Facts You Should Know

I will keep you informed of any new developments in forestry programs, prices, or other opportunities for the landowner.   

Forestry Investments

• Return On Investment:  7 - 14% per year for managed timber, with actual physical growth of pines averaging 6% in volume per year over a 30 year rotation.  Pines less than fifteen years old can grow up to 25% in volume per year. 

• From 1989 -1993 southern timberland out performed stocks of large companies, long-term corporate bonds, and U.S. Treasury Bills

• U.S. Forest Service predicts southern pine saw timber prices will rise 38 percent between the years 2000 - 2040

• A tremendous amount of money has been invested in Timberland Investment Management Organizations (TIMO's) over the past several years, due to the realization of the unique long term investment benefits created from the physical growth and stability of timberland income

Forbes magazine

Wall Street Journal

Facts You Should Know

• Cost share money is available through the USDA-NRCS for mid-rotation herbicide/burning for the removal of undesirable woody species and the promotion of high quality native forbs, vines, legumes, and grasses.  This pays for approximately half the cost of the application.

• Money is available for reforestation from State and Federal cost share programs, which pay for approximately half the total cost

• Free herbicides and use of ATV spray tanks are available from local and state agencies for Cogan grass eradication (an invasive grass species that is taking over pasture and timberland).  Do you have this on your property?  It's a very aggressive grass that has the potential to spread and take over acres of land.  It usually takes three years of aggressive herbicide application to get rid of it.

• Mississippi State Tax Credits are available for reforestation expenses.  In some cases you might be able to reduce your state tax by approximately half of the amount you spend on reforestation.

• Cost share money is now available from the Mississippi's FRDP (Forest Resource Development Program) for forest fertilization after tree planting ...... the timber company Weyerhaeuser fertilizes every acre they plant in this area

The picture to the right is Cogan grass,  an invasive weed species.  If you have this on your property you need to kill it as soon as possible, otherwise it may  take over your property.  Approximately 90% of the plant's biomass is below ground.