Mid-South 2021 Official Program

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Welcome To MSFES 2021!

Welcome to the Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show. We are proud to sponsor the oldest and largest live in-woods demonstration of forestry equipment in the nation. On behalf of the entire Mississippi State University family, I welcome you to the John W. Starr Memorial Forest and the Charles E. Burkhardt Pavilion and Site.

The mission of the Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show is to highlight the latest advancements in forestry equipment. These tools assist natural resource professionals today so the forest will be well managed for future generations. Also, the newest research in forest management will be presented to loggers, landowners, and foresters through the continuing education program. Plus, the live, in-woods demonstrations; contests, and a children’s area makes the equipment show an event for the entire family to enjoy.

The equipment show is set in the Mississippi State University John W. Starr Memorial Forest. The Starr Forest contains 8,500 acres of forest land used for research, teaching and demonstration. It is one of the 33 properties in the MSU Bulldog Forest. The Bulldog Forest is used for teaching and research with funds generated through harvest supporting student scholarships. I hope you enjoy your day in the Bulldog Forest and know that these woods are used to train students in the College of Forest Resources, the next generation of natural resource leaders.

We are proud to support the show and appreciate all of those in the natural resource profession who contribute to our state’s economy. Did you know that the forest and forest products industries contribute $13.12 billion to the state’s economy and account for over 61,000 jobs? When you add hunting, fishing and wildlife watching, the economic impact to the state totals over $15 billion. Of course, we must never forget the importance of clean air and water, the cool shade of our forest, or the wonder one experiences when seeing a white-tailed deer, wild turkey, or covey of quail. These values of our forest resources are priceless.

I hope you enjoy your time at the equipment show. Show staff members have worked extremely hard to ensure that you have a safe and wonderful experience. Please adhere to safety signage, flagging, and fencing. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us.

Also, I want to thank our partners: the Mississippi State University Extension Service, Mississippi Forestry Association, Mississippi Loggers Association and Hatton Brown Publishers. Their contributions make the show a huge success.

Thank you for attending the Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show. I hope you have an enjoyable visit.

Sincerely,

Wes Burger Interim Dean and Director College of Forest Resources/Forest and Wildlife Research Center

MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

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Office of the Director

Dear Forest Industry: I want to take the opportunity to welcome you to the 2021 Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show. Mississippi State University (MSU) is delighted to host this event.

At this show, you will have an opportunity to observe the most advanced forestry equipment in the world, today. You will also have the opportunity to participate in our MSU Extension Seminars and Short Courses, related to Logger Education, Landowner Needs, etc.

One of the many things that we are most proud of is the chance to host this show at the Charles Burkhardt Pavilion and the John Starr Forest. The John Starr Forest is an excellent teaching and research tool where you may observe outstanding forest management, research, and Extension programming.

Thanks for attending the show. Most importantly, please enjoy viewing the equipment, the forest, and participation in the Extension educational programs. I also hope you get to fellowship with your colleagues and friends, whom you have missed last year.

Best wishes and let us know how we may assist you, further.

Sincerely,

Gary B. Jackson Director, MSU Extension Service

Mississippi State University Extension Service Box 9601 • Mississippi State, MS 39762-9601 • Phone (662) 325-3036 • Fax (662) 325-8407 We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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2021 Schedule Of Events All events are included with show admission and located on the show site and adjacent facilities on Mississippi State University’s John W. Starr Memorial Forest unless otherwise noted. All times are local to the show site. All events and times are subject to change.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Continuation Education, In The Field

8 am

11-11:50 am

Show Opens

Maps, Apps, Tools & Drones—Forest Technology Simplified: Johnny Thompson

9-11 a.m.

CE Credits: 1; CFE Credits: 1

Pine Beetles: Butch Bailey

8 am–3 pm Food Trucks Available Static Exhibits Area

CE Credits, 2; CFE Credits, 2

12–12:50 pm

Continuation Education, Live Area

1-3 pm

Team Safe Trucking: Miranda Gowell

9–9:50 am New Mississippi Mills: Shaun Tanger

Regeneration: Brady Self

CE Credits: 1; CFE Credits, 1

CE Credits, 2; CFE Credits, 2

1:1:50 pm

Additionally, loggers receive 3 hours of Category II credit for attending the show.

CE Credits: 1; CFE Credits: 1

New Forest Products: Marc Measells

10-10:50 am

CE Credits, 1; CFE Credits, 1

4Loads/CFX—Helping Solve The Ticket Reconciliation Puzzle: Johnny Thompson

2-2:50 pm

CE Credits: 1; CFE Credits: 1

CE Credits, 1: CFE Credits, 1

4 pm Show Closes

Ethics: Buch Bailey

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Continuation Education, In The Field

8 am

11-11:50 am

Show Opens

Maps, Apps, Tools & Drones—Forest Technology Simplified: Johnny Thompson

9-11 a.m.

CE Credits: 1; CFE Credits: 1

Pine Beetles: Butch Bailey

8 am–3 pm Food Trucks Available Static Exhibits Area

CE Credits, 2; CFE Credits, 2

Continuation Education, Live Area

12–12:50 pm

1-3 pm

Team Safe Trucking: Miranda Gowell

Regeneration: Brady Self CE Credits, 2; CFE Credits, 2

CE Credits: 1; CFE Credits, 1

9–9:50 am New Mississippi Mills: Shaun Tanger CE Credits: 1; CFE Credits: 1

10-10:50 am

New Forest Products: Marc Measells CE Credits, 1; CFE Credits, 1

4Loads/CFX—Helping Solve The Ticket Reconciliation Puzzle: Johnny Thompson

2-2:50 pm

CE Credits: 1; CFE Credits: 1

CE Credits, 1: CFE Credits, 1

C A

Additionally, loggers receive 3 hours of Category II credit for attending the show.

1:1:50 pm

3 pm Show Closes

Ethics: Buch Bailey

$1,000 Cash Giveaways

CHILDREN'S AREA EVENTS

1:50 p.m.

Continuing Education Tent Live Area

2:40 p.m.

Concession Area Static Area Exhibits

Friday and Saturday: 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm

Paid attendees are entered and must be present to win.

Sawdust Pile of Prizes:

SATURDAY ONLY

‘Free For All’ (Random Friday and Saturday) MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

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Partners

SPONSORS

SUPPORTERS

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT CHAPTER

MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

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Exhibitor Row (Note: Exhibitors were contacted in August by a representative of Hatton-Brown Publishers for enhanced information about their exhibits. Those not responding are listed with basic information only.)

