Sunday, July 19, 2015

How To Start A Christmas Tree Farm

By Jana Serrano


There are plenty of business ideas in the present day world. Many people are making good sums of money by engaging in cash crop farming. Christmas tree farm is something that can be started with little capital yet one stands to benefit handsomely. To get and sustain a long-term stream of good returns, proper management is required. Of course, to start out on this venture seedlings and land are basic requirements. Budgeting is crucial so that to keep costs at a minimum and profits at a maximum. Finally, after all has been said and done, the produce will be sold to consumers.

The project can be started on a small piece of land or a huge chunk. It all depends on whether someone wants to do small scale or large scale. Location of land in question is an important factor. Somewhere that has access to water is ideal since the crop needs water so that to grow.

After establishing from where the venture will take place, one is ready to start out. The first activity will be planting. It should take long to plant a few seedlings. However, if one is doing this large scale, a considerable chunk of time and effort should be dedicated to the planting activity. There is always the option of contracting labor instead of doing everything.

Labor costs will not be much but it is wise to budget for this type of expenditure. Keeping this type of overhead as low as possible, means that it will be possible to maximize profits. The only labor intensive activities are planting, pruning, and harvesting. For the best part of the year, this crop will be growing on its own with little or no human involvement.

Passion has its rightful place when it comes to farming. However, it should not be forgotten that zeal has to be combined with a good dose of management competencies and entrepreneurial skills. Being organized is the key to success in any venture. Any cost incurred should be jotted down in a book dedicated to the project. Activities to be carried out should be planned for and documented for future reference.

When starting this type of farm, equipments, seedlings and other items have to be purchased. These are the initial capital. One should not be afraid to put in good capital because returns are guaranteed. In simple language, there is a market for this kind of produce. Demand comes from many quarters. Just with a little market research, one will find institutions and individuals who want to purchase this crop. It is not enough to find willing buyers. There is also need to find buyers who are willing to purchase above the desired price.

Knowing a thing or two about Christmas trees is equally important. The most popular varieties are Balsam, Douglas fir, and Scottish Pine. Potential farmers of this crop need to make sure to plant any or all of these varieties.

At the start, one should buy either transplants or seedlings. The option chosen should be subsequently planted. After 2 years from the date of planting, the trees will have reached 5-7 feet. At this level, they are mature and ready for harvest.

Farming Christmas trees guarantees returns with good management, just as is the case with any other venture. Starting capital is a very reasonable sum. The basic requirement is a piece of land.




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