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
Kevin Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance joined us Tuesday to share his perspective on farm safety and risk management during fall harvest.
September 23, 2025 04:33 PM
·
Theresa Long and Theresa Pittman joined us on behalf of the AgriSafe Network to discuss the health and social issues impacting families in agriculture.
September 23, 2025 04:04 PM
·
September 23, 2025 03:54 PM
·
UNL Animal Science Ph.D candidate Anna Kobza joined us on Tuesday’s
Market Day Report to share her agriculture story and tips for other producers hoping to share their ag stories online or with the media.
September 23, 2025 03:24 PM
·
Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.
September 23, 2025 01:32 PM
·
China is making strategic moves by purchasing more soybeans from Argentina and may soon follow the EU and reopen its market to Brazilian chicken exports.
September 23, 2025 01:21 PM
·
Lamb prices have seen a surprising surge driven by a tight supply and increasing demand in non-traditional markets.
September 23, 2025 12:40 PM
·
Rollins says the new trade relationship with Taiwan, which is committed to buying a significant amount of U.S. soy, could not come at a better time for farmers facing financial strain.
September 23, 2025 11:06 AM
·
According to the most recent version of the Household Food Security Report for 2022-2023, food insecurity is on the rise in the U.S.
September 22, 2025 01:49 PM
·
