCD) shared the many ways the Resource Conservation District supports growers, including assistance with pollinator habitat through cover crops and hedgerows, carbon farm planning, riparian restoration, and irrigation evaluations. They also offer an equipment rental program and host a river education day.