The 2009 Fall Meeting of the Kentucky Christmas Tree Association

Our 2009 Fall Meeting was held at Baldwin Farm, in Richmond, Kentucky, on Saturday, September 12th.  The meeting convened at 9:00am with breakfast and open discussion about our business needs and finances.  We laid the groundwork for updating and revising our website for the upcoming Christmas season, finalized plans for our new scholarship program, reviewed our finances and discussed current trends in the Christmas tree industry.  Our members are both experienced growers and beginners so there is always an educational aspect to our discussions.  Sharing information and troubleshooting problems is one of our greatest strengths.

Our guest speaker was John Robbins, who, together with is wife Sharon, owns and operates Leota Farm in Scottsburg, Indiana.  Leota Farm began with John's father, who originally planted evergreens to stop erosion.  That first plantation quickly evolved into a lucrative Christmas tree business.  The farm was eventually handed down to John, who continues the family tradition today.  For their customers who want to choose and cut their own trees, they offer White Pine and Scotch Pine.  Fraser Firs are also brought in for those who prefer that type of tree.  Leota Farm also has wreaths and garland, a gift shop, and visits from Santa on the weekends.  John and Sharon also enjoy keeping a number of reindeer and say that the reindeer draw customers from quite a distance.  You can find out more about Leota Farm by visiting their farm page on this website. 

After our Business Meeting, a catered lunch was provided by KCTA members Paul and Ellen Holtz (Evergreen Junction, Alexandria, KY) and it was a feast!  Thank-you so much Paul and Ellen for giving us Thanksgiving in September. 

In the afternoon, our members climbed aboard a large farm wagon and were treated to a tour of Baldwin Farm's various tree plantations.  We occasionally got off the wagon and wandered deeper into the fields so that we could observe and discuss specific tree types, their growth patterns, as well as insect and pest damage, and other issues that our members experience at their own farms. 

Baldwin Farm is situated on the top of several foothills and provides visitors with a panoramic view of the surrounding area.  It's roots are with Ty Baldwin, a beloved KCTA member who passed away a couple of years ago.  Ty was the visionary behind the farm and with the help of his wife, Margery, worked long hours to make it the success that it is today.  Margery and her on-site farm manager, Pedro, are now carrying Ty's dream forward and Baldwin Farm continues to flourish in his honor.  Thank-you Margery and Pedro for the enormous amount of work it took to get ready for our group and host our meeting.  We are so grateful!  To find out more about Baldwin Farm, you may visit their farm page on this website or the farm's own website at www.baldwinfarmsky.com. 

The meeting concluded at 3:30pm. 

Please watch this this website for information about our Spring 2010 meeting.