Recall Roundup: Nov. 21 through 28

Editor's Note: Food recalls related to a foodborne pathogen will be featured on individual blog posts. Food recalls related to food allergens, mislabeling or other causes will be rounded up, when applicable, in a Recall Roundup blog post. For up-to-the-minute information on food recalls, follow @GaMktBulletin and @GDAFoodSafety on Twitter, and visit the Georgia Department of Agriculture's food recall website.

Recalls were issued on select lots of the following products:



Kozy Shack Enterprises, LLC: Four-ounce cups of Kozy Shack Simply Well Chocolate Pudding with lot number 31637681 and use by date of Dec. 31, 2014.
Recalled Nov. 21, undeclared milk allergens. Read more ...




Ranchers Legacy Meat Co.: Ranchers Legacy Ground Beef Patties 77/23; Ranchers Legacy Ground Chuck Patties 80/20; Ranchers Legacy USDA Choice Ground Beef 80/20; Ranchers Legacy USDA Choice WD Beef Patties 80/20; Ranchers Legacy RD Beef Patties 80/20; OTG Manufacturing Chuck/Brisket RD Patties; Ranchers Legacy Chuck Blend Oval Beef Patties; Ranchers Legacy WD Chuck Blend Patties; Ranchers Legacy USDA Choice NAT Beef Patties 80/20; Ranchers Legacy NAT Beef Patties 80/20; Ranches Legacy Ground Chuck Blend; Ranchers Legacy Chuck Blend Bulk Pack NAT Patties; Ranchers Legacy Chuck Blend NAT Beef Patties; all with use by date of Dec. 10, 2014.
Recalled Nov. 22, potential E. coli contamination. Read more ...


Natura Pet Products: 15.4-pound EVO Grain Free Turkey & Chicken Formula dry cat & kitten food with best by date Feb. 19, 2016; 2.2-pound EVO Grain Free Turkey & Chicken Formula dry cat & kitten food with best by date Feb. 20, 2016; 6.6-pound EVO Grain Free Ferret Food with best by date Feb. 19, 2016.
Recalled Nov. 24, insufficient vitamins and excess mineral content. Read more ...

Recipe: Mama's Big Pot Vegetable Soup

Originally published in the April 2, 2014, issue

 

Editor’s Note: Thanks to Debra Rousey of Royston, Ga., for submitting this soup! It makes eight large servings and tastes pretty good with biscuits on the side.

 

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts

6 cups water

6 small red potatoes, diced

1 pound ground beef

3 onions, chopped

14.75-ounce can whole kernel corn, undrained

Two 14.75-ounce cans cream style corn, undrained

14.75-ounce can butterbeans, undrained

24-ounce bottle of ketchup

¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons pepper

 

Instructions:

1. Cook chicken in water until done. Remove and reserve broth.

 

2. Dice chicken when cool enough to handle.

 

3. Cook potatoes in reserved chicken broth until tender.

 

4. Brown ground beef and chopped onions together in a large frying pan and drain.

 

5. Add ground beef to potatoes and broth. Add remaining ingredients.

 

6. Simmer entire mixture until heated through.



Take 5: Cat and Dog Sterilization Program

Originally published in the March 5, 2014, issue

 

Cobb

1. What is the cat and dog sterilization program?

 

In 2003, legislature was passed starting the dog and cat spay/neuter program. Georgia veterinarians would be able to spay or neuter Georgia pets belonging to Georgia owners at a reduced fee. Veterinarians submit a request to the Department to do a certain procedure for a specific owner and animal. We then check to see if the veterinarians have already met their quota for the month and everything is as it should be and then they get approval to do the procedure. We pay a certain amount of money per spay and per neuter. The Department establishes how many such procedures veterinarians can do each month, which is based on income. Income comes in the form of direct donations to the program, purchase of specialty license plates and a check-off from taxes. 

 

2. What are the benefits in participating in the program?

 

It allows people who don’t have the money for the procedures to have them done. It is helping animals because we have an overabundance of animals that are uncared for and that are reproducing at a great rate when their offspring are not wanted. By neutering and spaying these animals at an early age, or any age at all, it reduces the amount of stray animals.  

 

3. How can I participate?

 

The best way to participate is by buying a specialty license plate, by contributing directly to the program or by checking off on your tax form. When you do your taxes, you can check off that you want to contribute X-amount of dollars to the dog/cat spay and neuter program, or by the sale of three specialty tags. Once those tags are purchased, a certain amount of money goes to the program.

 

4. Why is it important for Georgia to have this program?

 

When an animal is not neutered or spayed and it is reproductively intact, not only are they producing offspring, but they are generally more aggressive animals that will tend to get in fights, invade dumpsters or become a nuisance. Some of those animals can be a source of disease because they are comingling with themselves. When you put a lot of animals together that are from different environments, you introduce disease. The disease is uncontrolled therefore spreading throughout these animals. They can carry zoonotic diseases such as hookworms, ringworms and rabies. These are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

 

5. Tell us a little about the new legislation regarding the program.

 

In 2010 the legislature changed the disposition of the funds. Originally when a person purchased the specialty license plate, $24 and some change was given to the program. There was no money provided if someone renewed a tag. In 2010, it was changed so that only $10 comes into the program when a tag is purchased and $10 is given to the program when someone renews. Initially, this provided for a large amount of money, but people began to realize that only $10 was coming into the program, so they quit buying tags. The tag income is now very low; therefore we have gone from a total of five procedures per vet per month down to one.

