FORUM A GROWING PLACE
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Covering Industry Topics: Taking Care of Business | Succession Planning Integrated Pest Management | Fertility IF UNDELIVERABLE please return to: Box 8, Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia B0K 1V0 Thank You Health & Safety | BONUS 2020: Covid-19 Protocols Publication Mail Agreement No. 41043025 ABOUT THE SPEAKERS INDUSTRY LEADERS FROM ACROSS NORTH AMERICA
Dr. Jill Sidebottom Integrated Pest Management Dr. Jill Sidebottom is originally from the Midwest and received her undergraduate degree in horticulture from the University of Illinois followed by an MS and PhD in plant pathology from NC State University. As an extension specialist with NC Cooperative Extension, she has developed and promoted integrated pest management techniques for the control of Christmas tree pests in western North Carolina for more than 31 years.
Dr. Scott White Weed Management Dr. White is a faculty member at Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture and holds the position of Assistant Professor in Weed Science. His current research program focuses on basic and applied aspects of weed science, with the ultimate goal of utilizing basic aspects of plant biology and ecology to improve weed management. Dr. White regularly contributes to grower meetings, field days, and twilight meetings for the agricultural industry in Atlantic Canada, and has been conducting research on weed management for over 15 years.
Treasa Pauly Responding to Covid-19 Treasa has been a professional within the Canadian AgriFood industry for over two decades but has grown up around agriculture her whole life. She achieved her formal training from Dalhousie University, acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Master of Science in Plant Physiology. Treasa has extensive expertise at the post-harvest and processor level. She has managed a consistently growing portfolio of clients spanning across the country and abroad, with project bud- gets totaling over $6 million. Her work experience has taken her beyond North America to the EU as well as China.
Visit www.balsamfirforum.com to see more of our incredible lineup Meet Lienna CTPB Update NeCTA Report New Christmas Keeping it real The latest updates Tree Research for Christmas from NeCTA Assistant. Page 12 Page 24 Page 13 Nova Scotia Journal Christmas Tree Summer 2020 Volume 33 Number 4 ‘Tis the Season for Unwelcome Visitors : Identifying Insect Pests Jay Woodworth, MSc, P.Ag, Christmas Tree Specialist, Perennia Food and Agriculture
ow that temperatures are finally starting to warm up, insect pests Nare on the move. Scouting for unwanted visitors may not be at the top of your list as the warmer weather provides an opportunity to start checking off to-dos, but a bit of prevention goes a long way in controlling insect populations in your lot(s). Many species of insects over- winter in Christmas tree lots and emerge in the spring and early summer hungry for new growth and fresh foliage. Make sure that you know they’re there before they become a problem. Your Lot Scouting Tool Box Gear Up pictured here or the one discussed in the Get it Right Scouting doesn’t have to be a formal Lot Scouting LunchBreak session, avail- Some symptoms are easy to spot. Red event; chances are you’re spending enough able on YouTube: needles, for example, can be identified time in the lot lately that you’d notice any from a drive-by but identifying the cause new issues. The trouble is- many common https://www.youtube.com/channel/ of red needles is much trickier. Most lot issues present the same symptoms. It’s UC-aVbmRhEVXJvPV7y--b54A diseases, disorders, and insect infestations important to correctly identify the cause will cause red needles. If there aren’t any of the problem so that treatment can obvious environmental causes such as be effective and efficient (and relatively mechanical damage or drainage issues, inexpensive). chances are the problem is insect related. It’s good practice to carry a notebook On the next page is a shortlist of some of with you when you’re out working so that the insect visitors that aren’t welcome on you can write down observations to help your tree lots accompanied by a cut-out you later with identification. A hand lens of their mugshots at the mature larval or and camera phone will amplify the quality adult stage. of your notes. Consider putting together a simple scouting tool kit like the one (Continued on page 5) Table of Contents Welcome 3 Identifying Insect Pests Brittany Frenette there- please do not forget about the Farm 4 Editors Welcome [email protected] Family Support Line 1.844.880.9142 4 President’s Message and many other resources available to us. 8 CTCNS E.D. Report We are a strong, tight-knit industry 9 Farm Safety pring is behind us and we are and we can work together to over come 10 CCTGA AGM Keynote Speakers heading into warmer weather. It has hard times- we have done it before and 11 LCCTPA President’s Report certainly been a different year than S will do it again. 12 Outreach Coordinator’s Report we are used to. I know we missed seeing We are looking forward to the launch 12 Price of Christmas Trees in 2019 you all out at the Spring meetings. I hope of our 1st Annual Balsam Fir Forum- and 13 NeCTA President’s Report you all took some time to slow down over hope you all take the time to attend! There 14 Research Assistant the past few months, and most of all hope is some great content in the works, and 15 Seffernvile Summer Report you got to spend some time enjoying the we are really looking forward to a great 15 Provincial Land Acquisition one thing we’re free to still enjoy, the great learning opportunity from the comfort of 16 NFSA Update outdoors! our own homes, on your own schedule. 16 Calendar of Events I know these unprecedented times can Thank you to our continuous support- 17 Regional Associations cause extra stress and hard times for folks, ers, contributors, advertisers, and all the 18 BTOC Barrington Update remember to always be kind, and help folks who make our Journal happen! We 19 Buy & Sell Classifieds your neighbour. There are resources out could not do it without you all. 20 SMART Tree President’s Letter • 21 Obit. Bernard Kenneth Banks 21 Obit. Leslie Ainsworth Corkum 22 CTCNS Merchandise 23 Christmas Tree Promotion Board President’s Message 23 Forestry Transition Team Update Richard Levy the Department of Lands and Forests / 24 CTPB Update Natural Resources in Nova Scotia, where 26 CCTPA President’s Report I spent the next 28.5 years working in s the newly elected president of the 27 NFSA CEBA Statement various locations throughout the Prov- Christmas Tree Council of Nova 28 NCTA 2021 Membership Form ince, until choosing to retire in 1999. I Scotia (CTCNS) I wish to say hello 30 COVID-19 Safety A even put a good effort into beef farming to all who are reading this publication, while maintaining a full-time job for introduce myself, and thank you for being ten plus years. It was my decision at the involved with Christmas tree industry age of 52 to retire, and I have been quite here in Nova Scotia. content to apply my learned skills along I got my start and spent my younger with growing and marketing Christmas years growing up on a dairy farm in Kings trees to supplement my pension. To be County. I attended a two room country Nova Scotia able to make my own decision about what school where, for a time, I had my mother Journal I will be doing tomorrow has been quite Christmas Tree as a teacher. In 1959 -1960, when school gratifying. consolidation was in full swing, it was off I have been involved in the production JOURNAL COMMITTEE to the newly-constructed Horton District of Christmas trees since the early 1970s. Angus Bonnyman, Mike Keddy High School, in Greenwich, Kings Co., for For the past 20 years, my brother Laurie LAYOUT and DESIGN grade seven. From there, it was on to the and I have been working approximately Scotia Systems Computer Support Inc Kings County Vocational High School in 43 acres on the south mountain Kings PHOTOS, IMAGES Kentville, graduating in 1966, from the County, N.S. During the 45-plus years All images prepared and styled by Automotive Mechanical course. I found since I began working in the production Scotia Systems Computer Support Inc that having my hands in automotive dirt of Christmas trees, I have gained experi- PRINTING 44.5 hours a week, at $1.08 per hour, ence in most aspects of the industry, from North Shore Signs & Graphics wasn’t going to fulfil my life’s ambitions, the establishment and management of DISCLAIMER so after 19 months of mechanic work, a tree lot through all aspects of growing The opinions expressed I wandered west to Alberta for a spell, trees, to exporting, and selling directly to by the contributors in the Journal and then it was back to Fredericton, New the consumer. I must say I do enjoy most (or supplements) may not reflect Brunswick, graduating as a Forest Techni- of the various and sometimes challenging those of the Journal Committee, cian in December, 1968. My next 3 years work associated with Christmas tree pro- Editor, CTCNS staff, journal advertisers, were spent working in various aspects of duction. If I had to choose the work best CTCNS nor its partners. the forest industry between Nova Scotia enjoyed it would be a shearing a tree to a and Alberta. In 1971, I finally secured a (Continued on page 7) full-time Forest Technician position with Nova Scotia 4 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 (Continued from Page 1) Short List of Unwelcome Visitors on Balsam Fir Christmas Tree Lots
Balsam Twig Twisted, curling needles, and the presence of bees and hornets are indicators of Balsam Twig Aphid. Aphids secrete a sugary Aphid substance known as ‘honeydew’ that attracts the bees and hornets. The honeydew can lead toblack sooty mould that is found on the stem, trunks, and needles of the infected tree, as well as on the ground around it. The stem mother is blue-grey in colour and her offspring are yellow-green, sometimes covered in a waxy powder. The eggs are also covered in this wax and are pale tan. Earwigs, lacewings, ants, and lady beetles are all beneficial insects that can control populations of BTA. Encouragingbeneficial predators is the best way to mitigate BTA as some synthetic pyrethroids can kill the beneficial insects off. Balsam Yellowing, needle loss, and crooked terminals are indicators of Balsam Wooly Adelgid. Trees will often exhibitswelling of buds Wooly and branches and stiffness of the truck. White cotton-ball like masses will be present on the trunk and branches at waist height. Adelgid BWA will cause mortality and infests entire lots quickly. Infested blocks should be clear-cut, an insecticide should be adminis- tered at the first crawler stage (bud break). Balsam Fir Larvae will feed on the previous year’s foliage first. Second-year foliage will be chewed and reddened while older foliage will Sawfly be entirely gone. The larva has green bodies with black striping and will emerge late spring to midsummer. The adults look like small wasps. They do have natural predators and diseases that will normally control populations. Alternatively, the insecticide can be used as a control. Balsam Balsam Shoot-boring Sawfly causes aesthetic damage byflattening new shoot tips and turning the centers red; however, it won’t Shoot-boring kill the tree. The mature larva is yellow-white and hairless. The mature sawfly looks likesmall a wasp. Control is accomplished Sawfly by applying insecticide when the adults are flying, that’s usually in the spring. Eastern