2026 Walnut Council Annual Meeting
Indiana Chapter of the Walnut Council Hosts Annual Meeting in Warsaw Indiana
In late July, more than 140 Walnut Council members, along with many nonmembers and first-time attendees, gathered in Warsaw, Indiana, to network, learn, and share knowledge about growing black walnut trees and other fine hardwoods.
The event began at the Diehl Family Farm, where participants enjoyed a delicious meal of smoked brisket, potato salad, green beans, and cookies, all prepared by generous chapter members. Landowners shared valuable lessons learned from managing their properties, while Claude Diehl provided an overview of the farm's history and highlighted features that would later be showcased during the field tours.
Field Tour Demonstrations
Monday's field tour at the Diehl Family Farm gave attendees a firsthand look at a variety of forest management practices. Demonstrations included seed orchard design, deer protection strategies, sawmill operations, soil management, plantation management, and thinning natural regeneration. The tour provided practical insights for landowners interested in improving the health and productivity of their woodlands.
Evening Banquet
The evening banquet featured a presentation by Indiana State Forester John Seifert, who discussed the current state of forestry in Indiana and how the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is supporting both landowners and the forest products industry. A special highlight of the evening was the recognition of Pence Revington, who received the Black Walnut Achievement Award in appreciation of her outstanding service and commitment to the Walnut Council.
The day also included a raffle featuring forestry equipment and a silent auction showcasing a variety of black walnut-related items. Proceeds from these activities will support the Walnut Council Foundation and its mission to advance research and education related to the production and management of black walnut and other fine hardwoods.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year's annual meeting a success. We look forward to seeing you again next year in Springfield Missouri
Tuesday Educational Sessions
Tuesday's activities took place at the Center Lake Pavilion and featured a full day of educational sessions and networking opportunities. Topics included walnut tree improvement, walnut syrup production, succession planning, timber markets, and butternut conservation. Attendees also participated in roundtable discussions and a grower panel, encouraging valuable peer-to-peer learning and the exchange of ideas. Many participants left with new insights into woodland management practices, along with meaningful connections to fellow landowners, foresters, and forestry professionals.
Here are some of the presentations from the program.