4 County Electric Power Association

BITCO Insurance Companies

Static Area

Tent 37

PO Box 351 Columbus, MS 39703 662-327-8900, ext. 716 4county.org

111 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 404 Metarie, LA 70005 504-226-2460 bitco.co

Admin 2000

5000-18 Hwy. 17 S., #256 Fleming Island, FL 32003 352-409-4106 admin2000.net

Tent 41

Ballantine

840 McKinley St. Anoka, MN 55303 800-328-2424 ballantineinc.com

Tent 21

B&G Equipment (with Tigercat, Morbark) 10430 Road 383 Philadelphia, MS 39350 601-656-7011 bandgequipment.com

Live 4-5

B&G Equipment has been serving the Mississippi forestry community since 1976, starting with its main branch in Philadelphia, and has expanded to five locations that cover the whole state of Mississippi and parts of Tennessee, Louisiana and Alabama.

B & G is a full line dealer for Tigercat, Morbark, McLendon trailers, CSI delimbers and slashers, Waratah processing heads and Rotobec grapples and industrial equipment. B & G prides itself in customer service, always focused on keeping the customer running and having “parts on the shelf.”

B & G continues to build a strong relationship with Tigercat. As Tigercat’s longest running dealer, B & G and Tigercat continue to provide solutions to the ever-changing forestry industry.

B & G’s commitment to “forestry only” will continue to serve its customers for years to come.

North Carolina Swamp Logger Bobby Goodson will be at the B & G/Tigercat site for Bobby Goodson three autograph sessions: Friday from 8-11:30 a.m. and from 1-4 p.m.; and Saturday from 8-11:30 a.m.

BITCO has been protecting the people and industries that keep America running since 1917. We have been committed to the members of the logging industry for over 70 years, and we specialize in meeting the insurance and risk management needs of the forest products industry.

Our network of independent insurance agents located throughout the southeast United States provides you access to a company and group of insurance professionals who value your business and understand the challenges you are facing. As a member of the Old Republic Insurance Group, one of the 50 largest shareholder-owned insurance organizations in the country and a member of the Fortune 500, you are provided the financial security and peace of mind that comes with being insured by a company that is there in the long run.

Stop by booth T37 to learn more about our products and services, or visit us at bitco.com to find a forest products specialist agent near you. We are here for you!

Burrough’s Diesel

and are all factory trained. We offer DPF cleaning on our FSX machine, and are also equipped with a Taylor chassis dyno should the need arise. The parts department has a vast inventory of parts to ensure we have the parts you need when your truck is out of service. Our body shop is staffed with an experienced and well-trained staff that can handle all types of repairs. From alignment to complete wreck rebuild, our team has the experience required to get your truck back on the road. We have a Hunter Axle Alignment system, Bee Line Frame Machine, and downdraft spray booth.

The commercial tire center handles a vast array of commercial tires and recaps.

To further compliment the array of services offered, we have a towing and recovery department that it is the most experienced in South Mississippi. From routine tows to full recovery efforts, we have the equipment needed to properly handle any situation.

Stop by our tent to learn more about the many services we offer.

Cannon Motors of MS

70249 Highway 82 W. Greenwood, MS 38930 601-383-4263 nobodybeatsacannondeal.com

Static 20

Chambers Delimbinator

PO Box 777 Ackerman, MS 39735 662-285-2777 chambersdelimbinator.com

Static 4

CN Police/Operation Lifesaver

PO Box 4451 Laurel, MS 39441 601-466-3006 burroughscompanies.com

297 Rivergate Rd. Memphis, TN 38109 901-786-5155 cn.ca

Static 22

Tent 15

Commercial Credit Group

525 N. Tyron St., Ste, 1000 Charlotte, NC 28202 704-944-2771 commercialcreditgrooup.com

Tent 36

For over 40 years Burroughs Diesel has been serving the commercial transportation needs of South Mississippi. We truly are the one stop Western Star Truck sales and service center in South Mississippi. At our location in Laurel, MS we offer a wide array of services. Our first-class service department is staffed with factory trained technicians with years of experience. The team in the service department has years of experience

MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

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When it comes to purchasing logging and forestry equipment, not all lenders are created equal. CCG understands the industry and the equipment you use to make your living. Whether you are buying new or used equipment or need a working capital loan to help with business expansion, CCG can help.

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Exhibitor Row are central to the DF703 design. Visibility is excellent through large tinted, scratch, and shatter-resistant windows. The modern and spacious cab is FOPS, ROPS and OPS certified, creating a safe and efficient work environment. Contact: Tom Hirt Marketing Manager: 214-914-0132 or send inquiry to sales@delfab.com.

We understand the ebbs and flows of the business and the seasonality inherent in the industry. Our independence gives us the flexibility to structure loans to meet your needs, not ours. We’ve built our company on strong relationships and understand that every company has a different story, different goals, and different needs. Equipment financing— it’s all we do.

Stop by our booth and register to win a YETI© Tundra 45 Hard Cooler.

Forestry Trader

120 W. Harvest Dr. Lincoln, NE 68521 402-458-4557 sandhills.com

Tent 7

Dobb’s Peterbilt

330 Gilchrist Dr. Pearl, MS 39208 601-754-5683 dobbstruckgrouup.com

Conklin Products Distributor 1043 Carter Rt. B Grandin, MO 63943 573-593-4027

Static 26

Tent 35

Equipment Inc.

620 Highway 49 South Richland, MS 39218 601-948-3272 equipmentinc.com

DelFab/FSK Equipment 923 Hills Creek Dr. McKinney, TX 75070 214-914-0132 fskequipment.com

Static 37

Static 9

Fryfogle Manufacturing Inc. 106 Holmes Dr. Lucedale, MS 39452 601-947-8088 fmitrailers.com

Static 21

FMIC-Forestry Mutual Insurance Co.

The updated DF703 Phoenix 3-wheeled feller-buncher features maneuverability, durability and serviceability; low fuel consumption (approximately 4.5 gal. per hour); easy transport; and lower operating costs compared to 4-wheeled units.

Contractors familiar with the powerful, versatile 3-wheeled unit know its ‘zeroturn’ maneuverability, multi-stem felling capability, and soft footprint all contribute to limit residual stand damage and help make the DF703 Phoenix the most productive and cost-efficient machine for plantation thinning or small tract harvesting.

It boasts a more fuel efficient 130 HP 4cylinder Cummins Tier IV engine. The Phoenix also has improved controls, an LED lighting package, optional back-up camera, and a redesigned fuel tank system (15% larger) which provides an estimated 8+ hours of continuous operation in demanding applications.

The carrier comes standard with DelFab’s 18” disc saw. The hydraulic system is built for extended operation in hot climates and has the capacity to accept a number of attachments, including processing heads, directional-felling heads, shear heads, or mulching attachments. The DF703 outperforms skid-steers across the board in forestry applications.

