Latest News
What’s eating you? After reading this, it won’t be bugs!
When land managers and land real estate agents explore a client's property, they often encounter dense, lush woods teeming with wildlife and insects. Our professionals, well-versed in protecting themselves from pests like mosquitos and ticks, which can potentially carry various diseases, are a reliable source of information
Battling Invasive Species: Effective Strategies for Management in Forests
Invasive species pose a significant threat to forest ecosystems nationwide, competing with native flora for vital resources. While some invasive species may appear benign, many cause substantial damage, necessitating proactive management strategies.
Trina Anderson Receives Elite Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) Designation
The REALTORS® Land Institute proudly announced that Trina Anderson, Lake States Real Estate Manager, AFM Real Estate of Houghton, MI, has officially joined the ranks of those holding the elite Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) Designation on May 23, 2024.
Brandon DuRant Earns Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) designation from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers® (ASFMRA®)!
Brandon DuRant, AFM, American Forest Management, Inc, Sumter, SC, has been awarded the Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) designation from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers® (ASFMRA®).
Spring Planting: A Comprehensive Guide for Maximum Yields
As the winter frost thaws and spring settles in, farmers across the country are gearing up for one of the most critical periods of the agricultural calendar: planting season. It’s a time of careful planning, meticulous preparation, and decisive action. To ensure a bountiful harvest in the months to come, farmers must execute a series of essential steps. As such, AFM Ag Services created a comprehensive guide for planting season success.
Beware of Mail Offers for Your Property
Chris Miller, Director of Real Estate Services, noticed he was receiving a number of mail offers for his property in South Carolina. As a real estate and forestry expert, Chris is able to sift through the offers and determine the quality of the purchase agreement. It helps to have a trusted advisor who understands the value and terms of a mail offer, so Chris collaborated on this blog post to share with landowners who receive letters like these so they can make informed decisions about their land.
Eric Gage, ALC Recognized as the 2023 RLI APEX National Broker of the Year in Timber Land Sales
Eric Gage, ALC, with AFM Real Estate in Lufkin, TX, has been recognized as the APEX 2023 National Broker of the Year in Timber Land Sales by the REALTORS® Land Institute as a part of the RLI APEX Production Awards Program, sponsored by The Land Report
American Forest Management is Pleased to Announce AFM Ag Services
American Forest Management (AFM) is pleased to announce AFM Ag Services, a farmland subsidiary of AFM. AFM Ag Services has a strong history of performance in the Southeast and Delta regions due to its extensive knowledge of agriculture and its relationship with local contractors to accomplish the needs of a farm.
Wildfire Prevention Services - Preventing Wildfires at Home
Many readers may recall the devastating California Camp Fire that burned 153,336 acres and lasted 17 days in 2018. A record 18,804 structures were destroyed, and nearly 14,000 were homes. While fires can be ignited for various reasons (powerlines, electrical, lighting, and human-related), there are several things you can do to protect your home from being ravaged by wildfires.
Regenerative Agriculture Can Benefit Farmers and the Planet, Too
In 1894, Dr. George Washington Carver (1864-1943) was the first African American to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. He later earned his Master of Agriculture degree and accepted a position at Tuskegee University. Dr. Carver first used the term “Regenerative Agriculture,” and Robert Rodale (1930-1990), a publisher and proponent of organic farming, later popularized it as “Regenerative Organic Agriculture.” The term is an approach to farming that prioritizes soil health and a holistic view of agroforestry. There are several basic tenets to regenerative agriculture: conservation tillage, crop rotation, and restorative grazing.
Quail Management in a Forested Landscape
Bobwhite management might seem like a daunting task to some, but with proper planning, expertise, and a little elbow grease, establishing or restoring bobwhite habitat is a real possibility on almost any property. Every property is different, and it is important to have a trained wildlife professional assist with the planning and implementation of any wildlife management project. A trained professional can help evaluate the current habitat on a property and identify specific areas where certain practices will be effective in meeting goals. Some methods typically included in a habitat improvement plan are timber thinning, prescribed fire, disking, mowing, supplemental food plots, herbicide treatment, and invasive species removal.
