BALLSTON SPA — On a brisk Friday afternoon in early December, dozens of families scoured rows of fir trees at Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa, each looking for the perfect freshly-cut Christmas tree to take home. Farmers are optimistic that, despite economic headwinds and climate change, this holiday tradition and their role in it will have staying power.
Paired with the same whirlwind of inflation, tariffs and dwindling consumer confidence impacting businesses across the board, a drought that took hold of much of the Capital Region at the end of the summer also parched plants, contributed to tree loss and may have stunted growth for some future crops at local Christmas tree farms.
Farmers say it’s too soon to say precisely what the future impacts may be, but for now, business remains steady.
Drought impacts vary
Garth Ellms, who owns and manages the Ellms Family Farm, said that this year his farm saw one of its best harvests in over 15 years in terms of variety tree size, from 6 to 11 feet…