NHVTCTA 2026 Summer Meeting
Saturday, June 27, 2026
8:30 am - 3 pm
Host Farm
Weir Tree Farms
679 E. Colebrook Road,
Colebrook, NH
View Directions
Nearby Lodging
Meeting Agenda
8:30-9:00 am: Registration, coffee and donuts
9:00-9:30 am: Business Meeting
9:30-10:00 am: Introduction to Weir Tree Farm
10:00-11:15 am: Pesticide Storage, Mixing, And Spill Response
with Rachel Maccini, UNH Extension Field Specialist, Pesticide Safety Education
This interactive session addresses low-frequency but high-risk activities that commonly lead to pesticide exposure incidents, environmental contamination, and compliance violations. Participants will review proper storage and secondary containment requirements, safe mixing and loading procedures, spill response priorities, spill kit components, and correct disposal of rinsate and pesticide containers. The program incorporates interactive scenarios and problem-solving exercises to reinforce label-based decision-making, applicator safety, and environmental protection.
11:30-12:00: How do you find and use Results from the RCTB Research Programs with Bob White of White's Christmas Tree Farm and member of the Research Advisory Committee for the Real Christmas Tree Board, This informative presentation will review research programs funded through the RCTB. Learn how growers can access and apply current research findings to improve production practices, address industry challenges, and support the success of their own farms.
12:00-1:00: Catered Buffet Lunch
1:00-3:00: Field Tour and Demonstrations
Site Selection Participants will tour the Weir Tree Farm to explore site selection considerations for different Christmas tree species and how soil, drainage, elevation, and growing conditions influence tree health and long-term success.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
The session will include discussion and field observations of weed control practices and other Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies used on the farm. Members will also view examples of Woolly Adelgid damage and discuss why some trees remained unaffected.
Pruning Techniques
Farm owner Jay Weir will demonstrate pruning methods for Fraser fir and explain how pruning Korean Balsam Cross differs from traditional balsam and Fraser techniques, with its own unique set of guidelines and management considerations.
Seed Sources & Species Selection
Participants will tour the nursery beds and discuss seed sources, species selection, transplant ages, and how to determine the best planting stock for different farm conditions and production goals.
NH/VT Pesticides credits will be available for these programs.
Register for the Summer meeting by June 18 - using online form below or download/print and mail in form here...