Extension
It Starts With Us
Introduction of specialty markets
Natural Resources
Wayne Kirby
Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The largest industry in Knox County is logging, or the harvesting of timbers. With the rising cost of machinery, it’s costing loggers more to harvest timber. On the other end of the spectrum, timber market prices are half of what they were five years ago. It’s become a lose-lose situation, where loggers are losing money due to increased production costs, and land owners are refusing to sell their timber due to decreased market value. Through education, Knox County Extension will help to provide assistance to the logging industry in Knox County.
Increased profit in the timber industry in Knox County for loggers and land owners.
Loggers will use new methods of timber production to decrease production expenses. They will also pursue specialty timber markets in order to increase sagging profits
Loggers/ land owners will become knowledgeable of the availability of specialty timber markets. Loggers will also learn new methods to decrease the expense of timber production.
Long-Term Outcome:
Indicator: Loggers will institute practices that will decrease the expense of timber production
Method: Testimonial/observation/practice/survey
Timeline: Winter-Summer
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Loggers/Landowner will recognize resources available & become knowledgeable of the availability of specialty timber markets.
Method: Sign in sheets/testimonials/surveys/observation
Timeline: Fall
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Loggers/Landowners will attend provided trainings
Method: Sign in sheets/testimonials/surveys/observation
Timeline: Fall
Audience: Loggers, Landowner & Youths,
Audience: Loggers & Land Owners
Activity: Ag Newsletter & News Articles
Content: Environmental stewardship, best management practices, etc.
Date: Throughout year
Activity: Timber Harvesting Workshop and Demonstration
Content: Best Management Practices;
Date: Fall
Activity: Timber Marketing Diversification Workshop
Content: Marketing Techniques; Specialty Markets
Date: Fall
Activity: National Loggers Expo
Content: Educational display on best management practices
Date: Fall
Activity: Master Logger program
Content: Master Logger Certification & Master Logger CEU programs
Date:Throughout year
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Small Farm Diversification
Four years ago Hillview Stables approached the Knox County Extension agent for Agriculture asking for ideas to increase farm income and ease their dependency on tobacco. With Ag Tourism in mind the ANR Agent suggested a pumpkin patch and corn maize. Four years later Hillview Stables, with the educational help from the University Specialist and ANR Agent, has expanded to not only a pumpkin patch and corn maize but have gem mining, pony and camel rides, train ride, exotic and farm animal petting z
