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 →
“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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Fall is in the air! With this year rapidly winding down, I know most are looking forward to a fresh start in 2021. COVID-19 has affected all of us both personally and professionally at some level. Some industries and markets have been devastated while others have experienced expansion and growth. So, how has it affected … Continue Reading →
Land preservation for future generations is as important today as it ever has been. Private landowners understand how nature attributes to their family’s quality of life. For this reason, the legacy of their land holdings is often of supreme importance. This creates some difficult decisions when more intensive land use opportunities emerge. On one hand, … Continue Reading →
In the first two articles of this series, we introduced the basic business fundamentals of supply and demand and working markets during the COVID-19 crisis. In our final article, we will explore how incentives are driving management behaviors in the COVID-19 economic environment. I’ll also provide insight into why the free market capitalistic economy can … Continue Reading →
In the first article of this series, we introduced how changing business conditions resulting from COVID-19 were impacting the basic fundamentals of supply and demand. As we continue to deal with economic uncertainty in the current business climate, our second article presents an overview of general market principles that help us understand potential changes in … Continue Reading →