Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia and TBA It’S Affiliated, Regional Based Associations

Summer, 2012 NOVA SCOTIA CHRISTMAS TREE JOURNAL The Voice of the Christmas Tree Industry in Nova Scotia Volume 26 No. 2 Balsam - the Aroma of Christmas !

What’s inside?

P 2 President’s report P 3 CTCNS contacts P 4 Haitian visitor P 5 Exec Director. hired P 6 Provincial results P 7 Garlon XRT P 8 LCCTPA field day P 9 Big winner Bill Smith helps out in a mulching crew at Plumdale Orchard earlier this summer. P10 Trees for Troops 2012 annual meeting report P11 Turner report P12 Sandeson report Canadian association presses MPs for dedicated P13 Sweet report Christmas tree day recognition P14 Maine meeting by Matthew Wright P15 NeCTA evening 2012 Canadian delegate and CCTGA treasurer P16 NCTA highlights P17 Mulching crew British Columbia hosted this year’s annual meeting of the Canadian Christmas P18 Canadian Assoc Tree Growers’ Association on August 24 and 25. Main agenda topics included the P20 Buddy Balsam Minor Use of Pesticides Registration process, the new National Christmas Tree P21 Wa-Su-Wek spot Phytosanitary Advisory Committee to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, an P22 Awards update of our constitution and the national promotion of Christmas trees. P23 Grower’s Notebook P24 Advertiser index Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia work together P24 CRC info within the Canadian structure, while Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island retain casual involvement, although many of their members participate within Nova Scotia and New Brunswick associations. Continued on page 18 2 President’s Message - Matthew Priest, CTCNS President

1) Industry Coordinator - Matthew Wright has Hello All, been hired for this job. I am sure he will do a wonderful job. He is quite knowledgeable in this This is my first time area, as he has been doing most of it already. writing as President of the Council. It truly is an honour to represent 2) Executive Director - Angus Bonnyman has such a hardworking and wonderful group of people been hired to fill this position. What a great guy, across this province. who has jumped in with both feet. He is working very hard on behalf of the industry, particularly For those of you who do not know me, I am a at levy compliance. second generation tree farmer. My father, Wayne Priest, started in this business in the 80s and was 3) Journal Editor - Annette Bourgeois-Bent was also a past president of the Council. My wife, chosen from a number of applicants. We were Gena, and I purchased Northern Lights Christmas impressed by her previous work and all that she Tree Farms from my father four years ago and have has accomplished in her life so far. If you are been working alongside many growers over the reading this letter and can understand it, then past few years. I hope to have the opportunity to you know she is doing her job well meet many more in the future. I look forward to working with all of you and I I would like to take this opportunity to thank two am positive you will all do an excellent job! good men. Council has been busy with meetings with the First, Jim Delong. Not only did he work on his Liberal and Conservative caucuses, keeping own farm, spend countless hours working on them informed of our struggles, as well as what behalf of the council but he also fought and won we as tree farmers do for rural Nova Scotia. a battle with cancer. I have learned a lot from Jim Also, I think it is very important to keep our on both a professional and personal level. I have elected officials up to date with our industry and some pretty big shoes to fill with Jim being past keep them aware of how important long-term president. I do know he has already followed up funding is for the Christmas tree industry. We on his promise to guide me when needed and for have also started a dialogue with them about our that I thank you, Jim. secondary roads

Second is Matthew Wright. Where did he find the What a great summer it has been. To all the time to do everything? Matt, you truly do have a areas that I have been, the tree growth has been passion for the Christmas tree industry and I thank excellent and the trees are looking great. I thank you for all that you have done and continue to do. everyone at Council for their support and I look forward to doing whatever I can to improve this We have recently filled three positions on the industry. Until next time, I wish you all a pro- Council: ductive harvest. MP 3 Editor’s Notes - Annette Bourgeois-Bent and I look forward to meeting many of the people I can’t say I’ve settled in completely, but I’m well on whose words and photos appear within the pages of my way, especially after having put to bed my first, of the Journal from time to time. hopefully many, Journals. I’m excited by the prospect of potential for the Jour- It has been a warm welcome for me and I want to ep- nal and I welcome and encourage letters to the editor, ecially thank the Council for putting their trust in my comments and submissions. I hope you recognize a ability to produce a top-quality publication to reflect change in your publication in the coming months and the industry and deliver the information you, our read- are moved to write a note or pick up the phone. I look ers, want. forward to all comments, criticisms and suggestions. Until next time. It would have been significantly more difficult to put together this issue of the Journal had not Matt Wright been as responsive as he has been to my many ques- CHRISTMAS TREE COUNCIL OF tions and requests. His contributions of insightful arti- NOVA SCOTIA cles are brimming with information from several meetings and workshops he attended in recent weeks. PO Box 148, New Germany, NS, B0R 1E0 Tel: (902) 644-2271; Fax: (902) 644-2715