Productivity, serviceability, and comfort

PO Box 19467 Raleigh, NC 27619 601-760-0011 forestrymutual.com

Tent 13

Setting the Standard in forestry operations insurance is what sets Forestry Mutual apart from the rest. For over 50 years, Forestry Mutual Insurance Company specializes in Workers' Compensation insurance for the wood products industry. Our dedication and support for the industry in providing affordable and competitive rates are second to our commitment to loss control and keeping our clients safe on the job.

FMIC Insurance Agency is a full-service insurance agency owned by Forestry Mutual that can meet the needs of anyone in the Forest Products business. We offer workers’ compensation, general liability, commercial auto, inland marine, and property insurance coverage. We are a cut above the rest. We go out on a limb to meet your insurance needs. Contact Jack Williams or visit forestrymutual.com to get a quote.

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ForestryTrader is your go-to source for buying and selling new and used forestry equipment and attachments. You’ll find a wide range of equipment available in the print edition of ForestryTrader and on ForestryTrader.com, including fellerbunchers, processors/harvesters, delimbers, skidders, yarders, mulchers, grinders, log loaders, trucks and trailers, sawmills, and more.

ForestryTrader.com offers quick and easy access to thousands of for-sale listings, including specs and photo galleries. The website makes it simple for buyers to find the equipment they need, whether browsing by category or manufacturer or searching for a specific piece of equipment. For sellers, ForestryTrader.com provides an intuitive platform for listing forestry equipment for sale, including detailed descriptions and photos.

ForestryTrader.com is a service of Sandhills Publishing, headquartered in Lincoln, Neb. Sandhills launched its first publication, Machinery Trader, in 1978 to serve buyers and sellers in the construction industry. That publication and the MachineryTrader.com website are still going strong, offering weekly print editions and reaching customers worldwide. Forestry Trader.com grew from the success of MachineryTrader.com, and today offers equipment previously available through both MachineryTrader.com and Truck Paper.com, Sandhills’ website for trucks and trailers.

Green Diamond Management Co. 1907 6TH St., Ste. C Meridian, MS 39301 601-453-4604 greendiamond.com

Tent 33

GRYB International

1400 Blvd. Pierre-Roux E Victoriaville, QC G6T 2T7 Can. 705-487-5020 batemanmanufacturing.com

Static 11

GRYB International is a family of companies that is proud to offer the industry’s best in material handling solutions. Our goal is to fundamentally transform the material handling industry into a customer driven experience, fueled ➤ 14 11

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Site Map

Entrance

5

Site

4 County Electric Power Association ..............................Static Area Admin 2000 .......................................................................Tent 41 Ballantine ..........................................................................Tent 21 B&G Equipment (with Tigercat, Morbark) .......................Live 4-5 BITCO Insurance Companies...........................................Tent 37 Burrough’s Diesel..............................................................Static 22 Cannon Motors of MS ......................................................Static 20 Chambers Delimbinator ...................................................Static 4 CN Police/Operation Lifesaver ........................................Tent 15 Commercial Credit Group ................................................Tent 36 Conklin Products Distributor............................................Tent 35 DelFab/FSK Equipment....................................................Static 9 Dobb’s Peterbilt ................................................................Static 26 Equipment Inc...................................................................Static 37 Fryfogle Manufacturing Inc. .............................................Static 21 FMIC-Forestry Mutual Insurance Co. ..............................Tent 13 Forestry Trader..................................................................Tent 7 Green Diamond Management Co. ...................................Tent 33 GRYB International ...........................................................Static 11 Hatton-Brown Publishers .................................................Tent 3 Hawkins & Rawlinson .......................................................Tent 20 HUB International .............................................................Tent 8 J.B. Hunt Ag Services ......................................................Tent 19 Innovative Trailers.............................................................Static 13 Kinder Morgan ..................................................................Tent 23 Landmark Spatial Solutions .............................................Tent 26 LMI Tennessee LLC (with Pitts Trailers) ..........................Static 23-24 Loadrite Southern Star .....................................................Tent 16 Lumbermen’s Magazine ...................................................Tent 32 Lumbermenonline.com.....................................................Tent 32 Magnolia Trailers...............................................................Static 33 Maxam Tire NA .................................................................Static 32 McComb Diesel ................................................................Static 19 Midwestern Insurance Alliance........................................Tent 40 Mississippi 811 .................................................................Tent 24 MDOT ................................................................................Tent 22

Hw y2

Exhibitor

Visitor Parking

St. Mark Drive

T-7

T-19

T-8

T-17

T-9

T-36 T-37 T-20

T-35

T-16

T-21

T-34

T-10

T-15

T-22

T-33

T-11

T-14

T-23

T-32

T-12

T-13

T-24

T-44

T-2

T-26

T-29

T-1

T-27

T-28

T-5 T-4 T-3

Tent Exhibits Enlarged MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

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T-38 T-39 T-40 T-41 T-42 Exit

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Exhibitor

S-6

S-5

S-12

S-13

S-10 S-11

S-1 S-2 S-3

Tent Exhibits

S-4

Registration Area

Site

Mississippi Forestry Association .....................................Tent 27 Mississippi Forestry Commission....................................Static 2 MS Freight Co., dba MS Sales & Service........................Static 8 Mississippi Loggers Association .....................................Tent 1-2, 5 Mississippi State University CFR Ambassadors.............Tent 44 MSU College of Forest Resources ..................................Tent 44 MLA Insurance Services/Risk Management Partners ....Tent 1 North American Wood Pole Council................................Tent 12 Peterbilt of McComb ........................................................Static 25 Ponsse North America .....................................................Tent 29 Puckett Machinery Co. (with Thompson Machinery)......Static 34-35 Quadco..............................................................................Static 29 Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers.................................................Tent 9 Rotobec.............................................................................Static 12 Schwab Brothers Hydraulics ...........................................Tent 39 Smith’s South-Central Sales Co. .....................................Static 3 S E Sales and Hydraulic Repair .......................................Tent 10-11 Southern Insurance Agency.............................................Tent 28 Southern Safety Solutions ...............................................Tent 34 Stribling Equipment (with John Deere)............................Live 1-3 Swamp Fox Agency..........................................................Static 27 Tannehill Industries...........................................................Static 1 Team Safe Trucking ..........................................................Tent 14 Thompson Machinery (with Puckett Machinery) ............Static 34-35 Titan International.............................................................Tent 17 Tom Smith Land and Homes............................................Static 10 Trax Plus (with Bandit Industries) ....................................LNH 1-3 Tri State Truck Center.......................................................Static 30 Truckers Supply Co. .........................................................Static 31 Waters Trucks ...................................................................Static 16-17

S-16 S-17

T-36 T-37

S-29

S-30

S-27

S-31

S-20 S-21 S-22

S-24 S-25

S-32

S-33

LNH-1 LNH-2 Continuing Education Tent MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

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S-37

T-42

S-19

S-23

S-35

T-41

Concessions

S-26

S-34

T-40

Live Exhibits

1 L- 2 L- 3 L4 L- 5 L-

T-39

Children’s Area

Footpath

T-38

Static Exhibits

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Exhibitor Row

through the needs and challenges of those who need it most. Together, we create solutions to support industries that are built to last.

