Annual Tradition Kicks Off Holiday Season with Educational Event for Students
Wausau, WI – The Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association (WCTPA), in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Alice in Dairyland Program, is pleased to announce that Sarah Hagenow, Wisconsin's 78th Alice in Dairyland, will cut the state's first official Christmas tree of the 2025 holiday season on Monday, November 17, 2025 at Newby’s Evergreen Farm located at 233050 N. County Road J, Wausau.
The event is hosted by the Marathon County Partnership for Progressive Agriculture—the host county of not only the 2025 Alice in Dairyland tree-cutting, but also the Alice in Dairyland finals in 2026. Media and the public are invited to attend the event.
As part of a long-standing tradition, the ceremonial first Christmas tree cutting by Alice in Dairyland is held in mid-November each year on a different Wisconsin tree farm in partnership with the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association to spotlight Wisconsin's vibrant Christmas tree farming industry and highlight the state's agricultural heritage.
A Long-Standing Wisconsin Tradition
The honor of cutting the first tree is a cherished part of the Alice in Dairyland program, which highlights the importance of agriculture in Wisconsin. This annual tradition brings together local students, media, and community members to celebrate Wisconsin-grown Christmas trees and learn about the agricultural practices that support the industry.
Alice in Dairyland is a one-year, full-time public relations professional employed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), serving as the state's agriculture ambassador.
Educational Opportunities for Students
This event at Newby’s Evergreen Farm will provide an educational experience for approximately 95 fourth-grade students from DC Everest's Riverside Elementary School who will learn about the role of Christmas tree farms in Wisconsin agriculture and witness live cutting, shaking, and baling demonstrations. Following the tree cutting at the farm, students will return to school to participate in the following learning stations organized by Wisconsin Agriculture in?the?Classroom (AITC):
- Reading of “My Family’s Christmas Tree Farm” (a STEAM story)
- Growing a new Christmas tree activity
- Making porch/desk Pots
- DNR Tree Identification
"This is a wonderful opportunity to connect students with Wisconsin agriculture and help them understand where their Christmas trees come from," said Beth Schaefer, Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. "We're excited to partner with the Marathon County Alice in Dairyland Host Committee, Newby's Evergreen Farm, and the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association to create this educational experience."
Wisconsin's Christmas Tree Industry
Wisconsin is the nation's fifth-largest Christmas tree producer, with an annual harvest of more than 600,000 trees valued at more than $16 million. The state is home to hundreds of Christmas tree farms that contribute significantly to local economies and provide families with the opportunity to create lasting holiday memories.
"Wisconsin's Christmas tree farmers work year-round to grow quality trees for families across the Midwest," said Sarah Glitto, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association. "This event showcases the hard work and dedication of our growers while celebrating a beloved Wisconsin tradition."
Event Schedule
- 8:30 a.m. – Arrival of Alice in Dairyland and media check-in
- 8:55 a.m. – Buses with students arrive
- 9:15 a.m. – Official tree cutting ceremony and remarks from Alice in Dairyland with photo-op and media access
- 9:45 a.m. – Students and Alice in Dairyland take a group photo
- 9:55 a.m. – (weather permitting) Newby’s Evergreen Farm owners demonstrate harvesting equipment and share what a commercial tree grower does, how trees are harvested, baled, and readied for transport to retail locations
- ~10:15 a.m. – Students depart Newby’s Evergreen Farm and return to DC Everest Riverside School to participate in learning stations with WI Agriculture in the Classroom
Media Invitation
Members of the regional and state media are invited to attend the 9:15 a.m. speech and photo opportunities during the tree-cutting segment. Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. to check in with WCTPA Executive Director, Sarah Glitto.
About Marathon County's Role
Marathon County is proud to serve as the host county for Alice in Dairyland during 2025, leading up to the 2026 Alice in Dairyland finals. The Marathon County Host Committee has been working since December 2024 to plan this event and other activities that showcase the county's agricultural heritage and community spirit.
About the Partners
Alice in Dairyland Program: Began in 1948 with the selection of Margaret Jean McGuire of Highland, as part of Wisconsin's centennial celebration. Each year, the selected Alice serves as the agricultural ambassador for the state. Today, Alice travels more than 40,000 miles throughout the state annually, promoting Wisconsin agriculture through media interviews, speeches, and educational presentations.
Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association (WCTPA): Nonprofit organization representing Christmas tree growers across Wisconsin. The association promotes the Christmas tree industry, supports member farms, markets real Wisconsin-grown trees, and connects consumers with quality tree farms.
Marathon County Partnership for Progressive Agriculture (PPA): Nonprofit coalition dedicated to promoting and supporting agriculture within Marathon County. Comprised of local farmers, agribusinesses, and community leaders, PPA works to enhance understanding of the agricultural industry through education, community events, and public outreach.
Newby's Evergreen Farm: Newby’s Evergreen Farm is a family-operated choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm in Marathon County, offering a full holiday tree experience, and is proud to host the state’s official tree-cutting ceremony for 2025.
Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC): Provides educational resources and programs that connect students with Wisconsin's agricultural industry through hands-on learning experiences.