If you would have asked us if we planned to be Christmas Tree Farmers 10 years ago, I think we both would have laughed. While gardening and living the country life was something Sarah grew up with, neither of us had any experience with farming. Fast forward 5 years when God opened a door that was unexpected. The opportunity to purchase 51 acres right around the corner from where Sarah grew up. “I can’t wait to see what God has in store for your family” Carol Budnik (Sarah’s mother) said after we purchased the land. Long story short, Jolly Pines Tree Farm was created, and we are excited to share our story with you.

Dustin, Sarah, Cooper and Porter James opened Jolly Pines Tree Farm during the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020. The plan was to initially plant and grow Christmas Trees, but when the shut-down affected our lives, we decided to try a U-cut flower field and plant some pumpkins for a pumpkin patch. The Flower field brought so much joy in a difficult situation to many in our community, as well as our family. It was so amazing to be able to connect with others in a time when socializing was basically shut down. We realized this was something that we had to continue. Moving past 2020, we are now not only a Christmas tree farm, but a U-cut Flower and pumpkin farm as well.

Growing plants and trees takes a lot of hard manual labor and patience. We do not have large equipment and find every task is a learning experience, as well as really hard work!:) We are constantly soaking up any information we can from experienced tree, flower and pumpkin farmers and find this experience so rewarding. Watching others enjoy the plants we have worked so hard to grow, makes this all worth it in the end. Our boys have worked hard alongside us, and our family has supported us the whole way as well. We couldn’t be where we are without God and our family. We are beginning to see God’s plan for our family unfold.

We look forward to bringing Joy to your family when you enter our farm, and provide a space to create memories with your loved ones each year.