Goats to the Rescue: Recycling Christmas Trees for Farm Feed

Christmas tree farmers are grappling with severe challenges, including drought, disease, and extreme weather, all amplified by climate change. These conditions have led to significant crop losses, threatening the future supply of holiday trees. For instance, drought in Wisconsin in early 2025 killed nearly half of young trees on one farm, and similar issues are affecting growers in Michigan and North Carolina.

In response, scientists are developing genetically superior Christmas trees. This initiative aims to create Fraser firs resistant to pests and diseases, faster-growing, perfectly shaped, and with fewer dropped needles. Researchers are employing advanced techniques like grafting and gene editing to combat issues such as root rot, which has devastated crops in regions like North Carolina.

Beyond scientific advancements, practical recycling solutions are emerging. A non-profit organization has found a unique way to manage old Christmas trees: feeding them to goats. This approach not only provides a novel use for discarded trees but also offers a sustainable option for farmers and the environment.