I also want to say thank you for the many well wishes Executive Officers President: Matt Priest (902) 641-2142 NOVA SCOTIA 1st Vice-P: Duncan MacDonald (902) 863-1208 2nd Vice: Forrest Higgins (902) 384-2833 CHRISTMAS TREE JOURNAL Treasurer: Scott MacKinnon (902) 863-1407 Past President: Jim DeLong (902) 644-2718 Editor Annette Bourgeois-Bent Assistant Danielle Wile Association Delegates Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers’ PO Box 148, New Germany, NS, B0R 1E0 Association Tel: (902) 644-2271; Fax: (902) 644-2715 George Lake (902) 543-5374 [email protected] or [email protected] Jack Wentzell (902) 644-2375 Bruce Turner (902) 689-2725 The Nova Scotia Christmas Tree Journal is published quar- Northeastern Christmas Tree Association terly (February, May, August and October) by the Christmas Dave Sweet (902) 522-2924 Tree Council of Nova Scotia. The Journal is a benefit of Kevin Chisholm (902) 386-2782 membership for all the various Nova Scotia Christmas Tree Cobequid Christmas Tree Producers’ Association Association members. However, you may subscribe directly: Bill Smith (902) 895-0698 Exporter Delegates Non-Member Subscriptions Large Exporters: Norm MacIsaac (902) 783-2758 $ 25.00 Canadian (within Canada) Dwight Sanders (902) 689-2262 $ 30.00 U.S. (United States or International) Medium Exporters: Forrest Higgins (902) 384-2833 Bill Rundle (902) 396-4537 Editorial Policy Myles MacPherson (902) 533-2695 This Journal attempts to reflect the opinions and Small Exporters: Wayne Higgins (902) 568-2550 positions of the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia and TBA it’s affiliated, regional based Associations. However, in pre- Office senting articles, not all opinions expressed in this publication Executive Director: Matthew Wright (902) 644-2271 will necessarily be the views or positions of the Council or Administrator: Danielle Wile (902) 644-2271 Associations. [email protected] [email protected]

Publication Mail Agreement No. 41043025 Find us on the WEB at: http://www.ctcns.com 4 Northeastern meeting guest speaker

Rachel Kennedy of SMART spoke at the Northeastern Christ- mas Tree Associa- tion’s annual meeting Sept. 11. More info- mation and photos on page 15.

DID YOU KNOW? Recent outbreaks of water mold fungi, like the ring canker disease and phytophthora root rot, would largely subside if we can get back to winters with deep frosts, as the cold can kill certain soil based spore stages of these diseases.

Haitian visitor tours Nova Scotian farms

Chris Dickie(left) tours Legrand Charles, Senior Agronomist with FIDA-pch, the Foundation for Inter- national Development Assistance-productive coop- eratives Haiti, around Nova Scotia. Mr Charles was visiting on a three-week study tour looking at scale appropriate agriculture and forestry as part of a project that Forests Without Borders has been developping in Haiti over the last year-and-a-half. 5 Bonnyman joins Council as executive director 2 0 1 2 by Angus Bonnyman Dear growers, I would like to introduce myself as your new executive director for the CTCNS, taking over just a piece of what Matt Wright has been doing recently, so that he has more time to focus on his role as industry coordinator.

Although I come from a family that has been involved in forestry and wild blueberries, we’ve never grown Christmas trees, so I am looking forward to learning more about the industry from each of you whenever we have a chance to talk.

You may ask what I bring to the role, if I don’t know much about growing trees. Well, Central and Provincial Winners I am a chartered accountant Pat and Janet O'Toole and have worked for a Carroll's Corner, Colchester County multinational accounting Eastern Region Winners firm for the past 10 years, in Canada and Europe. I have a Mike and Mary Penny great deal of experience advising businesses and dealing Havre Boucher, Antigonish with compliance. I have also seen the benefits of a strong levy program in the wild blueberry industry and look Western Region Winners forward to building that for the Christmas tree industry Jim and Ann Crooker here in Nova Scotia. South Brookfield, Queens County Plan to attend upcoming field days on their woodlots: As I understand from the executive committee and some September 15 - South Brookfield, Queens County of you, we have a problem with some of our growers not September 22 - Lochaber, Antigonish County remitting their levy or not remitting the correct amount September 29 - Corroll's Corner, Colchester County as required by provincial legislation. This obviously For more information contact: hurts Council’s ability to work on your behalf; whether Simon Mutabazi (902) 424-5444 it’s ensuring the efficient flow of trees throughout North or toll free 1-866-226-7577 America and abroad, researching how to improve the or visit the website: industry, obtaining technical advice from our industry www.gov.ns.ca/natr/woodlot/woya coordinator or lobbying governments at all levels to Nova Scotia Woodlot Owner of the Year Award, address your concerns. honouring outstanding woodland owners since 1990 One of my first projects will be reviewing the current approach to the levy and looking at ways we can improve compliance in order to move forward with the business strategy and grow our industry, which will ultimately benefit all of us. I look forward to your support - please be sure to remit your levy by January 31st. 6 Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition draws a crowd

The Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition was held in Bi- ble Hill on August 23 and a number of people turned out to take in this event.

Prizes were awarded in various categories, with Anzil Blackodor’s tree taking the top prize in the sheared competition.

Wreaths on display

The provincial 1st place in the sheared competition was Anzil Blackodor.

“We’re Cheryl talks about natural trees. looking forward to Christmas, Exhibition is a great but no rush way to spend some valuable family time for the Enjoying the com- snow!” petition were (from left) David Belbin, Ann O’Donnell, Brooklyn Rector and Wanda Rector. 7 GARLON XRT receives It is important to recognize the personnel of Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. for their assistance to Christmas tree label extension achieve this Minor Use label extension to include Christmas trees. by Matt Wright

The herbicide GARLON XRT (PCP # 28945) has The Pest Management Regulatory Authority was been given a label extension in Canada to include use helpful in moving this label forward. Thanks to as a directed spray for previously labelled weeds and all. It is good to see growers achieving better pest bedstraw. management options for the Christmas tree crop.