Celebrate National Agriculture Week
March 21-27 is National Agriculture Week, and in celebration of farmers, farmworkers, foresters, and other professionals, we want to share some tips to help readers grow a fruitful garden. Successful gardening tips include garden location, soil preparation, planting schedule, watering, and the best part—harvesting.
Women Pioneers in Forestry and Sustainability
According to the career website Zippia, only 19% of forestry workers are women. Although women make up a small percentage of workers in the forestry industry, their impacts are incalculable. This Women's History Month, let's look back on the impressive and influential careers of several women foresters, environmental activists, and leaders worldwide.
American Forest Management, Inc. is Pleased to Announce Matt Rourke has earned a Certified General Appraiser License in Washington and Oregon
September 27, 2022 - American Forest Management, Inc. (AFM) is pleased to announce that Matt Rourke has earned a Certified General Appraiser License in Washington and Oregon. Matt has 23 years of experience in timberland management, forest investment analysis, and rural land and timberland appraisal, including 17 y...
A Landowner Case Study
October 19, 2021 - Foresters with American Forest Management (AFM) manage property for a wide variety of clients. With each landowner is a unique set of goals for their land. We take pride in helping the landowner realize their goals. Jon Claflin, a landowner in Maine recently shared his experience working with...
American Forest Management Announced Reorganization of in Western United States and Promotions for Key Employees
August 16, 2021 - Due to American Forest Management’s (AFM) continued success in the Western United States, the company has formed a new Region to further facilitate growth. Effective September 1, 2021, AFM will form a new Inter Mountain Region to serve its growing presence more effectively in eastern Washingto...
American Forest Management Names Matt Taylor Texas Region Manager
June 29, 2021 - Effective January 1, 2022, American Forest Management will promote Matt Taylor to Texas Region Manager. Taylor will replace Rodney Schroeder who will retire December 31, 2021. He will be responsible for overseeing AFM’s land management operations in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. AFM ma...
American Forest Management Announces the Retirements of its Chairman of the Board and two Region Managers
January 6, 2021 - Effective December 31, 2020, three key leaders within American Forest Management retired. These include Roy Belser as Chairman of the Board/Coastal Carolinas Region Manager, John Cheatham as Carolina Region Manager, and Jake Almond as Appalachian Region Manager. Upon their retirements, a...
Women in Forestry: Carolyn Mulligan and the Future of the Female Forester
December 1, 2020 - An interesting interview with American Forest Management's Carolyn Mulligan on the future of women in forestry, from the pages of this winter's issue of LAND magazine. https://www.land.com/news/rada...
American Forest Management Announces its COO Jim Daniel’s Retirement and Reorganization of its Land Management and Land Services Groups
October 1, 2020 - Following a 44-year career in forest management, Jim Daniel is retiring from American Forest Management effective September 30, 2020. Upon his retirement, a reorganization of AFM’s Land Management and Land Services Groups will occur that will better position the company for growth. Chuck...
American Forest Management wants to help you understand the biology behind the beauty of fall
September 1, 2020 - One of the great symbols of the fall season is several weeks of vibrant leaf color in the areas of the country with large deciduous forest. What causes this color change and why are certain species different colors? American Forest Management wants to help you understand some of the biol...
Matt Jacobs Chaired Southern Maine Log a Load Golf Tournament
August 31, 2020 - For the second year in a row, Matt Jacobs, AFM’s Farmington, ME, District Manager, served as Chair of the Log a Load for Kids golf tournament in southern Maine. The mission of Log a Load is to raise funds to improve children’s health through treatment, education and research at Children’s Mira...
American Forest Management Acquires Family-Owned Forestry Consulting Firm in Virginia
July 7, 2020 - American Forest Management is pleased to announce the acquisition of South Rivers Forestry Consultants LLC (SRF), a family-owned forestry consulting business started by Jess and Valerie Crawford in 2006. SRF specializes in long-term timber management for non-industrial private landowners and large c...
