October 22, 2022

Rogers Reserve: 8072 S. Jackson Road, Jackson, MI 49201

Noon Start with Potluck Lunch

Come join the Michigan Nut & Fruit Growers Association for the annual fall meeting. This event is often highlighted by in season, fresh nuts & fruits from guest and member farms/orchards/back yards/potted plants.

If you are uncomfortable bringing a dish to pass, for whatever reason, PLEASE do not let that hinder your attendance. You are most welcome to bring your own lunch or even arrive about an hour late to be in time for the short business meeting, a fund-raising auction and then the farm tour. And, of course, if you have a fruit or nut-related item, you are most welcome to bring it for the auction. It is common to have plants, trees, vines and/or bushes in the auction. HOWEVER, due that there are issues with the Asian Chestnut Gall Wasp (ACGW, Dryocosumus kuriphilus Yasumatsu) and the newly discovered-in-Michigan Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD, Drosophila suzukii), DO NOT bring vegetation or fruits if you are in an area that is in or near a known infected area. We need to limit their spread as best we can.

About Rogers Reserve

From an MSU website: “The Rogers Reserve was donated by Ernie and Mabel Rogers to Michigan State University in 1990. The Rogers were a prominent couple in the Jackson community, concerned with natural resources and food production. In 2002, at the bequest of the Rogers, an endowment was established to support the farm. Funds have been spent improving the farm and constructing Phase I and II building projects with the MSU Office of Land Management. Phase I, consisting of a steel pole building to house equipment, including a chestnut peeling line, was completed in 2005. Phase II was completed in April 2010 and consists of a wet lab, analytical lab, office and restrooms. The chestnut peeling line was purchased from Italy by the Midwest Nut Producers Council, supported by funding from the USDA Rural Development program. It is the only commercial chestnut peeling line in the western hemisphere.”

There is also a fruit separator that has been used very successfully on paw paws and other fruits that need to be separated from their seeds and skins. The building is very well kept and is interesting to see. There is a good selection of tree plantings and studies in the orchard.

Members, guests of members and anyone interested in learning more about growing fruits and nuts in Michigan is welcome to attend, without obligation. However, we believe that you will like what you see and want to join! Afterall, membership is a modest $8.00 per year.

If you have any questions, please leave a message at the “about” tab on this website.

We hope you can attend!