 

Dr. Robert Cobb is the Georgia state veterinarian. For additional questions on this program, please visit www.agr.georgia.gov or call the Animal Industry Division at 404-656-3671.

Recipe: Margie's Chicken Salad

Originally published in the Feb. 5, 2014, issue

 

Editor's Note: Margie Leger of Cordele, Ga., sent in this favorite recipe, which she said is always requested for church functions and family gatherings. Makes approximately 10 servings.

 

Ingredients:

5 cups cooked chicken

1 cup celery, chopped

2 cups mayonnaise

1.5 cups apples

2 cups pecan halves

1 cup sweet pickle relish

4 hardboiled eggs (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Lettuce leaves

 

Instructions:

1. Chop chicken, hardboiled eggs and apples. Leave the peel on the apples.

 

2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.

 

3. Spoon servings over lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with additional pecan halves, if desired.

Recall: Company Stops Sale of Ground Beef for Potential Contamination

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black is alerting Georgians to the recall of ground beef products processed by Ranchers Legacy Meat Co. of Vadnais Heights, Minn.

Routine inspections by the Food Safety Inspection Service demonstrated products could be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps two to eight days after exposure. Though most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. It is most common in children under 5 and older adults. The kidney failure is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output.

The products that tested positive were held at the facility. The affected products listed below were produced on the same day and using the same equipment as the positive-testing products:

• Ranchers Legacy Ground Beef Patties 77/23
• Ranchers Legacy Ground Chuck Patties 80/20
• Ranchers Legacy USDA Choice Ground Beef 80/20
• Ranchers Legacy USDA Choice WD Beef Patties 80/20
• Ranchers Legacy RD Beef Patties 80/20
• OTG Manufacturing Chuck/Brisket RD Patties
• Ranchers Legacy Chuck Blend Oval Beef Patties
• Ranchers Legacy WD Chuck Blend Patties
• Ranchers Legacy USDA Choice NAT Beef Patties 80/20
• Ranchers Legacy NAT Beef Patties 80/20
• Ranchers Legacy Ground Chuck Blend
• Ranchers Legacy Chuck Blend Bulk Pack NAT Patties
• Ranchers Legacy Chuck Blend NAT Beef Patties

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Georgia Department of Agriculture inspectors will be checking to make sure the recalled products are removed from sale. Consumers are asked to ensure that ground beef is properly cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and to dispose of the recalled products.

Questions about this recall?
Consumers  who purchased this product can contact Jeremy Turnquist, vice president of operations for Ranchers Legacy Meat Co., at 651-366-6575.

To view a comprehensive list of food and feed recalls affecting Georgia, visit our Food Safety Division recall website. If this recall expands or additional details become available in the future, the website will provide the most up-to-date information. 

Consumer Q&A: O Christmas Tree

Q: What is a ‘Blue Ice’ tree? I saw it many times on Christmas tree growers’ lists.

A: ‘Blue Ice’ is a variety of Arizona cypress. It is popular with Georgia Christmas tree growers because it performs well in our soils and climate, and is popular with Christmas tree buyers because of its beauty, durability, pleasant fragrance and versatility. As its name suggests, its needles are silvery blue, reminiscent of the Colorado blue spruce, which does not grow as well here. Another popular variety of Arizona cypress grown in Georgia is ‘Carolina Sapphire.’

Q: Does anyone in Georgia raise Colorado blue spruce Christmas trees? I like their color.

A: As a general rule, Colorado blue spruce doesn’t hold up well enough in our climate to be raised as Christmas trees. However, we produce some other blue options. Visit a Christmas tree farm and take a look at ‘Carolina Sapphire’ and ‘Blue Ice’ varieties of Arizona cypress. Their color is similar to that of Colorado blue spruce. You may also want to look at deodar cedar and white pine. Georgia Christmas tree farmers will do their best to help you have a blue and a merry Christmas.


Q: Do we grow Fraser firs in Georgia?

A: There are a few farms that grow Fraser (sometimes misspelled Frasier) firs, but most of them sold in the state are from points north. The Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) is native to the mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Because it cannot handle hot temperatures, it cannot be grown in some parts of Georgia. In those areas, Georgia Christmas tree farmers grow red cedar, Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, Deodar cedar, Arizona cypress and other conifers. 

Q: What is the Virginia pine? I just received my Market Bulletin and see that numerous Christmas tree farms grow it.

A: Perhaps you know Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) by another name. Because its wood was not as desirable for lumber as that of the longleaf pine or loblolly pine, Virginia pine was sometimes called disparaging names including “scrub pine.” It is also known as “poverty pine,” perhaps because it can grow on poor soils and was common on marginal agricultural land where poor people lived or farmed. Farther north you may hear it called “Jersey pine” because of its prevalence in New Jersey.

Virginia pine is native from Long Island south to Georgia and Alabama and west into Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky and scattered areas of the Midwest. It is a pioneer tree – one of the first to sprout after a forest is cleared or in a pasture or agricultural field that has been abandoned. 

If you lived in rural areas of the southern Piedmont in the days before Christmas tree farms, Virginia pine and the Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) were probably the two most common naturally occurring trees cut for Christmas decorating. 

