In an era where fewer young people are entering agriculture, Gustine-area student Baylor Bloom is proving that passion, determination, and a willingness to learn can still pave the way for a thriving future in farming.
Bloom, the young entrepreneur behind Full Bloom Harvesting, began operating a nut-harvesting shaker at just 14 years old. After spending his childhood working on his family farm, he stepped into a leadership role earlier than most — a decision that built both his confidence and the foundation for a rapidly growing business.
“I started Full Bloom Harvesting after running this shaker for three years,” Bloom shared. “I knew I wanted to take on more responsibility as a high schooler, and with my knowledge and passion for this machine and industry it came easy. It was definitely a learning experience the first year. From managing the machine to managing the business aspect, there was a lot to learn with very little time and very little room for error.”
Bloom credits much of his early expansion to mentorship and the wisdom of partners who guided him as he learned to navigate the agricultural business world.
“My biggest factors behind this expansion were definitely the support and wisdom of partners, and also the knowledge I have gained of the industry,” he said. “Being armed with a deep knowledge, I was able to expand more quickly into new machines that allowed me to cover more acres.”
That expansion has included the purchase of additional harvesting equipment — a major responsibility for anyone, let alone a teenager still in high school.
“With the purchasing of a new machine comes a lot of responsibility,” Bloom said. “I would be lying if I said it isn’t downright scary, but it opens so many doors for myself and serves as a stepping stone not only for my business but for my life as well. Owning a shaker tells people that I’m established, reliable, and allows for my business to grow at a pace scaled by me.”
Bloom says the toughest part of running a business at his age is balancing time between school and fieldwork.
“My biggest challenge being a high school student and running a business simultaneously definitely was not being able to be out in the field most days,” he said. “I had to learn to work around school, as well as manage very well the machines so that I could step away for many hours of the day.”
Still, he has managed to grow Full Bloom Harvesting steadily each season, relying on discipline, careful planning, and a strong work ethic instilled by years on the family farm.
California’s almond and walnut industries — among the largest in the world — rely on highly specialized equipment that demands skill and precision.
“Almonds and walnuts take many steps to harvest,” Bloom explained. “Efficiency is very important whenever possible. The biggest thing I do to ensure efficiency and precision is proper operator training. The skills used to operate these machines don’t come from videos and they don’t come easy. It takes years to master.”
Bloom also stresses the importance of maintenance.
“I keep the machines properly serviced. Less downtime means more operation time and more efficiency, and in the crucial days of harvest, every minute counts.”
He also notes that these crops are as remarkable as they are labor-intensive. Walnuts, he points out, are the only nut that offers an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids — something he believes is often overlooked in discussions about their value.
As Bloom approaches graduation, he is focused on ensuring that Full Bloom Harvesting remains stable and efficient even as he begins college.
“Looking ahead, I hope to fully stabilize Full Bloom Harvesting for the coming years,” he said. “Rounding out my high school years I will be going to college, and it is critical that my company is stable and very well managed when I am not able to manage it in person.”
Beyond college, Bloom hopes to continue expanding into additional areas of harvesting and to operate more machinery while increasing the number of acres he services.
“It is a balance between expansion and stability, and I am learning every single day,” he said.
Bloom represents a promising future for California agriculture — one rooted in hard work, innovation, and a genuine passion for the land. As he continues to scale his business while finishing high school, his story stands as a powerful reminder that the next generation of farmers is not just preparing to lead — they are already making their mark.
