News

Appraising the Appraisal Process

Management of the appraisal process can be a daunting task for you, your family, and your business. The key to successful management is engaging a competent certified appraiser experienced in forestland valuation. Appraisals can be invaluable tools in the planning process for estates, families, generational transfers, and businesses. With more than 40 years completing forestland … Continue Reading →

Hunting Lease Basics for Landowners

Are you considering a hunting lease on your property? We have interviewed industry experts to gain an understanding of hunting lease basics and the landowner-hunter relationship. Lee Laechelt of the Alabama Forest Owners’ Association (AFOA) says demand for hunting land has risen in recent years, creating more opportunities for landowners to supplement their income with … Continue Reading →

Succeeding with Succession

Family businesses in transition have only a 30 percent probability of successful transfer to the second generation. With better planning and communication, you can boost those odds. This article was originally published in the March-April 2023 Forest Landowners magazine. Andy and David will be conducting a seminar on the topic of Family Forest Business Transition … Continue Reading →

Forest Technology Changes in the Information Age

The timeline of human civilization is discussed and understood by analyzing and categorizing time periods defined by major moments in history. Every historical period has integrally changed the way society has perceived, interacted with, and understood the world. Since the mid-1700s, these periods have been characterized by technological innovation. These innovations have led us to where we find ourselves … Continue Reading →

Federal and State Cost Share Programs

Did you know the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Farm Services Agency (FSA), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) offer several cost share and incentive programs to help landowners meet their forestry management goals? Stemming from the United States’ long historical support of agricultural subsidies, these funds are made possible through The Food, … Continue Reading →

Drone Utilization in Forestry

“There is more than one way to skin a cat.” This expression can easily be applied when discussing today’s forest operations. Advancements in technology and connectivity have led to the expansion of the forest management toolbox. One rapidly evolving addition in forestry technology is the use of drones for many woods-related activities. While it’s hard … Continue Reading →

Billy Lancaster Forestry Youth Camp

Back in 1988, my father, Billy Lancaster, decided to start a forestry camp for young kids. He went to one when he was a kid and wanted today’s youth to have the same opportunity he had at their age. With the help of some of his good friends who were also in the forestry business, … Continue Reading →

Enhancing Wildlife Habitat with Planned Forest Management

As a young biologist working for a large timber company, I quickly learned a forester does not need a wildlife biologist to help manage a forest. However, a wildlife biologist does need a forester to accomplish wildlife objectives. Yes, a wildlife biologist can recommend doe harvests and the protection of young bucks, food plots and … Continue Reading →

The Appeal of East Texas Land

As Mark Twain once said “buy land, they’re not making it anymore.” Historically, rural land investments are one of the most stable investments an individual can make. It usually maintains or even increases in value over time. Land investment also provide diversity in a portfolio of assets. In Texas, urban growth has spurred intense speculation … Continue Reading →

Millennials: The Future of Forestry Investments

If you subscribe to this newsletter, you probably already know forestry is a compelling investment. Whether directly owning timberland or owning stock in a timber REIT, forestry investments provide an attractive alternative to traditional investment vehicles. Timberland returns are derived from a combination of biological timber growth and revenue generated from timber harvests and real … Continue Reading →