American Forest Management Announces Sale of 11,774+ Acres of Texas Timberland
June 15, 2020 - American Forest Management (AFM), a national land management and land real estate firm, is pleased to announce the sale of 11,774± acres of Texas Timberland. The property, known as Lusk Timberlands, closed on May 26, 2020 and was sold via a sealed bid. Located in Montgomery and San Jacin...
American Forest Management Announces Promotions, Strengthening Foundation for Future Growth
May 19, 2020 - American Forest Management is pleased to announce the promotion of four key employees within the company. Tom Margo, who most recently served as Interim President/Director of Investment and Real Estate Services, has been appointed President; former Manager, Forest Planning & Analysis, Laura Parker,...
A Conversation with Brent Keefer
May 13, 2020 - Brent Keefer, AFM's Chief Executive Officer, recently sat down with Steve Wilent, Editor of The Forestry Source, to discuss the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on forestry and American Forest Management. To read more, go to https://americanforestmanagement.com/files/docume...
American Forest Management Opens Two New Offices in Montana
March 30, 2020 - American Forest Management, the nation’s leading land management and land real estate firm, is pleased to announce the opening of two new offices in northwestern Montana. Located in Kalispell and Libby, both offices opened on Friday, March 27. The offices mark American Forest Management’s first loc...
The time-varying role of timberland in long-term, mixed-asset portfolios under the mean conditional value-at-risk framework
March 9, 2020 - Hector Restrepo, AFM Biometrician, recently co-authored an article published in the April 2020 edition of Forest Policy and Economics. The focus of the article was investigating the time-varying role of timberland in a mixed-asset portfolio using 15-year rolling windows. To learn more,click he...
Five Questions Sellers Should Ask When Interviewing Rural Real Estate Brokers
February 24, 2020 - 1. How much should I list my property for and why? Any professional should provide you with a well prepared broker price opinion. Since most brokers are not licensed real estate appraisers, they generally cannot give a single value but a range of price in which they expect the property...
New Opportunity? The Opportunity Zone Program, Part of the New Tax Law, Offers Tax Incentives That Could Impact Forest Landowners
January 14, 2020 - By Chris Miller, Land Broker, Charlotte, NC There has been much attention given recently to the Qualified Opportunity Zone Program in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Opportunity Zones are tax incentives to encourage those with capital gains to invest in low income and undercapitalized commun...
American Forest Management Announces New Chief Executive Officer
October 10, 2019 - American Forest Management, a national land management and real estate brokerage firm, today announced that industry veteran Brent Keefer has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2020. Keefer will succeed Roy Belser, who has served as interim chief executive officer for...
A Day In The Life Of A Timberland Agent
September 26, 2019 - Chris Miller, AFM's Carolinas Region Real Estate Operations Manager, shared what a typical day in the life of a timberland real estate agent looks like in a blog post with the Realtors® Land Institute. One of the reasons consulting forestry, and now land focused real estate brokera...
American Forest Management Relocates One of its Texas Offices to Better Serve Clients
August 14, 2019 - American Forest Management, Inc., has relocated its Groveton, Texas, office northeast to Lufkin, Texas. Opened in June, the new office represents the firm's mission to better serve clients throughout the state. "Though Groveton has served us well over the years, moving to Lufkin all...
Protecting Rural Land from Dumping written by Chris Miller
July 1, 2019 - Most owners of rural land do not live on their property or see it on a regular basis. This can make their property vulnerable to not only trespassing but dumping of trash or debris by others. This can occur anywhere but can be more frequent when the property is located near urban areas t...
Eric Gage named Texas Region Broker In Charge for American Forest Management, Inc.
April 9, 2019 - American Forest Management, the nation’s largest land management and land sales company, is pleased to announce the addition of Eric Gage as Texas Region Broker In Charge on its real estate team. Gage will work with the company’s expert staff in the Tyler, Texas, office, as well as assist clie...
Five Helpful Tips for Owning and Managing Timberland
April 4, 2019 - Chris Miller, AFM's Carolinas Real Estate Operations Manager, shares his tried and true tips for owning and managing timberland. This article originally appeared on the Realtors Land Institute Website as part of its 2019 Future Leaders Committee content generationa initiative. I admit...
