Kentucky Wood Industry E-News |
Leadership Conference for Local Wood Products, August 2, Princeton, West Virginia
This conference is a network event that is designed to unite those interested in improving the business activity of the forestry and wood products industry. The industry segments related to the forestry and wood products industries have suffered in recent years to declining sales, profitability and employment as the US has experienced an economic recession and increased imports of wood products. Registration and more information.
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Wood Certification Services Available The Center for Forest and Wood Certification offers services to get your company owned woodlands certified under the American Tree Farm System and the Forest Stewardship Council certification schemes. Whether it is 100 or 10,000 acres the Center can assist you in getting enrolled into our group certificates. Companies can use their own foresters to write management plans or work with one of the Center's Cooperating Foresters. Visit the Center's Forest Management section on the website to learn about the program and costs. Feel free to email the Center or call us toll-free at 855-579-2690 with any questions. |
Update: APHIS EAB regulatory policy change
Due to an APHIS EAB regulatory policy change as of July 1, 2012, ash logs, ash lumber, hardwood firewood, and other regulated ash articles can now be transported into contiguous regulatory areas that cross state borders without a limited permit or a certificate as long as the regulatory items are not being transported through or delivered to protected counties in the states of Indiana or Illinois. Go to this link, for a complete list of protected counties. For more information contact University of Kentucky Forestry Extension at 859-257-7596 or Kentucky's Office of the State Entomologists at the University of Kentucky (ask for Joe Collins) 859-257-5838....more.
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Economic Impact Forestry Contributes to Kentucky's Economy?
The University of Kentucky's Departments of Forestry and Agricultural Economics are in the process of determining the economic impact of forestry and forest products to Kentucky's economy. Impact numbers are mentioned and published in some places, but these nu mbers vary, they are often dated, and it can be challenging to determine their sources or accuracy. In addition, the numbers don't allow us to analyze individual forestry economic sectors or industries. Our goal is to create a system that allows us to annually report accurate economic impact data by economic sector, by county, and overall. Among other venues, these numbers will be reported with other agricultural product impacts at the annual Farm Bureau Conference each December.
So why is this important to you? The Kentucky bourbon industry is using an economic impact study of their industry to make the case that the state should revise tax policies to improve their competitiveness in the marketplace. Read more... |
US Hardwood Lumber Exports to Europe
With all of the talk out of Europe concerning a financial crisis and possible bankruptcies in several European countries you would think hardwood lumber exports into Europe for the current year would be extremely soft. It seems that may not be entirely the case. At least two European countries have increased their US Hardwood imports. The Hardwood Leader August, 2012 edition reported the following: "Despite all the economic turbulence in Europe click on this link for the full story.
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Kentucky Competes at National 4-H Forestry Invitational
Kentucky was one of 15 states represented at the 33rd annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational from Sunday, July 22, through Thursday, July 26. Teams from Tennessee, Alabama, and New York placed first, second and third respectively.
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Left to Right: April Bell, Olivia Bell, Josh Bell, and Coach: Ed Bell.
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The invitational was held at West Virginia University Jackson's Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center near Weston, West Virginia. The event was sponsored by Farm Credit System, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, The Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc., Alpha Natural Resources, West Virginia University Extension Service, and the Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals. To read more click here.
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May 2012 Housing Notes
Single-family home starts increased by a respectable amount, this is welcomed news. Multi-family housing starts declined, but volatility is typical for this segment. New home sales increased and existing sales are still bottom bouncing. As noted previously - we have the least quantity of available new and existing homes since 2005. Remodeling, rentals, and rental construction are the attractive sub-sectors in construction. Concerns about the developments in the Eurozone and a softening of the Chinese economy still are problematic and affect the U.S. economy. Again, we write there are three primary factors impeding sales: 1) Consumer and business confidence, 2) a shortage of well-paying jobs, and 3) strict home loan lending standards. Also, distressed homes, foreclosures, and the Shadow Inventory are still problematic. JOBS still are still the most critical factor for a robust housing recovery. Lastly, our position on a meaningful housing recovery is unchanged; as many experts have voiced concern that a "muddle along" housing market will continue for quite some time. Click here for the full version of the May Housing Report. Click here for contact information.
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August 2012 University of Kentucky Department of Forestry
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Dates To Note:
August 6 - 9, 2012 GLKDA Kiln Drying Short Course INFO: 715.803.1861
August 9 - 10, 2012
GLKDA Advance Drying INFO: 715.803.1861
August 7, 2012 Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA) - Southeast Regional Meeting - London, KY
INFO: 606.528.3543
August 14, 2012
KFIA - Northeast Regional Meeting - Morehead, KY
INFO: 606.784.4707
August 21, 22 & 23, 2012
Carter County - Olive Hill - Carter Caves State Resort Park
INFO: 800.859.6006
August 28, 2012 KFIA - Purchase Regional Meeting - Benton, KY
INFO: 270.658.3193
September 14, 2012UK Forestry Department Alumni-Student Fall PicnicT.P. Cooper Building
Lexington, KY INFO: 859.257.7596
Sept. 25, 26 & 27, 2012
Hardin County - Elizabethtown Cooperative Extension Service Office - INFO: 800.859.6006
November 6, 7 & 8, 2012
Graves County - Mayfield Cooperative Extension
Service Office - INFO: 800.859.6006
For more Dates To Note, click here.
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