*Image: Vermont Governor Phil Scott cuts a Christmas tree for the state capital in Montpelier.
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Trees Plentiful this Holiday Season
By Nigel Manley, Program Manager of the New Hampshire-Vermont Christmas Tree Association
It has been said that money does not grow on trees, but that phrase may not capture the whole picture, especially if you are one of the 400 or so Vermont and New Hampshire farmers that bring to market Christmas trees, wreaths, garland and other decorator items each year. Many trees are sold to the wholesale market for ultimate resale throughout the region. Others are sold directly to the consumer, who enjoy the process of visiting the farm and taking part in the “cut your own” experience.
Within the New Hampshire-Vermont Christmas Tree Association, the “cut your own” market is the most rapidly growing segment of an industry which annually produces more than 30 million trees nationwide.
While Vermont production is not large in comparison to the major producing states of North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Oregon and Washington, the soil and climate here are ideal for producing a quality tree. Balsam fir, Canaan Fir, Fraser fir, Korean Balsam Hybrid are the two states primary species, but other exotic species are grown here as well. The large population within driving distance of a Vermont and New Hampshire farms often allows for direct sale to the consumer through pick-your-own and cut-your-own operations. Many farms truly turn the selection of a tree into an experience with gift shops, hot chocolate or cider, wagon rides, slides, fire pits or even visits from Santa. Some allow for pre-season visits to the farms, where customers can select and tag a tree for ultimate cutting later in the year.
All farmers are in a partnership of sorts, with Christmas tree farmers being no different, with Mother Nature. 2023 was a difficult year, with extreme dryness in early summer. Newly planted trees struggled, less so for more mature trees. 2024 has been a different story, with plenty of rainfall through much of the region. As a result, there should be a good supply of trees if you want to visit a farm and cut your own, and the quality should be excellent.
There are reports of a shortage of trees in 2024 throughout the country. Production of Christmas trees can be cyclical, much like corn, soybeans, and other agricultural crops, as farmers adjust their plantings to marketing and pricing outlooks. Unlike annual crops, though, the cycle is 8-10 years rather than an annual one as is the case with many other crops. The availability of trees in 2024 has much to do with farmers’ outlook several years ago. There is no denying that the supply of wholesale trees will be tight this year. Most Vermont and New Hampshire farmers who sell to the wholesale market are sold out for the year, and at favorable prices.
While supply and demand cycles will always be part of agricultural decision making, the future of the Christmas tree industry is a good one. Farmers who are looking at diversification, with good land and with the capability of absorbing annual production costs and waiting several years before trees reach merchantable size may want to give this some thought. “We have seen an increase in new growers over the past 3 years” said Nigel Manley, Program Manager NH-VT CTA.
The New Hampshire-Vermont Christmas Tree Association was founded in 1956 and represents both large and small, wholesale and cut your own growers throughout the two-state region. For further information they may be reached by visiting their website www.nh-vtchristmastree.org.
Click Here to Find a Local Christmas Tree Farm Near You!
A Season of Thanks
By Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts
This season, we gather with friends and family. Perhaps you’re getting together for a home cooked meal, a potluck, or a special holiday celebration at the office or workplace. Maybe it’s to visit your favorite restaurant. We are fortunate in Vermont to have extraordinary food and beverages in every corner of our state. This time of year, we enjoy feasts with fresh local veggies, meat, dairy, and specialty food and beverages made right here in Vermont.
Your local farmer works many long hours to produce a harvest that all of us may enjoy. You might find this season’s bounty at the farm at the farm stand, farmers’ market, CSA, retail store or co-op, or maybe delivered to your home. Many of our producers can ship your favorite “Taste of Vermont” right to your kitchen, and Vermonters may efficiently order online to support Vermont farmers.
As we close out 2024, it’s also time to think of our Christmas tree growers. They provide us with the experience of getting that “perfect” tree for our family. Memories of a lifetime can be found, and made, at choose-and-cut farms across our 14 counties. If you have a friend or family member that misses Vermont this time of year some growers will even box up trees, wreaths, or garlands and ship to a home or office. Décor from fresh Vermont trees is as beautiful to smell, as it is to see.
The holidays are also a time for giving and remembering those who are less fortunate. The year 2024 was a difficult time for many. Once again, floods and severe weather destroyed homes, businesses and crops this summer. The flooding is gone from the headlines, but the emotional and economic impact is still with countless Vermonters. You can still support them by checking on them, volunteering to help with chores or bringing them a home cooked meal or treat during the holidays. These acts of kindness often make the world of difference during the hardest of times.
Thank you for all you do to support your neighbors. We are grateful to have the privilege to enjoy the finest foods in the world. And thank you, farmers, producers and all those who make a living off the land. Your work, and the community we find together here in our brave little state of Vermont, is unmatched.
Anson Tebbetts | Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Read All December 2024 Agriview Articles Here
Vermont DOC & Agency of Agriculture Partner to Bring Fresh, Local Milk to Vermont Correctional Facilities
By the Vermont Department of Corrections
The Vermont Department of Corrections and Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) are partnering to bring local and regional milk to all six Vermont correctional facilities.
Milk is currently served in all correctional facilities, but in recent years most sites have carried only powdered milk. Fresh, local milk will provide individuals incarcerated in Vermont with the full nutritional benefits and taste of Vermont dairy, while also supporting Vermont’s agricultural economy.
“A person’s health and wellness is impacted by everything from medical care to the beverage you drink with breakfast each day,” said Nicholas Deml, Commissioner of the Department of Corrections. “Providing fresh, local milk, creates a more dignified dining experience and healthy offering for the individuals in our care and custody while also supporting Vermont’s dairy industry.”
The Agency will provide the Department with $15,000 for refrigeration equipment as several facilities require additional refrigeration capacity to start serving fluid milk. Funding for the refrigeration equipment comes from Vermont Dairy Farmers through a dairy promotion checkoff program.
“Milk is a nutritious beverage that is loaded with protein, minerals and vitamins. It is great to see real milk will be served in Vermont correctional facilities. Thank you to the dairy farmers of Vermont for supporting this project and the Department of Corrections for investing in our dairy farmers,” said Anson Tebbetts, Secretary of VAAFM.
Two of Vermont’s six correctional facilities already made the transition to local and regional milk. Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility was the first facility to provide fluid milk in 2019, prompted by strong support from the Legislature’s Women’s Caucus. Representative Carol Ode, a member of the Caucus, was a key facilitator of the effort.
“When the Women’s Legislative Caucus visited the Women’s Correctional Facility a few years ago, we identified fresh milk as a priority and, although a small change, one that could make a big difference,” said Representative Ode. “Secretary Tebbetts immediately went to work, and the result is better health for all those incarcerated and a further expanded market for local Vermont dairy. This story is an example of what Vermonters can do when we listen to each other and when we work together.”
Trade Show Assistance Grant Application Opens December 6th
Starting December 6th, Vermont agriculture and forestry businesses can apply for financial support to exhibit at trade shows.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets welcomes applications from Vermont agricultural and forestry businesses for Trade Show Assistance Grants (TSAG). These grants provide businesses with funds to exhibit and sell their Vermont products at trade shows targeting out-of-state buyers. Trade shows are wonderful opportunities to promote Vermont’s incredible food, forestry, and agricultural products to people from around the region and the world. They provide excellent opportunities to network with wholesale buyers and expand into new domestic and international markets.
Read More About Trade Show Assistance Grants Here
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