Proudly representing the GRYB family at the Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show are Bateman Manufacturing, Shearex, and Serco Loaders. Each company brings a unique lineup of forestry attachments including, but not limited to, grapples, knuckleboom loaders, and mulchers to help you better serve your customers.

as improve their position with the insurance companies during underwriting. This approach provides the client the most state-of- the-art information available in their industry sector. Let’s protect what matters most to you.

Contact Charles G. Perkins, Jr., Senior Vice President, at 662-259-6026 (charlie.perkins@hubinternational.com) or Jordan Musgrove, P&C Producer, at 601499- 2977 (jordan.musgrove@hubinternational.com).

J.B. Hunt Ag Services

615 J.B. Hunt Corporate Dr. Lowell, AR 72745 jbhunt.com

Tent 19

Hatton-Brown Publishers PO Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102 334-834-1170 hattonbrown.net

Tent 3

Founded in 1948, Hatton-Brown publishes the forest industry’s leading trade magazines in Timber Harvesting, Southern Loggin’ Times, Timber Processing, Wood Bioenergy and Panel World—all known for their unmatched editorial integrity and superb circulation quality control.

Through its subsidiary, Hatton-Brown Expositions LLC, the company also sponsors conferences and trade shows.

J.B. Hunt Ag Services offers a contract solution to all your logging transportation needs. We help ensure the capacity you need with drivers and equipment dedicated to your business. On-site managers help your fleet stay on track, while our expert engineers optimize routing and deliveries to help you meet, or even increase, your quotas. Attending Personnel: Jeremy Morris & Bo Harrell

committed to providing cutting edge, technology-based solutions for GPS, GIS, Forest Measurement, Forest Inventory, Load Ticketing, Reconciliation, and Reporting, Stockpile Measuring, and Drones.

For over 18 years we have helped our clients be more accurate, efficient, and professional by integrating the best handhelds, software, and measuring devices with our top-notch training and support programs.

Timber buyers and loggers need to check out our 4Loads™ Mobile Ticketing Solution that greatly simplifies the creation, sharing, reconciliation and reporting of load and scale data. Timber buyers can easily set up new contracts for multiple loggers, and loader operators can enter ticket data on their own iOS or Android devices. Our new Trimble CFX data portal allows mills to upload scale data so tickets can be reconciled automatically!

Please stop by tent T26 and see why more than 2,000 big and small companies and agencies throughout the U.S. are using our proven office and field solutions. To learn more about how these solutions can benefit you, make plans to attend the 10 am and 11 am Training Sessions on Friday and Saturday in the CE tent in the live area..

LMI Tennessee LLC (with Pitts Trailers)

5492 Highway 70 W. Waverly, TN 37185 800-467-0944 lmitennessee.com

Static 23-24

Innovative Trailers

714 Falvey Ave. Texarkana, TX 75501 903-832-6684 ititrailers.com

Hawkins & Rawlinson

PO Box 3493 Auburn, AL 36831-3493 334-821-5800 hrinsurance.com

Static 13

Tent 20

Kinder Morgan

LMI-Tennessee LLC is your go-to source for forestry trailers and equipment. LMI has been in the forestry business for over 30 years and knows how to best serve our customers with our extensive product lines that include Barko, Pitts, Rotobec, CSI, and more.

LMI offers a wide range of in-stock inventory for sale, including log trailers, chip vans, log loaders, grapples, delimbers, and saws. Our variety of product lines enables us to customize orders for each customer’s individual needs, and our experienced team of experts will walk you through the process. Remember, we can always deliver your new trailer or equipment to you!

LMI stocks replacement and service parts for a variety of equipment and has a service team that will get the job done inhouse or on your site.

83 County Rd. 37 Heildelberg, MS 39439 601-787-2951 kindermorgan.com

HUB International

2086 Old Taylor Rd., Ste 202 Oxford, MS 38655 662-259-6026 hubinternational.com

Tent 23

Tent 8

Landmark Spatial Solutions

4635 County Lake Rd. Starkville, MS 39759 866-395-5440, ext. 1 landmarkspatialsolutions.com

When you partner with HUB, you’re at the center of a vast network of experts dedicated to advising you on how to prepare for the unexpected.

HUB’s Risk Services division works with the client to maximize their manufacturing process, allowing the client to save time and money on the front end, as well

Tent 26

LandMark Spatial Solutions is a Starkville-based forest technology company

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Exhibitor Row Loadrite Southern Star

9024 Craigmont Rd. SW Huntsville, AL 35802 256-603-6364 loadrite-southernstar.com

Tent 16

In the competitive logging industry, you need confidence your operation is as efficient and smooth as your loading style.

Introducing LOADRITE Scales, the most reliable way to optimize your load.

LOADRITE calculates weight in real time by constantly monitoring your machine.

LOADRITE scales provide accurate dynamic payload measurements that improve safety, optimize truck loading, improve productivity, and protect your bottom line. Take control with LOADRITE! Ensure you’re getting the maximum payload on any truck, anywhere, every time!

The experienced professionals at LOADRITE Southern Star provide local customer service and sales; installation services and annual calibration check-up; personalized operator training and refresher; management reporting setup and training; and technical support.

With the addition of LOADRITE payload management solutions to your operation, you’re in a more powerful competitive position in the marketplace. Whether you choose to start small or connect your operation, the expanded capability will enable you to be more efficient and productive, year after year. After all, logging isn’t just a job for you, it’s a legacy you’re growing!

LOADRITE Southern Star is your local authorized LOADRITE distributor, contact us today for more details.

Lumbermen’s Magazine PO Box 1916 Columbia, TN 38402 888-4001-6367, ext. 704 lummbermensco.com

2508 Pillow Dr. Columbia, TN 38401 800-477-7606 lumbermenonline.com

Tent 32

Since 1996, LumbermenOnline.com and Lumbermen’s Equipment Digest have been the forest industry’s #1 Marketplace, connecting buyers and sellers for sawmill, logging, pallet, and woodworking equipment and more! Looking to buy, sell or promote your company’s products and services? Contact us!

