This week in the Horticulture Seminar, we heard from Mervin "Merv" G. Weeks of
Weeks Berries of Paradise, which is located in Paradise, UT, in beautiful Cache Valley, about 12 miles south of Logan, UT. Merv has been working and growing berries full time since 1987, and now grows about ten different kinds of berries, including raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and red, white, and black currants; they have 90 acres of land, of which 50 acres are currently in production. Merv got his Bachelors degree from BYU in Horticulture, and then later attended
Utah State University for his Masters degree, in Plant Science.
Weeks Berries of Paradise specializes in products that get your mouth watering. They sell juices, jams, frozen jams, frozen fruits, syrups, bottled juice concentrates, and, in the summertime, fresh raspberry tarts. They do have a few large customers, like
Maceys and
Gossner Foods in the Logan area, but as Merv mentioned, "having 100 small customers is better than having only one or two big ones." That is why Merv has sold the Weeks Berries of Paradise products in a variety of outlets like at roadside stands, farmers markets, and even by walking into a beauty parlor--to sell to both the employees and customers. "Any fool can grow [a product], but it takes skills to sell it," he jokingly remarked.
After Merv's comments, he allowed the class to taste test samples of the Royal Black Currant Juice. It was very well received, and Brother Dewey and Brother Romney lucked out by getting to take home the leftovers.
For more information about Weeks Berries of Paradise, their contact phone number is 435-245-3377.
Be sure to check back next week for info about the upcoming presentation from
Floral Art, in Idaho Falls.
As you can see, we had a great turnout! There were plenty of students and faculty with their families in attendance.
To satisfy the "hunger" of a good time, delicious steak was barbequed to perfection . . .
. . . which Brother Dewey and Ephraim sliced and served.
Fresh scones were also enjoyed by all lucky enough to get one, as they ran out early! The chocolate cake was another hot item that went quickly, but there was plenty of salad and rolls to complement the plethora of steak.
Every great barbeque needs a roaring bonfire . . . 
. . . and dinner entertainment, which thankfully Jonathan decided to bring. 
He had a few fun toys, including a spinning top that he put on a couple of the "future horticulturists" hands. The kids loved it!
As just as the night was winding down, Ephraim decided to show off his skills of coal juggling!
Hope he didn't burn his hands too badly! Overall, the social was a great success! Thanks again to Brother Romney and his family for having us to their home, and letting us walk the labyrinth!
