Natural Resources University

Can forest landowners deduct residual soil fertility as some farmers do? In this episode, Shaun and Brady examine the growing interest in the residual fertility tax deduction, explain the relevant IRS tax provisions, and discuss why these strategies may apply to agriculture but generally not to forestry. They also cover the legal uncertainty surrounding aggressive soil nutrient deductions and what...

In this episode, we chat with Josh Murman and Colton Rathman to explore how PTx Ag is bringing autonomous technology to the farm by transforming compatible tractors into self-operating machines. We discuss how the system works and how it helps farmers tackle labor shortages, improve efficiency, and complete critical fieldwork on time. But we also look beyond productivity, exploring how autonomy co...

In this episode, we dig into raccoon population densities across the literature, uncovering how food subsidization can push numbers from under 10 to over 300 per square kilometer.   Resources: Boone, W. W., et al. (2024). Frequent prescribed burns reduce mammalian species richness and occurrence in longleaf pine sandhills. Forest Ecology and Management, 553, 121596.   Prange, S., Gehrt, S. D., & W...

Stocking rate sounds simple, but this episode shows why it is one of the most misunderstood and important decisions in grazing management. John Weir, Laura Goodman, Ph. D., and Mark Turner, Ph. D. explain that stocking rate is not just the number of cattle on a pasture. It is the number of animals on a set number of acres for a specific length of time. Leaving out the time component can lead to ba...

Bronson and Steve take time out of their busy schedules to jump back on the podcast. They chat with Jacob and Eric about everything from how they created the Deer University Podcast to what it's been like to work together for decades. They also fill the guys in on what they're up to now, including how they're still working together to help landowners and what they're up to in their free time.  Che...

Many diseases can be transmitted from wildlife to humans, and one in particular has been making headlines recently. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss what Hantavirus is, how it is transmitted, the wildlife species most commonly associated with it, the habitats where exposure is most likely to occur, and how to avoid infection. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and facu...

In this episode, Marcus sits down with the UF Game Lab communications team   – Charlotte and Dot – to share insights into the communication and fundraising efforts for a research lab that reaches the public.    Get your tickets to our 2nd Annual UF Game Lab Banquet here: https://tinyurl.com/UFGameLabBanquet   Can't attend the banquet but still want to support us? Please donate here: http://UFgive....

This episode is made possible by support from the Oklahoma Conservation Commissio n . Wild turkey numbers rise and fall for a lot of reasons, but better brood habitat may be one of the most practical things landowners can influence right now. In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, Dr. Mark Turner, Oklahoma State University Extension Wildlife Specialist, joins John Weir and Dr. L...

Join us as we explore the life and legacy of Tom Kelly through his daughter Laura Bates.    Tom Kelly, Inc. ( Website ) ( Facebook Page ) ( Instagram )   Resources: No Place to Hide Tenth Legion: Bootleg Revival The Colonel and the Fox The Evolution of Turkey Calling: From bone to box | #177 The T.H. Kelly Handbook Wild Turkey Archives   Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like...

The term Extension is often used when discussing the mission of Land Grant Institutions, but we rarely take time to explain what Extension means. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss what it means to be a Land Grant Institution, their approach to reaching a wide array of stakeholders, and their views of what success in Extension looks like. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialis...

We're bringing back our episode where we dig into what the scientific literature actually says about what eats turkeys at every life stage.   Resources from the episode: Chitwood, M. C., et al. (2020). Raccoon vigilance and activity patterns when sympatric with coyotes. Diversity, 12(9), 341. Gulsby, W. D., et al. (2017). Landscape heterogeneity reduces coyote predation on white‐tailed deer fawns....

In this Q&A episode, Brady and Shaun answer listener and landowner questions on three practical forestry topics: whether diesel or dish soap should be used as surfactants in herbicide applications, what landowners should consider before converting industrial timberland into recreational or early successional habitat, and how soil properties influence which tree species can successfully grow on a s...

