Christmas Tree Farming Seen Ups and Downs

Dan Forestry, Industry News Release

Christmas tree farming is similar to other types of agriculture in many ways. Tree farming has seen ups-and-downs in production levels and prices. There are currently at least a few Christmas tree farms in every state in the union. Many are small choose-and-cut farms, while all of the country’s farms are run by families. However, Doug Hundley, seasonal spokesperson for …

Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Reflects on Year of Progress

Dan Forestry, Industry News Release

The Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, highlighted some of the agency’s accomplishments during 2017 to improve the productivity, uses, and sustainability of national forests and grasslands. “Our accomplishments this year demonstrate the Forest Service’s strong commitment to improving the economic health of rural communities; ensuring lands and watersheds are sustainable, healthy and productive; and mitigating …

Fox Squirrels – Denizens of the Longleaf Forest

Dan Florida, Forestry, USDA-NRCS

Recently, I was touring a friend’s property in the Florida sandhills through beautiful older longleaf pines, with an open understory that is regularly burned.  As we came around the corner, two fox squirrels bounded towards the nearest large pine.  In a minute, both had found a tree they liked and were gone from sight.  I don’t know about you, but …

Financial Assistance Available to West Alabama Landowners Interested in Forestry Initiative

Dan Alabama, Forestry, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Alabama State Conservationist Ben Malone announced a collaborative effort to reach forestry landowners will continue in West Alabama. NRCS Alabama will partner with the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Federation of Southern Cooperatives (FSC), the Limited Resource Landowners Educational and Assistance Network (LRLEAN), and the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) to provide assistance to …

Capitol Christmas Tree Arrives

Dan Forestry, Industry News Release

A nearly 80-foot tall Christmas tree arrived Monday at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service provides a tree each year from a different state for the Capitol. This year’s tree, an Engelmann Spruce, is 79 feet tall and comes from northwest Montana. The 15,000 lbs., the 76-year-old tree made a two-week, 3,400-mile journey to …

Putnam Provides Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Celebrations

Dan Florida, Forestry, Industry News Release, Poultry

Ahead of Thanksgiving, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are providing tips to ensure a safe holiday weekend. The following tips can help prevent wildfire: Avoid burning yard debris on dry, windy days. Never leave a fire or outdoor heat source unattended. Set up turkey fryers and grills at least 10 feet away from the …

UF Researcher: Controlled Fires Don’t Eliminate Invasive Tree

Dan Education, Florida, Forestry, Industry News Release

Researchers have, in the past, reintroduced fire to restore a forest without considering its effect on exotic species that have become invasive. But a recent study by a University of Florida researcher shows that fire actually increases the proliferation of species that harm the environment, which could cause millions of dollars in damage. “Invasive species, be they plants, insects or …