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
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
January 23, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the recent Fifth Circuit Court decision overturning a prior Tax Court decision on self-employment tax for limited partners, the ruling’s impact on farmers, and potential next steps in Congress.
January 23, 2026 02:00 PM
·
Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.
January 23, 2026 01:54 PM
·
Pennsylvania Farm Show scholarship recipient Elizabeth Dice discusses her award, her background in farming, and her path forward in the agriculture industry.
January 23, 2026 01:48 PM
·
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
January 23, 2026 01:36 PM
·
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska joined us with the latest on efforts to secure year-round E15 sales.
January 23, 2026 01:12 PM
·
Rural population growth and stabilizing economic indicators point to post-pandemic recovery, but uneven income, shifting industries, and regional divides remain key challenges for rural communities.
January 23, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Large-scale land purchases signal rising competition for ranchland, reinforcing its value while reshaping long-term access and control in rural agriculture.
January 23, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
January 22, 2026 06:34 PM
·
