By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri Extension, in collaboration with various partners, is hosting the Woodland Owners Conference on October 11-12 in Columbia, inviting the public to engage in a range of activities designed to enhance their understanding of woodland management.
On Friday, attendees will have the opportunity to choose between two informative tours. The first tour will take participants to the Missouri-Pacific Lumber Company, located near Fayette, where they can observe the processing of approximately 5 million feet of walnut and other hardwoods annually, with products shipped globally.
Alternatively, guests can visit The Oak Cooperage in Higbee to witness the craftsmanship involved in producing handcrafted oak barrels specifically designed for the wine and spirits industry.
That evening, the conference will honor Jim Ball, the Missouri Tree Farmer of the Year, for his exemplary work on his farm near Braymer.
Participants will enjoy a social gathering, dinner, and a presentation by U.S. Forest Service wildlife biologist Frank Thompson, focusing on the theme “Our Songbirds Need Managed Forests.”
The following day, Saturday, October 12, will feature a field tour at Doug Butler’s family farm, situated north of Columbia. This tour will delve into effective land management strategies that benefit timber production, income generation, and wildlife conservation.
Attendees will have the chance to engage with consulting foresters and professionals from the Missouri Department of Conservation and MU Extension, who will provide valuable insights and answer questions regarding best management practices.
Registration for the conference can be completed at the event's website, with the deadline set for noon on Thursday, October 3.
For additional inquiries, interested individuals can reach out to Brian Schweiss at schweissb@missouri.edu.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: Missouri, General