Christmas tree field day gives insight to producers
|
Some people are thinking of Christmas already. For Christmas tree growers the season is an all year process that requires maintaining their operation with a strategic marketing plan and other preparations.
The Indiana Christmas Tree Growers' Association (ICTGA) is inviting producers and growers to a fall field day where they will tour farms and learn about what they can do to improve their operations.
The field day will be on Sept. 12 and 19. Sept. 12 farms include Evans Whispering Pines LLC in Danville, Making Memories Christmas Trees in Lafayette and Sickels Tree Farm in Lynn. Farms tours on Sept 19 include Eby's Evergreen Plantation Inc. in Bristol and St. Joe Tree Farm LLC in Fort Wayne.
"The field day gives growers an opportunity to get in the fields and see what different growing techniques are available, learn about different species and take home a better understanding of how to produce Christmas trees," said Dan Cassens, Purdue Extension forestry specialist. "I think it is important for potential growers to come. This is a good way to introduce them to the business."
Choose-and-cut operations are usually run on a part-time basis. They mostly are family owned and operated and include a number of tasks to make the growing and selling processes successful.
During a seven-year production period - an average growing season - many issues need to be considered, including the proper amount of land to grow the trees and site preparation, such as shearing, planting, herbicide application, mowing and soil testing. A highly developed marketing plan is a key resource in being able to sell the trees.
"Established and new operations need to investigate their marketing plan. They should figure out what to grow, a marketing plan that fits the product and consider the amount of labor that goes into the process," Cassens said.
The Christmas tree industry is slowly developing. There is a demand for a variety of trees in different areas of the country.
"The industry is becoming consumer driven. Fir trees are becoming more interesting to the consumer, while pine is still a popular species in Indiana," Cassens said.
Each tour will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with different demonstrations and guest speakers.
Registration is $20 for ICTGA members and $30 for non-ICTGA members per farm tour. Registration includes lunch and beverages for the day. For more information, visit http://www.ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Documents/temp/2009-09-12ChristmasTree.pdf , or contact Cassens at 765-494-3644, dcassens@purdue.edu .
More Options
Email this story to a friend
