No Christmas tree competition at Pennsylvania Farm Show
Christmas trees are a big part of the Pennsylvania Farm Show, and for the first time in many years, the tree competition will not happen. Author: Carmella Mataloni Updated: 6:18 PM EST January 13, 2021
CARBON COUNTY, Pa. Placement ribbons line the office of Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Mahoning Township.
Owner Chris Botek usually wins one every year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, but this year that won t happen. The event has gone virtual because of the pandemic. The Farm Show is a huge part of our industry. It gives us a chance to get out, talk to the public, and show them all the different varieties of trees that are grown in Pennsylvania, and we hold our Christmas tree and wreath competition there. For us not be able to go there and have it, it s a letdown, said Botek.
Back to basics: Winter Christmas tree webinar series announced
December 22, 2020
Series will teach new growers how to build a solid understanding of management practices and give experienced growers a much-needed review, as well as give updates on research and emerging issues.
Photo by Jill O’Donnell, MSU Extension
Christmas tree operations run the gamut from small choose-and-cut farms to large-scale wholesale operations. Regardless of the size or type of farm, a good working knowledge of the overall production system is essential to help growers avoid problems before they start and give a leg up on trouble-shooting issues when they arise.
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12/02/20 Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Brothers Josh (left) and Matt Dumm of Kline s Tree Farm outside of Carrolltown carry a Christmas tree to be bailed for a customer on Wednesday afternoon.
Some area growers say their supply of live Christmas trees is down again this year.
The number of Christmas tree farms in central Pennsylvania has been declining, according to Thomas G. Ford, commercial horticulture educator for Penn State Extension.
“When you factor in the loss of the available Christmas tree inventory because of owner retirement and add in the loss of inventory due to diseases like needle cast, the supply of Christmas trees in our area will be relatively tight,” Ford said.