The work was sponsored in 2009 by the Quebec The exact additional wording on the label is: Agriculture Ministry and the Quebec Christmas tree growers in an effort to find a control for bedstraw, “For the control of labelled weeds, including which was becoming a very significant problem in smooth bedstraw, in Christmas tree plantations, their plantations. apply Garlon XRT at the rate of 635 millilitres per hectare in 250 to 300 litres of water as a directed spray below the branches. The spray should not contact the branches of the Christmas trees North Eastern as injury will occur. The use of shields will help prevent direct contact with the tree branches. En- Christmas Tree sure complete coverage of the leaves of the target Association weeds. Apply to trees at least 1.2 metres tall.

Industry Leadership, Outstanding People Apply Garlon XRT Herbicide after the buds of the Christmas trees have hardened off and no lammas The Association has 38 years of experience growth is present. marketing the Highest Quality Balsam Fir Wreaths and Christmas Trees to the World Do not apply in the year of planting. Apply only once per year.

You can visit the Northeastern Refer to the main Garlon XRT label for additional Association on-line at their details and instructions.” address: www.necta.ns.ca

CONTACT US Come see me at the Marketing Membership Fall Trade Show for all Norman MacIsaac Nancy Lane your tree tags and RR # 2, Goshen RR # 2 other printing needs. N.S. B0H 1MO Goshen, N.S. ~ Liana Crossland Ph: (902) 783-2758 B0H 1M0 Fax: (902) 783-2451 Ph: (902) 783-2430 Yard: (902) 783-2430 Fax: 902) 783-2451 MEDIA Group 353 York St., Bridgewater, NS B4V 3K2 Tel. 543-2457 Fax 543-2228 Farm Grown, Real Christmas Trees Toll Free 1-888-543-2457 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.southshorenow.ca 8

LCCTPA FALL FIELD DAY AND TRADE SHOW September 21 and 22, 2012 AGENDA

Friday, Sept. 21 – trade show and technical session Days Inn & Conference Centre, 50 North St., Bridgewater

4:00 – 6:00 pm Commercial trade booth set-up 6:00 pm Registration/trade show opens 7:00 – 7:15 Opening & welcome 7:15 – 7:50 Plant identification and weed management considerations Peter Burgess, Perennia (Agri-Point) 7:50-8:00 Consideration of special motion to utilize LCCTPA funds for SMART tree shares

8:00-8:15 Break/trade show open

8:15-8:45 Personal protection for pesticide safety Peter Burgess, Perennia (Agri-Point) 8:45-9:00 Surprise special presentation 9:00-10:30 Social/trade show/hors d’oeuvres

Saturday, Sept. 22 - field tour – DeLong Farms Across from 117 Barss Corner Road, New Germany

9:00-9:15 am Owner description of the lot history 9:15-9:25 Break into groups and proceed to one of three stops

9:25-10:05 1st of three stops Vegetation management & sprayer technology - demonstration and explanation of sprayer technology with specialized demonstration tubs, etc.

10:05-10:15 Proceed to next stop

10:15-11:00 2nd stop Market expectations for Christmas trees – several exporters will discuss changing customer demands for tree density, shearing style, size. (Who is asking for what, where?)

11:00-11:10 Proceed to next stop

11:10-11:55 3rd stop Safety and training presentation– government and industry personnel (employer and employee workplace responsibilities; work techniques to protect yourself) 9

ANNUAL LUNENBURG COUNTY CHRISTMAS TREE PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION Fall Field Day and Trade Show Friday September 21, 2012 Days Inn & Conference Centre, 50 North Street, Bridgewater Registration and trade show opens at 6:00pm

Open to all Members in Good Standing of any Christmas tree association and their guests. Registration Cost Trade Show and Technical Session Member Registrant $10.00 $ ______Member Spouse Registrant $10.00 $ ______Non – Member $15.00 $ ______

TOTAL $______

Name : ______

Address: ______

Phone # : ______Please make cheques payable to:Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers’ Association (LCCTPA P.O. Box 148, New Germany, NS, B0R 1E0.

Blair Brymer (left) was presented the Grand Champion Trophy at the Northeastern Nova Scotia Exhibition. Organizing committee member Duncan MacDonald makes the presentation. Mr Brymer was also the Reserve Champion and placed runner-up in overall points at the exhibition. 10 Campaign underway for 2012 Trees for Troops hopes to continue success of past by the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation There are any number of ways to support Trees for Troops, including donating trees through your Trees for Troops is off and running for 2012. This participating state or regional Christmas Tree program, which began in 2005, provides free, farm- associations or hosting a trailer drop during Trees for grown Christmas trees to armed forces members and Troops weekend. their families in the United States and overseas, Supports might also donate funds or collect donations from consumers at their farm or retail locations. Those Last year more than 19,200 trees were delivered wishing to help could also locate local and national to bases in the U.S. and Middle East to troops and sponsors. More details on how to assist can be found military families, through the generosity of the Real on the Trees for Troops website (www.TreesForTroops. Christmas Tree industry, consumers and corporate org) or by contacting the headquarters staff at the sponsors, including FedEx. That’s a huge leap from Christmas SPIRIT Foundation. the 4,300 trees that were delivered in the first year of activity. Last year’s success brought the total number What’s next? of trees delivered in the seven years the campaign has been in place to 103,186. The Trees for Troops International kick-off will be November 20 in Thorntown, Indiana. Plans are to ship Trees for Troops is important not only to our military out more than 300 donated trees prior to Thanksgiving families, but also to our industry. Research from the to USO destinations in and around Kuwait. National Christmas Tree Association shows that more than 20 million households reported an awareness Trees for Troops Weekend is set for November 30 - of Trees for Troops, and that more than two million December 2, 2012. If you would like to host a trailer households indicated they were influenced to purchase to collect donated trees, please sign up ASAP as this is a real tree because of the campaign. a first come, first served opportunity.

