NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Real Christmas tree growers face rising competitive and structural pressures as imported artificial trees expand sharply in U.S. markets. With most American families unaware of the decade-long timeline required to grow a marketable tree, the industry is increasingly challenged by weather volatility, labor shortages, and long-term acreage decline.
Production capacity has contracted significantly, says the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). Between 2002 and 2022, farms harvesting Christmas trees fell nearly 30 percent, and acreage dropped more than 150,000 acres, a 35 percent reduction shaped by complex economics and slow biological timelines. Retail-ready trees typically require seven to 10 years to grow, exposing farmers to years of insect pressure, disease risk, and extreme weather.
U.S. Imports of Artificial Christmas Trees (2025)
American Farm Bureau Federation
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, artificial trees — 85% to 95% imported from China — have become the dominant competitor, replacing years of real-tree demand with a single purchase. Imports have surged from $170 million in 2000 to more than $500 million in 2024, exerting continuous price pressure on domestic growers.
Cut Christmas Tree Production by State (2025)
American Farm Bureau Federation
Regionally, Oregon and North Carolina lead production, while farms nationwide face rising labor costs, land constraints, and limited risk-management tools that offer little protection from multiyear losses.
Looking ahead, growers say consumer choices are increasingly tied to farm survival, as U.S.-grown real trees support domestic jobs, preserve open space, and sequester carbon throughout their decade-long growth.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Buying a real Christmas tree directly supports U.S. farmers facing rising import competition, long production cycles, and weather-driven risks.
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today unveiled a bold plan to protect the nation’s prime farm and ranchland from the rapid spread of data centers.
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said permanent access to the higher ethanol blend would provide farmers with much-needed certainty while supporting domestic crop demand.
Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.
Food prices increased in December, but not as much as expected, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.
Logistics capacity remains available, but winter volatility favors flexible delivery and marketing plans. NGFA President Mike Seyfert provides insight into grain transportation trends, trade policy, and priorities for the year ahead.
Rising adoption of GLP-1 drugs may gradually reshape food demand, with potential downstream effects on protein markets and consumer purchasing patterns.
Created by former Louisiana Farm Bureau PR Director and former host Regnal Wallace, “This Week in Louisiana Agriculture,” is one of the state’s longest-running TV programs.
From the rapid technological advances in the business of farming to the policy that helps shape the industry, growers get unparalleled perspective from these guys. Max Armstrong, Mike Pearson and Greg Soulje: the names producers have long known and trusted for agriculture news, weather, and commentary.
Watch Rural Evening News to catch up on that day’s news surrounding agriculture and markets from across the world. Along with market news, our news staff will bring you news stories covering topics including auctions, cattle, farm equipment, ranch, real estate, and much more!
Every day, “Market Day Report” delivers “live” coverage of agri-business news, weather, and commodity market information from across the world. Our market coverage is constantly updated every half-hour, bringing you the latest on the markets.
Farm Monitor shines a light on Southeastern agriculture and is the only weekly news and information program dedicated to Georgia’s largest and most important industry: agriculture.
