Industry Spotlight – Davin Norene, Big Time Farming LLC

3. What do you rely on the CWB/CWC the most for?

The CWC’s funding of health research related to the consumption of walnuts has been a huge driver in the worldwide demand for walnuts. Additionally, the Board’s support of production research continues to keep our grower community at the forefront of producing the highest-quality walnuts offered around the globe.

4. How has being a grower/handler changed over the years?

We try to embrace new technologies and ideas: to improve irrigation efficiency, to harvest, hull and dry our walnuts with less energy, to combat pests and pathogens with less dependence on traditional chemicals. Every day we face the new challenges of a changing business and environmental climate. Yet, we try to stay true to the hard work required in this business and care for the soil from which our family farm has grown.

5. What is it like working with your family in the business?

It is great to work with people whom you know share the same passion for the land we farm. It has its challenges too, though! For example, sometimes work will come to Christmas dinner as well!

6. What’s one tip for all the California walnuts growers/handlers out there?

Embrace the grind! With a perennial crop like walnuts, there is no off-season and there are no silver bullets. Quality orchards that last for decades demand persistence. Keep your boots in the dirt.