Timberland Appraisal - The Client/Appraiser Relationship
March 8, 2019 - By: Terrell Baker At American Forest Management, we work with landowners, financial institutions and property managers who request timberland appraisals to assess the value of their timber. There are many reasons why timberland owners may need an appraisal including to facilitate a trans...
American Forest Management was the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine Member Spotlight in its Winter 2019 Issue
January 30, 2019 - Born and raised in Maine, John Bryant is a true outdoorsman. He loves being outside, breathing in the crisp, fresh air, surrounded by land and trees. It’s no surprise that he decided to have a career in the forestry industry, working as a field forester for over 20 years. Today, John serves as Maine...
Timber Industry Suffering Loss After Hurricane Michael
January 28, 2019 - Chuck Mathis, AFM Gulf Region Manager, recently sat down to discuss the effects of Hurricane Michael on the timber industry. To learn more, https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/timber-industry-struggling-with-the-loss-caused-from-hurricane-michael/1726519429
American Forest Management is working with Commercial Forest Products on its Recent Acquisition in Maine
January 22, 2019 - American Forest Management is preparing a forest management plan for one of its clients, Commercial Forest Products (http://www.commercialforestproducts.com) who recently acquired 150 acres of forestland in Harrington, Maine. To learn more, https://www.woodshopnews.com/news/commercial-forest-p...
An Alternative to a Stumpage Sale
January 9, 2019 - In 2001, Marjorie and Alan Warner acquired their 151-acre woodlot in Blue Hill, Maine, in hopes to one-day build a cabin on the property. As Connecticut residents, the Warners enjoy spending time in Maine in the summer and fall visiting with friends and family. Through the years, the War...
Business NC featured American Forest Management in its December 2018 Issue
December 4, 2018 - This article appeared in Business NCWritten by Taylor Wanbaugh American Forest Management has the biggest timber and land management business in the nation There’s an age-old saying: “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” Well, in the business of timber management and land-sales services, it gets pre...
American Forest Management is pleased to announce Kaitlin McFarland has joined its Pacific Northwest Real Estate Team
November 28, 2018 - American Forest Management, the nation’s largest land management and land sales company, is pleased to announce the addition of Kaitlin McFarland as a real estate broker on its Washington team. McFarland will work with the company’s expert staff in the Chehalis, Kirkland and Spokane offices, as well...
Top 10 Factors Driving Land Value
November 28, 2018 - When we list or assist in the purchase of property, there are certain attributes that affect the value of rural land in the areas where we operate. Each seller or purchaser of rural real estate should be aware of the following top ten factors list. Knowing if the property under review ha...
Taking Mitigation to the Bank - Mitigation Credits Offer a Lucrative Upside for Forest Landowners Who Have the Requisite Property, Patience and Openness to Conservation
October 23, 2018 - By Alan Wood, PWS This article appeared in the November/December 2018 issue of Forest Landowners Magazine A forest landowner in South Carolina owned a 1,000-acre parcel worth $5,000 an acre. The land was mostly wetland, which reduced its value. You can grow and build things on dry land, after...
The Digital Forest - An Increasing Number of Apps Allow Landowners to Better Manage and Enjoy Their Forestland
October 23, 2018 - Written by Chris MillerThis article ran in the November/December 2018 issue of Forest Landowners Magazine Smart phones have become ubiquitous, integrated for better or worse into all aspects of life, including forestry where there are smart phone apps for most everything imaginable. Admittedly...
Land Value Differentials Resulting from Variability between the Sales Comparison and Income Approaches in Timberland Valuation
October 19, 2018 - Austin B. Harris, AFM Appraiser, and Christopher N. Singleton, Assistant Director, Investment Services, had an article recently published in The Appraisal Journal. Timberland appraisal can be complex as it involves intricate knowledge of timber as a commercial product an...
