AS THE SEASON IS RAPIDLY APPROACHING, HGO HAS BEEN WORKING HARD ON IMPROVING AND STREAMLINING THE GROWER SAMPLE PROGRAM. This includes the establishment of a strict chain of custody from wash-plant to testing lab, validation of the scales used, dedicated sample runners, and a dedicated team for sample drying. To improve the accountability with each […]

We enjoyed seeing you all at the Summer 2019 Grower’s BBQ. For those that were unable to attend, below are a few key updates: The Grower Guide booklet includes valuable information regarding HGO’s operational processing flow, our current receiving stations, and several articles pertaining to this year’s harvest such as sampling strategies, the delivery report, […]

THE NASS SURVEY INDICATES A 4% DROP IN OVERALL CROP SIZE COMPARED TO LAST YEAR, WITH A PROJECTED 49,000 TONS COMPARED TO LAST YEAR’S 51,000. Each tree averaged only 201 nuts compared to last year’s 291. The difference is made up by the size of the nuts, which is expected to be the largest in […]

As many of you know, Turkey is the largest supplier of hazelnuts in the world. Turkey represents roughly 75% of the world’s production of hazelnuts. Turkey is also the world’s largest hazelnut exporter. It ships more than 245,000 tons to various parts of the world. European countries remain Turkey’s top export destination, buying more than […]

Now three months into the Hazelnut Growers of Oregon COO position, I have to say that I am thrilled to be at HGO and to be a part of the exciting changes happening here.   My goal for HGO is to be the No. 1 processor of hazelnuts in North America in the next five […]

Matthew Gillespie, Marketing & Innovation Manager Matthew Gillespie joins the HGO team with over 15 years in the Natural and Organic Food Industry, managing a category portfolio ranging from cold cereal and snacks to confection and frozen prepared meals. No stranger to working for agricultural cooperatives, Matt’s last position was with Oregon Cherry Growers where […]

As we approach harvest, hazelnut growers are busy cleaning up their orchard floors to achieve a smooth surface prior to nut fall. Flail mowing or scraping helps to reduce leaves, sticks and other detritus that makes up the majority of the cleaning fees at the wash station. Growers in rocky areas can either use specialized […]

The Deconnick family started their farming operation in 1953 in the French Prairie region South of St Paul, Oregon. Their farm in the early days mainly consisted of Kentucky bluegrass and wheat. As the years went on, they moved to perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, bentgrass, as well as clover. In 2009 they started planting hazelnuts […]

With just about a year in operation, we are busy planning for the new harvest year. The challenges of starting a plant with new equipment and a new team have given us a great list of lesson’s learned and are working through them to ensure that we improve our processes and increase efficiencies. Here at […]