In this issue:

• Summer Tour 2024 - Recap
• Member Zoom Event - Harvesting
• Hazelnut Facts
• Mt. Angel Hazelnut Fest
• TOPP Info
• Past Webinars
• Membership Info
• Event Calendar

OOHC 2024 Summer Tour – Recap

The OOHC Annual Summer Farm Tour was a huge success once again! This past August, David Stehman and Maryclair Stehman Birkemeier welcomed around 90 participants to their organic hazelnut farm, Meridian Orchards, in Aurora. With so many organic nut growers gathered in one place, there was ample opportunity for informal discussions and 1-to-1 information sharing throughout the day.

The formal program began with David and Maryclair sharing the long history of their family farm and their recent journey into regenerative farming. They were then joined by David Knaus of Apical Crop Science, who discussed Apical's unique approach to tracking tree health over time and providing year-round nutrition advice. Under perfect weather, David S., Maryclair, and David K. led participants on a walking tour through the orchards, followed by an onsite lunch.

After lunch, a series of presentations provided further insights. Sue Chen spoke on the many benefits of hazelnuts. Marissa Lane-Massee, Faculty Research Assistant at the University of Oregon, and Dr. Lauren Hallett, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology, gave an overview of cover crops tailored to orchard goals. [Check it out here]

Nik Wiman from Oregon State University Extension Service shared a scientific study on managing pests, especially the filbertworm, using organic IPM strategies. [Check it out here]

The day wrapped up with a popular grower panel featuring David Stehman, Wayne Steenson of Steenson Hazelnuts, and Craig Clark of Clark Farm and Nursery. They each shared their unique approaches to common challenges, reminding everyone that while there are plenty of exciting ideas, no one has all the answers.

Thanks to the Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), we were able to host this event, including food, at no cost to participants!

Stay tuned for news about our 8th annual Summer Tour, coming next summer!

Member Event: ZOOM Sharing Session -Harvesting

OOHC will host a ZOOM Session on December 2^nd, 5pm, to learn from each other about harvesting challenges and successes in our organic orchards. Participants are invited to share and discuss harvesting issues, including orchard prep, equipment and anything in between.

This is a Members-Only event. If you would like to participate but are not yet a member, consider joining the Oregon Organic Hazelnut Collective. Details here.

If you are a member but did not receive your invitation, contact Lori at loristole@outlook.com

Seeking Organic Certification?

TOPP (Transition to Organic Partnership Program) is offering free one-on-one assistance to help you develop your organic system plan and prepare for organic certification. Contact NW TOPP today to schedule a session with their certification specialists!

Learn more and apply for TOPP programs at www.organictransition.org or email directly at topp@tilth.org.

OOHC Membership

$ 50/year ($25 for students*)

Membership benefits**



• Listing of your organization on the OOHC website, with a link to your website

• Invitation to annual OOHC members meeting (learn about members’ farms, seek solutions to challenges, help select annual OOHC priorities)

• Listing in Member Directory - and receive directory

• Join us for exclusive member-only Zoom sharing sessions as they're scheduled

• Free OOHC-Branded hat

• Be counted as a member of our collective, so we can better represent the organic hazelnut industry

*   Includes high school students as well as part-time or full-time trade school/college/university students.

** You can opt out of any benefit(s) you don’t want.