A Chat with Bob Stehli, a Chestnut Pioneer!

By chester | September 2, 2024 |

We are excited to share the latest episode of the Branching Out podcast with you all. This time, I spoke with Bob Stehli, a true chestnut guru. Bob’s been in the chestnut farming business for years and has a wealth of knowledge to offer. We talked about everything from starting a chestnut farm to the challenges and triumphs of this unique industry.

For those unfamiliar, chestnuts are delicious nuts that have been around for centuries. Unfortunately, blight wiped out most American chestnut trees in the early 20th century, so many people are unfamiliar with chestnuts as a food source!

From Seedling to Orchard: Starting a Chestnut Farm

Bob’s journey highlights the essential steps involved in starting a chestnut farm. We discussed selecting a site and considering factors like soil quality and sunlight. He also explained the importance of planting density and spacing of chestnut trees to ensure optimal growth and nut production.

Bob Stehli Next To His Tree of the North - 300 Pounds of Chestnuts Annually! — Bob Stehli Next To His Tree of the North – 300 Pounds of Chestnuts Annually!

The Labor of Love: Chestnut Harvesting

Farming isn’t always easy, and chestnut harvesting is no exception. Bob shared the realities of this labor-intensive process. From battling squirrels who love chestnuts as much as we do to the physical demands of collecting the nuts, it’s a job that requires dedication and hard work.

Collaboration is Key: The Importance of Chestnut Growers Associations

One of the things that struck me most was Bob’s emphasis on collaboration. He believes that chestnut growers must collaborate to share knowledge and overcome obstacles. Organizations like the Northern Nut Growers Association, Chestnut Growers of America and info from the Society of Ontario Nut Growers are doing fantastic work in this area. These organizations, along with the uniting efforts of United Chestnuts, are providing a platform for farmers to connect and learn from each other. These associations play a vital role in preserving knowledge, promoting research, and advancing the chestnut industry as a whole.

Your Chestnut Adventure Awaits!

If you want to learn more about chestnut farming, I highly recommend checking out some resources from these organizations. And who knows, maybe Bob Stehli will inspire you to start your own little chestnut orchard.

Connecting!