Green-yellow larva with dark markings and blackheads feed on conifer needles. The adult moth is grey with a brown wing Black-headed pattern. Adults lay eggs in late summer and the eggs overwinter. In the late spring, larvae emerge and pupate mid-late summer. Budworm They do have natural predators and disease but can also be combated by an insecticide. Gypsy Moth Gypsy Moths are an invasive alien species whose larvae feed on conifer foliage- completely defoliating the tree. The larva is dark in colour and hairy. They have a distinctred and blue spotted back. Female adult moths are white with dark patterns, they have wings but do not fly. The males are brown with black markings. The larva emerges mid-spring to late summer and adults are present late into the fall. They can be controlled bytrapping, removing (and destroying) egg masses in the fall, some natu- ral predators, and insecticides. Hemlock Hemlock Loopers feed on needles and will completely defoliate a tree. The larva is cylindrical, greyish, and hairless. Adults are Looper beige-brown with two dark lines in the forewings. Older trees are usually targeted so lots with seed trees are at risk. They do have natural predators. Rusty Rusty Tussock Moth will target fir trees, attacking thecurrent year foliage and turning it brown. Later in the season, they’ll Tussock move to any age foliage. Larvae are dark and hairy with black heads. They haveyellow bellies and short yellow tufts on the back Moth with orange spots. They also have longer tufted dark hair behind the head and at the tail. Adult male moths are orange-brown, and the females are light tan with hairy bodies. Control can be accomplished by collecting (and destroying) egg masses in the fall and natural disease. Infestations are usually short-lived, and chemical control is normally not necessary. Spruce Partially chewed needles and dead buds on branch tips and treetops signify a Spruce Budworm infestation. The larvae have a Budworm dark green body with 2 distinct rows of paired white dots along the back. The moths are greyish brown with silvery patching. They do have natural predators. Larvae feed mid-spring to early summer; insecticide should be applied just after bud break. White- Whitemarked Tussock Moth outbreaks are becoming more frequent across NS. Theconsumption of whole needles signifies an marked infestation. The larva has a red head, long dark tufted hair behind the head and at the tail and4 grey-blue shorter tufts along the Tussock back. They also havetwo bright red spots on the back. Adult males are ashy grey and females are off-white and wingless. Larvae Moth emerge early to late summer and adults are present late summer through to the fall. They do have anatural parasitic predator that can decimate the population. Additionally, collecting (and destroying) egg masses in the fall is an effective strategy. Balsam Gall Swollen gulls at the base of current-year needles and needle yellowing are indicative of Balsam Gall Midge. BGM doesn’t kill Midge the tree but repeated infestations will significantly stunt growth. Tiny yellow-orange maggots are present in the galls and will emerge as tiny delicate orange flies in late spring and early summer. The larva will overwinter. There is a predatory midge that controls the population and insecticide is effective in severe infestations if applied with at least 20% of buds have flushed. Seedling Infestations of Seedling Debarking Weevil will cause rapid mortality in seedlings. The weevils feed on the bark of new seedlings, Debarking scarring the stems and leaving wounds, making the seedlings susceptible to disease entry. The larva is whiteish grubs and adults Weevil are a dark red-brown to black with small white spots on the wing coverings. They have a 2-year life-cycle with adults emerg- ing mid-spring and again in the fall. To combat this weevil, delay new plantings in recently clear-cut blocks or scrape back the duff-layer before planting. (Continued on page 6)
Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 5 (Continued from page 5)
Balsam Twig Aphid References & Suggested Reading: Forest Protection Division, Department of Natural Resources, Province of Nova Scotia. (2017): A Field Guide to Pests of the Acadian Forest (2nd ed.). Crown Copyright, Province of Nova Scotia. Balsam W ooly Adelgid Santamaria, L., & Landgren, C. (2014): Identifying and Managing Christmas Tree Diseases, Pests, and Other Problems. Corvallis, Or.: Pacific Northwest Extension, Oregon State University, Washington State University, University of Idaho.
Topics in this column are based on frequently asked questions from NS growers. Balsam Fir Sawfly Extended resources are available for your interest at the Perennia office. Questions about this article or suggestions for future topics:
Jay Woodworth, MSc, P.Ag Balsam Shoot-boring Phone: 902.896.0277 ext. 1 Sawfly Email: [email protected] Office: 199 Dr. Bernie MacDonald Drive, Perennia Park, Bible Hill, NS
Eastern Black-headed LunchBreak Session Schedule Budworm LunchBreak sessions are held on the last Tuesday of each month from Noon – 1 pm (Atlantic). For now, sessions are available by Zoom video conference. Sessions are recorded and available to you at any time on the Christmas Tree Council of NS YouTube page. Contact [email protected] to join the LunchBreak mailing list and to receive the links to join the upcoming sessions. Gypsy Moth June 30: Christmas Tree Pest Management Guide Launch July 28: Shearing Review August 25: Genetics 101 & Seed Collection September 29: Safety Series #1: Company Safety Program with Forest Safety Society Hemlock Looper October 27: Safety Series #2: Mind the GAP with Farm Safety NS •
Check out Christmas Tree Specialist, Jay Woodworth’s, previous Lunchbreak Sessions on our Youtube Channel Rusty Tussock Moth https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-aVbmRhEVXJvPV7y--b54A
Upcoming Lunchbreak sessions;
Spruce Budworm June 30 – Pest Management Guide Launch https://perennia.zoom.us/j/320701789 (Password 907567)
July 28 – Shearing W hitemarked https://perennia.zoom.us/j/520617378 (Password 117318) Tussock Moth August 25 Genetics & Seed Collection https://perennia.zoom.us/j/248381351 (Password 190188)
Balsam Gall Midge September 29 - Safety Series Part 1: Company Safety Program (Forest Safety Society) https://perennia.zoom.us/j/733534200 (Password 696610)
October 27 – Safety Series Part 2: Mind the GAP (Farm Safety NS) https://perennia.zoom.us/j/282544732 (Password 691639) Seedling Debarking W eevil
Nova Scotia 6 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 (Continued from page 4) perfect shape, and the greatest reward is seeing the expression CHRISTMAS TREE COUNCIL OF NOVA SCOTIA of excitement on a child’s face when they participate for the first EXECUTIVE OFFICERS time as a family in selecting that perfect Christmas tree, fresh President Richard Levy from the tree lot, oh yes, and of course it is rewarding to have the 1st Vice President Shaun Scott monetary reward at the end of the harvest season after expenses. 2nd Vice President Ed Davidson I presently live in Hebbville, Lunenburg County, on the beau- Treasurer Norm MacIssac tiful South Shore of Nova Scotia, with my wife Valerie (note: Val Past President Mike Keddy often helps me decide what my tomorrows will look like.) I am an EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR active church member and current Chair of the Deacon’s Board Angus Bonnyman of the Pleasantville Baptist Church, an active member and a past ASSOCIATION DELEGATES Executive Director of the All Nova Scotia Green Christmas Tree Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producer’s Association Co-Op Ltd., an active member and a past president of the Lunen- Andrew Crouse, Gerald Keddy, Jack Wentzell burg County Christmas Tree Producers Association, an active Northeastern Christmas Tree Association member of the executive of the SMART Christmas Tree Co-Op, Jim Webber, Mike Penny, Blair Brymer and the present chair of the Building Tomorrow Initiative of the Cobequid Christmas Tree Producers’ CTCNS. My involvement as a volunteer in these organizations Association, Edward Davidson, has sometimes be quite demanding of my time, but it has also Matthew Priest, Steven Mattatall had its rewards. EXPORT DELEGATES I am now taking on a whole new role as president of the Large Exporters Colin Hughes, Norman MacIssac CTCNS. This is a good time to come into this position, as we, Medium Exporters Vacant as an industry, are entering into a period where demand for our Small Exporters Murray Crouse, Laurie Levy product is high, which translates to better prices for the produc- NCTA Representative er. We have certainly worked through difficult years to reach this Randy Naugler point. Isn’t it great to live in Nova Scotia, a region with an ideal OFFICE climate to produce balsam fir Christmas trees? Brittany Frenette, Outreach Coordinator If one takes a moment to reflect, there have been many chang- [email protected] es in our industry. The cultural practices, when properly ap- Sara Forbes, Bookkeeper plied, have made great improvements in quality of our product. [email protected] Ongoing research, here in Nova Scotia, in genetic improvement Angus Bonnyman, ED. of the balsam fir is a world first, and we will soon have these [email protected] superior seedlings available to tree producers for establishing new tree production areas or to fill plant to increase stocking in tions for a thriving Christmas tree industry in Nova Scotia. Our existing tree lots. The CTCNS, only recently, was successful in neighbours in the US with the Christmas tree check off and the establishing a provincial Christmas Tree Specialist position that Christmas Tree Promotions Board are doing wonderful and very will be a great benefit to any producer who wishes to stay abreast successful promotion of the live-cut, natural Christmas tree. The of improvements in Christmas tree production. We are fortunate promotion work being done south of the border is having a posi- to have Jay Woodworth in that position. She not only brings a tive and definite impact on the demand and is improving pricing willingness to learn all aspects of Christmas tree production, here in Nova Scotia, and we, as producers, should be thankful has experience in research, but is also self-motivated and is that the Christmas tree producers in the US had enough foresight continuously researching for available information to inform to develop the promotion board. We as producers shipping into tree producers of ways to improve production. The one [sub- that market should also be strong supporters of the Promotions ject] of a number Jay is working on that has caught my interest Board. is identifying soil nutrient requirements to meet optimum tree If I had to identify some areas of concern, the greatest would growth and development. The Council is presently working on be just how climate change is going to affect our industry. Is it a branding strategy and marketing; a cost of production project (Continued on page 10) that will identify the producer’s production strengths as well as areas where improvement could increase financial returns; a new, and updated, grower’s manual; a universally applied tree grading system that models the USDA grading system. The Council is Grow your mind well aware that everyone who sells trees to a broker, to a retailer, Find our full suite or directly to a customer needs to have a product that meets the desire of the person purchasing the tree or trees. It should be of online courses noted that the USDA grading system is universally recognized, at dal.ca/exl and a standard system that is used in our largest market place. Christmas tree producers need to be knowledgeable of the grad- ing system. This knowledge puts the producer in a much better bargaining position, when product pricing is being negotiated. The Council is also working on other projects to improve condi-
Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 7 CTCNS Executive Directors Report
Angus Bonnyman, Executive Director
ear Growers and Friends of the industry. I hope that this issue of The Nova Scotia Christmas DTree Journal finds you well, and enjoying the summer season. I would like to take a moment to welcome growers from all of his efforts over the past couple of years and look forward to across Canada to Summer issue of our quarterly publication – we working with the new Executive Committee members: Richard hope that you will enjoy the content and consider subscribing. Levy (President), Sean Scott (First VP), Ed Davidson (Second As you will have noticed from the front cover, we are very VP). excited to invite all of you to the inaugural Balsam Fir Forum Council continues to monitor developments concerning which will be launching August 21st at www.balsamfirforum. COVID19 and the pressures that places on producers and com. We have been hard at work over the past few months with we have engaged a consultant to develop protocols to help Forward Creative to pull together a virtual conference so that keep everyone safe. We have also included a copy of a poster you can enjoy a wealth of presentations and content on-demand developed for workplaces in our sector by WCBNS and will from the comfort of your own home, on your own schedule. I continue to provide resources as they become available. Please would like to thank all of our speakers, sponsors and the team let us know if you have any questions. working to make this possible. Best wishes for a safe and successful Summer! Last month Council held its first-ever virtual AGM and it was • a success! We were very pleased with the turnout and as part of that meeting, new officers were elected. I would like to extend my personal thanks to our outgoing President, Mike Keddy, for
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Nova Scotia 8 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 Farm Safety
Lori Brookhouse, Farm Safety Advisor, NSFA chemical storage sheds, machine sheds, fuelling stations, etc. b. Pesticides and Herbicides are exempt from the WHMIS his year, the spring months were spent adapting to new system but they may have SDS sheets as well. WHMIS ways of working on the farm under the current govern- 2015 training can be of benefit to the worker to under- Tment-imposed restrictions. Farm Safety Nova Scotia stand how to read and use the SDS for those products. adapted as well. We are now able to provide online training to 3. The hazards associated with the use, handling and storage registered farms and their employees off our website! There you of chemicals on the farm. will find WHMIS 2015 and Introduction to Farm Safety courses 4. What to do if there is an accidental release of the hazard- that are available in both English and Spanish. These courses ous product. are free for a limited time so a. Have a spill and release emergency response plan. take advantage of this offer. b. Use the SDS as a guide in building your procedure. The WHMIS 2015 course 5. Determine if the worker can apply the generic training is designed to educate work- provided. ers, supervisors, managers, 6. Check in with workers at least annually to evaluate train- and farmers on the main ing application and retention. elements of the Workplace a. In consultation with the health and safety representative Hazardous Materials Infor- or committee, if one exists on the farm, the employer will mation System (WHMIS). need to determine if there are changes to work conditions The learner is taught how or hazard information, to identify when retraining may be to implement a WHMIS Program in compliance with existing required. legislation. To meet the Occupational Health and Safety Work- b. Most employers will retrain every three years as long as place Hazardous Material Information (WHMIS) Regulations, the conditions and hazards have not changed. workers working with or in proximity to chemicals require this 7. Document the employer specific training. training. a. Remember, if the training isn’t documented, then it If you look at Section 4 of the WHMIS regulations, it explains didn’t happen in the eyes of the OHS. that the training should include: The online Intro to Farm Safety course gives a brief intro- 1. Workplace and supplier label content and information. duction and overview of safety on the farm through the 2. Safety Data Sheet content, information, and instruction identification of hazards, evaluation of hazards for risk, identi- on use. fying hazard controls, and implementing the hazard controls to 3. Procedures for the safe use, storage, handling and prevent incident and injury on the farm. disposal of hazardous products. 4. Emergency procedures in case of an emergency. Topics covered are: 5. The Farm Safety Nova Scotia WHMIS 2015 online program gives overall generic information including: • Farm Policies 6. Understanding the WHMIS system as it relates to the • Safety Rules Global Harmonized System. • Workers Legislative Rights 7. Identifying Hazard Pictograms. • Roles & Responsibilities 8. Reading labels and understanding the different types of • Hazards on the Farm labels. • Identifying Hazards 9. Learning the sections of Safety Data Sheets and how to • Hazard Assessment Process use them on the farm. • Hazard Controls 10. Applying the information learned to use, handle and • Inspections store chemicals on the farm. • Training • Incident Reporting & Investigation Employer specific training may include: • Emergency Preparedness & Response • Communication 1. A list of chemicals or hazardous products used on the farm. The Introduction to Farm Safety covers many of the same a. Your list may include gas, oil, gas additives, disinfect- topics that would be included in your safety orientation as part of ants, cleaning agents, glyphosate, organophosphates, etc. your Farm Safety Plan. While the online course provides generic 2. Location and availability of Safety Data Sheets and how to information, you could follow the format provided and build a obtain new ones, as needed. Safety Orientation Checklist. This checklist would represent the a. Place SDS with the chemicals being used. This could specific policies, practices and procedures on your farm. mean several locations on your farm such as barns, (Continued on page 10) Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 9 (Continued from page 9) (Continued from page 7) Nova Scotia. I also want to recognize the Download a copy of the Safety Orienta- going to bring more damaging spring work and dedication of previous CTCNS tion Checklist from the Farm Safety Nova frosts? Different, and increased numbers presidents, the contributions of coun- Scotia Website and adapt it and make it of insects and diseases? Higher, more cil’s dedicated executive director Angus your own. Use this to document your damaging winds? Hotter, drier summers? Bonnyman, and Brittany Frenette, our farm specific safety training for all new or How do we encourage a younger genera- outreach coordinator. These two indi- returning workers to the farm. tion to become involved in this industry? viduals make a great team, and their Jay Woodworth and the Farm Safety How do we deal with the challenges asso- accomplishments, and day-to-day sharing Advisor, Lori Brookhouse, had a plan ciated with exporting our product to other of the duties associated with the running to travel around the province over the countries? Is truck transportation and of the Council is testament to their ability. next few months to visit Christmas Tree availability going to continue to create I strongly believe that Council’s present Growers to evaluate current work practic- challenges during the harvest season? efforts will move this industry to a whole es, tools, equipment and machinery on the How will COVID-19 impact the 2020 new level and help promote the Nova farm to build a Christmas Tree Grower harvest season and work conditions? And Scotia ¬balsam fir Christmas tree to specific Farm Safety Plan. We may need a final concern: how does one successfully become a household name in our own to adapt our plan and approach depending encourage Christmas tree producers to nation and other countries where we on the health restrictions. This evalua- become actively involved in their local market our product. The centrepiece of tion is for collecting information to build tree producers association? Every Christ- the Christmas celebration is here to stay. commodity specific resources for a farm mas tree producer in this Province has I do hope I can carry the banner and safety plan targeted to the Christmas Tree something to offer to their local producer help manage the continuing efforts of the Growers. It is not regulatory in nature. organization to help improve the industry Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia, Commodity specific resources will help so we can all be proud of being a Christ- as we move this industry forward to a farms easily build, adapt and integrate a mas tree producer. new level in a competitive marketplace. farm safety plan for their specific tasks on Before I conclude, I feel it would be The CTCNS has the team, but all Nova the farm. If all goes well, we hope to see amiss if I did not recognize the support Scotian producers have a responsibility to you on your farm soon or be in touch with and cooperation we have with the N.S. be involved, if the Council is to effectively our updated plan. Department of Agriculture. Minister represent Christmas tree producers in this • Coldwell and his staff have, and contin- province. I will take my responsibility as ue to work very hard with the Council Council President seriously; I hope the to support the continued developments producers in this province will take this that will improve the Christmas tree responsibility seriously, as well. industry and benefit producers in rural •
Carbon Offsets in Nova Scotia
Andrew Webber, MPA (Nova Scotia offset projects. As these do not currently technical capacity in the province, and exist, the Province hired a consultant the business interest in developing and Environment - Climate Change) partnership to complete a study on the maintaining these projects. potential carbon offset supply within The final report will be delivered to the Nova Scotia. This study will identify Province in July, 2020. n January 1, 2019, Nova Scotia’s where the opportunities exist for carbon • cap-and-trade program officially offset credit generation and support any launched, applying a carbon price O development of on approximately 80% of the greenhouse regulations and gas emissions within the province. The project methods. program also allows for the creation of Follow-up Questions The study will carbon offset credits. Carbon offset credits look at multiple - For the following questions, please send your responses to Andrew Webber with would be issued to approved projects that sectors across NSE at [email protected] voluntarily reduce or capture greenhouse 1. Do you agree that there is a potential for generating carbon offsets in this sector within the province, Nova Scotia? Why or why not? gas emissions that are not covered by the including forest- 2. Have all of the opportunities / barriers to implementing a carbon offset project in this cap-and-trade program. They could then sector been identified? Are there other opportunities / barriers that exist? ry, and aims to be sold to regulated emitters to be used to 3. Do you presently have the interest / capacity to undertake an offset project? If you are identify the total an industry representative, do you feel that your members have the interest / capacity account for their greenhouse gas emis- to undertake an offset project? greenhouse gas sions under the cap-and-trade program. 4. In your opinion, what is the #1 factor that needs to be considered by NSE when emissions that developing any regulations and / or protocols related to carbon offsets? Before any carbon offset credits can be could be avoid- issued, the Province would need to devel- ed or captured, op regulations and project methods that 32 the existing would outline the requirements for any Nova Scotia 10 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 LCCTPA President’s Report
