The first official look at the 2004 California almond crop will come a day earlier than originally planned.

The California Agricultural Statistics Service subjective forecast previously scheduled for announcement on May 11 will now be made shortly after noon on May 10.

The forecast will be released simultaneously at the International Tree Nut Council Convention in Las Vegas, at the Almond Board of California conference room in Modesto, Calif., and at the CASS office in Sacramento.

The forecast is based on a survey of approximately 400 almond growers throughout the state.