Christmas in July: A roundtable discussion on Christmas trees and climate adaptation

Bill Lindberg<lindbe35@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension, and Josh Bendorf, USDA Midwest Climate Hub -

Join the USDA and MSU Extension to talk about effects of the changing climate on Midwest Christmas tree farms.

A field of small, young Christmas trees.
Photo 1. Christmas tree production in Michigan. Photo by Bill Lindberg, MSU Extension.

Registration is now open for a grower roundtable on July 8 at 1 p.m. that focuses on climate adaption for Christmas tree production. Climate trends in the Midwestern region have far reaching agricultural impacts, including the production of Christmas trees (Photo 1). Climate data shows changes in precipitation patterns, annual and seasonal temperatures, and growing season length. In turn, this may alter insect and disease pressure, transplant survivability, tree growth and needle retention. Have you experienced these challenges? Have they changed how you farm? This meeting provides an opportunity for growers to provide feedback and gain knowledge on possible mitigation efforts to address these current and future challenges.  

To assist with these production challenges, the United States Department of Agriculture Midwest Climate Hub and Michigan State University Extension Christmas tree experts have written a bulletin on climate trends challenges and mitigation options for Christmas tree production. Producers who attend this session will have the chance to discuss the bulletin and hear what fellow producers have been experiencing in their region. Michigan State University Extension recommends attendees review the bulletin prior to the meeting. 

Agenda 

  • Introduction and opening poll question  
  • Review of climate change impacts on Christmas tree production in the Midwest 
  • Open discussion – Zoom polls, grower feedback and Q&A with the experts  
  • Closing remarks  

Register for Roundtable Discussion: Christmas Trees and Climate Adaptation 

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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