Maine, NH, VT Christmas Tree Growers Gather for Fall Meeting

Two Christmas Tree Associations collaborated to host their annual Fall Member meetings together at Great Works Tree Farm in North Berwick, Maine.

The two day meeting featured programs presented by specialists and agriculture professionals from all over the country. Presenters included Bill Urbanowicz, Sr. Agronomist at Spectrum Analytic, Rich Cowles of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Brett Johnson, UMaine Extension's Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Business Management Educator and Rachel Maccini, an UNH Cooperative Extension Field Specialist. Marsha Gray of the Real Christmas Tree Board traveled from Michigan to attend the event and present how the RCTB promotes real Christmas trees nationwide.

Bob White, owner of White's Tree Farm in Essex, Vermont and recipient of the 2024 Christmas Spirit Award discussed the Trees for Troops program. Many of the Christmas tree farms in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont donate their trees to be sent to troops serving around the world. Learn more about the program at treesfortroops.org.

John, Linda and the Archambault family (picture below) hosted the crowd and were awarded a Maine CTA sign for sharing their farm with over 100 farmers over the weekend. They gave tours of their farm operations and invited their neighbors to discuss how Shropshire Sheep can help with weeding Christmas trees! Along with all the camaraderie and information exchanged, the growers enjoyed delicious lunches catered by NoBo's in North Berwick.

"It was great to see the enthusiastic turnout for the event by so many busy farmers who attended to network with each other and share tips for growing healthy trees. Collaborating with Maine on this event really helped expand our network and learn from our neighbors." says Veronica Francis, Executive Director of the New Hampshire/Vermont Christmas Tree Association.

Thank you to Julie Downey for producing this video of the Fall meeting!