AFA NEWSROOM V18N38

October 4, 2023

Jasper Area Regional Reception

October 12, 2023

Make plans to join us at the Musgrove Country Club on October 12, 2023 for the 2023 Jasper Area Regional Reception and Vulcan District Meeting.

Interested in being a sponsor?

Call 334-481-2135 or 334-481-2129 for more information.

Alabama State Conservationist Announces Financial Assistance Programs for Local Landowners and Agricultural Producers

Ben Malone, the Alabama State Conservationist of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has set a date for the 2024 Farm Bill Easement and Financial Assistance Programs. The date is November 3rd, 2023. These programs offer financial and technical help to eligible landowners and agricultural producers. They aim to manage natural resources sustainably and address environmental concerns.

Several programs are included. One is the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE). This program improves habitats for fish and wildlife and water quality. It also reduces flooding, recharges groundwater, and protects biological diversity. It even provides opportunities for educational and scientific activities.

Mark Your Calendar!

Woods to Goods Week-

October 15-21, 2023

Fire Alert Continues for Alabama 

A Fire Alert remains in effect across the state. The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) issued the burn restriction on September 22 because of the current drought situation, continued lack of precipitation, and high probability of fuel ignition. Since October is historically the state's driest month, drought conditions are expected to worsen.



Weather predictions for the upcoming weekend include the arrival of two cold fronts, potentially bringing low relative humidity and gusty winds. Risk of wildfire is extremely high right now; just about every region of the state has been experiencing a steady increase in wildfire activity. Effective Friday, October 6, permits for outdoor burning will no longer be issued until further notice. Anyone burning a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

AFA Connect - Online Education

October 19th - 11:00 AM

Join us for October AFA Connect. Carey Potter, Alabama Forestry Commission joins with an Alabama BMP Update.

Click the link below for more information or to register.

The 25 Biggest Landowners in America

Spanning nearly 3.8 million square miles, the United States is the third largest country in the world by land area. Still, land is a commodity with a fundamentally fixed supply, and demand for it will likely only continue to grow. As such, real estate is often seen as both a safe and profitable investment.

The average value of an acre of farmland in the United States spiked by 82% between 2009 and 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Over roughly the same period, the median sale price of homes and residential properties in the U.S. surged by 124%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Alabama Loggers Council

Annual Meeting

October 28th - Prattville, AL

Join ALC Members, Loggers & PLM Cardholders from around the state for this year's ALC Annual Meeting. From compelling speakers to some really cool equipment to look at - can you think of a more engaging way to get those PLM & CFE hours? Not to mention a fantastic lunch with the Prattville Marriott's FAMOUS Fried Chicken!

Click the link below to register - Early Bird registration discount ends 10/15.

Producer Price Index for Logging

Across the country, I am hearing concerns about logging capacity – are there enough people and equipment to harvest the wood we need to support the industry of today and tomorrow? 

One part of that concern is about what exists today, but a larger part, I believe, is about tomorrow – are enough people entering the logging profession, and how can they possibly afford to stand up a new crew?

Alabama Forestry Foundation names Dr. Roosevelt Robinson the Alabama Project Learning Tree Educator of the Year.

Every single person on the planet has a responsibility to protect the environment, according to Dr. Roosevelt Robinson. He's spent years dedicated to passing this message along to the next generation and teaching kids exactly how they can care for the world around them.

That's why the Alabama Forestry Foundation named him the Alabama Project Learning Tree Educator of the Year.

Online CE Available For PLM & CFE

Foresters and loggers, a reminder that AFA offers online continuing education. Now is a great time to go ahead and handle continuing education hours. 

Click below for a list of classes.

October 11 - Winston County Invasives Management Workshop (5 CFE/PLM)

October 12 - 2023 Jasper Area Regional Reception & Vulcan District Meeting

October 19 - 2023 AFA Connect - October (1 CFE/PLM)

October 28 - 2023 Alabama Loggers Council Annual Meeting & Logger of the Year Award Luncheon(5 PLM)

November 30 - 2023 ForestPAC Sporting Clays Fundraiser -Selwood Farm