Georgia Christmas tree growers recognized the beauty and durability of Virginia pines and started growing them on their farms. The limbs are strong and the needles are bright green. The tree has a good piney smell and holds a wide range of ornaments. The care with which growers prune them makes finding a perfectly shaped tree easier than wandering through field and forest and dragging one home like Buddy and his cousin in Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory.” (Although that can be fun, too.)

If you visit a Christmas tree farm, consider choosing a Virginia pine or one of the other options like white pine, Fraser fir, deodar cedar, Leyland cypress and Arizona cypress.

Click here for a list of Georgia Christmas tree growers.

Unfortunately, Virginia pine has often been overlooked for landscaping in favor of other pines. Its durability and beauty deserve consideration, however. It may be used as a screen or kept sheared as a hedge. It can even be grown as a bonsai. It also bears long-lasting cones used in decorating and is a host plant for the Eastern brown elfin butterfly.
Q: I would like to plant an evergreen tree on my property that I can string lights on at Christmas. I have plenty of room. At some point I may want to cut it and donate it to a town or civic group. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Momi fir (Abies firma), deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara), Leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii), Japanese cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica), Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica), red cedar (Juniperus virginana) and China fir (Cunninghamia lanceloata) are possibilities that should work throughout most of the state. China fir was quite popular in the South at one time, but less so today. We know of one that has been strung with lights every Christmas for half a century. White pine (Pinus strobus) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) will work in the Georgia mountains and maybe in the northern third of the state.

Don’t limit yourself to needle-leaved trees. Consider hollies such as ‘Nellie R. Stevens,’ Foster’s holly, Savannah holly and American holly.

Talk with your county Cooperative Extension agent or a horticulturist at a local nursery to describe your site and discover what is available. You may want to try several and experiment with other options. Perhaps you will grow a tree that will make it to Rockefeller Center, your town square or the rotunda of the Georgia State Capitol.

Safely Serving Up Thanksgiving Day Meals

Originally published in the Nov. 27, 2013, issue

 

By Jessica Badour and Cameron Clark, Food Safety Division

 

This time of year includes numerous family gatherings that end up around the dining table. As home cooks channel their inner food stars and dust off the carving knives, the last thing anyone wants family and friends to remember about that perfect turkey – and the tasty leftovers – is a nasty foodborne illness it left behind. Even celebrity culinary masterminds are susceptible to foodborne illnesses – just ask Martha Stewart, who reportedly came down with salmonellosis after handling raw turkey during TV appearances. It’s important to include food safety as part of the recipe for a successful holiday meal.

 

The turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals, so it’s important to prepare it in a safe manner. Fresh turkeys should be picked up one to two days before cooking kept refrigerated until time to go in the oven. One of the biggest safety hurdles for frozen birds is thawing them. The best way is to thaw in the fridge. It will take about 24 hours thawing time per four to five pounds – for example, a 15-pound turkey will take four days’ thaw time. Fridges should be kept at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and thawing turkeys need to be in a pan or the bottom of the fridge so none of the meat’s juices leak or drip onto other foods.

 

Because the holidays mean full refrigerators, if there is not enough room to thaw there, the next best option is to use the clean kitchen sink. Submerge the bird under cold running water. It will take about 30 minutes per pound to defrost. Feel inside the bird to make sure it’s not still frozen in any places, and once thawing is complete, the turkey should immediately go into the oven for cooking. Raw meat should never be thawed on kitchen counters at room temperature.

 

Special attention should be given to handling the thawed turkey so as not to cross-contaminate other foods being prepared at the same time. All it takes is one slip-up and voilà, a side dish of Salmonella for everyone. It is recommended to use one cutting board for raw meat and a separate cutting board for fresh vegetables, fruits or other ingredients you will be preparing. Wash each cutting board and utensils with warm, soapy water in between food products.

 

Preheat the oven to at least 325 degrees Fahrenheit for the turkey. If sides will be cooked simultaneously, the temperature can be increased to 350 degrees.

 

Before putting the turkey on, remove the neck and giblets from inside the turkey cavity. For best food safety practices, do not cook the dressing or stuffing dish inside the turkey. Rather, cook the stuffing as a separate side dish to an inner temperature of 165 degrees. The finished stuffing can be stuffed inside the turkey after both are cooked.

 

The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. This temperature should be checked with a meat thermometer in the following locations: between the bones in the innermost part of the thigh, the wing joint and the thickest part of the breast.

 

Not all holiday dishes require cooking, but even fresh sides require food safety practices. A knife blade can transfer pathogens from the exterior to the interior flesh of fruits and vegetables, so rinse these under cold running water before cutting. Lightly scrub thick-skinned produce using hands or a veggie brush. To prevent cross-contamination, switch out or wash utensils and cutting boards between produce.

 

After the chopping and cooking is done and the family is bundled and ready to go, make sure the food is packed safely as well. Hot foods should be kept at 135 degrees or higher and cold foods must remain at 41 degrees or below. If the end destination is far away, have a cooler or insulated container on hand to keep food the proper temperatures. Otherwise the food temperature hits the “danger zone,” where harmful bacteria growth can occur. Reheat all hot foods to 165 degrees before serving.

 

Thanksgiving leftovers can be one of the best parts of the holiday. To make sure they’re safe to eat, refrigerate them within two hours of serving. Leftovers should be reduced to smaller portions and refrigerated in multiple shallow containers, which allow for a quicker cooling process. Each container should have its own item. If leftovers are not frozen, they should be eaten within three days.