Magnolia Trailers

144 Airport Cafe Circle Lucedale, MS 39452 601-947-7990 magnoliatrailers.com

Tent 32

MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

Lumbermenonline.com

Static 33

Our reputation for building the best, most dependable trailer on the road is stronger today than it’s ever been. With

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Exhibitor Row

over 25 years of experience serving the forestry and logging industry, there is no better trailer manufacturing company to build a relationship with. We offer 4-bolsters, plantations, lowboys, and conventional and folding pole trailers. We also offer steerable pole trailers and you can custom design a trailer or chassis to fit your needs.

Maxam Tire NA

300 Rosewood Dr., Ste. 102 Danvers, MA 01923 647-926-7167 maxamtirena.com

Static 32

McComb Diesel

PO Box 781 McComb, MS 39649 601-783-5700 mccombdiesel.com

Static 19

Midwestern Insurance Alliance PO Box 436909 Louisville, KY 40253-6909 678-699-6961 midwesterninsurance.com

Tent 40

Midwestern is happy to share its magazine and link to access supplemental applications. Visit midwesterninsurance.com to learn how to obtain our magazine and learn about our products and services.

Mississippi 811

200 Country Place Pky. Pearl, MS 39208 601-362-4322 ms811.org

Tent 24 MDOT

P.O Box 2060 Tupelo, MS 38801 662-610-5203 mdot.ms.gov

Tent 22

Mississippi Forestry Association 620 N. State St., Ste. 201 Jackson, MS 39202 601-354-4936 msforestry.net

Tent 27

The Mississippi Forestry Association is the only statewide non-profit organization dedicated to sustaining Mississippi’s forests. Founded in 1938, MFA seeks to unify members of the forestry community.

Members and staff work to accomplish the MFA mission through public affairs, communications, and education programs that promote conservation, development, and wise use of forestland and resources.

MFA educates the public on the social, ecological, and economic values of forestry and natural resources. The association also supports landowners by working closely with its extensive statewide network of county forestry associations.

Through education and outreach tools, MFA ensures that future generations will have clean water and air, outdoor recreation, wildlife habitats, and a renewable wood supply for paper and wood products.

For more information on how to become a member of MFA, come by our booth or visit msforestry.net.

Mississippi Forestry Commission 660 North St., Ste. 300 Jackson, MS 39202 601-359-2795 mfc.ms.gov

Each year, MLA’s members raise money for Mississippi’s only children’s hospital, Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson. As of December 2020, MLA’s members had raised approximately $1,800,000.

Come by the MLA and MLA Insurance Services, Inc. booths to learn about the great benefits of the association and our insurance program.

See you at the show!

Mississippi State University College of Forest Resources P.O. Box 9680 Mississippi State, MS 39762 cfr.msstate.edu

Tent 44

MLA Insurance Services /Risk Management Partners 106 Luckney Station Rd. Flowood, MS 39232 888-919-2028 rrmpins.com

Tent 1

MS Freight Co., dba MS Sales & Service P.O. Box 219 Grenada, MS 38902 662-699-0115 mssalesandservice.com

Static 8

Static 2

Mississippi Loggers Association 6311 Ridgewood Rd., Ste. E-99 Jackson, MS 39211 601-776-5754 msloggers.org

Tent 1-2, 5

The Mississippi Loggers Association was formed in January of 1989. A group of loggers met to discuss many problems loggers faced and felt that they had no common voice in solving those problems. The idea of an association to have a common voice in the state came from that meeting.

MLA is a non-profit organization that works with the logging industry in Mississippi. We hope that you will explore our web site (www.msloggers.org) and find interest in this organization and become aware of what we do and what we stand for. Our staff is here to help logging contractors and those whom the logging industry supports. Visit our membership page if you are not already involved in our organization.

MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

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MS Sales & Service LLC developed out of our need to service and maintain our fleet of trucks and trailers at MS Freight Co. We are a full sales and service trailer and equipment dealership with a fully stocked parts department. We offer full tire sales and service for trucks/trailers and heavy equipment.

Some of our services include truck/trailer and heavy equipment repair, full engine/ transmission/drive repair, forestry and construction equipment repair, and a truck/ trailer wash and chemical cleaning. We are proud to announce that we have added some new services that include bulk oil/hydraulic oil sales and delivery and a truck/trailer wash and chemical cleaning.

Be sure to stop by our tent booth to learn more about our sales and service and enter our drawing for a prize giveaway.

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Exhibitor Row MSU College of Forest Resources Ambassadors

Puckett Machinery Co. (with Thompson Machinery)

Tent 44

Static 34-35

116 Thompson Hall Mississippi State, MS 39762 662-325-7873 cfr.msstate.edu

The CHAD Max, CHAD Lite, CHAD Micro & CHAD custom options give you multiple size designs to fit your exact needs. In today’s production-based markets, downtime can be catastrophic. By implementing the CHAD on your job site, you are guaranteed to cut downtime costs due to hydraulic hose failures.

100 Caterpillar Dr. Flowood, MS 39232 769-777-7225 puckettmachinery.com

North American Wood Pole Council

Smith’s South-Central Sales Co.

PO Box 1784 Starkville, MS 39760 601-405-1116 woodpoles.org

1802 S. Ark. St. Springhill, LA 71075 318-539-6566 smithssc.com

Tent 12

Static 316

Peterbilt of McComb

Come see us at Live No Harvest Sites 34 and 35.

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Quadco

212 25th St. McComb, MS 39648 601-249-4499 peterbiltofmccomb.com

Smiths SouthCentral Sales is your exclusive Oregon® Mechanical Harvester Products Distributor for Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. As one of the South’s largest Oregon products distributors, we are recognized by Blount, Inc. as the southern region’s “Center of Excellence” for Oregon brand harvester supplies. Our Oregon Mechanical Harvester products are sold through a professional network of harvesting equipment dealers as well as outdoor power servicing dealers. Smiths’ has proudly served for over 46-years!

As the Oregon Harvester Center of Excellence, our goal is to provide quality products, build a strong knowledge base for our harvester products, and promote the education, maintenance and safe use of our products.

With Oregon products on your equipment or in your hands, you are ready to take on all jobs. Harvester operators know the challenges of a heavy workload in a demanding environment. Maximum uptime is the name of the game. That’s why harvester operators choose Oregon’s durable, high-performance, harvester bars, chains, and sprockets.

Visit our booth to see the latest in Oregon harvester systems and our full lineup of saw chain maintenance tools.

Factory representatives are available throughout the show, and we look forward to the opportunity of visiting with you.

