Project Apis m.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Project Apis m.
    • PAm Staff
    • Scientific Advisors
    • PAm Board of Directors
    • Annual Reports >
      • 2022 Annual Report
      • 2021 Annual Report
      • 2020 Annual Report
    • Contact Us
    • Join The Team
  • News
    • PAm eNewsletter
    • Project Apis m. Blog
    • Inside the Hive TV
  • Honey Bee Research
    • Honey Bee Research
    • PAm-Costco Scholars
    • Request Funding
    • RFPs
  • Seeds For Bees
    • Apply to Enroll
    • Seeds For Bees FAQs
    • Seeds For Bees For the Grower >
      • Water Requirements
      • Cover Crop Competition
      • Nitrogen Management
      • FAQs for Growers
      • Seeds for Bees Resources
      • Seeds For Bees Net 30 Agreement
    • PAm Seed Mixes >
      • PAm Pollinator Brassica Mix
      • PAm Annual Clover Mix
      • PAm Bio Build 3 Mix
      • PAm Wildflower Mix
      • Vetch-Grain Mix
      • PAm Perennial Clover Mix
    • Seeds For Bees Supporters
  • Forage
    • Forage (Home)
    • Forage Videos
  • Resources
    • Guide to Indoor Storage of Honey Bee Colonies in the USA
    • Guide to Shipping Honey Bee Queen Cells
    • Guide to Honey Bee Queen Banking
    • Best Management Practices For Beekeepers (Home) >
      • Honey Bee Nutrition
      • Varroa
      • Nosema
      • Honey Bee Equipment Management and Maintenance
      • Honey Bee Colony Management
    • Best Management Practices For Almond Growers
  • Video
  • Supporters
    • Support Us
    • Christi Heintz Scholarship
    • Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Testimonials

Seeds for Bees Blog

Grower Spotlight: Blake Davis

11/8/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
Seeds for Bees grower Blake Davis and Billy Synk talk about the multiple benefits of cover crop planting in the California almond orchard Blake manages.
Photo courtesy of Scott Hathaway.
Where did you grow up? When did you first start working in agriculture?
I grew up in Visalia. My first job after college was in the construction industry. When I was 25, I realized I wanted to work outside instead and transferred to ag. 
 
Where did you go to school? What other credentials do you have?
I went to the College of the Sequoias. I also have my PCA and QAL license. 
 
What was your work experience before your position at Pacific Gold Agriculture?
I was a PCA for Helena Chemical.
 
What do you grow?
Almonds, Pecans, and Walnuts.
 
How many acres you currently manage?
Pacific Gold manages over 3,500 acres. I oversee 700 acres in the Sacramento Valley. I also assist with management decisions on the remainder of our land in
Southern California. 
 
Why did you start planting Seeds for Bees cover crops?
The long-term sustainability of our land and business. Maintaining healthy
bee populations and soil quality is our goal and cover cropping helps us achieve that.  
 
What other things have you done for bees?
We planted 3,600 feet of pollinator-friendly hedgerows with plans to install
more hedgerows adjacent to other blocks. We also have a company-wide policy of only spraying at night. This is necessary for honey bee safety.
 
What does your beekeeper think of your efforts?
He is excited about the changes to our orchard. Because of the diverse forage our orchards provide he can bring his bees in earlier in winter before almond bloom. He also says the hives that are stronger when they leave.
 
What are the soil benefits that you have seen?
Our soils are heavy and can become compacted. Cover cropping with the PAm Mustard Mix has helped the water infiltrate by breaking up the soil and adding organic matter.
 
Are there some challenges related to cover crop in almond orchards?
How did you overcome those?
The transition has presented any significant challenges. I was initially worried about too much dead plant matter on the orchard floor come harvest, but it did not hinder us down as we anticipated.
 
What are the biggest issues almond growers face today?
Water and bee health. If we don’t have water to grow trees, and bees to set nuts our industry will suffer.
 
How do you prevent frost damage with an orchard that has cover crops?
We use thermometers and soil water sensors. If temperatures drop, we will mow down whatever vegetation is growing. Most years frost isn’t an issue.
 
What is your favorite way to eat almonds?
Right off the tree.
 
Are your children old enough to help out?
I wish! My kids do enjoy going into the orchard and seeing the different stages of growth throughout the season. They also like to watch the equipment being used during harvest.
 
What do you like to do when you are not working?
When I’m not working or thinking about working, I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors.
 
What tool could you not live without?
My pickup truck….one tool I wouldn’t mind losing is my cell phone. (laughter)
 
A big thank you goes out to Blake Davis for spending some of his Friday evening with me. And, be sure to check out the new Seeds for Bees video featuring testimonials from Blake and beekeepers who provide pollination services for almond growers.

Want to help shape who you hear from next? Send me your suggestions and ideas at Billy@ProjectApism.org or 614-330-6932. Stay tuned for more interviews in upcoming posts!
 
Billy Synk, 
Director of Pollination Programs
1 Comment
Marina Teramond: link
6/26/2021 12:23:43 am

many people are afraid to do what they really like, they do not want changes. But success depends on how much you love your job. Great job!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016

Donate online

DONATE

donate with check to:

 Project Apis m.
PO Box 26793
Salt Lake City, UT 84126​

916-287-3035

follow us

Contact us


Project Apis m. is a 501(c)5 nonprofit organization. Your donation is not deductible on your individual income tax form. There are other business, foundation, or trust tax benefits, please consult your tax advisor about the deductibility of your contributions.
Copyright © 2017 Project Apis m. All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Project Apis m.
    • PAm Staff
    • Scientific Advisors
    • PAm Board of Directors
    • Annual Reports >
      • 2022 Annual Report
      • 2021 Annual Report
      • 2020 Annual Report
    • Contact Us
    • Join The Team
  • News
    • PAm eNewsletter
    • Project Apis m. Blog
    • Inside the Hive TV
  • Honey Bee Research
    • Honey Bee Research
    • PAm-Costco Scholars
    • Request Funding
    • RFPs
  • Seeds For Bees
    • Apply to Enroll
    • Seeds For Bees FAQs
    • Seeds For Bees For the Grower >
      • Water Requirements
      • Cover Crop Competition
      • Nitrogen Management
      • FAQs for Growers
      • Seeds for Bees Resources
      • Seeds For Bees Net 30 Agreement
    • PAm Seed Mixes >
      • PAm Pollinator Brassica Mix
      • PAm Annual Clover Mix
      • PAm Bio Build 3 Mix
      • PAm Wildflower Mix
      • Vetch-Grain Mix
      • PAm Perennial Clover Mix
    • Seeds For Bees Supporters
  • Forage
    • Forage (Home)
    • Forage Videos
  • Resources
    • Guide to Indoor Storage of Honey Bee Colonies in the USA
    • Guide to Shipping Honey Bee Queen Cells
    • Guide to Honey Bee Queen Banking
    • Best Management Practices For Beekeepers (Home) >
      • Honey Bee Nutrition
      • Varroa
      • Nosema
      • Honey Bee Equipment Management and Maintenance
      • Honey Bee Colony Management
    • Best Management Practices For Almond Growers
  • Video
  • Supporters
    • Support Us
    • Christi Heintz Scholarship
    • Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Testimonials