 

And one last tip: Nov. 15 was National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. A clean, shiny fridge is great to show off to holiday guests, plus there will be room to thaw the turkey and hold all those leftovers … until it’s time to clean it out again in preparation for Christmas cooking.



Recall Roundup: Nov. 8 - 20

Editor's Note: Food recalls related to a foodborne pathogen will be featured on individual blog posts. Food recalls related to food allergens, mislabeling or other causes will be rounded up, when applicable, in a Recall Roundup blog post. For up-to-the-minute information on food recalls, follow @GaMktBulletin and @GDAFoodSafety on Twitter, and visit the Georgia Department of Agriculture's food recall website.

Recalls were issued on select lots of the following products:

Kasia's Deli, Inc.: 11.5-ounce trays of Polana Beef Pierogi with product codes 608 and 108; 14-ounce trays with Polana Potato and Bacon Pierogi with product codes 630 and 130; 14-ounce trays of Polana Chicken Pierogi with product code 126
Recalled Nov. 14, undeclared wheat, soy, egg and milk allergens. Read more ...



B&G Foods: 10-ounce Ortega Taco Dinner Kit with best by dates of May 18, 2015, to Feb. 10, 2016; 16.7-ounce Ortega Taco Dinner Kit with best by dates of May 18, 2015, to Feb. 10, 2016; 1.25-ounce Ortega Taco Seasoning with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2016, to Nov. 3, 2016; 3.75-ounce Ortega Taco Seasoning 3 Pack with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2016, to Nov. 3, 2016; five-pound Ortega Taco Meat Seasoning with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2016, to Nov. 3, 2016; nine-ounce Ortega Taco Meat Seasoning with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2016, to Nov. 3, 2016; eight-ounce Ortega Taco Sauce Mild with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2017, to Nov. 10, 2017; eight-ounce Ortega Taco Sauce Hot with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2017, to Nov. 10, 2017; 15.2-ounce Ortega Soft Taco Dinner Kit with best by dates of May 18, 2015, to Feb. 10, 2016; eight-ounce Ortega Taco Sauce Medium with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2017, to Nov. 10, 2017; 16-ounce Ortega Taco Sauce Mild with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2017, to Nov. 10, 2017; 16-ounce Ortega Taco Sauce Medium with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2017, to Nov. 10, 2017; 9.15-ounce Ortega Whole Grain Taco Kit with best by dates of May 18, 2015, to Feb. 10, 2016; 1.25-ounce Ortega 40% Less Sodium Taco Seasoning with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2016, to Nov. 3, 2016; five-ounce Ortega "Tacos for Two" Kit with best by dates of May 18, 2015, to Feb. 10, 2016; eight-ounce Ortega Green Taco Sauce Mild with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2017, to Nov. 10, 2017; eight-ounce Ortega Enchilada Sauce with best by dates Feb. 18, 2017, to Nov. 10, 2017; 16-ounce Ortega Green Taco Sauce Mild with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2017, to Nov. 10, 2017; 13.6-ounce Ortega Whole Wheat Soft Taco Kit with best by dates of May 18, 2015, to Feb. 10, 2016; 21.3-ounc Ortega Grande Hard & Soft Taco Dinner Kit with best by dates May 18, 2015, to Feb. 10, 2016; 15.9-ounce Ortega Whole Grain/Whole Wheat Hard & Soft Taco Kit with best by dates of May 18, 2015, to Feb. 10, 2016; 16-ounce Ortega Taco Sauce Hot with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2017, to Nov. 10, 2017; 9.8-ounce Ortega Fiesta Flats Kit with best by dates of May 18, 2015, to Feb. 10, 2016; 3.75-ounce Las Palmas Taco Seasoning Packet 3 Pack with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2016, to Nov. 3, 2016; eight-ounce Las Palmas Taco Sauce Mild with best by dates of Feb. 18, 2017, to Nov. 10, 2017; 0.33-ounce Ortega Taco Sauce Packets with best by date of Feb. 18, 2016; to Nov. 3, 2016
Recalled Nov. 14, undeclared peanut and almond allergens. Read more ...

Legal Notice: Equine Auction Set for Dec. 6

Pursuant to Section 4-13-7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (Humane Care for Equines Act), the Georgia Department of Agriculture will conduct a live auction on the following equine.

The auction will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 at the Mansfield Impound Barn in Mansfield, Ga. The said equine may be inspected at the facility beginning at 10 a.m. Pictures of the equine will be posted, when available, on the Department website. Sealed bids will not be accepted on these equine.

• Sadie: 17-year-old sorrel Saddlebred grade mare, rides (green)
• Ricky: 9-year-old Appaloosa grade gelding, will know more before sale
• Gertrude: 18-year-old sorrel Quarter Horse grade mare, rides
• Sunshine: 1-year-old sorrel Quarter Horse grade filly, leads
• Agnes: 12-year-old sorrel Quarter Horse grade mare, rides
• Thelma: 10-year-old sorrel grade mare, rides
• Louise: 11-year-old bay grade mare, rides (green)
• Hershel: 5-year-old bay grade gelding, will know more before sale
• Susie: 10-year-old dun Quarter Horse grade mare, will know more before sale
• Ariat: 12-year-old bay grade mare, rides
• Maggie: 18-year-old sorrel Quarter Horse grade mare, rides (green)
• Wrangler: 10-year-old bay grade gelding, rides

No representation is made regarding any registration or possible registration neither of said equine nor of the physical condition of said equine. Any documentation in possession of the Department regarding registration, physical condition or past veterinary treatment of said equine is available upon request; however, notwithstanding the availability of such documentation, lack thereof or verbal information given to the Department, said sale is for the equine on an "as is" basis without any representation regarding registration, physical condition or acceptable use of the animal.

