Green Horizons

Forestry production, marketing assistance available to producers and processors

By CHRISTINE TEW

Missouri landowners looking to manage their forested areas have many options, from guidance on caring for their resource to adding value to their standing and cut timber. Producers benefit from a broad base of experts in tree health, as well as an outstanding network of processors, retailers, marketers and exporters across private industry, state agencies and educational institutions.

Collaboration plays a key role in bringing those resources together. The Missouri departments of Agriculture and Conservation, the University of Missouri Cooperative Extension Service, the Missouri Forest Products, and Missouri Consulting Foresters associations all work together.

Available resources for landowners include technical assistance as well as networking and marketing support. Processors may also benefit from networking assistance in addition to domestic and international sales support. Landowners can receive targeted guidance for Timber Stand Improvement and timber harvest and sales from the Missouri Department of Conservation and members of the Missouri Consulting Foresters Association, as well as from the University of Missouri Cooperative Extension Service.

For processors, the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture works with the Foreign Agriculture Service, Missouri Forest Products Association and buyers around the world to identify and grow markets for Missouri wood products. Staff from the Department of Agriculture also work to connect producers and processors with domestic and international marketing opportunities, assist with completing required applications and other documentation, as well as to serve as a liaison with staff from the Missouri Department of Economic Development on forestry products.

For assistance and to learn more about these and other opportunities, please contact the organizations and agencies mentioned.