518-673-3237 • 800-836-2888 Fax 518-673-3245, Presidential responses to Farm Bureau questions, Using the #christmastreefarm to your advantage, What’s new and next in precision viticulture. If you’re a “people person” and enjoy interacting with the public, or if your farm currently offers agritainment, a choose-and-cut operation might be just right for you. Successful Christmas tree growers find that state, regional and national Christmas tree organizations provide current industry information as well as networking opportunities. “Some species break bud early and are susceptible to late frost. Visit during busy times and see how different farms handle traffic and customers. But if you’ve ever thought about growing Christmas trees as an additional farm enterprise or starting a Christmas tree enterprise from scratch, the ideal time to get serious about it is now. Growers should select species based on two factors: The preferences of potential customers in the region, and which species are best adapted to the climate and conditions on your farm. Producing?

“The key is getting land clear enough for operations and get in to do what you need to do. by Sally Colby Once you have determined which species to grow, figure out how you’ll prepare the site, what size seedlings to start with and how you’ll plant the trees. “Firs in particular do not like wet feet, so if you have areas that tend to hold water, they won’t be well-suited for those areas,” said Cregg. Great growers need great resources. In a choose-and-cut system, the customer is doing the work, but you must provide a safe, easy way for the customer to access the field, cut the tree and bring the tree in from the field. As you visit Christmas tree farms this season, take plenty of notes and decide which practices will work or not work on your farm. “The fungus produces a spore that swims. Agricultural Farm, Ranch & Timber Land Loans, Key Agricultural Policy Issues for 2020 Election, The American Farmer’s Legacy: Resilience in Adversity. If you’re adding a choose-and-cut enterprise to an existing you-pick operation, many of your current customers may be potential customers. “In the nursery, they plant seeds at fairly high density,” said Cregg. Exceptions include tabletop trees, which can be grown more closely because they are harvested at less than four foot, and trees that will be grown to larger than average height, which require more space. But beyond the financial possibilities, there’s another reason to consider growing Christmas trees. A one to two seedling is a one-year-old bare root seedling that has been transplanted into a transplant bed and grown for two more years, so it’s a three-year old plant.” It’s important to get weeds under control or you’ll be fighting an uphill battle.” Preparation for tree planting is similar to other agricultural enterprises, and might include cover crops to enhance the soil profile. Most growers plant seedlings obtained from reputable nurseries that can supply the appropriate young trees for the region. Choose a day and time to connect with a land loan specialist. Strategic site preparation and planting, including an optimal layout of fields and farm roads to reduce risk of pest problems and to lower harvesting costs. People select fresh trees based on color, overall shape and form, branch structure, scent and needle retention. Integrated Pest Management includes regular scouting, biocontrol measures and identifying the economic threshold of an insect or disease – at what point is it worth treating trees?
A long-term plan and budget to support this long-term, expensive endeavor. “In terms of microclimate, watch for frost pockets,” said Cregg. Call on us here at AgAmerica, an ag lending company with years of lending experience. If you’re cutting trees and holding them for transfer to a lot, think about the post harvest period – do you have a way to keep trees fresh as possible? Most species grown for Christmas trees are fairly sensitive to drainage and soil pH. As you consider the site, think about market factors. In addition, growing Christmas trees can potentially offer tax benefits; be sure to research the potential savings and requirements with an accountant before diving into Christmas tree farming.

what is the cost to buy seed, work the land, maintain, etc.)? These are grown for one or two more years. The seed has already been taken from the cone and made into a seedling approx 1′ to 1 1/2′ tall. “Most conifers like acidic pH; around 6.0 is ideal for most.” Cregg noted that pH can be lowered with ammonium-based fertilizers or sulfur, but a better approach is to take soil samples and select species that are best suited for the existing soil pH. Trees should be spaced according to recommendations by the supplier. Little is required for the first four years, then an annual pruning helps the trees bush out for the fuller shape that buyers prefer. First, think about what kind of enterprise you hope to start.