The Department reserves the right to add or withdraw equines to or from any auction. The successful bidder must be prepared to tender the price by cashiers check, money order, cash or with personal check (accompanied with letter of bank approval) and move the animal from the facility by 3 p.m. on Dec. 7.

Payment must be made at the time the animal is picked up. If a successful bidder fails to tender the price as required, the Department may refuse to accept any other bids made by the successful bidder at this auction or any future auction.

These horses are subject to periodic inspection by the Department for a period of 12 months. The purchaser agrees that she will not transfer ownership of equine purchased at this sale to anyone who has had equines impounded by the Department, or a case under investigation for a violation of the Humane Care for Equines Act. If the Department determines that this agreement is violated, the equine may be subject to immediate impoundment.

IF YOU GO …
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 6, at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Mansfield Impound Barn
2834 Marben Farm Road
Mansfield, Ga.
VIEW PHOTOS: www.agr.georgia.gov
CONTACT: Equine Health at 404-656-3713 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Candling Certificates Provide Opportunity to Sell Eggs at Farmers Markets

Originally published in the April 16, 2014, issue

 

By Dallas Duncan

 

More than 50 Augusta-area producers are now certified egg candlers, thanks to a class on March 27.



Katherine Crossan of Martinez, Ga., holds a commercial chicken egg to a
candling light to check for imperfections such as cracks or blood spots during
a candling class in Augusta, Ga., on March 27. Photo by Dallas Duncan

“This egg candling certificate will allow you, as a backyard producer, the ability to sell your eggs off your farm at other locations such as local farmers markets or local flea markets,” said Greg Manous, the Department’s Food Safety Division sanitarian who taught the course. “This certificate will not allow you to wholesale your eggs to the convenience store down the street or the restaurant down the street.”

 

To do that, he said, producers must go a step further and become licensed egg producers, with their farm and facilities coming under inspection by the Department.

 

During the Thursday afternoon class, participants learned about egg makeup, egg grades and how to properly clean and care for the food product. In order to obtain their certificate, they had to take a written exam, candle several dozen eggs and provide secure and verifiable documentation about their farm operation.

 

The process of candling involves holding eggs up to a special light and examine the egg for imperfections: meat spots, rot, blood spots and cracks, Manous said. Though the eggs participants practice with are commercial grade, he said producers are welcome to bring in a few of their own eggs from home to candle as well – though those will not count toward the certificate.

 

Eggs must be candled within 36 hours, and must be labeled with an expiration date of no more than 45 days from the candling date, he said. The Georgia Egg Law requires producers to refrigerate eggs at 41 degrees or lower, including if the eggs are sold out of a cooler at the farmers market.

 

Egg candling classes are held throughout the state several times per year, Manous said. Most of the attendees are small egg producers with just a handful of chickens – like Katherine Crossan of Martinez, Ga.

 

“I now have eight backyard chickens and I have more eggs than my husband and I need,” she said. “I’m currently giving them away, but I thought it might be nice to have candling class knowledge and if I ever wanted to sell them at a farmers market, I could.”

 

For Angie and Todd Neville of Hephzibah, Ga., the class provided an opportunity to expand their market if need be. Right now, their operation focuses on breeding poultry rather than egg production.

 

“About a year ago, our son Tyler decided he wanted some chickens. It started out with a few chickens and it has progressed from there,” Todd Neville said. “Anything dealing with chickens interests us right now, and we saw this class and thought we should go ahead and get our license just in case we have to get into some eggs.”

 

David Young, president of Savannah River Grange, said spreading the word about services such as the egg candling classes will garner more interest in small farms in the Augusta area.

 

“Augusta’s not considered to be a big agricultural hub, so I just wanted to prove them wrong and say, ‘Hey, we do have a good interest,’” Young said. “Backyard farmers is a movement, it’s not just a fad. People are wanting to grow their own chickens, have their own eggs, grow their own backyard gardens and this is just a good way to help people.”



2014 Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Guide

Originally published in the Nov. 12, 2014, issue

 

Editor’s Note: Thanks to the Georgia Forestry Commission for providing this information! Consumers are advised to call their farm of choice in advance for directions, opening day hours and to ensure availability of tree species. Send pictures of your tree search to dallas.duncan@agr.georgia.gov for a chance to be featured on our social media pages!

BIBB

Double B Farms Christmas Trees 

Opens Nov. 28

8511 Knoxville Road, Lizella

478-808-5271

Murray cypress, Carolina Sapphire

Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5:30 p.m.

