10/22/2026
Day One of the 2026 Forest Landowner Conference hosted by the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project that we helped establish more than a decade ago was a huge success. Nearly 200 people were in attendance at the Rocky Mount Event Center, including nearly 20 exhibitors, and the landowners on hand had a slew of questions for the speakers. The theme for this year's two-day conference is "Emerging Forest Markets." SFLRP Director Alton Perry noted in his opening remarks that "As forest markets continue to evolve, landowners must be prepared to adapt and identify new opportunities that promote both product diversification and long-term economic sustainability."
Roanoke Cooperative's president and CEO, Marshall Cherry, expressed pride in his welcoming remarks at the impact the SFLRP program is having as it grows. He noted the "wealth of knowledge" brought together for landowners to learn from, and he underscored the program's value -- not just in helping families better manage their forests and achieve economic gains, but also in helping them shape a long-term legacy that honors the sacrifices of their ancestors and endures for generations to come.
Keep an eye on the SFLRP website (www.recforestry.org) in coming weeks for more photos and presentations from the conference.