Andrew Crouse, President LCCTPA
he last big upset to the Christmas Tree industry in Nova Scotia was on June 4th, 2018, the year of the frost/freeze. TFast forward to March 2020; the Special Events Commit- tee was working hard to get ready for the Spring Tech Session/ AGM on March 21st when everything went off the rails. On Friday March 13th, I received two calls from LCCTPA directors enquiring whether we should have the Spring Tech Session or not? Personally, I was feeling pretty bullish on the idea that we could go ahead with the Spring Tech Session before Covid-19 got too serious. But, by March 15th, I was totally with my executive Hopefully, the coming months will see us return to some- committee and a unanimous decisions was made to postpone/ what normal routines and the LCCTPA can resume its monthly cancel the March 21st Spring Tech Session. Jeanette Pettipas was meetings. For now we will continue with a slow and steady pace quickly contacted to notify membership/presenters and the hall until we get the green light from the province that we can move that the Spring Tech Session was cancelled. forward. The last LCCTPA meeting was held on March 10th, 2020. On the morning of May 24th, I awakened to frosted vegetation However we continue with our housekeeping duties for the around my home, the weather report called for frost from Halifax association - to Cape Breton. Our tree lots are on the Big Lots Road area; on inspection the early flushing trees had received some minor frost 1. We have installed an additional 6” of fibreglass pink insu- damage. I am told the trees in the New Ross area had not broken lation over the ceiling to bring the insulation up to 12”; it their buds on that date, so no damage. is hoped that this will reduce the heating/cooling costs for Driving through our lots on June 11th, most of the trees are the office. flushed out and those trees touched by frost have brown spots 2. In early May, it was brought to my attention that roof speckled over them. There is slight damage from Twig Aphid, shingles were missing from the Exhibition Building in some rust damage is evident on a small percentage of trees at Bridgewater. A two man team was sent in to complete the present and we continue to monitor for Gall Midge Flies. repairs and replace 4 shingles from the roof. I would like to thank all the directors and association 3. Lumber for the proposed shelter/building on Seffernville members who have helped with our housekeeping duties over lot has been milled and piled up to dry for use in the near the last several months. I strongly urge growers who were future. members to renew their membership and encourage new growers 4. The spring shearing and the application of fertilizer and to join the association in their areas. The research coming out of limestone has been done on the Seffernville lot, respecting the Building Tomorrow Program is and will continue to bring the social/physical distancing protocols. new information to growers to, improve efficiencies and ultim- 5. Several letter of support were written on behalf of the ately help your business. LCCTPA endorsing the Building Tomorrow Project and Until next time, stay safe, wash your hands, don’t touch your Jay Woodward’s efforts to secure funding for projects that face. she will implement and oversee. •
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Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 11 Outreach Coordinator’s Report
Brittany Frenette, Outreach Coordinator Quick reminder: If you have not We continue to progress on the Build- submitted your WEBSITE LISTINGS ing Tomorrow outcomes, thanks to RENEWAL form yet, please do so. When t was a strange Spring not being out and technology for allowing us to meet from we transition to the new website only about attending events, but we have still afar to keep things moving. We are head- those listings that have been paid for will Ibeen busy behind the scenes working ing into the final stages of completing the be moved over. With the new website and on lots of projects. new ‘Nova Scotia Balsam Fir’ Website- we our work to promote it, Council will be We are thrilled to announce our 1st cannot wait to share it with you all! We attracting more and more views. So please Annual Balsam Fir Forum, and we hope are also excited to introduce our Summer help us help you promote your business! you join us in August for the forum! We Research Assistant, Lienna Hoeg, who are still accepting Speakers & Sponsors for will be assisting Jay with various projects • the 1st Annual Balsam Fir Forum, please this summer. It is an exciting time to be reach out to us for more information. involved in the Christmas Tree industry! [email protected]
The Real Story About the Price of Christmas Trees in 2019
his is not a one-year story, it has taken more than 20 years to arrive at this point. No doubt, the media will be highly Tinterested in this story; understanding the history that shaped the current price is critical to reporting it correctly. It begins with the fact that Christmas trees take 7 – 10 years on average to grow from seedlings to harvest-able trees. There is no short-cut to speed up the number of trees available, once planting is completed by growers each season, the number of trees avail- able in the future is fixed. The fixed nature of the supply of trees 2016, 27.4 million in 2017, 32.8 million in 2018 and 32.4 million cuts both ways; if there are too many planted, as was the case in 2019) at higher average prices ($74.70 in 2016, $75.00 in 2017, in the 1990s, they don’t go away until they are harvested with $78.00 in 2018 and $99.00 in 2019) but there were no commun- the oversupply pushing prices downward. If the supply is tight ities in the country where consumers were unable to purchase a to market demands there is no way to have more trees available Christmas tree. until they are planted and grown in future years, causing more So, what drove the price increase in 2019? First, due to smaller aggressive buying. planting levels in earlier years the supply of harvest-able trees The 1990s was a period of an oversupply of Christmas trees. has been tight since 2015, particularly with strong demand for Growers were competing with each other for the same buyers real Christmas trees, however there has never been a true short- and as a result prices declined substantially, often below the cost age where consumers were unable to buy a tree. There was a of production. Wholesale buyers got used to a market where they pent-up price increase building as growers incurred increased could purchase trees anytime they wanted them at cheap prices costs. Wholesale buyers were more aggressively seeking trees to from sellers who were desperate to sell. The industry got smaller ensure they had a good supply, particularly as the media stories as growers exited the business and those who remained planted highlighting a “shortage” of trees were reported every year. And, fewer trees. However, prices remained low then a recession hit. many consumers want real Christmas trees and are willing to Those were not signals telling growers it was a good business pay the market price for them. The price of goods does increase, decision to plant more trees. Prices for trees averaged $37.79 from it is doubtful consumers expect the price of a Christmas tree to 2008 – 2014, as measured by the NCTA Consumer Survey, with always remain the same. an average of 28.26 million trees sold each year. Things changed 2019 was the result of all these factors. There wasn’t a short- in 2015, fewer trees were sold (25.9 million) at an average price of age of trees in 2019—32.4 million trees were sold—but the price $50.82. This was the first year in a long time that growers made increased more than had been anticipated. Growers and retailers a reasonable profit. It was also the trigger for the media to begin likely sensed the market needed and would support increased a story line of a “Christmas tree shortage” as the 2016 Christmas prices; it appears they were right. season approached. A “shortage” of Christmas trees has been a • major media story reported every Christmas season 2016 – 2019. During that time more trees have been sold (27.4 million in Nova Scotia 12 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 NeCTA Report
Ian Gunn NeCTA Integrated Pest Management workshop had to be cancelled as well as face to face From everyone with the NeCTA we board meetings at the Giants Lake office. would like to pass along our sympathies However as with many organizations to the family of Bernie Banks. Bernie faced with similar challenges the board their tree lot. For me its always a rush recently passed away and will be missed has gone to using an online meeting plat- to get the shearing completed before the by the Christmas tree growers in this area form to hold their executive meetings. flush of new growth begins. When time as he was well known as the grader for the Other than a few delays getting everyone permits fertilizer gets put on in the area’s association spanning many years. Over connected, obstacles were overcome with I feel need it most. To bring up the quality the years it is safe to say that growers who encouragement, patience, perseverance and density of my aging lot, I fill plant had there trees graded by Bernie received and the help of some family members (all seedlings acquired from Scott & Stewarts a fair inspection and that our customers traits of a Christmas tree grower). Modern nursery in Antigonish Co. This year with and the hundreds of thousands of families technology has its place and usefulness me not reporting to my usual office as who enjoyed a real balsam fir from but let’s hope by harvest season people much because of COVID restrictions and NeCTA received a quality tree thanks to aren’t settling for a virtual Christmas tree having 2 teenagers schooling from home Bernie. but welcoming the reality of a real balsam this provided an available work force With many of the continued restric- fir grown here in Nova Scotia into there and time not usually had. The crunch to tions around the pandemic still impacting home. complete tasks on the farm didn’t feel as our normal operations NeCTA is I think spring is a busy time of year for daunting and we were even able to bring adjusting to meet the current challen- most growers especially folks like me who in a few acres of new ground expanding ges. Unfortunately, our annual spring have another career outside of managing our lot for expanded future production. •
Cameron Gunn shearing with a battery powered hedge trimmer Colton Gunn following up shearing tops. Colton Gunn following up shearing tops.
Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 13 Christmas Tree Research Assistant
Lienna Hoeg and data collection for Dalhousie Agricul- tural Campus and Perennia. Lienna is excited for this new oppor- ienna Hoeg is the newest research tunity and is looking forward to gaining assistant working with the Christmas knowledge and experience with the LTree Council of Nova Scotia and Per- Christmas Tree and Greenery industry. ennia. She will be aiding the Christmas Tree Specialist (Jay Woodworth) with field Lienna can be contacted by email at data collection and research projects. [email protected] or 1.902.899.9718. Lienna grew up in Tata- • magouche, NS and now resides on a farm in Earl- town. Lienna’s background is focused in forestry and agriculture. She completed the Bachelor of Science in Forestry program from the University of New Brun- swick in 2019. She has since moved on to a Master’s Degree in Agriculture from Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture. Her project focuses on vegetation management in low-bush blueberry fields across the province. Lienna has most recently aided in field work
Nova Scotia 14 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 Seffernville Summer Update
Murray Crouse balsam as root stock for the collected scions. A total of four days were required to graft , tag, and bar code approx.150 scions of the best balsam fir in the province. The rest of the Smart Tree his year will certainly be the year of learning to live , work Seedlings were out planted from my garden approx 115 also at and manage to stay healthy from the Corona Virus. Just Delong Farms for Building Tomorrow development trails going Twhen the industry was improving with market growth and forward. On a rainy Saturday morning a small group of commit- consumer demand a World Pandemic shakes the very foundation tee members visited Mike Harlow’s home,Queens County from of global human existence. which donated pine logs where sawed into lumber to be used We have been put on notice of the need to protect ourselves to further the Building Project at Seffernville. I personally was not against a massive asteroid falling to earth nor a foreign super impressed with the condition and capability of the family saw power but a tiny potential deadly microscopic virus. Hand wash- mill .When the CV Protocol relaxes we will be able to continue ing and social distancing are the new reality. One can describe with the proposed building .. this similar to spacing and under pruning our trees to keep them From last years soil test samples sponsored by the Building healthy. Cancellation and postponement of everything from Tomorrow Program we were able to have recommended fer- dinner out to annual meetings is the norm. As chairperson of the tilizer formulations through Ms. Jay Woodworth who is our \ experimental lot this was the environment and the options for new Christmas Tree Specialist working through Perennia. The the date set for the spring work day. There were many opinions recommended formulations were mixed and donated through on what we should do. Cavendish at Kentville and were applied on June 1 st. with the Cancellation was not an option and postponement would only help of a few committee members and Mike Keddy’s work crew. crowd all the other activities if the protocol was relaxed. The The percentages of the macro nutrients were new formulations decision was to stick to the date , adhere to the social distancing not formally used by the industry. Two test sites were treated ,break up the members into smaller work groups of five persons with Dolomitic lime plus the fertilizer to see if lime over time or less and prove that the growers can adapt to a safe work pro- will decrease the amount of fertilizer required. gram going forward. Special thanks goes out to Jimmy D. At Delong Farms for On April 11th, we had nine growers show up to shear the coming up with a site for the clone orchard when were not ready trees. All four sites had work going on at the same time so the at Seffernville. Also Les and Mike Harlow for donating the work crews stayed under five persons. The total work did not get logs and the mill to help advance the building project. Caven- finished on the first day so we scheduled another work event the dish Agri, Kentville for its support in advancing our fertilizer following Saturday. We had seven growers show up which com- trails. Mike Keddy for the loan of his crew helping to apply the pleted the shearing. On both occasions no meal was provided as fertilizer. it would have broke the CV protocol. We have since planted 250 A word to the members who donate their time on behalf of the T&D seedlings treated with the high potassium liquid fertilizer. LCCTPA,it is through the giving nature of people like these Block six has had some clearing activity with more required to that helps move the our industry to new heights. prepare it to receive the grafts from the SMART Tree Research Finally I must mention the pasting of a good friend and Center . Council was able to source scions this spring from mentor to the tree industry, Mr.Les Corkum {may your trees stay Plumdale with the permission from Dalhousie University, Truro. wind firm and tall} for donating funds for a building he would Thanks to Delong Farms for committing several acres of young never use. We are diminished with your passing. • Provincial Land Acquisition Program
The Government of Nova Scotia has allocated Tangible Julie Towers, Deputy Minister, NS Lands & Forestry Capital Asset funds ($1.5 million) to be spent fiscal 2020/2021 to support the Program. Priority will be on purchasing land that supports Government program values and priorities, including: iven the relatively small amount of Crown land in Nova forestry and potential forestry land; land that secures bound- Scotia, and multiple demands on those lands, the prov- aries; lands that provides accessibility and trail connectivity for ince acquires lands each year. G existing Provincial Park lands; land with biodiversity values The Government of Nova Scotia will use the existing Tangible (which includes coastal islands and significant wetlands); and Capital Asset Land Acquisition Program to support forestry land adjoining government owned land and inholdings. businesses in Nova Scotia. The Program will allow the Depart- All applications must be marked as being submitted under ment of Lands and Forestry to work with forestry businesses the Program and sent to the Director of Land Services, Depart- to acquire land from them for a fair negotiated value. Forestry ment of Lands and Forestry, P.O. Box 698, Halifax NS B3J 2T9 or businesses are businesses registered in Nova Scotia that are electronically at [email protected] by July 1, 2020 and primarily dedicated to forestry, which includes: mills; contract- will be processed in order of the date received. ors; consultants; forest product trucking companies; etc. • Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 15 Calendar of Events
June 30th Lunchbreak Session with Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Wood- worth- Pest Management Guide
Launch https://perennia.zoom.us/j/320701789 COVID-19 Update (Password 907567) Provincial Funding Announcement July Farmers have faced a lot of challenges over the last three seasons. We continue to advocate 2nd SMART AGM on behalf of our members and are pleased to see the government releasing support programs for Nova Scotia agriculture. We look forward to our future discussions so that we Shareholders may register for the can ensure the continued support for our food system. virtual AGM by emailing Brittany at [email protected] Victor Oulton President Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture 28th Lunchbreak Session with
Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Wood- worth- Shearing What was announced? https://perennia.zoom.us/j/520617378 (Password 117318) Today, the provincial government announced new programs and support for Nova Scotia's agriculture industry. This included the COVID-19 Agriculture Response Program, an increase August to the 2020 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50 to 75 per cent for 21st Launch of 1st Annual Balsam Fir producers. As well as providing a 10 per cent discount on producers' share of AgriInsurance premiums. Forum, a unique learning event for Christmas tree growers available on Below you will find a break down of the funding announcement and links to the program demand for 12 months - for details visit documents.
