News Articles

August 2005

PIDA Loan Eligibility Expanded ( PA Vegetable Growers News , Aug. '05). “The PA Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) voted on July 6 to expand eligibility for its loan program to include ag producers (processors already were eligible).” Information on PIDA and other financing opportunities for Pennsylvania ag producers is available at http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=133584 .

Christmas Tree Marketing , a University of Maine Cooperative Extension publication, is reprinted in Country Folks Grower (Aug. '05). “ The best time to start your marketing plan is before you plant trees. Why? Do you want to be planting Scotts' pine when the customer preference is clearly in favor of balsam fir? So start early with your planning and preparations for selling your trees. As you grow your trees, are there market trends emerging that may change your plans? Does the market want bushier trees than you are growing? Are you intending to grow 10-foot trees with a wide base when the customer may be looking for six-foot trees with a narrow base? Stay alert to trends as you are growing Christmas trees, and modify your marketing plans to the best advantage.” The article gives detailed advice on a marketing time frame from before planting through the growing phase and into the year of harvest. Read the complete publication at http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/7009.htm .

Evergreen Diseases—Know What to Look For ( Country Folks Grower , Aug. '05) reprints a USDA Forest Service publication. “It takes constant and skilled care for 8-15 years to produce a salable, high-quality Christmas tree. During this time the trees face many hazards . . . . But the most critical threat is usually disease. . . . Learning to identify these diseases is the first step in prevention and control.” The article details the diseases that affect pines, fir, and spruce trees. Read the complete article at Pocket Guide to Christmas Tree Disease .

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