169 Industrial Dr. Lexington, SC 29072 803-413-2868 quadco.com

Static 29

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers

Peterbilt of McComb, LLC has been a locally owned and operated full service Peterbilt dealership since 1969. We offer Day Cab and Sleeper truck options with a myriad of specifications that work for the logging and forestry industry. We also have a parts, service and body shop team that can handle all of your repair needs. Stop by our exhibit and see what our professional staff has to offer.

Ponsse North America 4400 International Ln. Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-369-4833 ponsse.com

172 Old Magee Rd. Magee, MS 39111 601-842-3874 rbauction.com

Tent 9

Rotobec

200 Rue. Industrielle Ste. Justine, QC GOR 1YO Can. 581-372-5041 rotobec.net

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Schwab Brothers Hydraulics

2365 N. US 19 Perry, FL 32347 850-843-8615 office, 850-838-6487 cell schwabbrothershydraulics.com

Tent 39

Tent 29

S E Sales and Hydraulic Repair Our series of Compact Hose Assembly Devices (CHAD) has revolutionized the manufacture of hydraulic hose assemblies.

The CHAD’s durable, service truckmountable, compact design and air-overhydraulic crimping capability easily gives you the ability to efficiently build hose assemblies on your job site.

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274 Brookwood Dr. Pontotoc MS 38863 662-489-0907

Tent 10-11

With 25 years’ experience in the hydraulic reman business, Matt Skeen has successfully repaired pumps and motors from all brands of equipment, including John Deere, Tigercat, Barko, Cat, Hitachi, Case, Link-Belt, Kobelco, Volvo, Prentice, 17

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Exhibitor Row Bobcat, and Komatsu.

S E Sales and Hydraulic Repair has one of the Southeast’s most complete facilities, with a 300 HP diesel motor driving our pump and cylinder test bench.

When your dealer advises you that your pump or motor is no longer available, call us! With our contacts from all over the U.S., we can locate many obsolete pumps and parts. We offer a full year warranty on all repairs.

Ship your pump and motor to us. We set up trucking and send you a BOL. We pay the freight. Matt will receive your pump, tear it down for evaluation and give you a quote. I promise that you will be pleased.

For quality repair, best warranty, and by far the friendliest service, call us today.

Southern Insurance Agency PO Box 13131 Jackson, MS 39236 601-932-4541 southerninsms.com

Start maximizing machine uptime today with Stribling Equipment and Empire Truck Sales. Our certified technicians are manufacturer-trained with a vast knowledge of various machine brands. In the field, our diagnostic experts are equipped with an exemplary fleet of service trucks, ready to make repairs quickly and accurately, wherever you may be. And with a combined industry presence across 6 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee), you can find our full line of leading products, unmatched support/service, and outstanding parts available near you.

Stribling. The name that built Stribling Equipment and Empire Truck Sales. The name that started it all.

Come by our Live Demo sites to learn more about Stribling Equipment’s and Empire Truck Sales’ ability to serve your needs in the forestry industry.

Swamp Fox Agency

1122 Pinopolis Rd. Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-203-5452 swampfoxagency.com

Static 27

Tent 28

Southern Safety Solutions PO BOX 344 Taylorsville, MS 39168 601-452-5051

Tent 34

Stribling Equipment (with John Deere & Empire Truck Sales)

415 Highway 49 S. Richland, MS 39218 601-939-1000 striblingequipment.com

Live 1-3

Swamp Fox Agency specializes in placing insurance coverage for the forestry community. We were founded over 36 years ago and today write coverage in the Southeast and help our clients save on their overall expenses by 36%.

We have purchased a log trailer and painted it bright orange and added lights to raise safety awareness. We take it to shows and association meetings. Check it out at Mid-South while talking with one or our agents: Jeremy Barclay, 843-6661669; Tyler Harris, 912-614-8444.

culture and regular supervisor feedback, can have a strong impact on reducing and managing the risk exposure of forestry truck drivers, which are exposed to both highway risks and additional risks from being around the landing of a logging job.

They handle loads that have a high center of gravity and/or long overhangs.

Many industry drivers obtain their license by simply passing a test. Some have formal training, but many do not, as it is not required yet. That is slated to change in February 2022 when all new drivers will need Entry Level Driver Theory training by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Logging contractors could take a proactive approach to minimizing driver risk by instituting lecture-type driver training to help manage fatigue, situational awareness and behavior.

The aforementioned study revealed that a logging contractor will not take the initiative to train for the purposes of “just training,” as they want to see a direct and immediate result. Training to lower risks is intangible and less likely to take place, but training in regulations that govern roadways and other topics, such as situational awareness and fatigue management, can reduce the number of errors and violations that have been identified as a major cause of crashes.

TEAM Safe Trucking delivers training in the classroom setting, or on-line, which gives it an all-inclusive reach. TST’s platform can deliver effective training in a convenient way via smart phones or computer. TEAM Safe Trucking’s training, supported by recognition and accountability in the workplace, can have a direct impact on minimizing the risks on the road, and improve the overall professionalism of drivers.

Thompson Machinery (with Puckett Machinery)

3199 Frontage Rd., Columbus, MS 39701-9561 662-327-3083 thompsonmachinery.com

Static 34-35

Tannehill Industries

In the logging world, machine uptime is one of the most critical factors to ensure productivity and profitability. Today’s loggers can do even more with powerful onboard navigation systems like TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager. Imagine seeing what happens in real-time, being able to predict the future, and help create a more sustainable forestry system. With valuable insights from Cloud data and John Deere’s enhanced features, it is possible.

PO Box 1448 Indianola, MS 38752 662-207-0694 tannehillinc.com

Static 1

Team Safe Trucking

Come see us at Live No Harvest Sites 34 and 35.

3881 Ten Oaks Rd., 2-E Glenelg, MD 21737 207-841-0250 teamsafetrucking.com

Tent 14

A recent study shows that effective training, coupled with a companywide safety MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

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Exhibitor Row Titan International

us at our four locations: Hickory, Summit, Columbus, MS and Alexandria, LA. “IT MEANS MORE” is a motto that both our customers and employees live by! Do not miss your opportunity to be a part of the TraxPlus family and always feel at home.

2701 Spruce St. Quincy, IL 62301 217-221-4313 titan-intl.com

Tent 17

Tom Smith Land and Homes

Tri State Truck Center

135 Jefferson St. Starkville, MS 39759 662-242-4220 tomsmithland.com

Static 10

3025 International Dr. Ext. Tupelo, MS 38801 662-844-6000 tristatetruck.com

Trax Plus (with Bandit Industries)

Truckers Supply Co.