https://balsamfirforum.com
COVID-19: Agriculture Response Program 25th Lunchbreak Session with Christ- mas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth The COVID-19 Agriculture Response Program is designed to help Nova Scotia's agriculture industry mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry's competitiveness, Genetics & Seed Collections productivity and profitability. https://perennia.zoom.us/j/248381351 (Password 190188) There are 4 streams for funding under the COVID-19 Response and Mitigation Program. The funding doesn't need to be repaid. September 20th NS Open Farm Day Stream 1: COVID-19 Mitigation and Adaptation for Health Protocol: Applicants are eligible for 75% funding assistance on total eligible project costs to a https://nsfa-fane.ca/ maximum of $50,000 per program year, to help applicants comply with recommended health protocols. 20-26, 2020 National Forest Week -
Stream 2: COVID-19 Marketing, Product Movement and Distribution 100th Anniversary! Agriculture companies and registered Nova Scotia farms as applicants are eligible for 50% funding assistance on total eligible project costs to a maximum of $20,000 per project. 29th Lunchbreak Session with Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Wood- Stream 3: COVID-19 Strategic Projects Initiatives at a sector or industry level will be reviewed for funding on an individual basis. If worth- Safety Series Part 1: Company they're deemed to meet the objectives of the Program, they will be assessed on an individual Safety Program (Forest Safety Society) merit, impact and reach basis. https://perennia.zoom.us/j/733534200
Stream 4: COVID-19 Abattoir Efficiency and Development (Password 696610) Applicants are eligible for 75% funding assistance on total eligible project costs to a maximum of $50,000 per program year. October
Contact Programs and Business Risk Management. Phone: 902-893-6377, 27th Lunchbreak Session with Email: [email protected] Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Wood- worth- Safety Series Part 2: Mind the GAP (Farm Safety NS) https://perennia.zoom.us/j/282544732 (Password 691639)
Nova Scotia 16 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 Nova Scotia Christmas Tree SUBSCRIPTIONS, ADVERTISING [email protected] Regional Associations PO Box 8, Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia CANADA B0K 1V0 2018-2020 Executive 1-855-672-2572 Ext. #1 The Journal is published by Christmas President Ed Davidson, Steven Mattatall Tree Council of Nova Scotia. Past President: Matt Priest Contents Copyright © 2020 CTCNS Secretary: Brittany Frenette Publication Mail Agreement No. Treasurer: Dorothy Roode 41043025 [email protected] PO Box 8, Tatamagouche, NS B0K1V0. CONTACT [email protected] 2018-2020 Executive MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 8, Tatamagouche, President Mike Penny Nova Scotia CANADA B0K 1V0 Past President Craig Cartwright 1-855-NSBALSA (672-2572) Ext. #1 1st Vice President Blair Brymer Secretary: Cassy Hines NOVA SCOTIA CHRISTMAS TREE [email protected] TECHNICAL ADVISORS 797 South River Lake Rd, Goshen, NS Western: Randy Naugler 902-543-7728 B0H 1M0 Owen Lenihan 902-689-2047 Central: Ed Davidson 902-957-1428 Eastern: Scott MacKinnon 902-867-7460
2018-2020 Executive President Andrew Crouse Past President Richard Levy Got News to Share? 1st Vice Murray Crouse Please email [email protected] Secretary Jeanette Pettipas or phone [email protected] 1-855-nsbalsa/1-855-672-2572.
Benefits of CTCNS Membership
Marks Work Warehouse Let us know if you don’t have your 10% discount card for Marks Work Warehouse entitling you to 10% off many items. We would encourage you to use it as much as possible, and share it with your employees, friends and family as we can only continue to enjoy this benefit if it is being used.
Cambridge Suites Hotel (Halifax) Growers are eligible for Provincial Government rates at Cambridge Suites Hotel. Simply call the hotel at 1-800-565-1263 and ask for the rate under the Christmas Tree Council of NS.
Nova Scotia Christmas Tree Journal Subscription to the Nova Scotia Christmas Tree Journal, published quarterly
Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 17 BTOC Barrington Update
Robert Newcombe – whether it’s different tools, different materials, or different approaches. Our project with the Christmas Tree Council of Nova To date, we have visited one farm to understand all the activ- Scotia kicked off in late March, shortly after the pandemic hit. ities required to grow a Christmas tree. From that information, Although our initial approach has changed, our objective for the we have developed a survey and interview questions to collect project remains the same: to measure and analyze the cost to data and insights from Christmas tree growers across the Prov- produce Christmas Trees in Nova Scotia and recommend pro- ince. The surveys will be coming out right around the time this cess improvements to increase quality and decrease costs. Our article is published. approach incorporates Lean principles – creating more value for The data and insights collected through the surveys and customers using fewer resources. interviews will be critical for measuring the cost of production Growing up on a farm, I have found farmers are intrinsically and creating a best management practice for farms across the Lean thinkers, but I wanted to share the connections I have made province. If you are contacted, please share in as much detail, between the five principles of Lean Thinking and the production and as honestly as you can. of Christmas trees (so far): If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email, call, or 1. Value. Value is always defined by the customer’s needs. connect with me on LinkedIn. The farmer may think a certain size, shape, or colour makes the best tree, but if the customer is not willing to pay for that tree, it Robert Newcombe, P.Eng., MBA does not matter what the farmer thinks. Determine what your 902-233-8491 customer wants and grow to those specifications. [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertnewcombe/ 2. Value streams. The value stream for a Christmas tree • is all the steps involved from preparing the land and planting the tree to harvesting and delivering the tree to the customer. The challenge with this value stream is it spans about a decade (compared to manufacturing a car is only a few days). While challenging, the farmers needs to understand the direct effect of activities such as quality of planting, shearing, fertilizing, spray- ing, harvesting, baling, etc. to the final product. BELL WIRE PRODUCTS LTD. 3. Flow. Flow can relate to labour and products. For 9225 MAIN STREET, BRISTOL, NB E7L 2Y3 labour, the bottleneck tends to happen late in the Fall, when it takes a lot more effort to harvest a Christmas tree compared to Visit our website www.bellwireproducts.com and see our growing that tree. To increase flow, look at how you can set your “new” automatic clamp ring machine in production. team up for success to make harvest as smooth as possible by flagging trees, preparing trees, limiting distance for dragging, We sell Christmas Wreath rings and wire to large and small purchasing efficient balers, etc. Christmas wreath shops – have your product delivered to your door! 4. Pull. Pull is simply matching supply with demand which is very difficult when your lead time (length of time to Call 800.506.3278 Monday-Friday and ask for your free catalog. grow a Christmas tree) is close to a decade. Pull is making sure you only spend the time and effort harvesting trees you know Email at [email protected] will be sold. The opposite is “pushing” trees – spending time and effort growing as many trees as possible that may never be har- We are your “year-round” Christmas Wreath Ring and Wire vested and/or harvesting as many trees as possible that will never shop be sold. If you know a tree won’t survive or be at a high enough quality to sell, dispose of it immediately so it doesn’t waste your Buy from a Family Owned, Canadian Manufacturer! time and resources later.
5. Perfection. Perfection is about creating a mindset and culture of continuous improvement to always look for ways to do things better. For example, Jim DeLong and his planters have switched to an open-ended dibble with a homemade handle.
They believe they planted seedlings three times faster this year Quality Christmas Products Since 1998, Canadian Owned and Operated! than compared to using their previous dibbles. All workers should be encouraged to look for ways to do their jobs better
Nova Scotia 18 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 Buy & Sell Classifieds
Want To Sell Want To Sell Looking to Buy Homemade retail baler, single axle, gas Homemade retail Baler, single axle, gas Looking for tree land in the Chester Basin area powered, 18” cone, stored inside Murray powered, 18” cone, stored inside to lease or buy. Crouse 902-634-1908 Murray Crouse 902-634-1908 CONTACT: 902-644-2605 before 6:00 PM and leave a message [email protected]
Want To Sell Looking to Buy 1. Howey Tree Baler – Good Condition Looking for Christmas tree Shaker in good $3500.00 condition, prefer tow-behind model, ready to 2. Howey Elevator – Good Condition fire up, suitable for u-cut, truck-load or retail $3500.00 lot business, electric start preferred but not Shawn Hadley 902-533-3855 necessary. [email protected] Ed Davidson 902-957-1428 [email protected] Looking to Buy Looking for Howey Baler Want To Sell Jim Watson 905-679-5000 1. Table Top Netter – $175.00 Want To Sell 2. 12 ft. Dual axle tree trailer – $2000.00 Used Garland Machine Model #GM-10 OBO Price $3500.00 Want To Sell 3. Approximately 20 acres of land for lease; If interested, please contact Martha at: Hardi Backpack Sprayer Edmund Taylor needs to be for tree lot. Bell Wire Products Ltd. 1.800.506.3278 [email protected] $125.00 Bill Lantz 902-624-0417 Or email before 6:00 PM and leave a message [email protected]
Participants Needed Looking to Buy Ronnie Doyle We need additional private sites in Lunen- Looking to Buy Used Tree Loading burg, Queens and Annapolis Counties. If you Elevator own a 15+ acre mature woodlot with at least Contact Ronnie @ 902-533-2254 OR 20% hemlock, and are interested in looking 902-870-0441 at partial harvests as an option to mitigate Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, contact us today. 1-888-834-MCFC Want to place an ad? [email protected] Want To Sell Please email Farm wagon, rubber tires, sturdy wooden [email protected] deck, 6 x 12 ft. Volunteers Needed or phone Used for Christmas trees, hay bales. 1-855-nsbalsa/1-855-672-2572. Canadian Ag Literacy Week - contact $1100.00 Jacqueline Hoyt, 902-893-5649 Located at Farmington, near New Germany N S. Contact Del or Pat Trobak, 902 530-2783 or [email protected]
DID YOU KNOW? Advertising in the Journal is simple, inexpensive, and effective for both the industry and your business!! Email [email protected] for more details
Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 19 SMART Christmas Tree Research Co-op Report
James DeLong SMART Christmas Tree Research Coop President
Executive Committee: President - James DeLong Vice President - Gerald Keddy Treasurer - Richard Levy Directors - To 2020: Dan Folkins NB, Fred Eidt NS, Vacant NS To 2021: Richard Levy NS, Murray Crouse NS, Vacant NB To 2022: Darin Clark NB, Norman MacIsaac NS, Mike Penny NS
The picture is a SMART Tree seeding, between the Embryo and Seedling Stage. This is still evolving research, this step in the reproductive science is always being tweaked to improve SMART Tree seed- ling production. We did not get to have a Spring Tech Session for LCCTPA, where Mr. Colin Hughes was going to give his take on an ICE (Integrated Controlled Environment) Technology which he is using to ship Balsam Fir Christmas Trees to far away destina- Pictures of Phytoculture’s Emblets supplied by Don Northcott, Phytoculture PEI. tions, sixty days plus, with success. Colin’s process is low-tech, low-cost, and successful. This will be interesting at the next available opportunity. Commercialization of NADA (Needle Abscission Delaying Agent) is being pursued. Presently this is being led by Matt Priest. Dr. Andrew Schofeld has also come on board to help us continued preservation and improvement of our SMART genetic lines. Thank you and welcome back Andrew. Also, I would like to thank Murray Crouse, Andrew Crouse & Richard Levy who took their time to gather SMART parent stock signs and graft them on new root stock to boost our gene bank volume. Also a GREAT BIG wish you well to Dr. Raj Lada, who led the CRC and our SMART Tree Research Program at NSAC/DAL AC on his retirement. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.•
Pictures of Phytoculture’s Emblets supplied by Don Northcott, Phytoculture PEI.
