In January, the Mill Spring Agricultural Center will host two free forestry seminars. The first seminar called “Tips for Selling Timber” will be held on Jan. 17 from noon to 1 p.m.

Since trees grow slowly, most landowners only get the chance to sell timber once or twice in their lifetime, and sometimes the process of selling timber can be confusing. Stephen Bishop of the Mill Spring Ag Center and Brian Rogers and Eric Bradley of the North Carolina Forest Service will provide tips and resources for people interested in selling timber. Attendees can expect to learn about marketing and ensuring a fair price for their timber, identifying good loggers and timber buyers, and applying for cost share programs for replanting.

On Jan. 24, from noon to 1 p.m., the ag center will host another forestry seminar called “For-profit Firewood.” Selling firewood can provide extra income during the holiday season and also increase the vigor of a woodlot by removing poor quality trees. Attendees will learn ways to make cutting firewood easier and more profitable.

Both seminars are part of the “Brown Bag Learning Lunches” series, so attendees are welcome to bring their own lunches to eat while listening. Coffee and cookies will be provided, as well.

The seminars are free to attend and designed to be informal. To register, or if you have an agricultural topic you would like to see covered in a future seminar, contact Stephen Bishop at 828-894-2281 or stephen@polkcountyfarms.org.

– article submitted by Stephen Bishop