LNH 1-3

Static 31

Static 30

519 Highway 19 S. Meridian, MS 39301 601-693-2316 truckerssupply.com

9800 Highway 503 Hickory, MS 39332 601-635-5543 traxplus.com

TraxPlus has been serving its customers since 2013. As one of the South’s largest new and used forestry equipment dealers and featuring equipment from the leading manufacturers in the nation in construction, forestry, and mulching equipment, we strive to make your business more efficient and successful.

We offer a variety of equipment brands like Barko, Bandit, Sany, Denis-Cimaf,

ASV, Lamtrac, Shearex, Rayco, FAE, and more. We also offer a full range of financing options, warranty, parts, and service to support your equipment. Keeping your business running is what we do!

Stop by our exhibit and to see what we have to fit your needs. We will be drawing for several promotional items so do not forget to sign up. While you are there grab a Snow Cone to cool down. You can also find

MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

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Waters Trucks

96 E. Plymouth Rd. Columbus, MS 9705 662-328-1575 waterstruck.com

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Tons Of Optimism New or expanding lumber and pellet mills emerge in Mississippi, increasing markets for loggers and landowners.

By Patrick Dunning

M

ississippi is open for business and causing others to stop and take notice. The fiber-rich state has consistently held strong in the forest products industry, surpassing $1 billion in timber harvest value every year since 1993, but as the industry evolves, out-of-state lumber and pellet concerns have been migrating operations south and are relying on the state’s nearly 20 million acres of timberland to remain competitive in today’s economy. In 2020, Mississippi’s forest and wood products industry supported 13,819 jobs and contributed $1.23 billion.

The lumber manufacturing landscape in the Magnolia New or expanding softwood sawmills in Mississippi will require an enormous volume of logs.

State looked different just a little over a decade ago, though. Hurricane expanded operations have come oncreate 150 jobs and produce 350MMBF Katrina diminished market opportunities line, with more to follow. per year. along the Gulf Coast in 2005 and the In 2016, Michigan-based Biewer According to Mississippi Development Great Recession hit mills hard beginning Lumber constructed an $85 million Authority estimates, these four compain 2008, resulting in diminished capacity. greenfield sawmill in Newton, creating nies (Vicksburg, Idaho, Mission and Loggers hunkered down while private 125 jobs. “I met with Biewer Lumber’s Biewer) have committed to investing landowners, who collectively own 77% business development team five years $579 million in the state. The five new or of Mississippi’s forestland, held on to ago and helped introduce them to ecore-opened mills will employ 770 directly their investments, allowing standing timnomic developers,” Ratcliff says. “That and add 1,758 indirect jobs. MDA reports ber to keep growing. project was fun to work on and showed an average salary of $45,879 among the “We lost several independent mills us as a state we can do this. That mill five facilities. And they’ll need an enoracross our state through the recession,” was the first of its kind built in the mous volume of logs. reflects Tedrick Ratcliff, Jr., Executive South and was the first one people paid Vice President of Mississippi Forestry attention to.”

Outside In Assn. (MFA). “When the housing downOther companies, both in- and out-ofA collaborative effort among local ecoturn happened, mills that were struggling state, began inquiring about expanding nomic developers, MDA, MFA, the didn’t make it. There was an outcry existing facilities and constructing new Mississippi Loggers Assn., Mississippi among landowners. They wanted more state-of-the-art sawmills, enticed by the Dept. of Agriculture and Commerce and market opportunity. Go through a hurriknowledge that 25-year reserves of Gov. Tate Reeves’ office was necessary cane, enter a recession, people quit harunder-utilized wood supply were ripe for to ensure each mill’s transition to the vesting. Even if the mill in their commuthe harvest. state went smoothly. nity didn’t shut down, the price fell draVicksburg Forest Products announced “When these sawmills choose to matically so landowners decided to wait in 2018 plans to invest millions to renolocate or expand in Mississippi and and their timber continued to grow.” vate the former Anderson-Tully lumber generate new jobs for our citizens, the mill in Vicksburg. Idaho Forest Group, effects carry over into our communities, Lumberton, and Mission Forest ProdBouncing Back supporting many other jobs and builducts, Corinth, both announced plans to ing stronger communities and economAs the economy gradually turned have plants operational by 2022. Biewer ics throughout the state,” says Laura around, Mississippi’s forest products Lumber is currently constructing its secHipp, MDA chief marketing officer. market grew stronger, and just in the ond southern sawmill in Winona, a $130 Hipp believes Biewer Lumber’s conlast five years, a number of new or million corporate investment expected to MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

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tinued investment is a testament not only to the state’s robust timberland supply, but also to its existing workforce and favorable business climate.

“We are very much invested in a company’s success and want to see them thrive here for years to come,” she says. “When all those ingredients, including our dedicated team of economic development professionals throughout the state combine, it creates the ideal place for business. We have seen tremendous growth in this sector in recent years and don’t anticipate it slowing down any time soon.”

Marc Brinkmeyer, owner and CEO of Idaho Forest Group, says he’s pleased with how helpful local engineers and Lamar County Economic Development were during the early phases of construction and looks forward to IFG’s future in Lumberton.

“We are very pleased with how we’ve been treated, the quality of work and thoughtfulness with respect to our way of doing things,” Brinkmeyer reports.

IFG currently operates six sawmills and a finger-joint plant at locations in Idaho and Montana, but Mississippi was an opportunity for IFG to build its first mill from scratch.

IFG has brought down existing management and technical staff for the early assimilation phases but once the mill is complete its operating team will be from Mississippi.

Brinkmeyer says they’re in the South to stay, working with Pearl River Community College to identify potential employees and develop future training programs. “We want to build a team of people in the South and turn them loose.

We are coming into the business community; we’re not part of the business community,” he emphasizes. “For our company to continue to grow, we see great opportunity in the South. There’s an abundance of fiber, a great workforce, solid logging operation support, good outlets for residual fiber and closer (proximity) to eastern markets.”

Christopher Mathis, President of Mission Forest Products and managing director of real estate and corporate development at Timberland Investment Resources, says his team viewed the expansion from a commodity margin perspective and felt from a cost perspective they would be competitive. “We looked at the mill market from a timber perspective and said it’s really underserved,” Mathis says. “If we can buy our wood significantly cheaper than our competitors in a commodity-based business, if the product market is good, then with a new sawmill

with newer technology, we would be in a good position. Low cost wins.”

Mission Forest Products identified Corinth because of its railroad access and proximity to growing markets and infrastructure in Nashville, Memphis, Birmingham and elsewhere. The mill is situated in the utmost portion of the U.S. South, providing an advantage to the lower Midwest. MFP is financed through investors TIR represents.

Mathis believes it’s a win-win situation for all parties involved.

