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Agriculture

A Year in the Life of a Christmas Tree Farmer: From Planting to Selling

2024-12-01

In 1839, Simon Wyckoff made a significant purchase of 172 acres in what is now Warren County, central New Jersey. Over a century later, in 1958, the fifth and sixth generations, who had shifted to dairy farming, took a bold step by planting 1,000 Norway spruce seedlings on a challenging piece of land. Their first harvest came in 1967 when they sold six trees for $5 each. In 1970, they made a decisive move and sold the cows, transforming the family into full-time Christmas tree farmers.

The Legacy of Wyckoff's Christmas Tree Farm

A Century of Christmas Tree Farming

John Wyckoff stands as the seventh generation to oversee the family farm. Today, Wyckoff's Christmas Tree Farm boasts more than a dozen species planted across approximately 70 acres. It's a place where families have been coming for generations. As couples get married and start their families, they often return to this farm, creating a lasting tradition. Some families have been coming for four generations, making it a special part of their holiday memories.Wyckoff is not only a successful farmer but also holds significant positions. He is the 2024 president of the National Christmas Tree Association and a 12-time grand champion of the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers Association. He has participated in the National Christmas Tree Association competition twice. In 2013, he was named the grand champion grower and provided a tree to the White House. As the reserve grand champion in 2019, he supplied the tree for the vice president's home. These achievements showcase his expertise and dedication to the craft.

A Year in the Life of a Christmas Tree Farmer

Christmas tree farmers follow a unique timeline compared to other growers. As Wyckoff explains, "It's not 'plant them in the spring, harvest them in the fall.' You plant your crop and wait 7 to 10 years, depending on the species, to see a harvest. It's a long-term investment that requires patience and hard work."Throughout the year, the trees demand constant attention. Whether it's dealing with insects, fungus, mowing, shearing, or planting and harvesting, there is a lot of physical labor involved. The season begins in January when the Wyckoffs finish shearing and shaping the trees that were left undone in the fall. They also take care of their equipment during this time. In April, tree planting begins, which is one of the enjoyable aspects for Wyckoff. Throughout spring, he and his crew fertilize the trees and conduct regular field walks to monitor for any potential insect or fungus problems. They also practice herbicide banding to prevent weeds from encroaching on the trees.Mowing becomes a full-time job as summer approaches. Keeping the trees trimmed helps the lower branches develop better, prevents moisture buildup that could lead to fungus, and makes it easier for predators to reach vermin. "We also like to keep the farm looking nice," Wyckoff says. Throughout the summer, they continue to shear the trees to maintain their perfect Christmas tree shape.

When Fall Arrives

Once fall comes, there is another round of herbicide banding. It's time to get the farm cleaned up and ready for the sale season, which begins the day after Thanksgiving. Then, it's a race against time as they sell trees until they run out. Wyckoff mentions that their most popular trees are Fraser, Canaan, and Douglas firs, which are North American varieties. He has also added international seed sources from Turkey, China, and Georgia and is experimenting with hybrid crosses. "It's interesting because they take on different characteristics," he says. "It's an evolving business. Back in the day, my father and grandfather planted Scotch pine and Norway spruce, but those are not where the market is anymore."Customers can also get a uniquely colored tree at Wyckoff's Christmas Tree Farm. Wyckoff discovered a latex-based paint formulated for Christmas trees at a growers' meeting. Despite the initial objections from his family, he decided to give it a try. On a Saturday night just before Halloween, he painted a few white and purple trees near the road. The next morning, traffic came to a halt as people took pictures of the colorful trees. "I knew we were onto something, and Monday morning I was on the phone with the supplier to order a batch of different colors," he says. "We've been doing it ever since." Some people choose a favorite color, while others match a tree to their favorite sports team. "You give the people what they want," he says.

Advice for Beginners

Wyckoff is often asked for advice by those interested in entering the Christmas tree business. His first piece of advice is to learn what you're getting into. He recommends joining a state, regional, or national Christmas tree growers association. "That's the best way to get your feet wet," he says. "Go to meetings and learn from those who have been there and done that because it's an evolving business."Another important challenge to be aware of is the lack of feasible crop insurance available to Christmas tree growers, unlike traditional commodities. A single drought can affect multiple years of harvests, and you may not see the impact on your bottom line for years. "We typically plant extra trees to hedge our bets a bit; then, if we have a bad year, we can hold some over from the previous year or maybe get into next year's trees a bit early," he says. "It's when you have a couple of bad drought years in a row that it gets tough."Christmas tree growers also need a critical eye. "My father was a very meticulous man," Wyckoff says. "He really paid attention to detail. You don't get high-yield corn if you don't pay attention to detail. You don't get the best beef if you don't pay attention to detail. It's the same with Christmas trees. It's shearing technique, fertilization, and just making sure everything's right. Our goal is to put out the best product that we can. I do my best to learn because there's always something new coming."

Christmas With the Wyckoffs

While the Wyckoff family is immersed in Christmas trees year-round and especially busy during the last quarter of the year, they still enjoy decorating their home for the holidays. When asked about the tree he chooses for his house, Wyckoff laughs and says, "Whatever my wife wants." This year, it's a 9½-foot Fraser fir. They try to get the tree close to Thanksgiving to ensure it's up in time for the holidays. Once they open on Black Friday, they work long hours seven days a week until they sell out all the trees.In addition to self-serve tree cutting, there are three different tree sales sites on the farm, each with its own crew processing trees. "It's quite an undertaking," he says. "I call it 'organized chaos.' Visitors come to Wyckoff's Christmas Tree Farm not only for the trees but also for the Christmas Barn retail store. The store carries wreaths, swags, and other items made from tree trimmings, as well as Christmas decorations, gifts, and products from other local farmers. To learn more, visit wyckoffs.com.

