Once a year the Small Scale Logging Program showcases several pieces of small equipment options available on the market that can be safely attached to a ATV, side-by-side, farm tractor or truck. These attachments lift the front of the log up off the ground reducing skidding impact to the ground, and making skidding much safer and easier. The need for this program comes from small acreage properties which are not often economical for commercial loggers to harvest on, requiring woodland owners and farmers to become more involved in the harvesting of their property to achieve forest and land management objectives. The length and depth of material included in the show depends on the year as every 2 years the Kentucky Wood Expo occurs, so we put on a shorter version, more of a small scale logging equipment demo at the expo. In 2020, the Small Scale Logging Equipment Program went virtual as part of the 2020 Kentucky Woodland Owners Short Course.

Anyone is welcome to attend, but primary audiences are woodland owners and farmers as they are who own the majority of woodlands in Kentucky. Most of these folks often already own a tractor, four wheeler, side-by-side or pickup truck so it is an easier adoption process for using implements that help them move logs around the farm safely and efficiently. Someone without this equipment could after attending this full day program know what equipment to get, as well as be able to pencil out the economics. They often learn this is very hard work, which they will not get rich doing, but allows them to have more control over the management of their woodlands and be a more engaged woodland owner. People who are thinking about logging their own woods or having a commercial harvest can benefit from the experience from others trial and error and come away with a great respect for the hard work and value of using a good logging professional in addition to a knowledgeable forester. Logging is the most dangerous profession there is by a long shot. Even more dangerous than commercial fishing and logs are heavy and difficult to move without experience. Safety and use of personal protective equipment are critical.