Jeff Fellers
2025 Forestry Focus
The Newberry County Forestry Association hosted their 20th biennial Forestry Focus program on Saturday, March 15, 2025. For those who are not familiar with Forestry Focus, it is an all-day event that will run from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. This year we had over 60 people in attendance to learn about a variety of topics related to forestry and natural resources.
Laurens County Spotlight on Agriculture
Laurens County Spotlight on Agriculture recognizes all the agricultural producers in the county. This year Bruce Davidson was awarded the Laurens County Woodlands Manager of the year.
Growing our Future
Growing our Future is a valued gathering for the forest management community. This program is designed for professionals as well as landowners. This year the program was held May 7 at the Phillips Market Center at the SC State Farmers Market. There were over 150 people in attendance.
Woodland Clinic
Every year I get the opportunity to help with the woodland clinic. This is a great program that offers FFA chapters and 4-H clubs the opportunity to compete in forestry skills. Teams compete in tree measurement, tool identification, tree identification, and compass and pacing.
Master Tree Farmer Field Tour
On May 16, we hosted a field tour for the Master Tree Farmer participants. The tour was hosted at Mike Meetze tree farm where participants got to see various forest management techniques that has be implemented on his farm. We had about 15 in attendance.
Nature Hike at Chester State Park with 4-H
Had the opportunity to lead a trail hike with Robert Carter for a 4-H summer day camp at Chester State Park. Participants learned about the forest that the trail navigates through.
Newberry Soil and Water Mobile Lab Gardening Program
Assist with providing a program on soil sampling and how to interpret a soil analysis.
- July 11, 2025 – Fall Gardens and soil health
- September 25, 2025 – Winter gardens and soil health
Newberry Forestry Association
- May 13, 2025 – Drew Fasano with Arborgen presented on alternative spacing using high end genetics to reduce pulpwood and maximize sawtimber.
- August 12, 2025 – Seth Sofferin with Quail Forever presented on a cost share program that they are offering to landowners.
Laurens Forest Landowners Association
- May 27, 2025 – Dr. Patrick Hiesl presented on the economics of portable sawmills for a landowner.
- August 26, 2025 — Seth Sofferin with Quail Forever presented on a cost share program that they are offering to landowners.
Edisto Research and Education Center — This past year the Forestry and Natural Resource Team has been more involved in timber management at Edisto REC.
- Prescribed Burn
- Tree Planting – Planted a long leaf pine for a silvo-pasture demonstration.
- Silva-Pasture Demonstration – thinned some trees to open alley ways that will be planted for grazing, along with opening another stand to plant grasses under trees.
Solar Kiln
Had the opportunity to help Dr. Patrick Hiesl build a solar kiln for some research that he will be conducted. This solar kiln is designed for small scale use with portable sawmills.
4-H Shooting Sports Trailer
The 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer has been busy the last few months. We use the trailer to raise funds for our 4-H Shooting Sports Program. We have been fortunate to raise enough funds to purchase and maintain our supplies, so the participants do not have to pay any extra fees for the clubs.
- Walker Days – February 21-22, 2025
- Camp Conservation – June 20, 2025
Upcoming Events:
Union County Agricultural Fair – October 14-18, 2025
Union County 5K Day at the Fair – October 16, 2025
Newberry Forestry Association – November 11, 2025
Laurens Forestry Association – November 25, 2025