2025 Fall Member Meeting at Pineberry Farm
The New Hampshire-Vermont Christmas Tree Association welcomed over 60 Christmas tree growers and industry members to its annual Fall Meeting, held at Pineberry Farm in Wheelock, VT on September 20. It was a beautiful fall day for attendees to enjoy a full schedule of educational sessions, field tours, networking and hands-on farm demonstrations.
The event, generously sponsored by Passumpsic Bank, began with an association business meeting led by NHVTCTA President, Mike Ahern.
Nigel Manley shared updates from the National Christmas Tree Association and on the Trees for Troops program, encouraging farmers to continue their contributions to this initiative supporting military families during the holiday season.
(pictured right: Tina Lunderville of Passumpsic Bank and Nigel Manley, NHVTCTA Program Coordinator).
Hosts, Nick Potter and family, introduced Pineberry Farm, sharing the operation's four generation history and current practices. The morning continued with educational presentations. Jessica Tessier, Agricultural Resource Management Specialist, reviewed Vermont's pesticide rules, while David Huber, Deputy Director of Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, addressed rodenticide use and Vermont's new neonicotinoid restrictions.
After a hearty BBQ lunch, members participated in a two-hour field tour around scenic Pineberry Farm. Led by Nick Potter, Bob White with Judy Rosovsky, VT State Entomologist. The tour included demonstrations on pruning techniques, land clearing, and sourcing quality planting stock and seed.
Participants not only earned four pesticide recertification credits for these programs, but also enjoyed the camaraderie of peers, new resources, and the chance to exchange ideas on how to strengthen their farms and the industry.
Thank you to the Potter Family for hosting this event on their scenic farm. The day of the event was also Nick and Robyn Potter's tenth wedding anniversary! We celebrated with cake and all were glad to see The 50/50 Raffle winner ended up being Nick Potter! Congrats to them on this anniversary and the birth of their new baby daughter on September 9!
The NH-VT Christmas Tree Association represents growers across New Hampshire and Vermont, working to promote sustainable farming practices, provide valuable education, and advocate for the region's Christmas tree industry. The association hosts seasonal meetings and events to keep members connected and informed.
View from Pineberry Farm