Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: Loren Birkemeier

  • Alternative Uses for Processed Hazelnut Shells that can Benefit Growers

    Oregon hazelnut growers just wrapped up their largest harvest ever. With good weather and decent returns, growers are pretty happy and finally enjoying some much needed rest. Hazelnut processors, on the other hand, are hard at work processing and marketing the product. They are committed to the challenge of handling a record-sized crop, but unfortunately have to figure out what to do with the massive amount of shells/biomass that accompanies it. Processors can pay to have it composted… or, could this bi-product be utilized more profitably? Watch Matthew Malcolm’s brief interview with hazelnut grower and nurseryman Loren Birkemeier to find out.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • How to Plant a Hazelnut Orchard

    Special Thanks to this Video’s Sponsor

    With all of the great new blight-resistant varieties released from Oregon State University, hazelnut growers are replanting blight-infested orchards as quickly as they are able. Fall is the best time to plant to allow the trees time to get established well before the growth of spring; however, adverse weather often limits growers’ ability to plant to a very short window, so it is important to be prepared and plant as efficiently as possible. Check out this video as Loren Birkemeier shares and demonstrates how to plant a new hazelnut orchard correctly and efficiently. Read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.