Michigan Family Farms Conference - March 15, 2025

Saturday September 15th 2018

1pm – 4pm

Ox Heights

2330 N Angle Rd 

Rogers City MI 49779

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Edible chestnut production is a growing industry in Michigan. Edible chestnuts can also be planted to improve wildlife habitat – especially for deer. Historically chestnut plantings have been located on the West side of the lower peninsula of Michigan in known orchard regions because they are cold sensitive. Our project was designed to evaluate chestnut cultivars for establishment in Northeast MI, specifically in the high ridge regions of Moltke Township. Additionally, we partnered with Brege Farms to look at hay cropping in the planting to improve soils and ease the economic burden of tree establishment. 

This field day is designed to share what we have learned during this project and provide information to those who might be interested in growing chestnuts in Michigan.

The field day will occur at Ox Heights farm owned by Nick and Abby Johnson. This project was funded by SARE and is organized in cooperation with MSUE 

Schedule of Events 

1:00 - 2:30 PM: Presentation - Why Chestnuts? Why Moltke Ridge? What did we do?  What have we learned?

2:30 - 3:00 PM: Orchard tour - Inspect varieties, infrastructure, and landscape.   

3:30 - 4:00 PM: Demonstration - Tree planting and tree protection. 

Light snacks and beverages from Knaebe's Crunchy Munchy Apple Farm will be served 

This event is free to the public and no RSVP is required. Event will take place rain or shine.