In the November 2016 edition of Southern Stumpin’, Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott tells the story of loggers giving back. Abbott writes, “It being the month of Thanksgiving, I thought it appropriate that in this issue you’ll find more than one example of loggers who do more than just run exemplary logging businesses. These guys take the time to give back, in one way or another. For instance, the cover story (starting on page 8) is on Florida’s Tim Southerland, who makes it a point to serve the industry in the political arena both locally and at the national level. Providing another positive role model are the men in charge at M.A. Rigoni, also in Florida. Partners Rodney Schwab and Gary Brett, along with Rodney’s sons Richard and Chad, have long been invested in giving back in more ways than one.”

Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott travels to Southport, Florida to visit K&B Land and Timber Company. If you’re reading this, Tim Southerland has a message for you: get involved. Southerland, 49, is the owner of K&B Land and Timber Co. and he is actively engaged in his industry at both the local and national level. He has made numerous trips to Washington, DC with the American Loggers Council, and to the Florida state capitol in Tallahassee with the Southeastern Wood Producers Assn. “Daddy always told us whatever you get into, whatever you do, in any industry there will be givers and there will be takers,” the logger recalls. “You make sure you are a giver and that you leave your industry better than when you found it. If you keep that mindset, you not only do well but the people around you do better, too.”

Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Associate Editor Jessica Johnson has the opportunity to visit HLH Timber Company, LLC in Joaquin, Texas. As kids we all heard the adage, “The early bird gets the worm.” Heith Harper, who is routinely at his shop by 5:00 a.m. to see his trucks depart, proves the adage true. Harper, 38, describes himself as “an opportunist.” If you’re sitting at home, he warns, opportunities can pass you by. “If someone offers something to me, I don’t know how to say no,” Harper adds. For the most part, that philosophy has worked out for him. His company, HLH Timber, runs four crews, and a decoupled trucking program that not only hauls his own wood, but has six trucks in the International Paper dispatch trucking program in his area.

Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott reports on the recent American Loggers Council 22nd Annual Meeting, held September 29-October 1 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Outgoing President Richard Schwab hosted the assembled members of the American Loggers Council in his home state of Florida for the organization’s 22nd Annual Meeting, held September 29-October 1 at the Sheraton Bay Point Resort in Panama City Beach, Fla. Among the highlights of the weekend, the ALC laid out its vision for a strategic five-year action plan to strengthen and grow the organization. Recommended by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and accepted by the full body, the plan will be implemented in stages over time. “The action plan for the ALC that was approved during the meeting will help to steer us in the direction that those we represent have asked for,” according to executive director Danny Dructor.

Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Western Editor Dan Shell highlights Peterson, who celebrates their 35th anniversary this year. Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2016, major grinder and pulpwood biomass processing machine supplier Peterson is continuing to expand its facility while fostering the ongoing development of new machines and machine innovations. The company has grown from regional equipment innovator to national and now international major player in the chipping and grinding equipment market. In its fourth decade of business, Peterson continues to expand and develop new business, says Marketing Manager Michael Spreadbury. While machinery development is ongoing and Peterson equipment is constantly evolving to become more efficient and productive, Spreadbury says sales are strong right now, possibly a move among potential customers to buy before more restrictive engine emissions regulations (Tier 4) kick in next year.

A Billy Graham Story; Ponder This Story; The Laws Of Life; Food For Thought; Life’s ‘Test Kitchen’; Why There Are More Women Than Men

As We See It: A Nation Divided; Two Rivers Lumber Plans New Sawmill; Group Emphasizes Safe Trucking; Morbark Hosts 10th Demo Days; SpecSys Purchases Former Prentice Plant; Demo On The Slopes; Truckworx Awarded By PACCAR, Kenworth; Morbark Appoints David Herr As CEO

At The Margins is designed to help loggers manage and/or operate their business better. Each month an expert provides information, tips or advice on how to maximize profitability, enhance efficiency or increase business knowledge. This month’s column is provided by Jamie Kane with John Deere Financial. The article is titled, “Financing For Success.” Click here to view the full article.

Caterpillar Forest Machines; Ponsse Harvester Head