The Prairies is not normally the place one expects to find a national Christmas tree winner.
But Geordie McKay and his family, of North Battleford, Sask., have won the top place in the annual Canadian National Christmas Tree Competition’s Scots pine category and fourth prize overall.
“I guess people never considered trees as viable crop for the Prairies. We did and it is beginning to pay off,” McKay said.
Held in New Brunswick, home to large portion of Canada’s Christmas tree farms, the competition showcases the greenest and shapeliest trees from across the country. The McKays become the first growers from Western Canada ever to win any sort of award at the competition.
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McKay is one of three Christmas tree farmers in the province selling trees. Twenty-five more growers are working toward that goal. It takes 10 or more years before a Christmas tree farm becomes viable with enough mature trees to begin selling, say growers.
“There is strong competition from the established tree farms in Quebec and the Maritimes. We are all new to the business out here,” said McKay.
Balsams do well
The McKay family hopes in the future one of their 80,000 trees will again place in the national finals.
“Balsams tend to be the overall winners because of their fullness. Our balsams won’t be ready for a couple of years yet, but when they are, I think we will have a real chance at bringing that national title back to Saskatchewan,” he said.
McKay feels the northern hardiness caused by short growing seasons and hard winters provides trees that last longer after they are cut.
His balsams also carry a blue hue due to the harsh climate. McKay hopes that will catch the eyes of judges more accustomed to the green of eastern trees.
