North Iowa Hazelnut Field Day and Orchard Tour
Hazelnut production, pruning & processing, agroforestry & water quality
FENTON, Iowa —Healthy Harvest of North Iowa, Nut Haven, The Iowa Nut Growers Association, and Hazel Acres are hosting a North Iowa Hazelnut Field Day and Orchard Tour at Hazel Acres on Sunday, July 14th starting at 3:00 p.m. Learn about hazelnut production, processing, pruning, agroforestry and water quality benefits of perennial crops.
Hazel Acres is located at 3503 40th Ave, Fenton, IA 50539.
Owner operators Roger and Jeff Jensen planted the first hazelnut shrubs in 2005 at Hazel Acres and the mature shrubs are producing nuts now. The orchard tour will highlight the maturing nuts growing on the shrubs, pruning requirements-especially after damage has occurred, and how harvest is done. Processing demonstrations include husking, nut separation, nut sizing, nut cracking and sorting.
“This will be a field day for new growers, experienced growers, or those looking to learn more about the opportunity to grow this perennial crop right here in Central Iowa. The Nut Growers will be talking about the IA Hazelnut Project, teaching about pruning, and of course processing some nuts, it is going to be a really fun day,” said Jeff Jensen, farm host.
The field day also welcomes curious community members and hazelnut consumers, who want to learn more about how hazelnuts can be used. It will be an opportunity to network with others, learn about this somewhat unusual crop for north Iowa, and enjoy some refreshments.
A tour of the Iowa Nut Growers Association Hazelnut Test Plot is also planned to see some of the most promising experimental genotypes being grown for eventual commercialization. Shrubs are starting to produce nuts after being established in 2017, so attendees can see how some of these plants do here in northern Iowa.
Questions about the field day may be directed to Jeff Jensen at jeff@jenagres.com or via phone at 515-320-6756, or Mary at connection@healthyharvestni.com.
The North Iowa Local Food Connections program is coordinated by Healthy Harvest of North Iowa to build relationships between local food and farm businesses. This series of field days provides an opportunity to learn about the unique businesses across our region raising and providing great food. The network creates a space for businesses and friends to collaborate, learn, and create connections that build businesses and productive communities.
