Did you know that California has 4,000 walnut growers? A large majority are family farms that have been in the family for generations (some for even 100 years!). These growers handle harvesting with much care and attention in each step of the walnut growing process, from propagation to harvest to packing and, finally, to a grocery store near you. Click here to learn more about the walnut growing process.
Meet Davin Norene of Norene Ranches, Inc.
Let us introduce you to one of the growers that helps to bring California walnuts from the orchard to your kitchen. We sat down with Davin Norene to help us understand more about the walnut growing and harvesting process, and the people involved in the industry
What crops do you grow?
I am a walnut grower. I also grow safflower, hay, and silage as rotational crops when redeveloping an orchard and sometimes in between tree rows of young orchards. I grow a small amount of rice, and my family’s operation includes beef cattle.
Where do you farm?
My farming operation is centered in Rio Oso, California. We have orchards in both Yuba and southeast Sutter Counties in the Bear River watershed.
Tell me a little bit about the history of your farming operation.
My grandfather, Roy Norene, started farming in the 1940s and formed Norene Ranches, Inc. in 1954. He and my grandmother, Merle Norene, built an operation that included walnuts, cling peaches, rice, and irrigated pasture for beef cattle. After my grandfather passed, my father, Donald Norene, and my uncle Jerry continued the operation. We had a cling peach receiving station and a walnut huller/dryer. I started working during peach harvest when I was 11 or 12 years old, sorting peaches in the field. When I got older, I drove a forklift at our peach station. Today all of the family perennial farming ground is in walnuts, and I manage this operation with the guidance of my father. My uncle continues to operate beef cattle and rice farming.
How do you give back to the community both in agriculture and in the community where your operation is based?
I work to give back to my walnut community through my service on the California Walnut Commission and as counsel to the California Walnut Board. Before I had young kids, I was on the board of the Farm Bureau. Now, I spend my time being as involved in my kids’ activities as I can, including coaching their Little League team. My wife and I are doing our part to raise the next generation of California walnut growers.
Who was the biggest influence or mentor for you in your career?
My father — Donald Norene — a titan of the California walnut industry. One of the most innovative and astute walnut growers. He has volunteered countless hours working to grow the California walnut market, served as a former chairman of the California Walnut Commission, and was an early adopter of research to improve walnut production and irrigation.
As you grab your California walnuts and add them to your salads, baked goods, and meals this upcoming season, remember that behind every walnut is a grower who spends their days ensuring you have the best of the best produce to enhance your entrées and add a wonderful ingredient to your kitchen!
