nov-dec-2019

NEWS IN A NUTSHELL 2nd Annual Sporting Clays & Bocce Tournament a Smashing Success! On November 1, nearly seventy people gathered at the Stockton Gun and Bocce Club to enjoy a morning clay target shooting competition and bocce ball tournament. The event’s purpose went beyond just having a great time but was to raise funds for the Blue Diamond Growers Foundation, which provides scholarships to stellar students earning four-year ag degrees. After the games, a delicious barbecue brisket lunch and raffle were held in the hall. Altogether, a grand total of $1,128 was raised for the students and young leaders. The event host and Blue Diamond Regional Manager of Merced County, Justin Elam, expressed how pleased he was with the turnout. “Everyone who came out this year had a great time! We hope to see this event continue to grow. And how about that brisket ? !” This year’s tournament boasted nearly triple the attendance of last year’s and is only going to grow from there. Since 2011, the Blue Diamond Foundation has been an important link, helping to join hands between generations of almond growers by providing monetary support to young ag professionals. Ongoing support for the foundation with events like this annual “BBs and Bocce Tournament” is key to the success of grower-owners. Be sure to keep an eye out for next year’s tournament date for a fun-filled morning supporting a worthy cause! About Blue Diamond Growers Foundation and Leadership Program The BDG Foundation Scholarship was established for promising young students from California who plan to attend a college, or are attending a college, that offers a 4-year degree in Agriculture. The Blue Diamond Leadership Program is designed for potential young growers between the ages of 21 and 40 years of age. This program is designed to prepare the participants for a leadership role in the almond industry. Ribbon Cutting for New U.S. Cold Storage in Turlock Blue Diamond cut a ceremonial ribbon on November 14 to celebrate the grand opening of the brand-new United States Cold Storage (USCS) refrigerated warehouse. The 9.3-million-cubic-foot building was finished in October, has two rooms, and up to 40,500 pallet positions. Blue Diamond ’s broad ingredient line includes a wide range of almonds (whole, sliced, diced, etc.) and also almond ingredients like powders, flours, and oils. The new warehouse will receive, store, and ship Blue Diamond ingredients and industrial finished products all around the country and the world. Rod Noll, UCSC Senior Vice President of the Western Region, expressed his excitement in serving Blue Diamond ’s cold storage 2 0 A L M O N D F A C T S