From Cow Pasture to Chestnut Orchard: Michael Parks Shares His Journey

Want to know more about Michael Parks chestnut farming? What happens when an old cow pasture meets vision, hard work, and a passion for trees? You get Michael Parks’ inspiring chestnut journey—one that spans decades, innovation, and collaboration.

🎧 Branching Out: Growing Together with Guest Michael Parks
🔗 Watch the episode on YouTube

In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, host Melanie Jones of United Chestnuts talks with Missouri-based chestnut grower Michael Parks about farming, podcasting, technology, and the power of partnership.

🌱 Planting a Legacy: Michael Parks’ Chestnut Story

Michael’s chestnut journey began in 1973, when a childhood encounter with the tree sparked lifelong interest. Years later, he purchased a cow pasture and planted chestnut trees—without a clear business plan, but with strong intent.

“At first, I didn’t know if it would work,” Michael said. “But then I started getting interest from buyers. That changed everything.”

He focused early efforts on the Eaton variety—known for its excellent flavor and early harvest—and later incorporated Qing chestnuts to extend the season.

🌰 Eaton Chestnuts: Big, sweet, and early
🌰 Qing Chestnuts: Consistent producers with great consumer appeal

💡 High-Tech or Low-Tech? Why Both Matter

Melanie and Michael explored their different approaches to podcasting and technology, comparing low-tech comfort with modern-day tools. Michael reflected on growing up with libraries as the primary source of information, while Melanie embraced apps like Merlin for bird ID and digital tools for farming education.

Despite their different tech habits, both agreed:

“Audio content creates a sense of community. And tech, when used right, can deepen our understanding of the natural world.”

🧠 Grafting, Education & Market Realities

Michael’s orchard is more than a grove—it’s a lab for grafting techniques and seasonal planning. His goal is quality and consistency—but marketing chestnuts still comes with hurdles.

He and Melanie discussed:

• The importance of educating grocery buyers
• Reaching ethnic communities who know and love chestnuts
• Avoiding over-commodification of a tree that deserves care

“Chestnuts can’t be treated like apples or oranges,” Michael explained. “It takes time and knowledge to grow them right.”

♻️ Clean Orchards, Smart Irrigation, Real Sustainability

Michael’s farm isn’t just productive—it’s also eco-conscious. From innovative irrigation to responsible waste practices, his approach keeps the orchard clean and efficient.

He and Melanie emphasized that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle. They also shared how connecting with nature helps keep things in perspective.

💕 Teamwork Makes the Chestnut Dream Work

The Parks family runs the farm as a team. Michael credited his wife, Tracey, for sharing the workload, planning, and joy.

“You need a good partner to do this. It makes everything better.”

In fact, their chestnut business is thriving—so much so that they’ve got all the clients they can handle this season.

Want chestnuts, seed nuts, or trees?
👉 Contact United Chestnuts and we’ll connect you to trusted growers like the Parks.

🔗 Explore More from United Chestnuts

🛒 Shop trees, seed nuts, and fresh chestnuts
🎧 Subscribe to the podcast
📘 Check out our grower resources
👥 Join the United Chestnuts Community on Facebook

Whether you’re low-tech, high-tech, or somewhere in between—there’s room for you in the chestnut movement.