On December 15, 2015

Governor Shumlin harvests the season’s first Christmas Tree

Submitted

Governor Peter Shumlin selected and harvested a Christmas Tree Sunday, Nov. 30, from Isham Family Farm in Williston, Vt. Owner Mike Isham (pictured right) joined him for the selection.

Over 134,000 Christmas Trees are harvested in Vermont annually

Vermont’s Christmas tree industry received one of its early customers Sunday, Nov. 29, when Gov. Peter Shumlin arrived at Isham’s Family Farm in Williston to select and cut a tree for the state Pavilion Office Building in Montpelier.

The governor’s annual tree-cutting event not only signals the start of tree-hunting season for many Vermonters, but also draws some well-deserved attention to Vermont’s robust Christmas tree industry, which supplies over 134,000 trees to Vermonters and customers throughout New England and as far away as Bermuda.

Gov. Shumlin was joined by farm owner Mike Isham, a fifth-generation farmer, whose family has owned Isham Family Farm since 1871.

The farm was conserved with the Vermont Land Trust in 2002 by Mike’s father, David Isham. Today, the farm operates a diverse business, which includes hosting weddings and events in its historic, restored barn. Isham Family Farm also offers their own maple syrup, a pick-your-own berry patch, pumpkins, sweet corn, and a sunflower maze.

“What could be better than kicking off the holiday season at such a beautiful Vermont farm!” said Gov. Shumlin.

“Isham Family Farm is an outstanding example of how farmers are becoming more innovative–expanding into new ventures and creating authentic, agricultural experiences for their customers,” said Chuck Ross, Vermont’s Ag Secretary. “Businesses like this preserve the working landscape, while also creating economic opportunities for farm families. They also help promote ag literacy by bringing the next generation of Vermonters closer to agriculture.”

Isham’s Family Farm is one of 288 tree farms throughout the state of Vermont that collectively cultivate over 3,600 acres of trees, according to the USDA’s 2012 agricultural census.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Superstar Six-Pack construction hits new phase as helicopters fly in concrete

July 3, 2025
KILLINGTON — Construction of the new Superstar six-pack chairlift has reached an exciting phase this summer, with helicopters now flying in concrete for the tower and terminal footings. On Wednesday, July 1, a helicopter was seen flying to Killington Resort with a payload of concrete. Killington Resort is replacing its iconic Superstar Express quad with…

Cirque Series celebrates successful Killington debut

July 2, 2025
By Polly Mikula The Cirque Series broke trail in New England with two new races. On June 7, runners raced up Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire and this past Saturday, June 28, they tackled “The Beast of the East,” Killington Mountain. Cirque is also adding Crystal Mountain, Washington, to its national lineup of eight…

Governor Scott signs tax relief bill for working families, seniors, military retirees

July 2, 2025
On June 25, Governor Phil Scott held a ceremony to sign S.51, An act relating to Vermont income tax exclusions and tax credits, into law. He was joined by members of the Legislature, current and former members of the military, and other supporters of the bill. In addition to exempting military retirement income up to $125,000 from state…

$13.6m in Northern Border Regional Commission grants awarded

July 2, 2025
Governor Phil Scott, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Congresswoman Becca Balint, together with the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), on June 24 announced that 11 Vermont communities will be receiving a combined $13.6 million from NBRC’s Catalyst Program.  Local awardees include: Rutland City Grant amount: $3,000,000. Total project cost: $6,741,410. Project: Modernizing Downtown Rutland’s wastewater…