Drying of lumber is a meticulous process that can be very costly if done incorrectly. Thus, the need for knowledgeable kiln operators is vital as society and workforce shift with retirement of many very knowledgeable operators.

The Ohio Valley Lumber Drying Association celebrates 40 years of providing wood drying education throughout the Ohio Valley region and beyond. Two Ohio Valley Lumber Drying Association program meetings were hosted by University of Kentucky Forestry Extension personnel within this timeframe.

One meeting was held in Glasgow, KY in the fall of 2023. UK Forestry Extension personnel planned and facilitated the meeting. The spring meeting was held on November 9^th and 10th, 2022. This meeting provided information and technical assistance to hardwood industry people trying to improve their drying facilities yields and production.  Tours included Roy Anderson Lumber and MacDonald and Owen.

Impacts: The meeting attendees increased their knowledge of drying hardwood lumber by 5.2% and $4,763,700 dollars were saved or earned throughout the region as a result of the meeting.  

The Fall meeting was held in Alcoa, TN in the spring of 2024.  UK Forestry Extension personnel planned and facilitated the meeting. Tours included Tennessee Hickory Products, HAVCO and Benton's Country Hams.

Impacts: The meeting attendees increased their knowledge of drying hardwood lumber by 5.4% and $6,722,400 dollars were saved or earned throughout the region as a result of the meeting.