NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — For many families, picking out a real Christmas tree is a cherished holiday tradition — but behind that tradition is a farm sector experiencing mounting long-term challenges. This season, the U.S. Christmas tree industry is facing strain from shifting consumer habits, rising competition from Chinese-made artificial trees, and a decades-long decline in domestic production.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down the scope of the U.S Christmas tree industry and the challenges growers are facing in today’s economy.
According to Munch, U.S. Christmas tree production remains a significant segment of specialty agriculture, with each tree requiring 7–10 years to reach market size. Despite the long-standing cultural appeal of real trees, growers face stiff competition from artificial alternatives — and between 85 percent and 95 percent of artificial trees sold in the U.S. are imported from China.
Long-term data reflect the pressure: the number of U.S. farms harvesting Christmas trees fell nearly 30 percent between 2002 and 2022. Yet, Munch emphasized why buying real still matters. Beyond supporting thousands of domestic jobs, real trees contribute to local economies and help keep family farms viable.
READ MORE: AFBF — Real Christmas Trees: A Market Worth Supporting
Kip Eideberg with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers details its campaign spotlighting the people who build equipment vital to farming and food manufacturing.
December 03, 2025 03:24 PM
·
Buzzard discusses her upcoming appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast with host Kirbe Schnoor and the importance of sharing authentic stories about agriculture.
December 03, 2025 03:10 PM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined us to break down what telehealth entails and which conditions can be managed through remote appointments.
December 03, 2025 02:17 PM
·
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
December 03, 2025 01:52 PM
·
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
December 03, 2025 01:36 PM
·
Federal lawyers submitted a brief this week backing Bayer’s argument that federal laws governing herbicides like Roundup should prevent lawsuits over the popular chemical.
December 03, 2025 12:08 PM
·
China’s renewed purchases signal improving sorghum demand at a time when export markets are otherwise uneven. Meanwhile, agriculture groups across the U.S, Canada, and Mexico want to protect close trade relations.
December 03, 2025 11:51 AM
·
December 03, 2025 10:12 AM
·
December 02, 2025 11:38 AM