Competitors turn out Competitors turned out with their best wares at the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition. Posing with Blair Brymer’s Championship tree in the 6’ to 9’ class are other presenters in the tree and wreath competion: (from left) Shirley Giffin,decorated and undecorated wreath winner; Laura Doyle,unsheared balsam up to 4’6’; Duncan Mac Donald,organizing committee; and Ian Chisholm,overall pointswinner. Congratulations! 11 Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers’ Association report - Bruce Turner

We are all familiar with the old I urge you to contact the office of your Member adage which states that the two of Parliament and express your concerns over the certainties in life are death and taxes. I’d like to add changes to this program and convey the importance another to the list, that being change. of providing clarity with regards to the effects that these changes will have on our seasonal and foreign In my last Journal report, I congratulated Matt workers. Wright and Matt Priest for their new roles within the real Christmas tree industry in Nova Scotia. Now, Meeting with MLAs on behalf of the LCCTPA membership, I’d like to congratulate Angus Bonnyman as the Executive In June members of our association, myself included, Director of CTCNS and Annette Bourgeois-Bent as once again met with our local MLAs to discuss certain the Journal editor. I wish you each success in your issues facing the real Christmas tree industry. new role. Topics of discussion included the vesting order against Production season underway the Higgins property at Moose River; long-term funding for our industry, including the Christmas Tree We are deep into another production season and, Research Centre; labor issues; investigative barriers although drier than recent past summers, we’ve been with Workers’ Compensation Board; and the continued fortunate to have enough rainfall to produce another deterioration of rural roads and infrastructure. beautiful crop of real Christmas trees here in Nova Scotia. Some areas in the mid-west United States This meeting took place on the same day as the have not been as lucky, experiencing unusually dry announcement of the closure of the Bowater Mersey conditions. newsprint mill at Brooklyn and its saw mill at Oakhill, which emphasized the importance of the real Although I do not wish misfortune on any fellow- Christmas tree industry in supporting a strong rural producers of real Christmas trees, the drought-like economy in Nova Scotia. conditions experienced in the mid-west may cause a positive effect on other producing regions having It’s time to lay down the pen and pick up the shears. I difficulty marketing an over-supply of products. look forward to seeing you at the LCCTPA Fall Field Day event to be held on Friday, September 21st at Urge action on EI changes the Days Inn in Bridgewater and the field tour on the following day. Earlier this year, the Hon. Diane Finley, minister of human resources and skills development Canada, Respectfully submitted, announced that changes to the Employment Insurance Bruce Turner Program would be forthcoming. President, LCCTPA.

These changes have the potential to negatively effect seasonal and foreign workers employed by the real Christmas tree industry. 12 Cobequid Christmas Tree Growers’ Association Report - Darrell Sandeson The Cobequid Christmas Tree Growers’ Association The judges did an excellent job, as well. Thanks, folks! has been very busy this past summer. By the way, where did it go? We are seeing a fair number of Tussock Moth; not a lot of damage, but something to watch for closer next With all the dry weather in June and July some of the growing season. worry about tree growth has now been replaced with lush looking Balsam Fir! In closing, I would like to wish everyone a successful harvest! DS Cobequid held a shearing demonstration July 11, on Jim Weatherbee’s lot in Debert. This was very well attended and a lot of thanks going to Mathew Wright for all the tips shared with this attentive group.

A special thanks to everyone who help at the provincial exhibition. Although I didn’t get to be much help, I must thank Robert Gibbs, John Tait, and Bill Smith for the excellent show. Also, to the folks from the Northeastern Christmas Tree Association - thank you! Shearing demo in Debert Gerald Keddy, MP Wa-Su-Wek Ltd. South Shore - St Margaret’s

85 Hillside Road, Po Box 1859 Liverpool, Nova Scotia B0T 1K0 www.wasuwek.com Call Toll Free: 1-888-816-4446 Over 25 Years in Business Nova Scotia’s Only Producer of Bridgewater Office Christmas Rings & Aberdeen Commercial Centre 129 Aberdeen Rd, Suite 201 Novelty Items Accessories include Ribbons & Spooled Wire Bridgewater, NS B4V 2S7 Phone: (902) 527-5655 Phone: (902) 354-4529 Fax: (902) 527-5656 Fax: (902) 354-7305 [email protected] Email: [email protected] 13 Northeastern Christmas Tree Association Report - David Sweet Our members are busy shearing and tagging trees for show followed by the meeting. The guest speaker was market. The growing season in most areas has been Rachel Kennedy from the CRC. better than average with very few insect problems, but there appears to be a buildup of White Marked At the end of April Don MacMillan, the Association Tussock Moth in the hardwood trees in some areas. It secretary/treasurer, resigned after 11 years. On behalf will be an insect that growers will have to sample for of the board of directors and all Association members, next season. I would like to thank Don for his service and wish him well. I would like to thank Matthew Wright for his assistance in organizing our IPM workshop, the advanced Nancy Lane has accepted the position and we look payment program orientation session and the insect forward to working with her. DS and disease management workshop. All three events were very educational. Tannenbaum Enterprises On May 5, we held our spring field day on the use of Distributor for Cinco and Gunnard Tree Stands spacing saws, saw filing, tree selection and planting. Keep your tree fresh and fragrant. Both models hold 2 gallons of water and take any tree from 4 ft Growers were asked to bring their saws and spend a to 12 ft. Four models Durable. Will last a life-time. couple hours doing saw work on the lot. I would like Call for a Dealer Near You to thank the growers who attended. We completed the We Distribute and Sell: Shearing Supplies saw work on half of the lot. TNI Tree Netting & Load Divider Flagging Tape Kirk Tree Colorant Fertilizer Back Packs The “Think Green” line of caps, clothing, & license plates Our annual meeting was held in the St Andrews Tom Ernst (902) 624-6133 Dealer/Mail Order Community Centre on September 11, with a trade RR # 2, Mahone Bay, N.S. B0J 2E0 Inquiries Welcome

