Severe statewide drought, including a June that was the driest spell the central portion of the state has seen in 127 years, is causing the 2021 almond crop in California to project 10% smaller than 2020, says the USDA. The average almond kernel weight sampled was 1.46 grams, down 3% from 2020, when drought conditions were not present. Annual almond crop forecasts have been estimated at 2.8 billion meat pounds, compared to last year’s record 3.1 billion pounds. However, analysts predict the decrease in supply could actually lead to better prices for growers, as some nuts were placed in storage due to COVID-related disruptions. Get more in-depth almond crop projections.