Jennings County has an abundance of trees, and a local agency is inviting the public to a meeting to learn more about them and the economic opportunities they present.
The Jennings County Soil and Water Conservation District has organized a meeting at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 16 at the Jennings County Public Library, 2375 State Road 3 North in North Vernon. Speakers will address the group until 11, and then lunch will be served.
The Agricultural and Forestry Economic Outlook Meeting is intended to help residents make better decisions about the use of land to grow trees for the world market, and to understand the process of growing and marketing trees.
“Sometimes it seems people don’t think a lot about the trees in their own back yard, and often people don’t realize the cash value of the trees on their own property,” said Andy Ertel, Jennings County Soil and Water Conservation District director.
The hickory silt loam soil that is predominant in Jennings County is perfect for growing the best hard wood, Ertel said. Red oak, tulip poplars and white oak trees that grow throughout the hills of Jennings County and the hard maple that grow across the lowlands are among the highest priced timber on the world market.
At the meeting, Chris Hart, Purdue University professor of agricultural economics, will discuss the global and U.S. timber markets and how they affect farmers across the county and state.
Jeff Settle, of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division, will discuss how to use trees as a source of income, whether you have a few acres or many acres of land.
Attendees will receive a free lunch if they make a reservation on or before Nov. 13 by calling 812-346-3411, extension 3.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Pull Quote” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
“Sometimes it seems people don’t think a lot about the trees in their own back yard, and often people don’t realize the cash value of the trees on their own property.”
— Andy Ertel, Jennings County Soil and Water Conservation District director
[sc:pullout-text-end]