Sanders Tree Farm Supplies Ltd. - we service what we sell, visit us at the store, 4923 Hwy 12, New Ross

• Howey Balers, Elevators & Shakers • Husqvarna Chainsaws and • Solo Sprayer Equipment Clearing Saws & Trimmers • Maruyama Sprayers & Heavy Duty • Kelco Wreath Machines Trimmers & Equipment • Maruyama Dual Tank Blowers with • ARS Long Reach Pruners Pronone Regulating Plates & Tree Shears • Guelph Tree Twine (in 3 colors) • Simplicity Lawn Mowers • DuPont Vexar Tree Netting • Husqvarna Lawn Mowers

Shears, Shearing Knifes, Pruners, Axes, Flagging Tape and many other items for the Christmas Tree Industry Call, write or phone for our catalogue: PO Box 40, New Ross, Lunenburg County, NS B0J 2M0 Phone: (902) 689-2938 (shop); 689-2262 (office); Fax: 689-2853 Quality Pays ! 14

Maine Association Celebrates Fifty Years by Matthew Wright Max is special. I first remember him from 1970, Industry Coordinator when I travelled to the National Christmas Tree Association convention in It turned out to be one of those events you simply Burlington, Vermont. Max, or could not miss. Maine was celebrating its 50th year Dr. McCormack, was already of incorporation as an association and it was being a prominent researcher, and hosted at the farm of long-time friend, Jim Corliss. coincidentally, a co-chair for the convention. I was 15 years old and Many growers in Nova Scotia will remember Jim, he it was magic. attended one of our Canadian meetings in Antigonish while he was president of the National Christmas Tree Travelling with my father, we Association spent time with Max, John Dr. Max McCormack of the United Young of Vermont, Darwin States. But I Pound of Ohio and our own Les Corkum. I doubt had another if any young grower could have ever received a reason to attend, better indoctrination. actually several. Dr. Mason Marshall Patmos is retired, does some work MacDonald and yet, but I met him thorough the Southern New Rachel Kennedy Maine President Jim Corliss and 1VP Gaye Richards England Christmas tree pest management were presenting workshops. This biennial event always brings our very own SMART Tree program, and there was in some of the top pest management scientists in the an interesting nugget tucked in the program on soil world. It is still my hope to simply get Marshall to just and foliar nutrient analysis from one of the top soil transplant the whole event to Atlantic Canada some laboratories in the world. It was well worth it and day. more. Hands-on sessions Murray Frank and I attended from Nova Scotia; we were fortunate to run into Arnold Perry, Brian Fox and Growers receive presentations and hands-on sessions Adam Stone from New Brunswick. Larry Downey and in laboratories. It doesn’t get any better. Rachel and Gerry Couture were there from Quebec. It was like Mason did a great job. old home week. It got even better when we ran into old friends from New England, but for me getting to Growers everywhere want to improve keepability./ see Marshall Patmos of New Hampshire and then to Real trees falling apart is what sells more artificial bump into Dr. Max McCormack truly made the event. trees than any other factor. Just think about it, if Forget the science and the opportunity to learn new artificials disappeared tomorrow, we would not have things, I owe these two men so much that it was just enough real trees to supply the market. What a step special to see them again. I remember away back in forward for the environment! What a chance for the 80s when someone asked me how I could afford to people to return to the warmth, beauty and experience travel to Maine for a meeting and the response was so of going out as a family to select the family tree. simple - Dr. McCormack gave us rate information on a herbicide from his research that saved us $50.00 per Insect specialist acre. Multiply that by 250 acres, and well, the trip was very, very cheap. Continued on page 19 Busy evening at the 15 Northeastern Christmas Tree Association’s annual meeting

The annual meeting of the association took place in St. Andrew’s on Sept. 11 and in- Tom Ernst gives the US cluded a number of national report. speakers, including Matt Priest, Tom Ernst, Angus Bonnyman, Rachel Kennedy and NeCTA President David Sweet watches as CTCNS President Matt Priest addresses the Myles MacPherson. crowd. Past Canadian president Myles MacPherson updates the audience. Northeastern Christmas Tree Association - Executive directors and manager, 2011-2012

David Sweet --- President 3140 Ohio East Rd. Ian Gunn R.R.# 1 50 Black Brook RoadEast River, St. Mary’s Antigonish, N.S. B2G 2K8 RR #5, New Glasgow, N.S. B2H 5C8 Home 867-1360 [email protected] Home 922-2749 Office 522-2024 [email protected]

Jim Webber --- Past President Wayne Hart 1850 HWY #7 11858 Boylston BOH 1GO Lochaber, Antigonish, N.S. B2G 2L3 Box #25 Boylston, N.S. Home 783- 2660 [email protected] Home 533-3621 (No e-mail)

Mark MacIsaac --- Vice-President Craig Cartwright 156 Hawthorne Street 156 Punch Road Antigonish, N.S. B2G 1B1 St. Andrews, N.S. BOH 1XO Home 863-9283 [email protected] Home 867-1102 [email protected]

Donnie Mac Donald Blair Brymer 245 Hawthorne St. 201 Lawrence Road Antigonish, N.S. B2G 1B6 Boylston, N.S. BOH 1GO Home 863-2920 [email protected] Home 533-3149 [email protected]

Jamie Chisholm 894 Lower Springfield Road Norman MacIsaac --- Manager R.R.# 1 St. Andrews, N.S. BOH 1XO R.R.#2 Goshen N.S. BOH 1MO Home 863-2969 [email protected] Office 783-2430 Fax 783-2451 [email protected]

Duncan Mac Donald Nancy Lane --- Secretary/treasurer 37 Garvie Road RR 2 Gosnen N.S. B0H 1M0 Antigonish, N.S. B2G 3A3 Office 783-2430 Fax 783-2451 Home 863-1208 [email protected] [email protected] 16 Sacramento highlights National association puts protection at the forefront by DeLaine Bender Contest. This title earns the Estes family the right to Executive Director, Christmas SPIRIT Foundation and National present the official White House Christmas tree this Christmas Tree Association season.