BULLOCH

Edge’s Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 29

1556 Bowen Rushing Road, Statesboro

912-687-1330

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Blue Ice, Virginia pine, Carolina Sapphire

Friday 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

BURKE

Jake’s Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 28

Highway 25 South, Waynesboro

706-526-2206

Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice, Murray cypress

Monday through Friday, 3 to 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

 

BUTTS

Ridgeway Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

2964 High Falls Road, Jackson

770-775-3120

Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, red cedar

Monday through Friday, Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

Trees of Joy

Opens Nov. 28

567 Fourpoints Road, Jackson

770-550-1794

Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, red cedar, Fraser fir

Monday through Friday, noon to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 6:30 p.m.

 

CARROLL

B&B Christmas Trees

Opens Nov. 24

1487 Flat Rock Road, Villa Rica

770-605-7939

Virginia pine, Leyland cypress, red cedar, Carolina Sapphire, Fraser fir

Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to dark

 

Redland Christmas Trees

Opens Nov. 27

86 Redland Bend Road, Temple

770-562-4303

Leyland cypress, Deodora cedar, Fraser fir, Scotch pine

Daily 9 a.m. to dark

 

Spring Brook Farm

Opens Nov. 27

1520 Mandeville Road, Carrollton

770-861-5333

Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice

Open Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

CATOOSA

Kittle Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

985 Salem Valley Road, Ringgold

706-935-3563

Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Fraser fir

Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

CHATTOOGA

Teloga Volunteer Fire Department

Opens Nov. 23

10322 Highway 337, Summerville

706-734-7002

Leyland cypress

Friday noon to dark; Saturday 10 a.m. to dark; Sunday 1 p.m. to dark

 

CLAYTON

Fourakre Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

13887 Upper Woolsey Road, Hampton

770-946-9112

Virginia pine, Leyland cypress, Blue Ice, Carolina cypress, cedar

Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

COBB

Coker Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 28

2280 Macland Road, Marietta

770-424-8047

Carolina Sapphire, Leyland cypress, Fraser fir

Monday through Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Sleepy Hollow Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 28

628 Sleepy Hollow Road, Powder Springs

770-942-6770

Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, Fraser fir, Carolina Sapphire

Daily 10 a.m. to dark

 

COFFEE

Greene Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 22

162 Christmas Lane, Broxton

912-389-5209

Leyland cypress, Carolina sapphire, Fraser fir, Virginia pine, red cedar

Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 2 to 6 p.m.

 

COLUMBIA

Carter Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 24

670 Horizon South Parkway, Grovetown

706-726-2918

Leyland cypress, Fraser fir

Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to dark; Saturday 10 a.m. to dark; Sunday 1 p.m. to dark

 

COWETA

Lovell Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

291 Crawford Road, Senoia

770-599-6706

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Carolina cypress

Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

CRISP

Southern Christmas Tree Farms

Opens Nov. 17

3452 Pateville Road, Cordele

229-938-4049

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, red cedar, Blue Ice, Virginia pine, Carolina Sapphire

Daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

DECATUR

Springhill Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 22

795 Woodhull Road, Bainbridge

229-246-2231

Leyland cypress, Fraser fir

Monday through Friday, noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to dark; Sunday 1 p.m. to dark

 

EARLY

Brown Dog Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

25137 Blakely Road, Arlington

229-725-4862

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Virginia pine

Monday through Friday, Sunday, 1 p.m. to dark; Saturday 9 a.m. to dark

 

EFFINGHAM

Truitt’s Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 17

Hodgeville Road, Rincon

912-531-0540

Murray cypress, Leyland cypress

Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to dark; Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to dark

 

FAYETTE

Minter’s Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 24

283 Hill’s Bridge Road, Fayetteville

770-461-2840

Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, white pine, Carolina Sapphire, Fraser fir

Daily 9 a.m. to dark

 

Smith’s Choose & Cut

Opens Nov. 29

230 Davis Road, Fayetteville

770-487-7474

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Blue Ice

Monday through Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wee Three Trees

Opens Nov. 24

138 Arnold Road, Fayetteville

678-458-8051

Leyland cypress, Blue Ice, Carolina cypress, Fraser fir, Golden Smoke

Monday through Thursday, 2 to 6 p.m.; Friday noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

FLOYD

Pope’s Ferry Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 23

76 E. Troutman Road NE, Rome

706-232-9819

White pine

Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Silver Creek Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 29

226 Spur 101, Silver Creek

706-235-2140

Leyland cypress, white pine, Murray cypress, red cedar

Monday through Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

FORSYTH

Bottoms Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 26

5880 John Burns Road, Cumming

770-889-5235

Leyland cypress, white pine, Virginia pine, Carolina Sapphire, Murray cypress, Fraser fir

Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to dark; Saturday 9 a.m. to dark

 

The Kinsey Family Farm

Opens Nov. 17

7170 Jot-Em-Down Road, Gainesville

770-887-6028

Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice, Fraser fir, Murray cypress, Concolor fir

Monday through Friday, noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

FULTON

Barefoot Mountain Farms

Opens Nov. 23

960 Virginia Avenue NE, Atlanta

404-229-9151

Fraser fir

Daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

Ed’s Christmas Trees

Opens Nov. 17

7995 Spence Road, Fairburn

770-969-2142

Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Silver Dust

Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to dark; Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to dark

 

Hunter’s Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 28

14680 Wood Road, Milton

770-475-0713

Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Fraser fir

Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to dusk; Saturday 9 a.m. to dusk

 

GRADY

Countrytime Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 22

Gay-Hammock Road

229-336-0150

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Blue Pyramid, Buckeye cedar

Monday through Friday, Sunday, 1 p.m. to dark; Saturday 8 a.m. to dark

 

GWINNETT

Mike’s Trees

Opens Nov. 23

3847 Highway 20, Loganville

404-551-0449

White pine, Leyland cypress, red cedar, Scotch pine

Saturday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

Thompson’s Tree Farm 

Opens Nov. 22

1829 Prospect Road, Lawrenceville

770-513-2552

Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Fraser fir, Blue Ice, Murray cypress, Green Giant

Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

HABERSHAM

Purcell Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 28

1581 Highway 197 N, Clarkesville

706-754-4134

White pine

Monday through Friday, noon to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5:30 p.m.

