Hazelnuts in Ohio
Guest Blogger John Kinne
The Southwest Ohio Woodland Association (SWOWA) held its summer meeting at Scott Unger’s farm in Brookville, Ohio where he grows hazelnut trees: Corylus Avellana and Corylus Americana. In addition to 70-acres of soybeans, Scott has 3-acres devoted to a variety of hazelnut cultivars which he is growing with assistance from Rutgers University in New Jersey. He planted 106 Cultivar Corylus Avellana 3-years ago and this year has his first nut. Some of the older pollinator plants Corylus Americana have a number of nuts.
The cultivars, provided by Rutgers University, are planted 10-foot apart in rows 16-18 feet apart. Clover is planted in between the rows. Scott points out that they got off to a slow start because deer snacked on them the first year. He has now installed 71“ Plantra Sunflex grow tubes which he says converts the sun's red light spectrum to blue while preventing deer damage. When a cultivar exceeds 71” the Plantra Sunflex grow tube is removed and lower branches are pruned to 4-5 feet so the ground between the rows can be maintained, as the nuts will drop to the ground to then be harvested.
Scott’s main interest in growing hazelnuts is to provide the benefits of developing a climate friendly, carbon sequestering, high protein perennial food, for the oil and confection markets; all while building soil structure, in Midwest climate hardiness Zones 6-7. Hazelnuts are full of nutrients and are a great source of omega-6, oleic acid, fiber, vitamin E and antioxidants; they may reduce cholesterol. They are associated with lower cancer rates and may reduce inflammation. Hazelnuts are enjoyed by many people worldwide. Most of the world’s hazelnuts come from Turkey and the surrounding Mediterranean area. In the U.S., Washington and Oregon are major producers. Ohio has the right climate, by being in Zone 6, which is ideal for Hazelnut production.
There is potential to make a bit of money from farming hazelnuts. While Scott has his first few nuts this year, he expects to show a profit in 3-years. He says a 10-year Cultivar can produce 10 to 15 pounds of nuts after predation (chipmunks, squirrels, Blue Jays, Deer, etc.). Hazelnuts in New Jersey retail for about $7 per pound. Planting 200-220 Cultivars per acre Scott thinks it is reasonable to expect to harvest 2,000-3,000 pounds from his 3-acres.
Rutgers University has provided the Cultivars and ongoing assistance. Rutgers planted over 40,000 hazelnut Corylus Avellana from Europe and Asia Minor in New Jersey and only 2% survived the fungus Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB) of those 2% only 12 plants met or exceeded the 30 + Rutgers requirements of which 5 plants were selected and patented as Cultivars. Some of the Rutgers most desirable characteristics are being resistant to fungus (EFB), good flavor, size, and nutrition. The Cultivars are named after rivers and counties in New Jersey such as ‘Raritan,’ ‘Somerset,’ ‘Monmouth,’ and ‘Hunterdon.‘
If you are interested in learning more you can contact Scott at his email address: Sunger007@outlook.com.
Comments