The National Christmas Tree Association is focused Paul Smith, owner of Cool Springs Nursery of Banner on protecting the real Christmas tree industry and Elk, N.C., was selected as the Reserve Champion helping it thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business, with a Fraser fir. Traditionally, the Reserve Champion economic and political environment, delegates to the provides a Christmas Tree for the Residence of the 2012 Association convention heard in August. Vice President.

The convention and trade show took place August The California Christmas Tree Association hosted 8-11 in Sacramento, Calif. Discussion focused on a fun and educational theme night at the California progress and successes on industry protection issues, State Railroad Museum. It featured tours of historic as well as current challenges and future threats. trains, excellent food and a barbershop quartet. Delegates also attended sessions on legislative and Organizers put in a lot of volunteer time and effort regulatory issues and fire codes, providing them on the theme night, pre-tour and Saturday farm tours with an understanding of some critical issues that the and their efforts really paid off for delegates who took Association is working to address. advantage of these events.

Legislative consultant Craig Regelbrugge shed light Time with state leaders on what the Association is doing to combat legislative and regulatory challenges. Keynote speaker, Jack The National Association also brought together state McCall, brought it all together, helping association leaders who attended the attendees apply life lessons to the Challenge “Legislative convention to discuss ways it could be of Change, with a humorous presentation on consultant Craig more helpful at the state level. change management. Regelbrugge shed light on what the With all these opportunities, it’s Other sessions included tree keepability, Association is doing to unfortunate that, due to sluggish wildlife control, pest management, as well as combat legislative and membership renewals and practical business issues such as insurance, regulatory challenges. disappointing convention registration farm safety, accounting and succession and exhibitor/sponsor support, the planning. Association is faced with funding ” shortfalls that threaten its ability to The Association unveiled a new website provide a strong, united voice for the which contains features aimed at providing its members industry. with easy access to resources that will help protect their businesses, whether dealing with misinformation in the During the convention, the Association leadership media or preparing for a Form I-9 compliance audit. announced the creation of a protection and advocacy fund to support current and ongoing programs, Honours awarded operations, outreach and education to advocate for and protect the farm-grown Christmas tree industry. A blue spruce grown by Russell and Beau Estes, owners of Peak Farms in Jefferson, N.C., was named Continued on page 17 2012 Grand Champion of the National Christmas Tree 17

The Plumdale Orchard mulching team consisted of (from left): Scott “Little” Gibbs, Robert Gibbs, Darrell Sandeson, John Tait, Bill Smith, Scott Beitch (of the CRC) and Stirling Robar.

Continued from page 16...National association

NCTA’s board of directors each pledged at least $200, and challenged convention attendees to each give $100.

Now more than ever, the farm-grown Christmas tree industry needs a strong national voice and advocate. And, as the 2012 convention & trade show revealed, the National Christmas Tree Association is focusing on the right areas to be that strong advocate and resource for the industry. The Gibbs’ tractor was used to deliver mulch.

DID YOU KNOW? The winners of the National Wreath Contest were: Aborted buds might be caused by frost or bud mites. When winter soils warm too quickly, the bud shoots Rene Scarcella will start to grow, and expand to press against the bud scales, losing the air insulation that did exist McMenomy’s Highland Tree Farm, La Center, Wash. between the bud tip and the protective scales. Thus (undecorated category) can lead to freeze damage. Bud mites can also Gary Hague cause bud loss. If you are not sure of the cause of bud damage, carefully peel Hague’s Trees, Hatfield, Penn.(decorated category). the scales away. If freeze damage you will find red- dish brown needles, dead. If bud mite you will find The Gallery of Trees decorating contest was won by a powdery “frass” where the mites fed on the soft the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association. bud tip tissues. 18 fungicides, slime mold fungicides, insecticides for Continued from page 1...Canadian association twig aphid, root aphid, needle midge, cone worms, bedstraw, certain broadleaf weeds, and other pest The Canadian Association is limited in its ability to control solutions in the initial application stages. function fully, as the budget is very limited. This does not deter the executive director, Lewis Downey, and A new Emergency Use Registration was obtained for the directors from doing all we can to improve the lot Dithane on Delphinella shoot blight in 2012. Growers of Canadian Christmas tree growers. in New Brunswick and Quebec were able to save large sections of marketable trees. In the past we managed the Trees For Troops initiative in Canada. The delivery of thousands of trees was The new Canadian Food Inspection Agency Advisory coordinated across Canada to benefit the family Committee is already addressing international plant members who endured the holiday season while movement regulations for Christmas trees to ensure their loved ones served in active combat or peace Canada is ready to export to new markets as quickly keeping zones overseas. It was a solid program that as possible. we hope emphasized what the spirit of giving and consideration truly means at Christmas. Our Canadian New constitution and logo needed past president, Myles MacPherson of Guysborough County, was a key proponent of this program. Our The Canadian Association’s constitution and logo Nova Scotia associations certainly did their part, are both horribly out of date. The logo, a tree on a providing trees to compliment the need across Canada. Canadian flag, is technically an infringement of the sanctity of our national flag and will be changed. Minor Use Program Continued on page 19 Through the Minor Use Program, at least one delegate participates in the priority-setting workshop to select pesticide research projects. This workshop, held in Ottawa each spring, is an intense process. During each of three days, nine to 10 priorities are chosen from a list of between 1800 - 2600 individual requests. There is now a separate biopesticides workshop held on a fourth day to assure biopesticides are introduced to the market in the attempt to see better IPM technologies brought forward for registration.

