Michigan’s Korson Tree Farm Crowned Grand Champion of the National Christmas Tree Contest

In the small town of Sidney, Michigan, pride runs deep this fall as Korson Tree Farm earns the once-in-a-lifetime honor of being named Grand Champion of the National Christmas Tree Contest! Family, friends and neighbors gathered among rows of evergreens to celebrate a victory that puts both their community and Michigan’s rich agricultural tradition in the national spotlight. 

Hosted by the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), this prestigious contest determines which farm will provide the official Christmas tree for the Blue Room of the White House; a tradition dating back to 1966. This year, Rex and Jessica Korson and their team took home the top prize, marking the first time in 40 years that a Michigan farm has won. 

“This is truly one of the most unique contests in agriculture,” said Rick Dungey, Executive Director of NCTA, who opened the event. “Farmers don’t bring their best apple or wheat stalk to compete on a national stage, but Christmas tree growers do. And to win means you are the best of the best.”

Dungey recounted the moment he suspected the Korsons might win during the final round of voting: “People kept coming back to look at their blue spruce. It was mesmerizing.”

For Rex and Jessica Korson, the win represents decades of hard work and a family tradition that began over 50 years ago when Rex’s parents planted the first trees on the farm. “We’ve been competing since 2009,” Rex shared. “To finally bring the title back to Michigan means the world to us.”

Korson Tree Farm has been a fixture in the community since its founding in 1973 and remains a family-run operation with a hands-on approach. “None of this happens without our crew,” Rex said, nodding to the team gathered in their green hoodies. “They are out there every day, rain or shine, pruning, shaping and caring for each tree. This victory belongs to them too.”

Representatives from Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Christmas Tree Association praised the Korsons for their dedication to advancing the science of Christmas tree farming. MSU researcher Dr. Bert Cregg noted, “Rex has never said no to hosting field trials, even when it meant sacrificing a few trees for the sake of research. That commitment to innovation raises the bar for growers across the state.”

Michigan ranks third in the nation for Christmas tree production, harvesting nearly two million trees annually from more than 500 mostly family-owned farms.  

As part of the celebration, Dale Haney, Superintendent of Grounds at the White House, arrived to personally select the 18-foot-tall tree that will grace the Blue Room this December. Haney emphasized the meticulous selection process: “The Blue Room tree is seen by thousands of visitors from around the world. Every angle must be perfect.”

With this victory, Korson Tree Farm not only represents the pinnacle of Christmas tree farming but also shines a spotlight on Michigan agriculture. Their carefully cultivated blue spruce will soon stand at the center of one of the most iconic holiday displays in the world.

“This is more than just a win for our family,” Jessica Korson said. “It’s a win for Michigan, for our industry and for everyone who believes in the beauty of a real Christmas tree.”