We attended the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association winter conference last weekend. It is held each year about this time (a summer convention is also held each July—more on that at that time). The winter conference is focused on presentations and panels while the summer conference is focused on field activities. This year we had both private industry and Univ. of Minn. speakers on topics as diverse as current economic conditions, business fundamentals, and web site requirements.
Helen especially liked a seminar on wreath making in which the speakers demonstrated making square wreaths for framing a window. My favorite was the round table discussion sessions where growers could share insights and respond to the questions and concerns of other growers. Spending time with fellow Christmas Tree growers always psychs me up for the spring planting season which is now only a little over a month away.