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Farmi - a woodchipper is an economical, effective, productive and mobile JACTO - Cannon Sprayers provide total protection for Christmas Trees chipping unit with access to most difficult working places. The spray solution is delivered to the crop by a high-pressure air stream.

Call us at Maritime Farm Supply to help find the right chipper for you. Call us at Maritime Farm Supply to help us find the sprayer for you. 19 Continued from page 14...Maine

Maine insect specialist Charlene Donahue led us through the Corliss plantation, where we examined a number of insect and fungal diseases.

The Spectrum Analytic Inc. Presentation on nutrients, soil analysis and foliar analysis was so comprehensive I struggled to absorb it all.

I spoke with Bill Urbanowicz about doing collaborative work. We have some phytosanitary issues to address, but this will happen. What I can say is that we Insect specialist Charlene Donahue have a lot to learn.

All in all, a great conference hosted in a great place by great people. It was well worth the trip. Bill Urbanoxicz, Spectrum, and Duane LaCasce.

Continued from page 18...Canadian association consumers about the warmth and quality associated with live, warm, farm-grown, real trees. Lewis Downey and Larry Downey of Quebec and Brad Clements of Ontario did a significant amount The field tour was exemplary. For this Nova Scotian, of preliminary work on the flag and constitution now familiar with disinfecting after visiting farms items - so much so that the meeting could not finalize with fungal diseases, it recommendations in the time available and discussion was interesting to step was sent back to committee to be reintroduced at the through shoe disinfectants next teleconference. as we travelled from section to section of Promotion initiative nurseries, as part of international plant health The national Christmas tree promotion initiative, stipulations required to which is looking at a national Christmas tree day secure enhanced export or weekend, is active; and Shirley Brennan, Fred ability. To see the Eastern Somerville and Brad Clements of Ontario are leading Shore bracted balsam the work to rally our Members of Parliament to growing so well in the support such a day. Work is underway to secure better Fraser Valley (the picture Eastern Shore bracted balsam promotion of real, farm-grown trees and Christmas is from the Mission area) in B.C. greenery in Canada. was really interesting, as was the sheer beauty of the foliage of the Subalpine We can never do enough. The Nova Scotia Retail fir on Canadian President Art Loewen’s farm in Code is being made available across Canada, even Chilliwack. The beauty of it all - we have native North America, so we can help our retailers talk to balsam fir that look just as good once we isolate it! 20 DID YOU KNOW? Hi there! The good balsam needle gall midge adult female laying eggs can look just like the bad midge? I’m Buddy Balsam Growers will sometimes be scouting and see large and I can visit numbers of a very, very tiny black fly-like swarm of your Christmas flying insects around the buds of their trees. These are beneficial wasps that might be either laying their tree event or eggs directly into gall midge larvae, or producing show, just off-spring that might actually eat gall midge. They contact the CRC or are a beneficial insect. the CTCNS. TRURO AGROMART Buddy Balsam is a cloth, wire-framed, human-sized mascot that is available for local Christmas tree groups Fertilizer -- Farm Chemicals -- Silage Tarps to use to help draw attention to their event. Buddy was developed by the Christmas Tree Council. His actual de- PHONE (902) 895 - 2857 sign and production was coordinated and produced by Rachel Kennedy, project manager at the Christmas Tree Serving the farmers of Nova Scotia Research Centre. From our Plant in Truro. We guarantee that children will love him! PO Box 976, Truro, Nova Scotia B2N 5G7

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• Quality Christmas Trees • Balers • Netting • Tree Life Nutrient • Bio-Bags® • • Tree Tags • Colorant • Needlehold • Load Dividers & More! Spotlight on Our Advertisers: Wa-Su-Wek Ltd. of Brooklyn 21

Warmth.

It is the first word that comes to mind when you speak with employees as you enter Wa-Su-Wek. It becomes very clear that these employees all seem to have a stake in the business and care deeply about the firm. Cherry Whynot is the office services specialist and probably considers that she answers to these staffers as much as to the board that oversees the Wa-Su-Wek operation.

And the board would likely agree, such is their commitment to their staff. Winter production is maintained, although not truly required, so as to provide off-season employment to their people. They feel the extra expense in inventory maintenance Shirley Francis (left) and Cherry Whynot is more than repaid in loyalty, consideration, and the involvement of every individual to seek efficiency and improvement.

It must be working. Wa-Su-Wek, which translates to “flower” in Mi’kmaq, began in 1982, one of many initiatives begun to diversify the rural economy of Queens County. I was fortunate to also have the chance to meet board member and treasurer, Shirley Francis, who happened to be there the day I visited to gather material for this article. Shirley has been the voluntary treasurer since the inception of Wa-Su-Wek! Now that’s dedication! The entire board for this community-based organization is composed of volunteers.

Poinsettia bow Wa-Su-Wek sell a variety of wire frames, from bells to curved door arches to the traditional round frames. They are proud of their neat, well-reinforced rings. Gauge and divider-pin numbers are provided for all frames in their catalogue. They sell ribbons and bows, and will even provide on-site instruction as to how to tie bows. The poinsettia bow is especially pretty, and pictured to allow wreath producers to consider what they might add to their sales options. Much more striking in person!

