Michigan Christmas Tree Association

10/12/2026

09/24/2026

Ballots are arriving now for a vote on the continuance of the Real Christmas Tree Board

The Secretary of Agriculture has called for a second referendum on the future of the Real Christmas Tree Board (RCTB) because the first vote was extremely close and the voting period included fewer business days than the standard timeframe. The USDA is funding this second referendum.

We are re-stating the position of the NCTA Board of Directors on the value and need of the RCTB.

The NCTA Board of Directors believes that the success of the Christmas tree industry requires an organized effort focused on four things:
1. protecting farmers from potential threats (regulatory, public messaging, fake trees)
2. advocating rules and conditions to make farming successful (labor, labeling, taxes)
3. promoting the benefits of buying a fresh Christmas tree each year to the public
4. funding research projects to make production of trees more sustainable and successful

It is the mission of NCTA to focus its efforts on the first two of those stated above. The Real Christmas Tree Board’s mission (and authorization) is to focus on the last two stated above. NCTA was the catalyst for starting the RCTB over 15 years ago, as the leadership at that time saw the need for a Christmas tree check-off program to provide value to growers and retailers in marketing, promotion, and a research entity for our industry.

The NCTA Board of Directors believe that RCTB is fulfilling its mission and will continue to do so. We instruct our staff to coordinate and collaborate with RCTB in our efforts to fulfill our mission of protecting and advocating for Christmas tree farmers. We urge all members to vote YES in the upcoming 2026 referendum to continue the RCTB funded by assessments.

08/29/2026

🌲 Ready to sell Christmas trees? Join MSU Extension's Fall Christmas Tree Webinar on September 17 to learn what customers are looking for and discover strategies to improve tree sales.
🔗 Register: https://pears.io/events/msuext/9807/

08/28/2026

Have you ever seen this sign? ​

It’s the mark of a farmer who’s verified in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Cropping System. ​

The MAEAP Cropping System recognizes farms that implement crop production practices that promote sound water use, soil conservation, and nutrient management. ​

What do the farms get out of the arrangement? Protection against nuisance complaints, preferred consideration for technical assistance, and recognition as leading stewards of our natural resources.​

Good for the environment, good for farmers, and good for communities. That's the MAEAP promise.​

Want to know more? Visit https://go.mi.gov/xr6dz2985

08/26/2026

07/28/2026

Big congratulations go to Runyans Tree Farm! Debbie Case and the team at Runyans Country Tree Farm in Clio, MI, claimed Grand Champion in the decorated wreath category and Reserve Grand Champion in the undecorated category in the biennial Tree and Wreath Contest held during the MCTA Summer Meeting at Timberly Tree Farms in Sturgis, MI, on Thursday, July 23rd. Debbie shared that she feels honored to have her wreaths selected as top choices by fellow growers. Winning the award is a proud moment that showcases her artistry and design in wreath-making.

07/27/2026

Congratulations to Lee Arend and the Arend family!

GRASS LAKE, Mich. — The Michigan Christmas Tree Association (MCTA) officially inducted John Arend (posthumously) and his son, Lee Arend, of Arend Tree Farms into...

07/27/2026

Congratulations to Wahmhoff Farms Nursery, MCTA Tree Contest Winner!
Wahmhoff Farms Nursery, located in Gobles, MI, was named Grand Champion for its 8-foot Fraser Fir at the Michigan Christmas Tree Association’s (MCTA) Biennial Tree Contest. The event took place on July 23, 2026, during the MCTA Summer Meeting at Timberly Tree Farms in Sturgis, MI.
The award-winning tree was presented by brothers Dan and Ken Wahmhoff. The Wahmhoffs have been named Grand Champions several times over the past few decades, proudly showcasing their talent for growing exceptional, high-quality trees. Entering two trees in this year's contest, they achieved a clean sweep, taking home Grand Champion for their Fraser Fir and Reserve Grand Champion for their 8-foot White Spruce.

07/25/2026

07/10/2026

https://www.scmp.com/news/us/article/3360189/loudest-voices-us-china-trade-talks-christmas-tree-growers

US growers urge officials to keep tariffs on Chinese-made artificial trees, saying lower duties threaten family farms and livelihoods.