The Orchard

Spring of 2018, Joe started his chestnut orchard with 50 grafted trees on the farm. He has since continued to buy seedlings trees as well as raise his own. The orchard currently consists of 525 total trees, encompassing five acres of rolling hills. Over 350 trees are currently producing, with more to yield in 2026.

Our orchard consists of Chinese chestnut trees. These trees are native to China, but do thrive in north Missouri, tolerating the high summer heat and humidity typical of this part of the country.

A close-up of a chestnut burr on a tree branch with green leaves, under a clear blue sky.
A tall metal windmill with a blade at the top, set against a clear blue sky. There is a sign hanging from a horizontal pole reading 'Hawks Family Farm' with silhouettes of farm animals. In the background, there is a large metal barn with some cars and trees nearby.
Tree with numerous brown, fluffy seed pods or shells accumulated at its base, in a park setting with green grass and evenly spaced trees in the background.
Young trees planted in a well-maintained grassy field under a partly cloudy sky at dusk.