2021 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop
October 29 and 30, 2021
George Washington Carver Farm, Jefferson City, Missouri
Please be aware of Covid guidelines and if you have chosen not to vaccinate, or if you are being extra careful for yourself or a family member, please wear a mask. We expect the room to be full and would hate for anyone to contract Covid at this workshop.
Elderberry is a ‘new crop’, though the wild plant has been harvested for centuries, used by locals for medicine and nutrition. Hippocrates, known as the father of modern medicine, called elderberry, “Nature’s medicine chest for the common man.”
Now American elderberry is becoming recognized as a viable crop that is adaptable to many regions throughout the United States and Canada. With two-crop eligibility, both flowers and berries, and a short amount of time from first planting to harvest, elderberry is a great perennial to consider adding to the mix of annuals or perennials you raise. Growing elderberries is easy, and markets for this ‘new crop’ are opening up around the U.S.
Since 2009, The Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop has been held in central Missouri, home of Terry Durham. Missouri is also home to researchers engaged in cultural and selection trials. Each year, Durham gathers the best new knowledge and delivers it during this day-and-a-half workshop. You’ll learn from expert researchers and successful growers. About 100 growers attend, so there will be lots of tip sharing, too. Durham teaches the highly detailed handling techniques mandated at harvest so growers can sell their berries.
New Growers will want to attend the separate afternoon workshop designed especially for them. Learn all about elderberry, its introduction into the modern market, early research, and how to propagate.
Durham conceived of creating a market so growers would have a place to sell their elderberries. Then he turned berries he grew, and those he purchased from growers he helped train, into the River Hills Harvest brand of products—all featuring 100% pure premium elderberry juice.
Advanced Grower Workshop
Friday and Saturday, October 29th and 30th, 2021,
at George Washington Carver Farm.
Friday
Check-in 4:30pm
Selling your crops to RHH 5:00pm
All Growers and Producer’s Expo 6pm
Saturday
Check-in 8pm
Workshop 8:30am - 5:00pm
Lunch included
This day-and-a-half-long event brings you together with leaders in the elderberry-growing community. They'll share the best new knowledge from horticulture research to marketing, pests, fertilization, and perhaps most important, regulations, for this highly sought 'new crop'. You'll learn the highly detailed handling techniques mandated at harvest so growers can sell their berries.
Plus, with over 100 growers in attendance, you'll find new friends and learn tips from the most experienced growers.
The schedule is being put together right now and will be posted as soon as speakers are confirmed.
New Grower Workshop
Friday, October 29th, 2021, at George Washington Carver Farm.
Friday
Check-in12 noon
New Grower’s Workshop 1pm
Selling your crops to RHH 5:00pm
All Growers and Producer’s Expo 6pm
If you are new to growing elderberries this is the workshop that will get you started on the right track. You'll get all the basics. Learn about the elderberry selections, their growth habits, preferred soil amendments, laying out the orchard, an overview of diseases and pests, and more.
This intensive, hands-on workshop offers you a first chance to learn a lot in a short time, and have your questions answered.
New Growers Workshop tickets include the New Grower’s Workshop, Selling your crops to River Hills Harvest, and the All Growers and Producers Expo.
Registration
Ticket Types and Pricing
New Grower's Workshop
Friday, October 29th 12pm to 7pm at the George Washington Carver Farm
Registration $85
Registration fee includes the New Grower’s Workshop, Selling your crops to River Hills Harvest, and the All Growers and Producers Expo.
Advanced Grower Workshop
Friday October 29th 4:30pm - 7pm &
Saturday, October 30th 8:30am - 6pm, at the George Washington Carver Farm
Registration $150
Registration fee includes Selling your crops to River Hills Harvest, and the All Growers and Producers Expo and all events on Saturday.
Lunch and snacks on Saturday.
Schedule
Friday, October 29
12 noon – New Grower’s Workshop Registration & Check-in
1 pm – New Grower’s Workshop
All the basics. Learn about the elderberry selections, their growth habits, preferred soil amendments, laying out the orchard, overview of diseases and pests, and more.
4:30 – Advanced Grower Registration & Check-in
5 pm – Selling your crops to River Hills Harvest
Learn sanitation requirements, getting a grower number, packing, freezing and transporting, and all the ins and outs of selling your wholesale berry crop.
6 pm – All Growers and Producers Expo
Everyone attending either or both of days of the conference is encouraged to come, sample elderberry products, meet growers and processors, learn about things that help growers, such as deer fencing and irrigation, from manufacturer representatives.
Saturday, October 30
8 am –Advanced Grower Registration & Check-in
8:30 am – 5:30 pm Latest Elderberry Science
A full day of in-depth information to help you successfully grow elderberries - speakers and details coming soon!
Location
Both days of the conference will take place at the George Washington Carver Farm in Jefferson City, Missouri.
3804 Bald Hill Road
Jefferson City, MO
65101