The Dakota Lodge at the Thompson County Park in West St. Paul MN is the site for the 2nd Annual Upper Midwest Hazelnut Growers Conference to be held Friday March 4th and Saturday March 5th. The Minnesota Hazelnut Foundation, University of Minnesota, Rural Advantage, University of Wisconsin Extension, and the Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative are hosting this afternoon and day long event.
The Friday, March 4th afternoon will be geared towards new and prospective growers, as well as those who want to brush up on the basics or learn more about hazelnuts in the Midwest. This Hazelnut 101 session will run from 1:00 to 6:00 with registration at Noon.
Saturday, March 5th is for new and experienced growers alike. Presentations on marketing nuts off the farm, integrating livestock & hazelnuts, hazelnut propagation, yield potential, genetics, processing and more are scheduled from 9:00 to 5:00. “The first hazelnut growers conference in 2010 was a great success,” explains Minnesota Hazelnut Foundation Vice President Norm Erickson, from Rochester. “We put together a great program this year with the 101 class on Friday and great speakers and presentations on Saturday.” Hazelnut growers are encouraged to bring samples of their best nuts (at least 5) for nut evaluation.
Cooks and chefs of the house are encouraged to bring their favorite hazelnut treat to share with others during morning and afternoon breaks. Cost for Friday afternoon only is $25, and for Saturday only $40. Save and attend both Friday and Saturday for $50. A brochure with a complete agenda, location, and registration form is available by contacting Jeff Jensen at 507-238-5449 or jeff@ruraladvantage.org
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