Episode 67: Off-Ground Harvesting and Soil Health With Bret Sill

Almond Journey

Kern County almond grower Bret Sill shares some of his experiences building the soil biology in his orchards through practices like integrating sheep into the orchard and planting cover crops. Sill also discusses his experiments with off-ground harvest and reflects on how this approach might fit into his overall system. Ultimately, Sill is looking to reach his productivity goals with minimal inputs while maximizing the value of every almond produced.

“The things I've been thinking about is: how do we add more value (by) trying some of the regenerative practices. I can only cut out so much cost, and if I'm not adding value to that product, then how are we going to survive?” - Bret Sill

In Today’s episode:

• Learn about almond producer Bret Sill of Sill Properties in Kern County
• Explore the process Sill Properties is taking to try new practices to reduce inputs and encourage soil biology
• Discover Sill’s approach to water management and recharging the groundwater in his area

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.