 

HALL

Cooper’s Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 22

5577 Winder Highway, Braselton

770-967-6175

Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Fraser fir

Daily 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

HART

Beck’s Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 17

648 Christmas Tree Road, Bowersville

706-376-5898

Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice, red cedar, Fraser fir

Daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Callaway Christmas Trees

Opens Nov. 23

2077 Elberton Highway, Hartwell

706-376-9614

Fraser fir, Murray cypress, Blue Ice

Monday through Friday, Sunday, 2 to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

HENRY

Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

86 Minter Drive, Hampton

770-946-9163

Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Murray cypress

Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Homestead Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

3850 Highway 81 West, Hampton

770-707-0854

Cypress, Virginia pine, white pine, Fraser fir, cedar

Daily 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

Rex Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

950 Wilkerson Road, Rex

770-474-3416

Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, Carolina Sapphire, cedar, white pine, Deodora cedar

Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to dark; all day Friday through Sunday

 

Sugarland Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 28

3933 Highway 155 N, Stockbridge

770-957-6438

Virginia pine, red cedar, Leyland cypress, Fraser fir, Blue Ice

Monday through Friday, noon to dark; Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to dark

 

Worthington Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 25

145 Twin Oaks Drive, Hampton

770-478-3677

Virginia pine, white pine, Leyland cypress, Fraser fir

Monday through Friday, 2:30 to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 12:30 to 6 p.m.

 

Yule Forest

Opens Nov. 22

1220 Millers Mill Road, Stockbridge

770-957-3165

Leyland cypress, white pine, Fraser fir

Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Yule Forest 155

Opens Nov. 22

3565 N. Highway 155, Stockbridge

770-954-9356

Virginia pine, Deodora cedar, Leyland cypress, Fraser fir, snow-flocked trees

Daily 9 a.m. to dark

 

JACKSON

7G’s Farm

Opens Nov. 23

2331 Old Kings Bridge Road, Nicholson

706-202-8936

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Naylors Blue, Eastern red cedar

Monday through Friday noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

C&T Christmas Trees

Opens Nov. 27

Ford Road, Jefferson

706-207-4830

Virginia pine, Leyland cypress

Wednesday through Friday, Sunday, 1 to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

Maddox Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 26

612 Murphy Road, Pendergrass

706-654-3250

Murray cypress, Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire, Leyland cypress

Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to dark

 

JEFFERSON

Boggy Gut Creek Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 16

2098 Highway 78, Wadley

478-252-8800

Virginia pine, Leyland cypress, Fraser fir

Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to dark; Saturday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to dark

 

Green’s Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 23

4099 Gough Road, Louisville

478-625-9722

Virginia pine, red cedar

Monday through Friday, Sunday, noon to dark; Saturday 9 a.m. to dark

 

LAURENS
Beall’s Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

1523 Highway 80 E, East Dublin

478-272-7615

Leyland cypress, red cedar, Murray cypress, Silver Dust, Carolina Sapphire

Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to dark; Saturday 9 a.m. to dark; Sunday 1 p.m. to dark

 

Boggy Branch Farms

Opens Nov. 22

2130 Hobbs Road, Dexter

478-875-4139

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Virginia pine, red cedar

Friday 1 to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 1:30 to 6 p.m.

 

LEE

Busy Elves Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 22

102 US Highway 82, Leesburg

229-883-3933

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Fraser fir, Blue Ice, Virginia pine

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

 

LIBERTY

Brewer’s Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 28

1067 Robert Hill Road, Midway

912-884-5292

Virginia pine, Leyland cypress, red cedar, Carolina Sapphire, Carolina Fraser fir, Blue Ice

Monday through Saturday, daylight to dark; Sunday noon to dark

 

LOWNDES

Hambrick’s Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 22

5759 Hambrick Road, Hahira

229-245-1756

Virginia pine, Eastern red cedar, Leyland cypress, cypress

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5:30 p.m.

 

LUMPKIN

Holly Hill Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 23

276 Woodland Lane, Dahlonega

706-864-8222

Cypress, white pine, Norway spruce

Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to dark; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

 

MADISON

Ray’s Briar Hill Christmas Trees

Opens Nov. 22

740 Cheek-Pulliam Road, Royston

706-245-6387

Leyland cypress, red cedar, Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire

Daily dawn to dark

 

MCINTOSH

Websters Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 28

1394 Christmas Tree Farm Road, Darien

912-266-4546

Murray cypress, Fraser fir, Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, red cedar, Virginia pine

Daily 1 p.m. to dark

 

MORGAN

Jack’s Creek Farms

Opens Nov. 22

2291 Price Mill Road, Bostwick

706-343-1855

Leyland cypress, Fraser fir, Green Giant, Blue Ice, Carolina cypress, cedar

Daily 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

NEWTON

Berry’s Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 21

70 Mt. Tabor Road, Covington

770-786-5833

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Virginia pine, red cedar, Carolina Sapphire, Fraser fir

Daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

OCONEE

Greenbriar Creek Farm

Opens Nov. 23

1540 Old Bishop Road, Bishop

706-769-4231

Leyland cypress, Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire, Murray cypress, Green Giant

Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

PEACH

Roberts Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 24

9247 Peach Parkway, Byron

478-956-5325

Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice, Green Giant

Daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

PICKENS

Jack’s Tree Farms

Opens Nov. 28

8700 Highway 53 W, Jasper

770-894-1985

Leyland cypress, white pine, Canaan fir, Fraser fir

Monday through Friday 4 to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5:30 p.m.