If you’re starting from scratch, is your farm close to a population center, or are people likely to be traveling past your farm? Interested in Christmas tree production? Will you buy or lease property, or set aside part of your farm’s current acreage for Christmas tree production? Mammals such as voles, mice and deer can be a serious problem in some areas. But make no doubt about it, it wasn’t a quick, painless process. When it’s time to plant your next row crop, expand your Christmas tree farms, or plant timber, these agricultural loans are a great choice! But if you’ve ever thought about growing Christmas trees as an additional farm enterprise or starting a Christmas tree enterprise from scratch, the ideal time to get serious about it is now. The tree looks fine one day and the next day it turns brown, then soon it’s dead.” He said the most important factor for site selection is soil condition. If you aren’t familiar with regional preferences, part of your homework will include taking notes at as many Christmas tree farms you have time to visit during the upcoming season. “At the end of the season, they’ll have a one-year-old seedling, called a one to two. In a wholesale operation, the goal is to minimize tree handling.
Cregg added that conifers grow best with full sun exposure, so avoid areas that are heavily shaded. Copyright 2014 Brand Exponents All Rights Reserved.

Harvested trees should be kept cool and shaded in natural shade, under shade cloth or in a building with trunks in water whenever possible. Consider the scale of the operation – will the operation have pedestrian walkways, roadways for small vehicles or tractor-trailer access? If you’re new to growing, learn as much as possible about appropriate IPM (integrated pest management) for the species on your farm. Integrated pest management, implementing effective cultural practices and pesticide applications to limit pest issues. If the growing area requires clearing prior to planting, consider how existing vegetation and stumps will be removed. Be prepared to learn the proper shaping for the species you’re growing. Optimum fertilization, complete with nutrients that are more resistant to pest issues and environmental stresses. Although harvest won’t be a consideration for several years, it isn’t too early to think about how to handle that aspect of the enterprise. Some species, such as Noble fir, require more top work to train the leaders, which is labor-intensive. 026: Serial Entrepreneur Erin Chase of $5 Dinners Teaches Us Business and How to Save Money on Groce... 13 Experts Define What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur, Discover Seasonal Jobs in Unique Places [CoolWorks Review], The Best Part Time Jobs With Benefits (Updated for 2020), A Low-Cost Alternative to Health Insurance [Medi-Share Review], 52+ Easy Ways to Make Extra Money Fast in 2020, 10 Tips to Start a Christmas Tree Farm to Make Extra Money, 7 Business Ideas that Scale [Plus How to Scale Any Business], You Can Get Paid to Donate Bone Marrow for Transplants, How to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs You Can Do From Home, 19 Legit Work-From-Home Jobs with No Startup Fee, 23 Unique Business Ideas (That You Can Start Today! Privacy, PTM 018 - Taking Your Freelance Writing Business to the Next Level with Miranda Marquit.

“It’s a water mold,” said Cregg. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Call on AgAmerica, an ag lending company with years of lending experience. Selling? Like other crops, Christmas trees are prone to pests and disease. Growing Christmas trees is no easy venture. Find out what grows well in the area, what people like and what they don’t like.

If you have weed problems before you start, they aren’t going to go away. Dr. Burt Cregg with Michigan State University has some tips about what to watch for when selecting a site. Some species have specific disease issues, but the single biggest problem for growers is Phytophthora root rot, which kills the tree. Water quality management to protect sedimentation and contamination by fertilizers or pesticides. Some experienced growers use GPS systems to align trees perfectly in the field, which can be helpful for spray programs. What is the bare minimum investment to get started in Christmas tree farming if you already have land (i.e. Growers use several methods to plant young trees, including by hand or with the help of a tractor-drawn planter. Growing? Christmas tree farming 101. by Sally Colby As summer winds down, some farm operators look forward to the last pumpkin leaving the farm.

As summer winds down, some farm operators look forward to the last pumpkin leaving the farm. Decide what size seedlings you want to plant in spring.

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