Timber 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 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...

Show Notes 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...

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, 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...

Today we discuss arguably the most important topic facing our working forests, that of the excess supply of small-diameter timber. Shaun and Brady are joined by Dr. Matthew Pelkki, Director of the Center for Forest Business at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He discusses the consequences of not finding market outlets for this material, both economic and ecological, and walks us through s...

On this episode, Brady and Shaun are joined by Dr. David Clabo from the University of Georgia to discuss pine straw raking as an alternative income source for forest landowners. Dr. Clabo is an Associate Professor of Silviculture Outreach, who did his degree training at the University of Tennessee.  To contact Dr. Clabo with questions or clarifications please see his information at the following l...

In this episode of Timber University, Shaun and Brady welcome James Callicutt, Extension Instructor - Waterfowl, Upland Gamebirds, and Invasive Species at Mississippi State University, to discuss the intricacies of Green Tree Reservoirs (GTRs). James shares insights into the management and ecological significance of GTRs, particularly in the context of waterfowl habitat. For more info you can reac...

In this episode, Dr. Tanger and Dr. Self are joined by Dr. Kevin Boston. They discuss the different US forest certification standards and the benefits of self regulation of the industry as a way to show good stewardship to potential and existing markets and to the general public.    Dr. Boston is an Associate Professor of Forest Operations at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and has writte...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kristy McAndrew from Mississippi State University. Dr. McAndrew will walk us through the ins and outs of Brown spot needle blight, a fungal disease that infects pine needles, leading to premature needle loss, stunted growth, and long-term stress that increases a tree's vulnerability to other pests and pathogens, and provide an update on Emerald Ash Borer prese...

In this episode, we return to the mailbag to answer listener questions. Brady covers the current status of brownspot needle blight and thinning pines with herbicide applications as an alternative to commercial thinning in light of depressed markets. Shaun covers a combo question on replanting costs and how to treat those costs for tax purposes and how that may or may not affect a timber owners bas...

In this episode, Dr. Tanger and Dr. Self are joined by Dr. Bronson Strickland as they consider how wildlife objectives can influence thinning regimes in forest management. Dr. Bronson Strickland, the Godfather of Timber University and co-Host of Deer University, our sister program. Dr. Strickland is the St. John Family Endowed Professor of Wildlife Management at Mississippi State University. For q...

​​Silvicultural methodology for longleaf pine is sometimes misunderstood by landowners and land managers. Join the Timber University team as they discuss longleaf systems and their management using current techniques with today's guest, Dr. John Willis, a research forester with the United States Forest Service.   For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com .  

Today we discuss what's happening in the US south timber markets. We cover what drives lumber consumption, what to keep an eye on for housing, and discuss stumpage drivers and price expectations. For questions or comments, email us at  timberuniversity@gmail.com .

Today's episode, we explore what strategies landowners and managers can utilized when standard thinning operations cannot occur due to poor markets. For questions or comments, email us at  timberuniversity@gmail.com .

In today's episode, we go back to basics and map out for listeners the biological, operational, and economic considerations of thinning pine stands. For most in the southeast, markets are tough for pine thinning material, but we explore why it's so important to thin nonetheless. Remember if you don't thin your forest, mother nature will. Next episode: we'll touch on some alternatives you can explo...

In this episode we take a shot at listener questions, ranging from controlling tree of heaven to addressing the pros and cons of managing for longleaf as compared to loblolly pine. We also address on-site and off-site characteristics to keep in mind when buying timber property.  For questions or comments, email us at  timberuniversity@gmail.com .

In this episode we speak with Dr. Kevin Boston from the University of Arkansas at Monticello to discuss a recent landmark Supreme Court decision Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024) that overturned a long-standing precedent for federal agency authority on interpreting intent of Congressional legislation.  Dr. Boston received a Ph. D. In Forest Engineering at Oregon State University (1996) a...

In this episode we circle back to carbon markets with a very special guest Dr. Gregory Latta, Associate Research Professor of Forest Economics and Director of Policy Analysis Group at the University of Idaho. Dr. Latta brings several decades of experience in research and practical experience in designing and evaluating carbon programs. He discusses some of the challenges currently facing carbon ma...

Most people interested in management of forests are familiar with chemical site preparation as a management tool. However, many are not aware of other herbicide application options available for fine tuning management in later efforts of the rotation. Join Shaun and Brady as they discuss how herbaceous weed control, release, and mid rotation brush control as well as cut stump, basal bark, and stem...

Today, we are joined by a special guest Alicia Robbins, who is Vice President of Portfolio Analytics and Business Development with Weyerhaeuser. She discusses the basics of forestry carbon and the fledging forest carbon market. If you don't know anything about these markets this is the episode for you. It will be the first of many podcasts on the subject, as we dive into this new world that forest...

Approximately two thirds of Americans do not have a will and the implications of this can be far reaching. Join us as Dr. Rebecca Smith, Director of the Mississippi State University Extension Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy, discusses basic estate planning and how it can help landowners. For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com  

Join Timber University and special guest John Gruchy, a Wildlife Biologist with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. John is the Coordinator of the Private Lands Program, including the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). John discusses the finer points of managing the forest with prescribed fire and gives some insights for where landowners can go to gain the needed s...

This episode we are joined by Dr. Morgan Varner from the Tall Timbers Land Trust and Research Center. Dr. Varner discusses the benefits of fire on the landscape, a brief history of utilizing prescribed fire in the US south, and the consequences of using and not using prescribed fire to manage forests. For questions or comments, email us at  timberuniversity@gmail.com

Over the past few years, brownspot needle blight and an assemblage of other problematic pathogenic species have garnered increasing concern in pine systems across the South. Join us as we discuss these along with current research efforts centered on this problem with Dr. John Riggins, Mississippi State University. For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com