Nova Scotia 20 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 Obituary of Bernard Kenneth Banks
anks, Bernard Kenneth, age 72. Due to Covid 19 restrictions there will be a private visita- of Ohio, Antigonish County tion and funeral with a live stream link provided on C.L. Curry Bpassed away peacefully on May 24, website on Friday. Burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Donations 2020 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, in memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or St. Antigonish. Joseph’s Hillside Cemetery Association. Online condolences: Born in Antigonish, he was the son of www.clcurry.com. Bernie’s service can be viewed at https:// the late Fred and Stella (Delorey) Banks. youtu.be/TAMSMvkXN8A Bernie was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. His Message from Chrissy Trenholm: family was his life. He never turned down I met Bernie Banks 20 years ago. I was working on my fathers a good game of cards and made sure he rubbed it in good when lot and Bernie came in to grade my fathers Xmas trees and he he won; not to mention that he always had a good joke to make was short a man for standing trees so I helped stand the trees for you laugh when you saw him. Bernie worked as a tree grader that day. Right away I fell in love with the job and he hired me on with Northeastern Christmas Tree Association for more than the spot. I enjoyed travelling to different tree lots all over Antig- thirty years meeting many growers and making many lasting onish Guysborough and Pictou county meeting all the farmers friendships along the way. He was also a painter with Gottschall and learning about Xmas trees. Through the years Bernie and Painters for many years as well as being self employed in that I never missed one season. We worked in snow storms, heavy field. Bernie loved his hunting and fishing trips making lasting rains, winds and just about any kind of weather you could memories with his brothers and his his best friend “grandson imagine and not once did he complain. He made his crew laugh Logan”. He touched the hearts of everyone that knew him, leav- with his constant jokes to get us through the miserable days and ing them with many lasting memories. when the nice sunny days hit we would sit on the tail gate of the He is survived by his wife Karen (MacLean); daughter, Shel- truck eat our lunch and it didn’t even seem like work looking ley (Mehak) Singh, Ohio; son, Marshall (Anne), Yellowknife; around at the beautiful trees we we were in heaven. Bernie taught grandchildren: Riley, Keegan, Neika, Tiernan, Logan and me everything I know about Xmas trees he was an excellent Bailey; brother, Andre (Marcelle). Margaretsville; Gerard, Ohio; grader very consistent he pointed out different diseases and Anthony (Karen), Morinville, AB; sister, Rita Banks -Houghton always gave the farmers tips on shearing and things that could (Vince Baird), Giant’s Lake; Mary (late Anthony) Mahoney, be done for the following year. 20 years working with him were Union Centre as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his some of the best days of my life. Christmas tree season will never parents he was predeceased by brothers Leo, Peter, Fred and Joe be the same without him. (in infancy); sister, Anne. • Obituary of Leslie Ainsworth Corkum
t is with great sadness we announce at a later date with details of a Celebration of Life when appro- Leslie A. Corkum, age 97 of Falmouth, priate. Donations in memory may be made to the Heart and Ipassed peacefully in his sleep at home Stroke Foundation, 5657 Spring Garden Rd., Box 245, Halifax, on the evening of April 1, 2020, in the NS B3J 3R4 (1-800-423-4432) or charity of choice. Messages of accompaniment of loved ones. He is condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demont- survived by his children, Gail Manning familyfuneralhome.ca (Malcolm), Gary Miller (Patricia) and Heather Pick (Eric); six grandchildren Message From Murray Crouse and nine great grandchildren; special Les was an inspiration to the Christmas tree industry. He friend and caregiver, Paulette (Roddie) Wallace and his broth- was the type of person that would see a problem and work out er, Ivan (Clara) Corkum. He was predeceased by his wife Betty a solution for it and would willingly share it with anybody who (Elizabeth F. Dill /Miller); and siblings, Ray Corkum and Jean had the same issue. He was ahead of his time with trialling exot- Jess. Storyteller supreme, his adventures were countless, his ics species for Christmas trees and bringing in exotic scions for advice and opinion priceless, his humour and wit combined grafting to balsam root stock. His groundbreaking work will be with that twinkle in his eye when he had you, unmatched. part of this industry for future generations. He was humble when Sometimes referred to the “King of the Forest”, he was caretaker credit was bestowed to him. Enjoyed a good laugh and had a of the woods with a background in forest protection working keen sense of humour. Most of all I was able to have the pleasure with Lands and Forests, both in Shubenacadie and Windsor. to know him, work with and learn from him . I considered Mr. WW2 Air Force Vet, antique collector, Christmas tree grower Lester Corkum a friend and mentor who I was proud to have and card shark, he wore so many hats over his lifetime and known. One of his last acts of dedication to the industry was to touched so many people. Arrangements have been entrusted leave a fund package toward the building project at Seffernville’s to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 experimental lot. This was typical Les, always wanting to be part Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). A full obituary to be posted of helping the industry. • Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 21 Get your cap on! Order Form
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Nova Scotia 22 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 Christmas Tree Promotion Board
Anzil Blackadar growing Christmas trees. I supply a stand in Halifax and ship three to five loads to the US. Have been a member of Lunen- irstly, it is my understanding that burg Co Christmas Tree Assoc. from day my name has been submitted along one. Have served as director on several Fwith others for the position on the occasions and as chair and member of the Christmas Tree Promotion Board. Should Special Events Committee for nearly 20 I be selected to the board I will do my years. As for the Christmas Tree Pro- best to justify why I was chosen for the motion Board myself and wife Sue want position. It is 25 years this month since I to thank those who have the confidence retired from the federal government so a in me and contacting me to see if I had bit rusty on the desk work. My wife and I interest in the position. I fully support the between us have 3 children, two girls and philosophy of what they do to promote the a boy. We are grandparents to three boys real tree program. Thank you. and a girl. For nearly 30 years I have been •
“Forestry Transition Team Update to the Forestry Sector” released SIMPLE, ACCURATE t has been six months since Pre- CROSS-BORDER PAYMENTS mier Stephen McNeil announced WITH TRANSPARENT PRICING Ithe creation of a team to provide advice to government and to inform short and longer-term solutions for SAME-DAY PAYMENT DELIVERY & transitioning Nova Scotia’s forest- SECURE CURRENCY ACCOUNTS ry sector. Since then, the Forestry Transition Team has met regularly to hear sector feedback, provide PROTECT YOUR EARNINGS advice on initiatives that support WITH FX RISK MANAGEMENT sector workers and chart a path for the future. While these past few months have been difficult, no one could TALK TO LOCAL EXPERTS WHO have predicted the further impact of a global pandemic this GET TO KNOW YOUR BUSINESS Spring, which has dramatically changed the way we work and interact with each other. Despite these challenges, the Transition (902) 453-2202 Team has stayed focused on our mandate and we would like to [email protected] update you on our work to help the forestry sector. Since January, the team has endorsed spending of about $25 million in new training and funding initiatives as well as Workers and businesses who have questions or need help program adjustments involving various government depart- Toll-free: 1-888-315-0110 ments and agencies. Many of these initiatives were based on input or ideas from the sector and we are working on imple- Workers who need emergency funding due to a lay-off menting several more. • Toll-free: 1-833-424-8849 You can find these initiatives at: Professional counselling support, provided by Morneau Shepell Toll-free: 1-866-885-6540 https://novascotia.ca/forestry-sector-support/ Help to find services and programs offered by http://ctcns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Forestry-Transi- local community groups, non-profits and tion-Team-Update-Fact-Sheet.pdf government departments Call or text 211
Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 23 Busy Spring and Summer for the CTPB
Marsha Gray and target demographics for our promotion campaign. 2020 Promotion Campaign armer weather is no Promotion Committee Chair and Vice Chair, Paul Battaglia excuse to take it easy and Bill Brawley, have had a busy spring. The committee has Wand there seems to be thoroughly reviewed the 2019 campaign and provided insights no slowdown in the work at the to our two agencies for 2020. Advertising agency, Concept Farm CTPB. The board has many pro- and public relations firm, FleishmanHillard have presented a jects in process and a number of solid line up of potential campaign activations for the commit- updates are presented here. tee to consider. The Promotion Committee will be reviewing these recommendations later in June and will make final Independent Evaluation recommendations. All Research and Promotion Although final decisions are not yet confirmed, involvement programs are required to have with industry members will likely be a key in the 2020 campaign. an Independent Evaluation every five years. This economet- “We are urging all industry members to open the CTPB e-news- ric evaluation is prepared by an economist and presents an letter when it arrives in their inbox,” comments CTPB Executive independent review of the value of the programs funded by the Director, Marsha Gray. “This is the most efficient way for us to CTPB. The final report includes a return on investment and reach the industry and share timely news.” is made available to the industry and the public. The CTPB’s Independent Evaluation will be presented to the board later in Board Updates June and then will be posted on the CTPB website. The availabil- The CTPB Board of Directors was planning an in-person ity of the report will be announced in the CTPB e-newsletter. meeting in late July, however, in light of uncertainty of travel during the COVID 19 pandemic, the board has decided to meet Research Resources via electronic means. There are several items of note in the area of research. The Several items of note from recent board meetings