Busy season underway for local Christmas tree farmers

GRAND RAPIDS — You might be thinking about your Christmas tree for the first time this year.

But for Jim Fordham and his family, caring for the evergreens they raise at High Plains Tree Farm is part of their every day.

"It’s not uncommon to be like camping in July somewhere and put on a sweatshirt and have a handful of pine needles in the hoodie pocket," Fordham said Tuesday, Nov. 21.

Contributed

/

High Plains Tree Farm

The farm north of Grand Rapids opened for the season Friday, offering a cut-your-own experience along with a bonfire, holiday goodies and handmade wreaths.

Fordham grew up on the farm his parents started 50 years ago and said he looks forward to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season while reconnecting with customers he’s known for decades.

"I like to be on the farm where it's quiet, you know, by myself. And you can hear the loons on the lake and the birds and — that's where I really love to be," he said.

"But it is fun come this weekend and the place is packed and busy. I do get a kick out of that."

It's been a tough year in the midst of a drought. Fordham lost all 4,000 seedlings he planted this spring, an impact that will reverberate into the future. It takes eight to 10 years for a tree to reach a marketable size.

More from KAXE

Widow files wrongful death lawsuit for Crow Wing County jail suicide; Faulty breath tests may have compromised DWI charges in 3 counties

Plus: Bemidji area residents comment in the second and final hearing in the administrative trial for the boundary dispute between Bemidji and Northern Township.

Question of the Week: What do libraries mean to you?

The KAXE news team has been covering cuts to libraries in our region. This week, we have been gathering stories about what libraries mean to you.

New water plant to mitigate copper corrosion tops Brainerd's bonding wish list

Without the funding, residents’ water bills could increase from about $40 a month to nearly $70. The projected costs for the new facility have risen substantially.

Crow Wing County, correctional officer sued of 2024 jail suicide

The lawsuit states Robert Slaybaugh was placed in a cell with a sheet and a bunk previously ID'd as a suicide hazard, despite an “overwhelming combination of risk factors.”

Judge oversees 2nd public hearing in Northern v. Bemidji admin trial

The second and final public comment evening for the boundary dispute trial heard a broad mix of comments from affected residents along Lake Bemidji.

Do you know what to expect in October? Latimer previews the month in nature

During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 7, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers the next month in nature, development of fall colors, and migratory dragonflies.

Events Up North Oct. 13-19: Haunted trail in Brainerd, open mic in Park Rapids

Events this week include a story slam in Bemidji, an Indigenous People's Day event in Brainerd and a fundraiser for a dog park in Deer River.

Crews make progress on Crosby Fire; Superior Hiking Trail section closes

The fire has been mapped at 160 acres. A predicted change in weather calls for increased and shifting winds, creating a potential to push the fire toward the trail.

Remote wildfire grows to 210 acres near Tofte; Deadly Nashwauk hit-and-run case to proceed in court

Plus: The Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced it secured two settlements against northern Minnesota employers for sex discrimination; and the US Small Business Administration is operating a disaster loan outreach center through Oct. 18 in Bemidji for those impacted by the June 21 severe storms.

Spin that Ish! September's Music Recap with the KAXE Music Team

Check out highlighted songs from Dry Cleaning, Genesis Owusu, Big Thief, Blue Moon Marquee and Northern Cree, Jeff Tweedy, Cate Le Bon, Jon Batiste and Geese.

Contributed

/

High Plains Tree Farm

"When you have drought years like this, where everything gets wiped out, it's like that sets you back an entire year. It's not something we can recoup immediately next year. You know, it's going to hurt," he said.

The number of cut-your-own tree farms in the state is dwindling, and Fordham said he sees people traveling 100 miles or more to shop.

Contributed

/

High Plains Tree Farm

But Fordham said there are still plenty of trees to choose from at High Plains, and he and his wife Sarah are continuing to add to the holiday experience as a hobby on top of their full-time jobs.

"Right now, the market's definitely there," he said. "It's definitely people looking for real trees People want the experience, take the family out and spend a couple hours walking around, so we're excited for the future."

Find High Plains Tree Farm on Facebook for hours and more information.