MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Minnesota’s summer season drought could also be felt in winters to return, when discovering the right Christmas tree might be tougher and dearer.
Seventy-five % of Minnesota is in a extreme drought or worse proper now, which has been powerful on native tree farms. Trent Johnson is the proprietor of B&J Evergreen in Clear Lake.
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“I’m hoping tonight everybody does a rain dance,” Johnson stated.
His farm consists of tens of 1000’s of timber, most of that are destined to finish up in residing rooms in December. He says the larger ones that can be offered this Christmas are extra resilient to adversity, together with lack of water. It’s the youthful timber which can be extra more likely to battle with out water.
“A number of growers have misplaced a big share of their timber in sure pockets within the Midwest this yr,” Johnson stated. “Eight, 10 years from now, that performs out.”
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That’s when Johnson says Christmas timber may get scarce and costs may go up. First, growers are centered on getting by way of the summer season, based on Minnesota Division of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen.
“Little doubt the primary challenge right here at Farmfest is drought,” Petersen stated. “The outlook for the remainder of the month, that is simply the dry time of the yr sadly, might be going to get somewhat bit worse if we don’t get some well timed rains.”
Johnson has gotten inventive on his farm, constructing a custom-made watering machine that conserves water. However he says a cooperating Mom Nature continues to be the very best enterprise companion.
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“I feel I’ll develop about three, 4 inches when that weight comes off my shoulder after we get that good rain,” Johnson stated.
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