Donald Trump's decision to nominate Paul Atkins as the next SEC chair holds significant implications for the crypto space. On Wednesday, President-elect Trump made this announcement, highlighting Atkins' credentials as a proven leader in common sense regulations. This move is expected to have a profound effect on various crypto assets such as Bitcoin USD (BTC-USD), COIN stock, ETH-USD crypto, BTBT StockMSTR, RIOT, MARA, BTCM, DOGE-USD, XRP-USD, and ADA-USD. The crypto market has been in a state of flux, and this nomination could potentially bring stability or introduce new dynamics. With Atkins' background and beliefs in robust, innovative regulations, the future of crypto trading and investment is likely to be shaped in significant ways.

Unraveling the Crypto Market's Future with Trump's SEC Nomination

Section 1: Paul Atkins - A Proven Leader in Crypto Regulation

Paul Atkins brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role of SEC chair. His track record in the financial industry has earned him respect and credibility. He understands the nuances of the crypto market and is committed to implementing regulations that strike a balance between protecting investors and fostering innovation. His past work at the Securities and Exchange Commission has shown his ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and make informed decisions. This makes him well-suited to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the growing crypto industry.

Section 2: The Implications for Crypto Assets

The nomination of Paul Atkins is likely to have a direct impact on various crypto assets. Bitcoin USD (BTC-USD), for instance, is one of the most prominent cryptocurrencies and has been at the forefront of the digital asset revolution. With Atkins' leadership, there may be increased scrutiny and regulatory clarity surrounding Bitcoin. This could lead to both positive and negative effects. On one hand, it may provide more stability and investor confidence, which could drive up the price of Bitcoin. On the other hand, stricter regulations could also pose challenges for Bitcoin traders and miners. Similarly, other crypto assets such as COIN stock, ETH-USD crypto, and BTBT StockMSTR are also likely to be affected by Atkins' nomination. Each asset has its own unique characteristics and market dynamics, and Atkins will need to carefully consider these factors when formulating regulatory policies.

Section 3: The Future of Crypto Trading and Investment

The appointment of Paul Atkins as SEC chair marks a significant turning point for the future of crypto trading and investment. It signals a shift towards more regulated and transparent markets, which is both a challenge and an opportunity for market participants. On one hand, stricter regulations may limit some of the speculative activities that have characterized the crypto market in the past. This could help reduce volatility and protect investors from fraud and market manipulation. On the other hand, it could also stifle innovation and limit the growth potential of the crypto industry. Therefore, it will be crucial for Atkins to strike a delicate balance between regulation and innovation. He will need to work closely with industry stakeholders to develop policies that promote the long-term growth and stability of the crypto market while also safeguarding the interests of investors.

President-elect Donald Trump made a significant announcement on Wednesday, revealing his intention to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission. This move comes at a crucial time as the crypto industry faces increased regulatory scrutiny. Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, is seen as a "proven leader for common sense regulations."

Trump's Crypto Pledge and Its Impact

Trump, once a crypto skeptic, had made a bold promise to make the US "the crypto capital of the planet" and create a "strategic reserve" of bitcoin. Since his victory, money has been pouring into crypto assets, with Bitcoin now trading above $95,000. This shift in sentiment has led to a growing interest in the crypto space and the need for effective regulation. 1: Trump's crypto pledge has not only attracted significant investment but has also put pressure on the government to establish a clear regulatory framework. The potential of the crypto industry to drive economic growth and innovation cannot be ignored. By nominating Paul Atkins, Trump is sending a signal that he is committed to supporting the growth of the crypto sector while ensuring investor protection. 2: Atkins' background and experience make him well-suited for this role. With a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. His work on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen in the 1990s laid the foundation for his understanding of the regulatory landscape.

Atkins' Tenure at the SEC

1: Atkins began his career as a lawyer and joined the SEC in 2002, a time when the fallout from corporate scandals at Enron and WorldCom had intensified the focus on Wall Street and its regulators. During his tenure, he was widely regarded as the most conservative member of the SEC, known for his strong free-market bent. He called for greater transparency in and analysis of the costs and benefits of new SEC rules, aiming to strike a balance between regulation and innovation. 2: As a commissioner, Atkins emphasized investor education and increased enforcement efforts against those who engage in fraudulent activities. He recognized the importance of protecting investors from theft over the internet and other forms of fraud. His stance on penalties for companies accused of fraudulent conduct also sparked debate, as he believed that stiff penalties did not necessarily deter crime.

Atkins' Previous Work and Experience

1: Before his appointment to the SEC, Atkins worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. This experience gave him valuable insights into the inner workings of the regulatory agency and the challenges faced by the industry. His work in the financial markets sector has equipped him with the skills to navigate the complex world of securities and investments. 2: In 2017, Atkins joined the Token Alliance, a cryptocurrency advocacy organization, further demonstrating his commitment to the crypto industry. His involvement in this organization has allowed him to stay connected with the latest developments and trends in the crypto space and advocate for the interests of the industry.

Trump's Crypto Ventures and the Impact on Atkins' Nomination

1: Trump himself has launched World Liberty Financial, a new venture to trade cryptocurrencies. This move has raised questions about his stance on crypto regulation and his potential conflicts of interest. However, by nominating Atkins, who has a deep understanding of the crypto industry and a reputation for advocating for common sense regulations, Trump is trying to address these concerns. 2: Atkins' appointment is seen as a way to bring a balanced perspective to the SEC and ensure that regulatory decisions are made in the best interests of both investors and the industry. His experience and expertise will be crucial in shaping the future of crypto regulation in the US.