How Timberland Owners Can Mitigate the Risks Associated with Storms
October 1, 2018 - Like any investment, investing in timberland has inherent risks. Given the recent impacts of Hurricane Florence to North Carolina and South Carolina, we thought it timely to discuss risks from storms like the recent hurricane and how owners of timberland can mitigate those risks. Risk in...
The Impact of Forestry in South Carolina
September 24, 2018 - Chris Miller, Carolinas Real Estate Operations Manager, discussed the impacts of forestry in South Carolina in the Fall 2018 issue of Land magazine. The article can be read on pages 68 and 69 - https://issuu.com/land-magazin...
Clara Clark Received the North Carolina Society of American Foresters Young Forester Leadership Award
July 12, 2018 - Clara Clark, Biometrician, was recently awarded the Young Forester Leadership Award by the North Carolina Society of American Foresters (SAF). The award is made annually to a forester under age 40 who is a member in good standing with the Society and has exhibited the potential for...
Bartow Shaw, Founder of American Forest Management, Named Distinguished Forester by the Association of Consulting Foresters
July 3, 2018 - On Monday, June 11, 2018, Barton S. “Bo” Shaw, Jr., of Sumter, SC was named the 2018 Distinguished Forester by the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF). ACF is a national association established in 1948 to promote the professionalism, ethics and interests of consulting foresters. Recipients of...
The Financial Upside of Conservation Easements
June 20, 2018 - While easements carry inherent limitations for property use, the upside potential can be significant. By Roy Belser, Chairman of the Board As land management consultants, we at American Forest Management are always charged to look carefully at a property, understand the landowner’s goals, look for...
Does Culling Work in Free Range Whitetail Deer Management?
June 13, 2018 - Written by Matt Taylor, Certified Wildlife Biologist-American Forest Management, Inc. Groveton TX Office It is no surprise that the Whitetail is King in North America. The continued increase in whitetail deer hunting and management is fun to watch and has increased the quality of...
American Forest Management is pleased to announce Philip Weatherford and Luke Allen have joined its Upstate South Carolina sales team
June 4, 2018 - At American Forest Management, we take your land sale personally. You can count on us to stay by your side until you get the most from your sale. We'd like to introduce you to our newest brokers who represent buyers and sellers in the Upstate of South Carolina. Philip Weatherford is a registered fo...
Timber Harvests - Are We Still Muddying the Water?
April 20, 2018 - By Philip Weatherford, Real Estate Agent and Registered Forester, American Forest Management - Piedmont, SC The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will soon begin a status review for the endangered Carolina heelsplitter. This caught my attention because this freshwater mussel is found in South Carolina...
American Forest Management Names Christopher N. Singleton as Assistant Director of Investment Services and hires Jason Lashbrook as an Appraiser
January 29, 2018 - American Forest Management, Inc., a forestry consulting firm, has named Christopher N. Singleton as its Assistant Director of Investment Services and Jason Lashbrook as its newest Appraiser. Singleton received his B.S. from Florida State University and M.F.R. from Clemson University. He...
An Interview with Bo Shaw
December 27, 2017 - Bartow (Bo) S. Shaw, Jr., Founder of American Forest Management, was honored by the Forest History Society with an oral history interview. To learn more about how Bo grew his small one-man forestry consulting business into one of the largest and most influential consulting firms...
2017 Tax Reform - Estate Tax Focus
December 21, 2017 - As part of the 2017 Tax Reform Bill, the estate tax will remain in place and not be repealed. However, the threshold for an estate to qualify was doubled from $5.49 million currently to about $11 million for individuals. For a couple, the new bill allows for a total estate value of $22.4...
O Christmas tree!
December 8, 2017 - At American Forest Management, we love trees and welcome the opportunity to discuss Christmas trees! At this time each year, many families select the perfect tree to center their holiday celebrations around. Christmas trees are source of income for landowners in many areas of the United...
American Forest Management Honored Soldiers from Wounded Warrior Project
December 6, 2017 - American Forest Management, along with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), hosted a two-day event in Edgefield, South Carolina, for veterans and service members that are part of the Wounded Warrior Project. The event consisted of a full day shooting sporti...
