A4O-Lancaster Farming, Saturday, December 20, 2003 The ‘Christmas Experience ’ (Continued from Page A 24) through retail outlets such as su permarkets and for church and civic group fundraisers. Barziloski noted that the ma jority of their sales are in the wholesale portion of their busi ness, about 80 percent. However, it is watching families come to the farm to select their trees that the family truly enjoys. “What is the perfect Christmas tree? Well, the perfect tree is what people like,” said Barzilos ki. “It might not be what a pro fessional grower sees. When a family comes to the farm to choose and cut a tree, it’s really a treat because they will cut trees that they pick. To them, that’s their tree. The kids will pick it out, and it my be less than stan dard (in a grower’s eyes.) But, to them, it’s their tree.” Bennie’s Nurseries was began in 1932 by Veto’s father Ben Bar ziloski. Veto entered into the business with his brother Bob in the 1970 s after completing a tour with the U.S. Marine Corps. Veto remained in partnership with his brother until Bob’s death in 1996. Today, the family raises an es timated 75 acres of Christmas trees, with the majority of the re maining lands in forests. Varieties raised are Douglas fir. white pine, Fraser fir, Scotch pine, blue spruce, Norway spruce, and white spruce. During the summer, the Barziloskis have Manure Haulers Debate Start Of Association CHARLENE M. SHUPP ESPENSHADE Lancaster Farming Staff DAUPHIN (Dauphin Co.) About 20 certified manure haulers gathered at the Dau phin County Ag Center Tues day to debate the start of a ma nure hauler association. With the changes on the ho rizon for the Nutrient Manage ment Act and other legislation, concerns were debated on what haulers needed to do and what would be the purpose of a “cus tom applicator association.” Robb Meinen of Penn State mediated the discussion as the group began to formulate a plan of action. Areas of concerns and needs listed by the group was legisla tive representation, information dissemination, networking, and public relations. Problems with transportation department regulations ex pounded the challenges of de fining the manure hauling industry and what type of industry While group reser vations to deal with transportation issues were high, it exempli fied how groups out side of the custom ap plicator industry continue to struggle on defining what it is. Meinen noted that this industry has grown dramatically in the past 20 years to meet the needs of farm ■operations. “How many manure haulers did you know in 1980? This is a new industry. They (Penn Dot) don’t know how to handle it.” Walt Peechatka of PennAg Industries As sociation assisted in the facilitation and discussion, sharing in sight on how PennAg operates and chal- a successful landscaping busi- ness. Although Veto never went to college, he has kept up with in formation through other educa tional oppertunities. “I’ve been in the buisness all of my life,” said Veto. “I have gone to a lot of seminars, educational updates, and meetings to keep up on things.” Veto credits Penn State exten tion, the Pennsylvania Depart ment of Agricutlure (PDA), and agricultural research for keeping him up to date with the latest findings in Christams tree pro duction. With an investment of 10 to 15 years into raising a tree from seed to maturity, the newest scientific information helps the Barziloskis with selection of seeds through seed sourcing and other tree han dling techniques. Veto notes that seed sourcing has helped him in the selection of what trees will produce well in this climate, helping with the seed-to-harvest results. Although seed sourcing can improve tree development and increase harvest rates, not all trees grown are able to be sold. Some of the trees will not meet the farm’s quality standards. The Barziloskis make use of low-qual ity trees in wreaths and garland. “That’s a good way to get rid of some of the trees that don’t de velop,” said Veto. “You never get a 100 percent harvest for various reasons. Making garland and lenged the group to define what their needs were. The final decision and course of action of the haulers was to pursue an idea to form a “Cus tom Applicator Council” under the umbrella of Penn Ag. This idea has a long way to go to re ality, with the first hurdle being approval from the PennAg board of directors. The next PennAg director meeting will be Jan. 7, where Peechatka