Klein FFA Member Forestry Management Job Results in Christmas Memories for Many
Thursday, August 15, 2024 | Author: Texas FFA News
Braedon Raven has surrounded himself with over 10,000 Virginia Pine and Cypress trees while working at the Old Time Christmas Tree Farm in Spring, Texas.
"I help plant, manage, and grow these Christmas trees yearly," said Raven. "I have worked to help increase the economic value of the Pine and Cypress varieties by meticulously planting, staking, and clipping the trees."
The high school senior's Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is year-round. In January and February, stronger seedlings are planted into the ground, while the weaker ones are planted into a pot first to be grown out before being planted into the ground.
During the Christmas tree season, in early winter, my time is mainly spent shaking, flocking, baling, and loading the trees for buyers," said Raven.
Once the buying season ends, he removes old tree roots with the Artillian stump bucket tractor.
"The tractor scoops into the dirt and rips out the old tree roots, which is easy given that their root systems grow down and not out," said Raven. The holes are then filled with seedlings that will mature into a new tree."
Throughout his time working on the farm, he has planted and maintained over 8,000 trees yearly, totaling over 20,000. He states that the experience has taught him how a large-scale farm efficiently maintains the growth of healthy trees.
"Being a part of the entire life cycle of a tree and seeing a farm that you have worked endlessly to maintain flourish with an abundance of trees is one of the greatest feelings of pride that I have experienced," said Raven.
Raven's successful SAE project was recognized as the 2023 First Place National FFA Proficiency in Forest Management and Products.
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