A Day in the Woods with a Consulting Forester
December 1, 2017 - Gus Gerrits, an American Forest Management forester, was featured in the December 2017 issue of The Forestry Source, a monthly publication produced by the Society of American Foresters. To read all about a day in the woods with one of AFM's own on page two, click here.
Site Index – A Measurement for Timberland Quality and Potential
December 1, 2017 - Not all land is created equal, some soils and sites are more productive than others. Foresters use a metric called site index as a quick determinate of a property’s tree growth potential. This can be very valuable in helping owners understand the growth potential of different forest stan...
Is it Thanksgiving or Turkey Day?
November 21, 2017 - During this time of Thanksgiving, many of our family gatherings are centered around a meal and the centerpiece of that meal is usually a roasted turkey. William Bradford noted in 1621 the first Thanksgiving feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag at Plymouth Colony included waterfowl, ven...
What’s Happening with Pine Sawtimber Prices in the US South?
November 15, 2017 - Economic news over the last 12 months in general has been very positive. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up over 20% since this time last year. Housing starts have been fluctuating between 1.1MM and 1.2MM units, 6% higher than a year ago. The Random Lengths framing lumber compo...
Forest and Farmland May Qualify for Reduced Property Taxes
November 10, 2017 - Many states offer owners of forest and farmland a reduced property tax rate for owning their property for the primary purpose of producing a crop, be it forestry, agriculture, or even horticulture. While most taxes are collected locally, many states have laws regarding how timberland and agric...
Recognizing Property Boundaries
November 2, 2017 - A major responsibility of owning and using land is knowing where the boundaries to the property are located. For some uses, it is important to know exactly where the boundary line is to avoid damage or disturbance to your neighbor’s property, such as at time of timber harvest. Only a lic...
Fire in the Forest
October 20, 2017 - Recently, the national news has included coverage of wildfires with significant personal property damage and even loss of life. As a result of these headlines, the viewer may develop a negative opinion of fires in the forest or grassland areas of our country. American Forest Management w...
Meet Tom Margo with American Forest Management
September 15, 2017 - Tom Margo, VP/Director, Investment and Real Estate Services, recently sat down with Eddie Lee Rider, Jr. with The Land Report to talk about American Forest Management and the services it provides to its clients. To read the article, click here.
American Forest Management Welcomes Casey Newton
August 17, 2017 - American Forest Management's Tennessee Valley Forest Region is excited to announce the addition of Casey Newton as District Manager in Waynesboro, TN. Casey comes to American Forest Management with vast experience in the forest products industry having worked in the timberland management...
American Forest Management Relaunches Site
June 28, 2017 - American Forest Management, partnering with Union and Spark Strategic Ideas, is pleased to announce the launch of its new dynamic and comprehensive website, americanforestmanagement.com. The new site integrates all of American Forest Management’s service offerings and includes a...
Managing Forests Via Drone
June 1, 2017 - Will Woodroof describes how drones can be valuable tools for photographing and managing your forest property. Be sure to learn both how to use one and the regulations that guide their use by reading this article published in the May/June 2017 issue of Forest Landowners magazine.
American Forest Management Welcomes Robin Fleming
June 1, 2017 - American Forest Management is excited to welcome Robin Fleming. He will be working in the Wilson, North Carolina, office. After graduating from North Carolina State University and Elon, Raleigh has been his family’s home since 1979. He was born and raised in Columbia, a small town in Tyrre...
New Broker Joins American Forest Management
January 20, 2017 - American Forest Management is excited to welcome Chris Marshall. He will be working in the Oregon office. Marshall, who is originally from Oregon, claims that growing up in the Pacific Northwest gave him a love for the great outdoors. "Most of the time that I spent growing up in Oregon was sp...
The Recession and Timberland Value Trends in the Southeastern United States
December 1, 2016 - Christoper Singleton, Asst. Director Appraisal Services, writes that after weathering the economic storm, the market has returned to more fundamental pricing drivers for timberland properties. To learn more, read here.