History

2018

Hilltop Ranch is excited about the NEW modernization of the sizing and processing plant.

2016

Hilltop Ranch employs automated sorting machines to increase the accuracy of the sorting process.

2014

Staff and structure changes pave the way for further growth and improvement. Hilltop Ranch also established a new organic handler/processor, Long Valley Organics, LLC to better serve both organic growers and buyers.

2010

Hilltop Ranch is the first almond handler/processor to be documented as “sustainable” by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and BASF Chemical Company. Over 30% reduction of inputs were documented. Hilltop Ranch also added new state-of-the-art Satake electronic sorting machines to its operation.

2009

Hilltop Ranch is the first almond handler/processor to install solar power. Still in use today, the 4.5 acres (approx.. 2 hectares), 574 kilowatt solar array powers almost 75% of the production facility.

2006

Hilltop Ranch expands further at the Turlock road location with the construction of it’s present sorting, packing and shipping facility.

2002

Hilltop Ranch expands to present plant location on Turlock Road and warehouse space. First in the industry to incorporate gravity separation, electronic sorting and sizing in one continuous line at 10 metric tons per hours.

1995

Hilltop Ranch establishes an on-site laboratory to insure food safety and quality.

1993

Added electronic sorting equipment.

1991

Hilltop Ranch enters the organic market and services organic growers and buyers with the same passion and efficiency they applied to their conventional growers.

1985 – 2003

Hilltop Ranch logs continuous growth increasing to more than two hundred growers and thirty-five million pounds.

1984

The Long’s become an almond processor, handling two million pounds in their first year.

1983

Dave Long, using his engineering background, builds a huller/sheller and begins shelling almonds for local growers.

1982

The Long’s start custom farming for financial institutions who were repossessing land due to the high interest rates of the period.

1981

Dave and Christine move their family to the San Joaquin Valley to protect and nurture their investment.

1980

Dave and Christine purchase an almond orchard in the Ballico area of the San Joaquin Valley.