WNC Specialty Crop Institute presents lavender workshop

Lavender distillation offers growers an opportunity to increase product offerings and sales by creating essential oil and other value-added products.

Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute offers‘Commercial Lavender Distillation & Production Workshop on July 25, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., at the Jeanne Dini Center, 120 N. California St., Yerington. Cost is $35 for those registering by July 18, and $40 afterward. Lunch is included. Online registration is available at http://www.wnc.edu/ce/sci/.

Attendees will learn the distillation process in a hands-on demonstration using a commercial 10-gallon distiller. They will learn how to distill fresh lavender efficiently to capture high-quality essential oil and byproducts. Attendees will also learn about the different types of distillation equipment, factors that affect distillation, best varieties of lavender to grow in Nevada, and they will tour a lavender demonstration plot.

Featured speaker Wally Smith of Newhouse Manufacturing Company in Redmond, Oregon, has three decades of hands-on experience with lavender and essential oil distillation. He has traveled the world working with distillers. From fabrication to operation and repair, Smith is familiar with all aspects of essential oil distillation.

Also speaking are Mike & Diane van Camp of Campie’s Lavender Patch in Stagecoach, who have been growing lavender for more than a decade. With more than 30 varieties, they are Nevada’s premier source for lavender plants. They have also developed a popular line of lavender products for retail sale.

The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is an innovative program that teaches alternative farming methods to local growers. Funding is provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Information/registration: Ann Louhela, 775-423-7565 Ext. 2228 or ann.louhela@wnc.edu.