Kentucky ranks as one of the top three states nationwide in hardwood production, and it ranks first in the South for sawlog and veneer production. However, many landowners don’t understand the fundamentals of timber production and all that it entails. That’s why, in late January, Campbell County Extension Agent DJ Scully delivered a presentation — “How to Sell Timber from Your Land” — to about 25 individuals on an icy evening. Educational programs provided by the Cooperative Extension Service address community needs. The presentation included valuable information about timber evaluation, classification, management, and other factors that impact a successful timber harvest. Scully covered essentials like marking timber that is ready for harvest, strategies for regeneration post-harvest, and the importance of obtaining multiple bids from buyers before agreeing to one. Scully shared that Campbell County landowners had been contacting his office after receiving offers from loggers. Some of those landowners had questions about contracts, as well. Also a certified arborist, Scully pointed out that landowners are ultimately in control of if and when they have their property logged, and how they want to sell their timber. Events like his are helping to share that message.

This event led to the KY Woodlands Owners Association featuring an article about the class and the assistance that extension can provide in their Spring 2025 KY Woodlands Newsletter, Vol. 34, NO. 2. https://www.kwoa.net/post/newsletter-spring-2025. 250 members viewed this article as well as 740 individuals that received their 'Wood Post" email updates.  Direct assistance to forest land owners occurred after the event. 5 land owners managing over 1000 acres reached out for farm visits and more information. Testimonials about the class provided by participants indicated, "I thought it was very informative and well presented. In particular, I appreciated learning about the different types of contracts, how they're priced and what might - or might not - be included, especially items related to post-harvest soil stabilization / revegetation." -  Benton, California, KY. "Sawmill locations and Ag Water Quality Act information was very helpful to landowners that plan to log themselves. I shared this information with a neighbor."- Downton, Alexandria, KY. "As a newcomer to the world of forestry and its supporters, this was yet another valuable puzzle piece for my ongoing education. Extremely well-done presentation." - Furbee, Camp Springs, KY.