About 50 to 75 lbs actual N per acre. Typically applied as UN32 through the irrigation system. That number's tweaked seasonally based on soil / leaf tissue analysis, and previous years yield. (each pound of avocado that leaves the farm takes .0028 of a lb with it.
The squeeze: if I short N this spring to save $, I get no growth this summer=no blossoms next spring (2027) = no fruit in 2028. Budget savings must come elsewhere.
Some data from my world:
This time last year "Size 60" avocados (most common size) returned about $1.75/ lb to the grower.
Today = $1.06.
This time last year a gallon of UN32 (conventional nitrogen fertilizer) was about $4.96
Today = $8.54
Not fun.
The extent to which "agriculture" is composed of fixing things you reasonably assumed were working is underappreciated.
Hard to beat a good apple fritter.
This year's Cinco de Mayo will see the lowest #avocado prices in some time. Practice your guacamole skills before the big day arrives!
A few new #avocado trees to wrap up a busy week.
Partial to the statistically insignificant parasaurolophus myself, but a lot of that was enjoying the reaction of adults when my 3 year would bring it up in conversation. As 3 year old do.
It's a beautiful morning to harvest #avocados
California. Avocados, poppies, and sunshine.
When I was at NAS Moffett Field, NASA had a U2 that operate from there. Incredible ability to generate noise. And not too quick, so you had plenty of time to enjoy it.
Amare?
Sure, they're local, keto, gluten free, and zero added sugar. But Amare your oysters free range, or from confined animal feeding operations?
Recognizing doctors is not a part of the cognitive tests administered to him by doctors.
Whether he is "the antichrist" (proper noun) I will leave for others to debate. That he is "anti-Christ" (adjective) is self evident from his words and actions.
He should also not be President of the United States for many, many non-theological reasons.
Every now and then I read a post and think "What?"
And then I see who posted and everything makes sense.
Your animal names continue to inspire.
It may not be sunny for Ventura County Farm Day, but the rain is expected to hold off until the evening. Looking forward to seeing our neighbors on Saturday between 10-3. Orchard tours on the half-hour marks.
During this morning's irrigation, I stopped to look at some #avocado blossoms. Hope wasted no time crawling under the canopy to relax in the damp shade. She wishes a Happy Easter to all.
The big news in #avocados a couple of years ago was the release of a new variety: Luna, a hass-like fruit suited to high density planting. We have a few for trials, and this one will be part of the 2027 crop.
The astronauts not having an out of office on is making the rest of us look bad
Mustard, avocados and fog on a Friday morning.
There's something satisfying about growing something tangible. Not AI generated, not delivered by fiber optic cable. Just #avocados grown with CA soil and sunshine.
U.S. foreign policy has been captured by dorks obsessed with the movie 300 and the only way to fix it is to put in power dorks obsessed with the movie Master and Commander.
Happy #nationalagday! In preparation for April 11 ##venturacountyfarmday I'll be fielding questions on #avocados and local ag today. Then come by the farm 4/11 10 -3 to get a tour!
And then you get the folks who say "I'm fine with heating the milk, I just don't believe in pasteurization."
Covercrop: grown with the winter rain protects against the summer sun (even if both rain and sun show up in spring)
"What this clip really provides is fresh evidence of Trump’s scale of derangement, his inability to think or act strategically, and his utter lack of fitness to be sitting in our Oval Office. That’s been true for a long time, but it has become increasingly clear." open.substack.com/pub/america/...
Asked if I'm worried about the growth of avocado acreage in Ventura County. I am... a bit. But our water is only 20-25% the cost of San Diego area water. Pretty much every acre added here has been offset by a lost acre there. HT @jaysayre.bsky.social www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/03/15/e...
Monday morning in the #avocado orchard.
