VALLEY CHESTNUTS - Key Persons

Olivia lives in Ames, Iowa and will graduate from Iowa State University in December with a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture. Although she's uncertain about where she will settle, her specialized studies and hands-on experience in fruit & vegetable production, large-scale research, and food safety will be great resources for Valley Chestnuts.

Richard resides on a large valley farm in Southeast Iowa with his wife Darla. Father to two daughters and grandfather of six, his vision is simple: leave behind something that enables his family to make a living together. Not only does he contribute the vision, the land, and the opportunity, he is currently the primary manager of the 25-acre (and growing) chestnut orchard as well. Recently, he has been busy setting up a custom processing line which includes a chestnut sizer and a washer that he designed. His vision is simple: leave something behind that enables his family to make a living together. He's not only contributed the vision, land, and opportunity; he's the primary manager of the farm as well. Using his many years of experience in steel fabrication, he's designed and set up a custom processing line that includes a chestnut sizer, washer, and many other components.

Trevor will graduate from high school in 2020 and, as another family member that currently lives on the farm, he plans to stay close to home. He is already involved in the day-to-day planting and care of our chestnut trees and acreage, helping with mowing, spraying, record-keeping, and a number of other tasks. He looks forward to living and working on the family farm. Trevor is involved in the planting and care of our chestnut trees and acreage, helping with mowing, spraying, record-keeping, and numerous other tasks. He assists with harvest, processing, and order fulfillment and enjoys working on the family farm where he grew up.