PIKE

Dillahunty Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 22

501 Oxford Circle, Concord

770-884-0022

Leyland cypress, Fraser fir

Monday through Friday, Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

TNT Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

695 Williams Mill Road, Zebulon

770-468-0721

Leyland cypress, Arizona cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Murray cypress, Blue Ice

Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to dark; Saturday 9 a.m. to dark; Sunday 1 p.m. to dark

 

POLK

Lyle’s Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 25

1396 Knox Mountain Road, Rockmart

770-684-5245

Leyland cypress, white pine

Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

PULASKI

Our Cotton Pickin’ Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

120 Cordele Highway, Hawkinsville

478-783-3735

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Fraser fir

Daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

RICHMOND

Gay’s Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 28

2335 Tobacco Road, Augusta

706-798-3731

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Fraser fir

Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to dark; Saturday 9 a.m. to dark; Sunday 1 p.m. to dark

 

SCHLEY

Watson’s Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 28

1890 Highway 26 W, Ellaville

229-937-5732

Carolina Sapphire, Murray cypress, Blue Ice

Monday through Friday, Sunday, noon to dark; Saturday 9 a.m. to dark

 

SPALDING

Evergreen Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

484 Baptist Camp Road, Griffin

770-468-3057

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire, red cedar, Virginia pine

Monday through Friday, Sunday, noon to dark; Saturday 9 a.m. to dark

 

Orchard Hill Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

2415 Old Macon Road, Griffin

770-228-3842

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, red cedar, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice, Fraser fir

Daily 9 a.m. to dark

 

The Old Barn Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

24 Slaughter Road, Sunnyside

770-227-5237

Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, Carolina Sapphire, Fraser fir

Monday through Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 6 p.m.

 

TALBOT

Enfinger Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 24

5306 Scenic Heights Road, Manchester

706-577-3240

Leyland cypress, Blue Ice, Murray cypress, Fraser fir, Virginia pine

Wednesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 6 p.m.

 

TIFT

Brumby & White Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 23

808 Chula-Brookfield Road, Tifton

229-382-7515

Virginia pine, Leyland cypress, Blue Ice, red cedar, Carolina Sapphire, Naylors Blue

Monday through Friday, noon to dark; Saturday 10 a.m. to dark; Sunday 1 p.m. to dark

 

TREUTLEN

Secret Forest

Opens Nov. 28

6971 Thompson Pond Road, Tarrytown

912-529-3702

Leyland cypress, white pine, Blue Ice, red cedar, Fraser fir, Carolina Sapphire

Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to dark; Saturday 10 a.m. to dark; Sunday 1 p.m. to dark

 

TROUP

Liberty Hill Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 27

235 Liberty Hill Glenn Road, LaGrange

706-883-7727

Leyland cypress

Monday through Friday, noon to dark; Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to dark

 

TWIGGS

Sandy Creek Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 22

5889 Hammock Road, Macon

478-738-3935

Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, Fraser fir, Carolina Sapphire, Deodora cedar, red cedar

Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

UNION

Southern Tree Plantation

Opens Nov. 27

2226 Owltown Road, Blairsville

706-745-0601

Canaan fir, blue spruce, Balsam fir

Daily noon to 5 p.m.

 

UPSON

Holland’s Farm

Call for opening day

2037 Jeff Davis Road, Thomaston

706-648-3947

Leyland cypress

Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to dark; Sunday 1 p.m. to dark

 

WALKER

Bosshardt Come See Come Saw

Opens Nov. 25

1713 N. Long Hollow Road, Chickamauga

706-861-5672

Virginia pine, Leyland cypress, white pine

Call for Monday through Friday hours; Saturday all day

 

Cove Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 24

654 Kensington Road, Chickamauga

706-375-2729

Leyland cypress, Norway spruce

Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to dark; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

 

Raulston Acres Christmas Tree Farm 

Opens Nov. 22

2575 Georgia Highway 95, Rock Spring

706-764-6111

Murray cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Fraser fir, Blue Ice

Monday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

WAYNE

Days of Creation Christmas Tree Farm 

Opens Nov. 22

3997 Waycross Highway, Jesup

912-256-1167

Murray cypress, Leyland cypress, Carolina cypress, Clemson Greenspire, red cedar

Monday through Friday 1 to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

WHITFIELD

Cooper Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 23

104 Wheat Drive, Dalton

706-847-1381

White pine, Leyland cypress

Monday through Friday, noon to dark; Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

 

WILCOX

Parrish Christmas Tree Farm

Opens Nov. 22

874 Highway 129 S, Abbeville

229-423-7868

Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice

Monday through Friday, 4:30 p.m. to dark; Saturday through Sunday, noon to dark