Agricultural News
Get More Than a Christmas Tree by Shopping Local This Season
Mon, 06 Dec 2021 13:55:34 CST
Christmas tree shopping is one of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit. Oklahoma has a wide selection of local-buying options that offer opportunities to make memories and get that beautiful Christmas tree.
Sherri Hurst, cattle producer and owner of Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm in Bristow, Okla. prides herself in not only the farming aspect of her operation but also in her agritourism savvy.
"I have had people say, 'this is just like walking into a Hallmark movie,'" Hurst said.
Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm offers fun for the whole family, including yard games, hot food and drinks, photo opportunities and much more. Kids can be set loose on the 15 acres while parents can shop a variety of trees or Hurst's handmade wreaths and garlands.
The farm gets its name from two of Hurst's first cows: Molly and Socks. Although Molly and Socks are no longer around, their genetics are alive and well, grazing on the hills surrounding the tree farm. In 2015, as retirement grew closer for Hurst and her husband David, they decided to start a new chapter in life.
"I have always wanted a Christmas tree farm," Hurst said. "I am a Christmas baby myself and my eldest son was born December 27, so why not have a Christmas tree farm?"
The Hursts began planting on Thanksgiving weekend, 2015. She said the farm has fulfilled their goal of keeping them busy - sometimes too busy.
"I will tell you what, it is a lot of hard work," Hurst said.
The Hursts primarily grow Virginia Pines, as they do well in Oklahoma's variable climate. In case a customer wants a more classic tree, they also order trees from up north.
"Typically, you do color (the trees) to make them stay looking pretty," Hurst said. "You do not want a yellow Christmas tree!"
She is talking about how Virginia Pines tend to turn bright green as they go dormant during the winter months. Painting trees is a common practice, whether you are shopping at a big-box store or a local Christmas tree farm, she added.
What will be different at a local tree farm is the price per tree. Hurst said this year shipping costs have increased prices all over the board, but folks should expect to pay more for a tree at Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm.
"We are getting premium-grade trees where (big-box stores) are getting field-grade trees," Hurst said. "They can buy those (trees) for almost half and are also getting more of a bulk deal, that is where a lot of that comes in."
At Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm, it is about much more than just buying a beautiful Christmas tree. Hurst said her goal is to fill people with the Christmas spirit.
"This is the fun time," Hurst said. "The thing I love is everyone is happy - it is really awesome. I love my job."
To learn more about Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm, click here or find them on Facebook.
Hit the LISTEN Bar below to hear Chelsea Stanfield and Sherri Hurst talk about the busy season of an Oklahoma Christmas Tree farmer.
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