include: CTPB Research Committee, led by Della Deal, will be reviewing • Approval of the 2020-21 fiscal year budget research proposals for funding in the 2020-2021 fiscal year. • Approval of the Market Development Research project A request for proposals was distributed by CTPB Director • Approval of revised Bylaws for the CTPB which have or Research, Cynthia Knudson and are due by June 12. The been approved by the USDA committee will make recommendations to the board and final • Approval of revised Policies for the CTPB and approval funding decisions will be made by the board, most likely in July. by the USDA is pending The CTPB board recently approved moving forward with a research portal on the Christmas Tree Promotion Board website. CTPB assessment payers should have received a ballot to The portal will house results, reports and updates from research determine industry preference for the Christmas Tree Promo- projects funded by the CTPB. This project will likely take several tion Board. Ballots were mailed on June 15 and ballots must be months to complete and will be announced to the industry when returned to the CTPB office by July 15. There are two seats up for it is ready to view. consideration in both the Western and Eastern Regions, one seat Finally, the board approved funding for Market Development in the Central Region and one Importer seat. Research to take place in June. This consumer research will help Producers will vote by region and the top two vote-getters for the CTBP better understand consumers and their attitudes about each seat will be submitted as the industry preference to USDA real Christmas trees. Learnings will help to guide messaging for consideration. The Secretary of Agriculture makes the final
Nova Scotia 24 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 selection and appointment. New board members are scheduled to take their position on the board on January 1, 2021. Let’s Stay in Touch One of the greatest challenges of the CTPB is connecting with the industry. All assessment payers receive an Annual Report in the early spring, as well as a campaign update in November. Both are delivered via traditional mail. The CTPB also does its best to attend most state and regional Christmas tree meetings. This is our greatest opportunity to provide meaningful updates and to hear producer questions and concerns. Although the CTPB was well represented at winter meetings, most industry summer meetings have been cancelled. CTPB representatives Community Business Development Corporations will be involved with several industry webinars and possibly a offer Business Financing, Training and Advice! few state meetings that are still on schedule. The most efficient place for the CTPB to connect with the industry is the e-newsletter. The newsletter comes out one to Need a Business Loan? two times per month. The CTPB email list is 3,297 strong, Approvals Made Locally. however we know that not everyone is opening these messages. In some cases, the recipient’s email program may be moving our To find your nearest CBDC visit www.cbdc.ca newsletter to your Spam or Junk folders. The CTPB is urging or call 1-888-303-2232 all producers to check both their inbox and these other files to confirm that they are receiving CTPB emails. (As a reference, an The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is pleased to support the CBDCs in Atlantic Canada e-newsletter was sent on June 5, 2020)
The CTPB anticipates many announcements regarding research and promotion in the coming weeks. Please stay tuned! •
Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 25 Journal Print Subscriptions are INCLUDED with every Nova Scotia Christmas Tree Association membership Sign me Up! I would like to receive (or give) the next four issues of the NS CT Journal in print! Name of Recipient :
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For information of overseas mailing addresses, plese contact [email protected] or 1-855-NSBALSA Ext #1/1-855-672-2572 Ext #1 Please make cheques payable to “Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia” and mail to: CTCNS, Box 8, Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia B0K1V0 Thank you for your interest and subscription. How is the Journal doing? What could we do better? [email protected]
CCTPA President’s Report
Ed Davidson There are various financial assistance programs and I hope members will take advantage of anything that they might qualify for ...any questions most certainly can be addressed either by the aving worked as a journalist about 100 years ago in a pre- Council office or the Federation of Agriculture in Bible Hill. vious life, I usually don’t have to try too hard to get one of I have tried to maintain personal contact with as many of Hthese articles ready ... there always seems to be something our members as possible and try to stay on top of my phone that pops into my head, and it’s something that’s kind of fun and messages. easy to share. This might be a good time to let Cobequid members know But this spring has been different. It seems like it was cold, I was recently approached about serving on Council and have wet, and behind schedule and every time I started looking agreed to sit as second vice-president. I’m hoping this will for signs of growth, Mother Nature seemed to be in a bad broaden my industry awareness and , by extension,be of benefit mood,(some days a really bad mood). to members at the Association level. When we went into the Covid 19 lock-down mid/late March Take care and as usual, I look forward to seeing you “in the things entered into uncharted territory and since I couldn’t get trees” past the end of the driveway without a travel pass I simply spent • a lot more time in the trees only to finally realize “a watched pot never boils” and the trees would start when the trees were ready. Financial Statements Add to that all of our spring meetings were cancelled and no one really knew where things were headed. Copies of Audited Financial State- For those of us in the Cobequid Region, the low point came on ments are available. the weekend of April 18-19 when life took such a tragic turn that Please contact the Christmas Tree everything else paled in comparison and what transpired seemed Council for a copy. to affect everybody in our area. The passage of time has finally brought the emergence of the 2020 season and with it a renewal and rejuvenation of faith, spirit and energy and at least some rudimentary sense of optimism. We are beginning to see signs of the province opening up again and small steps toward getting back to where we were. Maybe even rescheduling our meetings and technical sessions.
Nova Scotia 26 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020
Statement For immediate release
Farmers to directly benefit from changes to Canada Emergency Business Account
May 19, 2020 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
“Today’s announced expansion of the eligibility to the Canada Emergency Business Account is a big deal for farmers across the country.
We heard from many farmers that the Canada Emergency Business Account did not work for them, because many did not meet the payroll criteria.
We listened to their concerns, and changed the eligibility to ensure farmers without payroll can now access the $40,000 interest-free loan available under CEBA – up to $10,000 of which is forgiven if the rest is repaid by December 31, 2022.
In dealing with the impacts of COVID-19, our Government has consistently said that we are prioritizing speed, and we continue to fill the gaps.
For those farmers who are still unable to access CEBA, they can turn towards the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund.
Farmers can be assured that we have their back, and we are continuing to roll-out supports for our agriculture sector.”
- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Taken from news release, Prime Minister announces expansion of support for workers and small businesses “To qualify under the expanded eligibility criteria, applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 would need: • a business operating account at a participating financial institution • a Canada Revenue Agency business number, and to have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return. • eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1.5 million. Eligible non-deferrable expenses could include costs such as rent, property taxes, utilities, and insurance.
Link for information on the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF): https://www.canada.ca/en/atlantic-canada-opportunities/campaigns/covid19/rrrf.html
Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 27 2021 NCTA Membership Application
Page 1 of 2
Part 1: Member Information
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National Christmas Tree Association | P.O. Box 3609 Littleton, CO 80161 | Phone: (800) 975-5920 | Fax: (303) 374-6594 | www.realchristmastrees.org | [email protected]
Nova Scotia 28 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 2021 NCTA Membership Application Page 2 of 2
Part 3: Member Profile
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Part 4: Advocacy Sponsorship (Requested from all members based on annual sales)
Voice of the Industry/ q Hard Goods Recommendations to Media Hotline Consumers (stands, waterers, etc.)
Advocacy Sponsorship Level for 2020 "fair share" based on annual sales
q $50 - up to 1,000 trees harvested annually q $600 - 15,001 - 25,000 trees harvest annually q $75 - 1,001 - 2,500 trees harvested annually q $1,000 - 25,001 - 50,000 trees harvested annually q $150 - 2,501 - 5,000 trees harvested annually q $2,000 - 50,001 - 100,000 trees harvested annually q $350 - 5,001 - 15,000 trees harvested annually q Above 100,000 trees please contact us to calculate your "fair share" sponsorship
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Mail – or – Fax payments to: NCTA Payment Center | P.O. Box 3609 Littleton, CO 80161 - or – Fax: (303) 374-6594
NCTA qualifies as a tax-exempt organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, dues to NCTA are not deductible as a charitable contribution for federal tax purposes, but may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense to the extent that they do not pertain to lobbying or political activities. We have estimated the nondeductible (lobbying) portion of your 2021 dues to be 5%. Please consult your tax advisor. Office Use Only: Date Received ______Annual Dues - 01-4100______Issues Advocacy Sponsorship - 02-4410______
National Christmas Tree Association | P.O. Box 3609 Littleton, CO 80161 | Phone: (800) 975-5920 | Fax: (303) 374-6594 | www.realchristmastrees.org | [email protected]
Nova Scotia Summer 2020 Christmas TreeJournal 29 Nova Scotia 30 Christmas TreeJournal Summer 2020 OUR LAUNCH SPONSORS GROWING TOGETHER HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER THANKS TO THEM
& MORE TO COME Interested in advertising with us? Contact [email protected] GROWING TOGETHER HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER
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