The farm and the woodlot

Most farms across the eastern United States carry a patch of forested land that many owners see as a liability rather than an asset. This book opens by explaining why that perception is short‑sighted, showing how a modest woodlot can boost a farm’s profitability, protect soil, and even serve as a windbreak for orchards. By framing the woodlot as a living component of the farm, it invites readers to rethink the relationship between agriculture and forest.

The guide then demystifies forestry, presenting it as a systematic, community‑focused approach to growing trees for marketable timber, water quality, or soil conservation. Practical steps cover site assessment, species selection, planting schedules, and long‑term care, all illustrated with examples from Kentucky’s varied landscapes. Listeners will come away with a clear sense of how modest, science‑based improvements can turn a neglected stand of trees into a valuable, sustainable resource.