Cherry emphasizes that Wa-Su-Wek is committed to working with wreath manufacturers. Need rings at 6:00 in the morning? Not out of the question! Have an idea for a new frame? They will work with you.

“We are willing to try anything,” Cherry said. “We want Wire frames to innovate and improve.”

One example is the new ribbon form being introduced this year. It can carry a variety of different coloured bows and would look fantastic on light posts, mail box posts, even on the sides of doors. This reporter thinks it will be a hit. Wa-Su-Wek is located at 85 Hillside Road in Brooklyn, on the Internet at www.wasuwek.com. and by phone at (902) 354-4529. We fell into all kinds of conversation as to how we can better promote greenery sales - and Wa-Su-Wek doesn’t even make a single wreath! But, if you develop a concept for a frame and need some assistance, they will be there to help!

Submitted by Matt Wright 22

Buy and Sell

This space is available to any Christmas tree grower who is a member of any Atlantic Canada Christmas tree organization.

You may place wanted or sale items, but we will only be able to list species of trees other than Fraser or Balsam fir. Be sure to include your contact information when requesting a listing!

Contact: CTCNS, PO Box 148, New Germany, NS B0R 1E0 [email protected]

Bob Gibbs(left) receives the Cobequid Top Sheared trophy from Darrel Sandeson, president of the Cobequid Christmas Tree Growers’ Association.

Bob Gibbs also received the People’s Choice trophy and a new saw!

“improving Christmas trees, improving techniques” Constituency Office Visit us at: http://nsac.ca/acc/ 410 King St. On Facebook: Christmas tree Research Centre Bridgewater N.S. B4V 1B1 Mission Statement Tel. 902-530-8080 Enhance Atlantic Canada’s knowledge-based 902-530-8081 bioeconomy through the development of science- driven, innovative technologies and products for MLA - Lunenburg West increasing the sustainability of Atlantic Canada’s Christmas Trees and Greenery industry. [email protected]

“Please remember, Christmas trees are renewable, sustainable, & create oxygen (enough for 19 million people in North America) . Look for me on retail lots that are committed to providing the freshest, best trees available.” 23 A Grower’s Notebook - Matthew Wright

There has been a great deal Within hours I received feedback from North Carolina, happening this summer, but prior Washington State, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Ontario and to talking about trees I have to Quebec, to name just some jurisdictions. It was humbling. say a huge welcome to Annette, our The response was problematic with a number of potential new Journal editor. I know our readers can look forward causes being offered, including Botrytis, Phomopsis, to a much improved Journal. I will do my best to assist. Delphinella, Diplodia, fertilizer burn and environmental Similarly, we are doubly blessed to not only see Annette water stress. Luckily, Jennifer Llewellyn of Ontario offered come on board, but to know that your new executive diagnostic assistance which I immediately seized upon. director, Angus Bonnyman, brings strengths and abilities to The result? Growers are facing Diplodia, identified by the that position that I never possessed. These additions to our laboratory to the genus Sphaeropsis sp. (species). team will bring immense improvement. Our likely candidate is either Sphaeropsis sapinea (= The summer slid by far too quickly. The two training Diplodia pinea) or Sphaeropsis abietis [Povah]. It might courses Council delivered - Insect and Pest Management even be possible that S. abietis and S. sapinea are the same in St. Andrews and Vegetation Management in New Ross - disease. Ron Kelly of Vermont has dealt with this on fir were informative and engaging. Many thanks to individuals Christmas trees, although it is more predominantly a pine such as Eric Georgeson, Jim Jotcham, Greg Cunningham, tree pest. Chal Landgren of Oregon wrote that they rarely see Scott MacEwan, Dave Sweet and Greg Murphy for their this on pine, never on fir. Mycologist William Merrill always significant contributions. advised Ron that their tip dieback was Diplodia pinea. It has I especially enjoy field tours, as every grower always has not been a significant pest in Vermont since the early 1990s. some unique observation that expands my knowledge. Luckily, Chal reports that Bravo (chlorothalonil), Banner These sessions were no different and I appreciate all Maxx (propiconazole) and who attended. As a result of these courses, funded by the Quadris (azoxystrobin + Department of Natural Resources and Council, we were chlorothalonil) all confer able to produce a four-page colour growers manual chapter control. And the timing would on plant identification, expand printing for the retail code coincide with cast control. and add the chapter for insecticides. Look for all of them at your fall field days and meetings. While our Canadian labels do not carry recommendations Now to the field. One issue that showed up this spring was for this disease, we may a significant amount of shoot tip dieback on lots across pick up coincidental Nova Scotia. I could go just about anywhere and discover control if treating for cast. dead shoots, withered for the outer two to three inches. At In the meantime the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers’ first I suspected the fungal disease delphinella [Delphinella Association will be working with the Pest Management abietis (O. Rostr.) E. Mull.], but I was not seeing the Centre and the registrants (primarily Syngenta) to attempt to expected canker at the beginning of the death zone on the secure labelling for this pest. twig, as when Delphinella settles on the stem instead of the needles. Delphinella was my immediate suspect because We are also facing an outbreak of balsam sawyer beetle, the industry had just received an Emergency Use permit especially in the northeast of Nova Scotia. Wow, the next for Dithane on this pest, as Quebec and western New column is already planned! Brunswick were experiencing quite significant outbreaks. Let’s hope our weather returns to normal and this is all But it didn’t look right and I needed help. I took lots of soon behind us. photos and sent them to a number of disease specialists across North America asking for identification assistance. ‘Til the next issue.

What happened next was a reminder of what the best of humanity can be. 24

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