Ox heights discovery and OUtreach
2017: Proof of Concept – Sustainable Chestnut Production in Northeast Lower Michigan
Learn how our chestnut orchard was established and how chestnut growth and survival varied among cultivars. Explore how we harvested forage from the orchard during establishment and improved our soils. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Project 17-1081. Read here!
2019: Testing aged manure for enhanced soil health and tree establishment in a pioneer chestnut orchard.
Here we learned how aged manure compared to inorganic fertilizer in our establishing chestnut orchard. The results encouraged us to transition to a silvopasture farm ecosystem where sheep are used to cut the grass and fertilize our trees. USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Grant Project 19-1170 Read here!
2022: Promoting farm sustainability with complementary intercropping of English walnut, peaches, and sheep pastureland.
Here we established our intercropped peach and English walnut orchard and combined it with sheep pastureland. Check out why English Walnut and peaches complement each other. English walnuts should be available from Ox Heights starting in 2026! USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Project 22-1329. Read here!
2024: Establishment Best Practices for Trees Producing Edible Pine Nuts in the North Central United States
Here we established an edible pine nut plantation and are testing establishment techniques to maximize survival and growth. Pine nuts coming in 2034? USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Project 22-1420. Project summary here!