Rob Kiss joined the Journey to discuss working as a pest control advisor (PCA), some of the current pest risks facing almond growers, and the importance of working together for industry priorities like research. Kiss recently retired from Bayer Crop Science where he worked as a pest control advisor and customer business advisor. His almond journey started in 1955 when his grandpa planted almonds in Livingston, California. He remembers growing up around those almonds and how they influenced him to eventually pursue a career as a PCA.

“The clock is ticking on how to control navel orangeworm. In addition to that, we have this carpophilus beetle. We've got a daunting task ahead of us, and we all have got to work together.” - Rob Kiss

In Today’s episode:

• Meet Rob Kiss, one of the first licensed pest control advisors in California and recently retired customer business advisor at Bayer Crop Science
• Understand the value of PCA and grower collaborations
• Explore emerging pest dangers and what producers need to be aware of to protect their crop
• Discover the significance of timing of treatments to improve input efficacy and avoid unfavorable outcomes

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.