2025 was a better year for Christmas tree farms in Mississippi

ROY HOWARD COMMUNITY JOURNALISM CENTER-After Mississippi endured its worst drought in 50 years during 2023 and 2024, improved weather gave Christmas tree farms a stronger season and gave families a chance to reconnect with local traditions.

Morgan Gill with the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center reports.

At 18 Acres Farm outside Richton, steadier weather this year has helped Christmas trees recover — and brought more families back to the fields.

Second-year owners Hope and Calvin Cooley say last year’s drought made growing trees a challenge. “Last year, I think it was a little harder actually, than this year on them.”

Now, the farm is seeing a stronger season.

The Cooleys say they’ve already exceeded projected sales, driven largely by repeat visitors and school groups from Perry County.

Beyond selling trees, the farm has become a place for hands-on learning — something many students don’t experience in a traditional classroom. “We do that program with the elementary kids. The first graders in Perry County are invited to come out and plant their own tree. And then fourth grade, they come back.”

Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson said experiences like those are increasingly important in rural communities. “That is so important not only for economic development in their local community, but it’s important for the next generation to learn where our food comes from and where trees come from.”

For Mississippians like Joey Smith, visiting a tree farm brings back memories — and creates connection. “We do an artificial tree because it’s easy, but used to do, cut our own trees, you know, growing up.”

Smith said hands-on experiences like farming help teach skills that are becoming less common. “Most of these kids today couldn’t even operate a shovel or a broom without you teaching them. Farming is a great way for kids to learn a lot of stuff.”

Gipson said when families choose local farms, they’re doing more than buying a Christmas tree — they’re helping keep small agricultural businesses alive. “When you go out to visit these tree farms, you’re actually helping that farm continue to make a profit so it can continue for the next year.”

For the Cooleys, the goal is simple — create a place where families can gather, learn and turn a holiday tradition into something that lasts.