Nut producers in the Great Lakes Region will have a key opportunity for education and networking at a joint conference hosted by the Northern Nut Growers Association and the Chestnut Growers of America. Scheduled for August 3–6, 2025, the event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Lansing, Michigan.
The conference includes a welcome dinner and a series of short presentations on Sunday evening, followed by two days of technical sessions on Monday and Tuesday. These sessions will cover topics such as breeding, propagation, orchard management, harvesting, processing, value-added marketing, and the health benefits of various nut and native fruit trees. Lunch, snacks, and coffee breaks will be provided both days. Monday evening will feature an auction fundraiser in support of the associations.
Wednesday will be dedicated to field tours, with stops at nut tree farms and processors in Lower Michigan. Notable visits include Chestnut Growers Inc., Michigan's largest chestnut processor, and Michigan State University's Rogers Reserve, which focuses on research into chestnut and pawpaw cultivation. Optional off-site afternoon field trips will also be offered, though transportation is not included.
The event is open to all with an interest in nut-producing trees. Registration is $295, with single-day options and discounts available for association members, students, and exhibitors. A printed program with abstracts will be distributed, and exhibitor space is limited. The conference opens with an orchard and facility tour at Nash Nurseries, followed by a farm dinner and social event.
Source: MSU