It will soon be time for hazelnut harvest. Join in Aug. 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Rosemount hazelnut planting at the Vermillion Highlands, Farm Loop Lone Rock Trailhead to learn about the University of Minnesota's hazelnut breeding program and get the chance to see hybrid hazelnuts as they are ready to harvest. Also get the chance to learn about the American Hazelnut Company and their efforts to pioneer marketing of this new midwestern nut crop.
University of Minnesota hazelnut researcher Dr. Lois Braun will lead participants across the 7 acre site to show off the plants that will lead to the second generation of hazelnut seedlings. These progeny of controlled pollinations are strikingly different from their American and European hazelnut parentage. Field day participants can also see some of our top first generation selections in a plant spacing trial, now bearing their first nuts. They can also see mound layering, a method of propagation, at another hazelnut planting a quarter mile away.
Mike Lilja of the American Hazelnut Company (AHC) will talk about how Midwestern farmers have come together to build a hazelnut cooperative to process and market this new crop. The AHC's product line includes roasted hazelnuts, hazelnut oil, hazelnut flour, and flavored snack packs.
Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/3zYRhoN in case organizers need to contact you in the event of postponement or rescheduling.
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables