Green Horizons

Agriculture teachers from across the Show-Me State participated in forestry workshops during July where they learned how to identify trees common to Missouri's forests, measure tree diameter and height, and assess stand stocking levels. Other topics included the process of selling timber, log quality, lumber grading and value-added forest products. Indoor classroom instruction was reinforced with visits to some of the state's premier forest product companies and working Tree Farms.

Peppered throughout the three-day workshop were discussions revolving around the FFA Forestry contest and ways to make the contest better. Several teachers who have never formed a forestry team found 'more experienced' teachers more than willing to mentor them.

Several teachers have taken the time to provide feedback. One teacher wrote, "I really enjoyed your workshop and found it very informative. I have been to a lot of workshops over the years and this one was one of the best."

MU Forestry Extension would like to thank the Missouri Forest Products Association and the Missouri State Tree Farm Committee for sponsoring various portions of the workshops.

		2009 Missouri Tree Farmer of the Year, Mark Nussbaum, shows teachers sustainable forest management on his Cape Girardeau County Tree Farm. This recent shelterwood harvest yielded over 3,500 board feet of lumber and 17 tons of pulpwood (on a per acre basis), and left crop trees for future growth. Since the harvest last year, Mark has seen an increase in both deer and turkey populations
		Dale Kirby owner of A&K Cooperage in Higbee discusses the finer (and funnier) pointsof crafting white oak barrels destined for Napa Valley wineries.
		Johnny Agnew, a log buyer for Missouri-Pacific Lumber in Fayette instructs teachers on the effects various log defects have on black walnut lumber quality.
		A&K is one of a handful of value-added coopers that turn Missouri’s white oaks into high-value wine and whiskey barrels for wineries and distilleries worldwide.