We're bringing back our episode with Dr. Chris Moorman on the use of prescribed fire during the nesting season.    Resources: Kilburg, Eric L., et al. "Wild turkey nest survival and nest‐site selection in the presence of growing‐season prescribed fire." The Journal of Wildlife Management 78.6 (2014): 1033-1039. Kilburg, Eric L., et al. "Wild turkey prenesting-resource selection in a landscape mana...

Invasive species are an issue for many stakeholders across the Great Plains but there are simple steps everyone can take to help limit their spread. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss some of the most common aquatic invasive species, their impact on aquatic ecosystemsz and the best ways to prevent spreading them. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in...

Mr. Rainer Nichols, National Training Academy Instructor and Founder of Five Cents Fire and Land Management, joins Jacob and Eric to discuss working with landowners to achieve their habitat management goals. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series ( here ) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars....

Feral pigs are bad news for wild turkeys – but how bad, and what should you actually do about it? In this episode, we break down the latest research on pig population impacts, what pigs are eating, and why it matters for turkeys.   Resources: How pig removal affects turkeys | Ep 97 McDonough, M. T., et al. (2024). Population response of eastern wild turkey to removal of wild pigs. The Journal of W...

In this episode, Dr. Grace Schuster joins co-hosts Andy and Nathan to discuss her PhD research on how bioenergy crop production impacts grassland bird communities in southwestern Nebraska. From the feasibility of large-scale switchgrass production to conservation strategies, this episode explores the balance between fueling the future and protecting our wildlife. Can agricultural landscapes suppor...

Jacob and Eric catch up with Dr. Marcus Blum, Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist at Texas A&M University, to discuss deer management in TX. They cover everything from the work he is doing to get students involved with deer management to how management varies across regions of TX.   Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series ( here ) and select the Natural Resources optio...

We break down a 2026 coyote diet study to reveal how blackberry availability actually buffers fawns from predation, and what that means for how you should be thinking about your turkey management.    Resources: Gulsby, W. D., et al. (2015). White‐tailed deer fawn recruitment before and after experimental coyote removals in central Georgia. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 39(2), 248-255. Jensen, A. J.,...

Geographic information systems, remote sensing, and spatial data are becoming everyday tools for forestry and natural resource management. In this episode of Timber University, Dr. Michael Crosby from Louisiana Tech University joins us to discuss how GIS can help foresters, landowners, students, and natural resource professionals better understand forests, make maps, analyze management decisions,...

Trapping wildlife is a practice that dates back to ancient history, and remains a particularly important tool for harvesting furbearing mammals. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss modern trapping techniques, reasons to trap, and development of the Best Management Practices for Trapping Furbearers in the United States Learn more about the importance of trapping in the management of furbearers and th...

Hurricanes are often seen as purely destructive, but new research reveals their vital role in shaping longleaf pine ecosystems. Dr. Jeffrey Cannon from the Jones Center at Ichauway joins the Timber University podcast to discuss how his research explores how these storms influence forest structure, stimulate reproduction, and act as natural restorers. Discover how hurricanes increase biodiversity,...

In this episode, we discuss how years of turkey research has directly influenced the way that we hunt.    Resources: Fist Full of Dirt: Dr. Disturbance Can Flat-Out Hunt (Part 1) Fist Full of Dirt: Dr. Disturbance Can Flat-Out Hunt (Part 2) Home range of gobblers | Ep 125 Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased female survival may help explain wild turkey population decline. Wildlife Society Bull...

Eastern redcedar control is becoming one of Oklahoma's biggest land, water, and wildfire issues—and this episode explains how the Oklahoma Conservation Commission is turning concern into action. John Weir, Laura Goodman Ph. D., and Mark Turner Ph. D. visit with Trey Lam and Trampas Tripp about the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Pilot Project, a program designed to reduce invasive...

In this episode, Brady and Shaun talk about the recent ice storms across much of the Eastern US, with some states reporting substantial timber damage. They discuss how landowners can assess damage from the ice storms and what the next steps are for their forest property. As always make sure to reach out to private consultants, Extension, and your State forestry comission for help in taking those n...