Burchell In The News
Unique Almond Variety Generates Exciting Times for Plant Genetics
Of significance, Nonpareil+ is not a genetically modified organism (GMO).
Self-Compatible Varieties
Almond Conference Video
The Rise of Self-Fertile
The almond industry is decoding tree genetics
May 8, 2025
Fresno State Honoring Bill Burchell
For his contributions to agriculture in Stanislaus County.
Throughout his career, Bill has been involved with many Ag-related activities, including the Modesto City Schools and Modesto Junior College Ag Advisory Committees, MJC Honorary Young Farmer, State CDFA Industry Advisory Board, UCD Foundation Plant Materials Service chairman, and Methodist Church committees and boards. He has also been extensively involved with the California Association of Nurserymen (now CANGC).
Bill always wanted to share the best of what his nursery grew. Being one of the top fruit and nut tree nurseries in the state, growing over 2 million trees annually and introducing 4 of the top 8 commercial almond varieties, Bill liked to take packets of almonds to share at CANGC activities. He enjoyed sharing the many introductions the nursery has made in the fruit and nut industry. He liked sharing with his family the different varieties of fruit being served at the table.
Growing Produce
Breeding an Almond Revolution
National Nut Grower
Burchell Nursery Town Hall Series to Introduce New Nonpareil Almond Variety
West Coast Nut
No Pollinizers Needed
Ag Alert
Gene Editing
Behind Two New
Self-pollinating Nonpareils
2024 - December
Almond Breeding Breakthrough! The Future Is Now With ‘Nonpareil SC+’
Burchell Nursery owner Tom Burchell created the ORIGINS Genome Research Initiative in 2018 to address several issues facing almond growers, including ‘Nonpareil’ self-compatibility, harvest timing, drought tolerance, pathogen resistance, flower timing, chill requirements, universal pollen, and compatibility. He’s now eager to introduce ‘Nonpareil SC+’ to the market.
2024 - September
The AG Community Mourns the Loss of One of It’s Own
The sudden passing of Tim Gerdts on August 26, 2024, marked a day of mourning for both the company he dedicated 38 years to and the fruit and nut tree community he supported. Tim began his tenure at Burchell Nursery as a sales representative in 1986, after serving as a field supervisor and lead at Gerawan Farming. At the time, Burchell Nursery was expanding with a new branch in Fowler, CA, and required a sales representative for the Fresno area. Residing in Kingsburg, a Fresno State alumnus, Tim was well-acquainted with the local growers and fruit packers.
Raised in an agricultural environment, with his father serving as a UC Cooperative Farm Advisor, Tim learned orchard management firsthand. At Burchell Nursery, he leveraged this knowledge to offer growers guidance on pruning, planting, rootstock selection, and varietal recommendations. Tim was often seen in peach or almond orchards, demonstrating proper pruning techniques to growers.
Tim played a pivotal role in the Burchell Nursery Breeding Program, contributing to the introduction of over 70 peach and nectarine varieties, many of which, like the Autumn Flame peach, have become industry benchmarks. He also collaborated with Bradford Farms to launch numerous new stone fruit varieties from their breeding program. Tim's relentless search for the ideal variety, whether new or established, always aimed to advance the grower's success.
Beyond his exemplary sales representation, Tim was a cornerstone during the winter delivery season, assisting in the distribution of trees. He managed the Burchell Nursery Fowler sales yard, overseeing the coordination of tree shipments and deliveries to clients. Working in tandem with truck drivers and office staff, he ensured seamless deliveries to meet customer readiness. Tim's commitment extended to operating a forklift for loading trucks or being present at a customer's orchard early in the morning.
His untimely passing is a loss that will resonate throughout the agriculture industry, as we have lost one of the most knowledgeable tree experts. His presence will be profoundly missed by everyone that knew him.
2023 - November
Bill Burchell Inducted into the Green Industry Hall of Fame!
The Burchell Nursery was established in Modesto by Bill’s father, Irvin Burchell in 1942. Bill was 8 years old at the time. The nursery specialized in growing deciduous fruit and nut trees for the commercial grower.
Agriculture became a way of life for Bill. He was in 4-H, FFA, Scouts and worked in all phases of the nursery and the family farm. Bill attended Modesto Junior College, Fresno State, and UC Davis.
