Christmas tree, maple groups hosting their state meetings
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » People from across the state will soon visit Saratoga County for two separate agriculture-related conferences.
Ellms Family Farm in Charlton is hosting a three-day summer meeting of the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York from Thursday to Saturday, while the New York State Maple Tour, based at the Saratoga Springs Holiday Inn, is scheduled for Sunday to Tuesday.
There are approximately 800 Christmas tree farms in upstate New York, making it a major contributor to the region’s agricultural economy.
The three-day gathering will include workshops, demonstrations and discussions.
On Thursday, participants will tour three area farms -Goode Trees in Ballston Spa, Boulder Brook Tree Farm in Malta and Goderie’s Tree Farm in Johnstown.
On Saturday, the president of the Irish Christmas Tree Farmers Association will give a brief presentation on tree growing in his country.
A new Camp Christmas Tree, for kids ages 3-12, is also planned during the conference.
“We are very proud of our diversified farm operation including some of the region’s leading agri-tourism programs, and look forward to sharing with fellow Christmas tree growers,” said Kerith Potts, Ellms Family Farm manager.
The Maple Tour, hosted by the Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association, will include a large trade show at the Holiday Inn.
On Monday evening, state Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball is the scheduled keynote speaker for the annual Maple Tour banquet. He will talk about the growth of the industry and benefits of the New York State Grown and Certified program.
The state announced recently that New York hit a 74-year production record this spring 806,000 gallons of maple syrup made. Producers benefited from a long season, which lasted 52 days compared to 43 in 2017.
New York’s maple industry, second in the U.S. behind only Vermont, has grown by nearly
50 percent the past five years.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says New York’s maple production accounts for 19 percent of the national total. There were 2.73 million taps in production in 2018, the highest number since 1943.
On Monday and Tuesday, participants will visit sugarhouses in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties including Maple Valley Farm in Corinth, owned by Donald and Susan Monica with help from his sons, Tim and Scott.
Don Monica is a thirdgeneration maple producer with 56 years of experience. This year Maple Valley Farm made 745 gallons of syrup.