Events

Nut Farm Open House
Friday, October 4th, 2024, Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT) "Nut Farm" Open House, noon to 2:00pm

Have you ever wanted to live the glamorous and trendy life of an Iowa nut farmer but didn't want to wait decades for trees to grow and start bearing fruits and nuts? Or perhaps you are a new agroforester looking to dip their toe into the sea of fruits and nuts; whatever the reason, an opportunity like no other exists for the right person or couple that take over a 60-acre farm that contains 5 acres of producing paw paws and chestnuts. Want to learn more? Then plan to attend the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT) Small Farm Summer event and Nut Farm open House on Friday, October 4th starting at noon.

Nut Farm, a 60-acre haven just outside of Ottumwa, is now available for rent with the option to purchase! This unique opportunity is perfect for those passionate about sustainable farming and community engagement. Nut Farm offers nearly 5 acres of paw paws and chestnuts, almost 5 acres of CRP prairie restoration, and windbreaks of poplars and hazelnuts. It comes with a one bedroom cabin with a full kitchen, wood-burning stove, and a large outbuilding, ready for you to cultivate and thrive. By renting Nut Farm, you become part of a legacy dedicated to fostering sustainable land use and community enrichment. SILT, the new steward of Nut Farm, ensures that this vision will endure for generations.

Whether you're a seasoned farmer, a passionate environmentalist, or a community advocate, Nut Farm offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact. Embrace the chance to cultivate a deeper connection with the land and join us in creating a brighter, more sustainable future.

At SILT, we are dedicated to providing affordable and inclusive land opportunities for beginning food farmers, including individuals from diverse backgrounds who otherwise have no access to land. We believe that access to land should not be a barrier, and we actively promote equity and inclusivity in agriculture.

Secure your place at Nut Farm and become a vital part of SILT’s mission to protect and preserve Iowa’s agricultural heritage. Together, we can nurture the seeds of sustainability and sow the seeds of change.

If you are interested in this exceptional farming opportunity or have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to our Farm Coordinator, Lexi Huddleston, at lexi@silt.orgor her Assistant, Jada Fife, at fcassistant@silt.org

If you are further interested in connecting with SILT, please follow our newsletter here or follow us on Facebook!

Southern IA Nut Tour and Field Day

Nut production, agroforestry and water quality

Centerville, Iowa (Sept. 14th 2024) - Join the Iowa Nut Growers Association (INGA) for a fun filled day talking nuts and agroforestry at the Indian Hills Community College/INGA Nut Test Plot growing there. We will meet at 10:00 am for a tour of the research planting & test plot on the campus of Indian Hills Community College located at 721, N 1st St. in Centerville Iowa. Attendees can enjoy a leisurely ride on the “Chestnut Express” wagon while learning about all the various nut species being grown, including hazelnuts, black walnuts, pecans, hickories, chestnuts and more. The afternoon includes a tour of the Wayne and Ilona Strovers Farm north of Chariton.

“If someone is serious about growing chestnuts, or other nuts in Iowa, this would be a good event to attend so they can see what mature trees producing nuts look like and learn from others already doing it” said Iowa Nut Growers President Mary Ellen Miller. Lunch is provided but registration is required for lunch count.

The afternoon will feature a forest and orchard tour with owner Ilona Strover and retired DNR Forester Duane Bedford who will explain the initial tree planting layout/plan and pre-planting site prep. DNR District Forester Jeremy Cochrane will review the species planted, planting method, tree protection, post-planting maintenance, etc. Ilona will outline future plans for these trees. Handouts will be provided with more detailed information.

Attendees can ride the Chestnut Express, a “people mover wagon” supplied by Wayne County SWCD, at both Indian Hills and the Strovers Farm to accommodate a wide range of participants. Lunch is free, courtesy of Indian Hills Community College, but registration is required for lunch count. Register here https://forms.office.com/r/n2fNzZ1CaK by Tuesday, Oct. 1st or visit the Iowa Nut Growers Association website at https://iowanutgrowers.com/

For details Contact Jeff Jesnsen at jeff@jenagres.com 515-320-6756 or Mary Ellen Miller at rosehaven1760@gmail.com 515-783-6390

  1. Who: Iowa Nut Growers Association and Indian Hills Community College
  2. What: Southern Iowa Nut Tour and Field Day
  3. Where: Indian Hills Community College, 721 N 1st St, Centerville, IA and Wayne and Ilona Strovers Farm, 54863 250th Ave. Chariton, IA
  4. When: Saturday, Oct. 5th starting at 10:00 am
  5. Why: Tour the research plot, learn about nut production, experience aroforestry
  6. How much: This event is FREE with lunch provided but registration is required at the link here: https://forms.office.com/r/n2fNzZ1CaK


Click here for Southern IA Nut Tour and Field Day Press Release

Click here for Southern IA Nut Tour and Field Day Schedule

Click here for Southern IA Nut Tour and Field Day Flyer


Hold the Date

Northern Nut Growers Association/Chestnut Growers of America 2025 Annual Meeting

Sunday, July 27th through Wednesday, July 30th 2025

Hold the dates of Sunday, July 27th through the 30th for the Northern Nut Growers Association/Chestnut Growers of America Annual Conference in Michigan. The big show returns to the Midwest for 2025, mark your calendars and stay tuned for details as they emerge. The 2023 conference was a HUGE success with more than 200 attending so we are looking for a great showing in 2025