“The community is super excited about it,” he says. “We have a lot of support from the community because of what we’re willing to pay. The longevity of what we’re proposing, when you look at putting in a new facility that’s super competitive and has good paying jobs, that’s not going to go away. It’s going to be there for generations to

acquiring the former Anderson-Tully mill. VFP received an investment from Blue Wolf Capital, a New York-based private equity firm, in 2021, and aims to increase production from 75MMBF to 180MMBF annually and add 60 jobs after the expansion, totaling 185 jobs.

The reopening of that mill was music to the ears of many loggers and timber buyers in the region. “We came off a Port Hudson closure, the Crossing closure, and the Anderson-Tully closure, so it looked very bleak,” recalls Connor House, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Natchez-based Good Hope, Inc. A full-service forestry and land management company that contracts 50 logging crews, Good Hope is one of the largest suppliers for Vicksburg Forest Products. “Obviously, every little bit of consumption they add helps us. We have been fighting quotas since those

More investments in Mississippi sawmill capacity are likely on the way.

come.” MFP will create 130 direct jobs, run two 10-hour shifts and produce 250MMBF annually.

There are other out-of-state investments in Mississippi as well. As of July 9, Vancouver, BC-based Interfor Corp. completed the acquisition of four Georgia-Pacific sawmills in the U.S., including one in Bay Springs, Miss.

Interfor is certain to expand capacity at all four facilities. Not to be overlooked are several new or expanding lumber mills and/or pellet mills in Alabama that now take or will take significant timber originating in Mississippi.

closures. Now I think we’ll have a Monday through Friday workweek.”

When the Vicksburg mill opened back up two years ago, House says that Good Hope’s orders doubled.

Meanwhile, Vicksburg’s Ackerman sawmill is now a joint venture with Tolko Industries, and a large expansion is under way, beginning with a just completed new trimmer line.

Other Mississippi mill companies have expanded operations in the last few years, even in the last few months.

Hankins Lumber of Ripley did so by adding a second location, Hankins Timbers, at a former Louisiana Pacific site in Grenada County, where Hankins’ existing pine mill has been operating for nearly 50 years. Hankins invested $12.5 million into renovating the Ripley mill from a small planer opera-

In-State Investments Vicksburg Forest Products underwent a large-scale transformation in 2018 to convert from hardwood to SYP after MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

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tion to a modernized small log mill, creating 43 jobs when Hankins Timbers went operational in April 2021. The mill accepts first and second thinnings and produces 45MMBF annually.

“Hankins Lumber Co. Inc. is excited to be able to reopen our facility north of Elliot and grateful for the support and help of our local and state officials,” Albert Hankins, Jr., President of Hankins Lumber, commented in the company’s announcement in November 2020. The new mill, he continued, allows Hankins to diversify its product line and enter new markets by producing 4x4s, 4x6s and 6x6s.

At Liberty in southwest Mississippi, Greentree Lumber Co, formerly Mabry Lumber Co., has plans to significantly expand production, although details are scant.

end of the year. We’re well positioned to continue growth. It takes a team, and our team is pulling in the right direction. We’re finally seeing the fruit of our labor and believe there’s a lot more good to come.”

workforce yet,” Doyle continues. “It might keep people in it that were thinking about getting out. You’ll see folks expand their operations. The last downturn we had, the number of repos and bank debt that accumulated, the access to credit will be harder for a start-up logger. The financial institutions are nervous about putting a new guy in the business without a strong track record so that’ll prevent a huge influx of people getting into the business.”

Instead, he thinks the benefit is to those already in the business. “Loggers’ attitudes have improved and they are looking at things more long-term, because right now, they’ve had a wet year. They’ve lost more production days to rain than they have ever. You’re going to see people act conservatively

Optimistic Outlook All of these developments are positive for many loggers and landowners, particularly those who work or own timber near new or expanding mill locations.

Most of the new or expanding markets are 80-100 miles from Brookhaven, where Lance Smith resides and runs a two-crew logging company. Still, he is excited about new markets overall, even if they probably won’t impact his business very much.

Export Markets Among the largest single investments taking place in Mississippi is Enviva Biomass’ $140 million wood pellet plant currently under construction in Lucedale. Touted as the largest such plant in the world upon completion, the Lucedale facility will produce 700,000 tons annually and export products through the Port of Pascagoula to European and Asian markets.

This plant will require more than 1,000,000 tons of fiber annually, much of it pulpwood, markets for which are sorely lacking in parts of the state.

Ironically, new and expanded lumber capacity will actually dampen the demand for round pulpwood, as sawmills produce lots of chips, and typically these chips are consumed by pulp-paper mills.

Construction of a new marine export terminal in the Port of Pascagoula’s Bayou Casotte Harbor is simultaneously underway. Two on-site domes will provide storage capacity up to 90,000 tons of pellets each. A total investment of $90 million will be split 60/30 between Enviva and the Jackson Port Authority.

“The interesting thing is the Port of Pascagoula has shipped forest products, lumber and paper for a long time,” Ratcliff says. “Historically we’ve exported a lot of pine and hardwood out of Mississippi. Export opportunities are here and a bright spot for us with pellets and lumber.”

Andy Gipson, Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, adds, “It’s a great time to get involved. We’re going to be shipping wood pellets internationally before the

Enviva’s Lucedale pellet plant will require more than 1,000,000 tons of fiber per year.

Much more optimistic is Sean Doyle, forestry sales manager at Cat/Weiler dealer Puckett Machinery in McComb, which serves a territory that covers the lower 40 counties of south Mississippi.

“What it has created is optimism,” Doyle says. “What I see is new blood coming into our part of the world. Historically the family-owned lumber mills controlled Mississippi. Now we have new players coming in. Idaho is coming in, Canfor is looking to expand in southern yellow pine. That’s what’s exciting to me is seeing potential growth in the industry.

We need more mills, quite frankly, for the number of loggers we have. Otherwise we have too many loggers for supply and demand.”

He doesn’t necessarily expect to see very many new loggers emerge. “I don’t think we’ll see an increase in the MID-SOUTH FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SHOW 2021

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about their expenses; they’re going to be pinching pennies and keeping a nest egg because of their past experiences.

Equipment wise, they’ll buy where they see the best value.”

Mississippi is one of the last states to receive new mill activity, Doyle points out. “A lot of activity in the Carolinas, Texas, Alabama, and there’s such an abundance of knowledge and resources in Mississippi. We are overdue for some new mills in Mississippi. We have a very stable economy here, a very stable logging base, a tremendous amount of acreage planted. A low population state is great for agriculture. We grow trees just as good anybody. As somebody who does nothing but sell forestry equipment for logging and mill yards, I’m very excited to see this. The future looks good.”

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