will present the pro posal. The next step the group takes will be based on the board decision. If PennAg approves the idea, in order to organize a “custom applicator council” under PennAg, a minimum of 20 busi nesses will have to join the or ganization. A follow-up manure hauler meeting is planned for Feb. 5 for a final desicion and to or ganize the haulers association. opportunity to thank you for your ESI EyVIHERR .3.",:/:.,. IfcHMtf FARM & HOME CENTER sat IbHsl 464-3321 or 800-732-0053 7 30 am 6 00 pm wwwaceretailer.com/emherr Herrville Rd & Rt 272 South 2 1/2 Miles South of Willow Valley Square Not Responsible For Typographical Errors EyVIHERR Wishing You All A Merry Christmas Happy And Prosperous New Year rom all of us at E.M. Herr’s We’d like to take this business over the past year wreaths is a good way to use those unusable trees.” Besides the decision-making process for selecting the tree ge netics for growing trees another critical decision-making area is pricing. “It’s a-one-time-a-year harvest operation and a one-time shot,” said Veto. “If you don't sell your trees, you have blown your chance." Christmas tree pricing is mar ket driven, and Veto stresses a grower has to be “careful to avoid overpricing.” He has seen many highs and lows in the Christmas tree market. Although there is no official price formulation, the Barziloskis base their pricing off three fac tors — supply, demand, and quali ty of the trees. __ While the Christmas season demands long hours and challenging days for the family, their Christmas tree growing experience has taken them to some amazing places. Their trees, wreaths, and garland are used in the homes of many famous people. One yearly tradition is decorating Joan River’s New York City apartment and the home of a maga zine publisher. And through a tree stand they supply to in New York City, customers who have purchased their trees in clude Bruce Willis, Macau lay Culkin, Telly Savalas, and several rock stars. Veto notes it is neat to Haulers in attendance were positive about what they ac complished. “I did not know what to ex pect coming into it. I had some apprehension,” said Steve Leh man of Hopewood. “I think is was productive. I’m satisfied with the outcome.” “I don’t know how much we’ll be able to accomplish, but we’ve tried,” said Woody Mar tin of Shippensburg. “There are some issues with the nutrient management plans, I think it (an association) will help us make sure we get the right laws in the right place.” Meinen summarized the eve ning as, “We had a group come together with no organization, but a common interest. We were able to move and pick a direction. Hopefully (an associ ation) will move the industry in a positive direction.” And A watch celebrities come and select their trees. They often pull up to the stands in limousines and with their children will continue the family’s tradition of picking a Christmas tree. For the Barziloski children, growing up on a tree farm is a great experience. They are happy for the opportunities that have come their way. “It’s not bad,” said Adam, 19. “You did not have to go out and find a job, there was always one here. It’s something fun to do.” Adam, a 2003 Tunkhannock Area High School graduate, hopes to take over the family business. He is not in college at this time, but Adam does not rule out going in the future. 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Auger Mixers • Batch Mixer MID-ATLANTIC, aqn systems 800-222-2948 • 717-529-2782 4019 Ashville Rd. • Quarryville, PA 17566 www.midatlanticagri.com Michael, a 17-year-old student at Tunkhannock Area High School, loves being on the farm. “It is work, but (more important ly), it’s something you have for the rest of your life.” The eldest son, Veto, is study ing business at Temple Universi ty- As the tree-buying season be gins to wind down and life slowly returns to a slower pace, there is no doubt of the love the Barzilos ki's have for their way of life and business. “I do enjoy working in the fields,” said Veto. “The trees, the fresh air. It’s a great place to be, where we live — the most beauti ful place on earth.” lOTjltEl A Houle 28” Maxi-Pump, w/Hydraulic Primer, Call For Pricing - USED EQUIPMENT - . , tm ?**. ' f 4(i Ll ' -v *■ » *4n..» W - / mao ***** New Houle 32’ Lagoon Agi-Pump, CALL VHLmETfILI Houle Manure Irrigation Pump, CALL AGRI-CHOPPER Round Bale Chopper
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