Submitted by the Georgia Farm Bureau
MACON, Ga. – At a time of year when experiences and memories are cherished, many Georgians will head to the farm to pick out the perfect tree to establish their Christmas setting at home.
They’ll take in the sights of their breath fogging in the cool late-fall air. They’ll hear the giggles of children anticipating all the things that go with the season. They’ll smell the fresh air laden with the scents of evergreens and perhaps steaming apple cider.
Fresh cut Christmas trees aren’t the only thing available on Christmas tree farms. Many of them sell wreaths, holiday decorating accessories and gifts, as well as low-cost entertainment like train rides or hay rides.
The family time together outdoors? That comes at no extra charge.
“That’s bringing back the family tradition,” said Rhonda Bullington of Double B Farms in Lizella, one of nine Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets where Christmas trees are sold. “It’s the family getting together and it means more with the Christmas spirit than going to the market and just throwing it in the car.”
Some of the farms offer hay rides, Berry’s Farm in Covington has a miniature train ride set up and there are opportunities to have pictures taken with Santa at some of the farms. They’re also involved in holiday charities; a number of them donate trees for the Trees For Troops program, while 7Gs Farm in Nicholson has Boy Scout troops come in and sell concessions.
GFB President Zippy Duvall said the experience families get when going to the farm is significant beyond the season’s traditions.
“Choose and cut farms serve two important goals,” Duvall said. “These farms offer a unique experience to families during a special time of the year, while drawing these families, often with children, to a farm and getting them interested in agriculture.”
To find a local Certified Farm Market selling Christmas trees, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.gfb.org/commodities/cfm/default.html" http://www.gfb.org/commodities/cfm/default.html, or call the Farm Bureau home office at 800-898-1911, ext. 5212.
Founded in 1937, Georgia Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general farm organization. Its volunteer members actively participate in local, district and state activities that promote agriculture awareness to their non-farming neighbors. GFB also has 20 commodity advisory committees that give the organization input on issues pertinent to the major commodities grown in Georgia.
