Chestnut Industry Disruptors. This One Is For You.

The chestnut movement is on the rise. Learn more about how and why! I’m known as an innovator and disruptor for a Berkshire Hathaway company in my “day job.” This week, a colleague sent me a post-it note that her family had in their home as an encouragement to keep going. Thank you, Shannon and…

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The Rise of the Disruptor: How Almond Milk Shook the Dairy Industry

Is chestnut milk the new almond milk? Our blog post about disruption last week created some wonderful conversation and challenged the concept a bit, so we’re continuing that exploration this week.   In the business world, a “disruptor” is a company or product that shakes up an established industry. They challenge the status quo with…

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Buzz Ferver Joins Branching Out: Chestnut Breeding Experimentation Guru

As Buzz Ferver, guest on the Branching Out Podcast, says, “The dream is to have a blight-resistant chestnut that thrives in Vermont’s climate.” This dream is becoming a reality, and you can be part of it with a little effort! If you dream of harvesting delicious chestnuts from your own backyard, this guide will equip you with…

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A Chat with Bob Stehli, a Chestnut Pioneer!

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…

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Will Chestnuts Be The New Pistachio?

Remember seeing pistachio commercials during the Super Bowl way back in 2013? Take a peek!  The rise of the pistachio industry in the United States from a relatively obscure nut to a popular snack is a fascinating story involving agricultural innovation, marketing strategies, and shifting consumer preferences.  Here are the key factors that contributed to the…

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Embracing the Freedom to Farm: The Vital Role of Hobby Farmers

Happy Fourth of July! This post is about freedom. Today, we are so grateful we have the freedom to do things like this–soon, we’ll share how our team is expanding the Branching Out podcast to Branching Out: Growing Together.  The reason? We want to embrace the larger community and include anyone who has a small piece…

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Amy Miller’s Chestnut Journey: Sustainable Low-Impact Agriculture

I’m Melanie Jones, and today, I want to share some fascinating insights from our latest episode of the “Branching Out: Growing Together” podcast. This time, I had the privilege of speaking with Amy C. Miller, PhD,  the Chief Operating Officer for Route 9 Cooperative and owner of a diversified fruit and nut farm. Her journey, dedication, and commitment to…

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Exciting News: Introducing “Field Notes from the Farm”

At United Chestnuts, we’re passionate about growth, education, and community within the chestnut industry. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a new initiative to support and inspire fellow chestnut enthusiasts: the Field Notes From The Farm series!   Brad and Melanie Jones, the driving force behind United Chestnuts, are hitting the road to visit some of the most…

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