Hazelnut Go-First Farms

The UMHDI and Midwest Hazelnuts, LLC are establishing a network of Go-First Hazelnut Farms where the new UMHDI germplasm will initially be deployed. The purpose is three-fold:
   1. De-risk early adoption by demonstrating commercially viable production and utilizing partnerships to share the costs and risks of going first.
   2. Serve as catalysts for regional supply chain development.
​   3. Help advance the UMHDI breeding program.
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The first five Go-First Farms are in place with the goal to have ten or more in place by the end of 2025.

GFF1
Savanna Institute North Farm
​Spring Green, WI

GFF4
Cranberry Creek Cranberries
​Finley, WI

GFF7
Kolste Farms
​Adell, WI

GFF10
Plowshares and Prairie Farm
​Argyle, WI

GFF2
Bayfield Business Park
​Ashland, WI

GFF5
JB Acres
Chippewa Falls, WI

GFF8
Lassa's Hazelnut Hill
​Merrill, WI

GFF11
Lee Farms
​Houston, MN

GFF3
Spooner Ag Research Station
​Spooner, WI

GFF6
Kimber Contours
Farmington, Minnesota

GFF9
Sogn Valley Farm
Cannon Falls, MN

GFF12
Burke Family Farms
Cashton, WI

Interested in Hosting a Go-First Farm?

• Go-First Farm sites are carefully chosen in close collaboration with the UMHDI researchers using a long list of criteria to ensure each farm will be successful.  Farms must be on representative soil types and in key production regions.
• Long-term land tenure is essential as these Farms will be in operation for 15 years or more.
• Infrastructure such as deer fencing, irrigation, and equipment are key components.
• Most importantly, the site hosts must be committed to helping build local supply chains and grower clusters. This includes hosting field days, collecting and reporting data, partnering on harvesting and post-harvest processing projects, and being ambassadors for the Midwest hazelnut industry.
• This Go-First Farm publication from the University of Minnesota does a great job explaining the purpose and expectations for the Go-First Farms.
• Interested in hosting a site? In Wisconsin, contact Jason Fischbach. In Minnesota, contact Colin Cureton.