Wood & Iron is a podcast that explores the needs and challenges of today’s logger. Join our host, Blake Manley, Executive Director of the Western Forestry and Conservation Association (WFCA) as he explores business operation, policy navigation, and the future of logging with loggers from the Midwest to the West. The goal of Wood & Iron is to promote a successful and sustainable logging workforce in our forested states by offering relevant and timely information that you can listen to during your time in the cab.
Send us Fan Mail Freddy and Grant Tidwell of F & C Logging in Alabama share their family’s multi-generational logging story, from cable skidders and hardwood stands to modern pine plantation thinning. They discuss evolving equipment and technology, workforce development through ForestryWorks, advocacy with the American Loggers Council, and the challenges facing loggers, landowners, and the timber industry across the South. They also share why educating the next generation and telling the ...
15 Aug 2026
S.1 Ep.8: The California Way
Send us Fan Mail Delbert Gannon of Creekside Logging and professional forester Ted James of Battle Creek Timber join Wood & Iron to talk about logging in Northern California. They share how they got started, what it takes to work under California’s strict forestry rules, and why strong relationships between loggers and foresters matter. They also talk about getting students and teachers into the woods and telling the real story of modern logging. GUESTS ON THIS EPISODE Delbert Ganno...
15 Jul 2026
S.1 Ep.7: Making Every Tree Count
What does it take to grow a logging business from a chainsaw and skidder into a modern cut-to-length operation? In this episode of Wood & Iron, Jim Wilson of Wilson Forestry joins us live from the cab to share his journey from forestry graduate to business owner. He discusses the importance of management, merchandising, and making the most of every tree in today's challenging markets. Jim also shares lessons learned from growing his company, investing in equipment, training the next gener...
16 Jun 2026
S.1 Ep.6: Five Decades in the Woods
Ken Swanstrom of Skookum Logging joins the podcast to talk about nearly 50 years in Montana’s logging industry. From getting his start on the landing in the 1970s to running his own operation, Ken shares stories from a lifetime in the woods and offers his perspective on how Montana forestry has changed over the decades. The conversation covers shrinking timber harvests, mill closures, forest health, wildfire risk, and the ongoing challenge of keeping logging infrastructure alive while managin...
15 May 2026
S.1 Ep.5: Treat Them Well
In this episode of Wood & Iron, Oregon logger and Associated Oregon Loggers president Jeff Plikat shares stories from a lifetime in the woods, from learning the trade as a kid to running high-tech tether logging operations and leading advocacy efforts for the timber industry. Blake, Jared, and Jeff dig into the realities of modern logging—equipment costs, workforce challenges, safety, and why taking care of good people is the key to keeping the industry strong. Jeff Plikat Bio: Jeff Plika...
15 Apr 2026
S.1 Ep.4: Passing the Torch
In this episode, we explore how to navigate a smooth generational transition in a family business with Roger Smith of R.L. Smith Logging. Hear practical insights on passing down leadership, preserving legacy, and preparing the next generation. Plus, we discuss how to get students excited about careers in the logging industry and keep the tradition moving forward. Wood & Iron is a podcast that explores the needs and challenges of today’s logger. Join our hosts as they explores business ope...
16 Mar 2026
S.1 Ep.3: Failure Is Not an Option
Join us as we discuss the essential skills of resiliency, respect, and a strong work-ethic necessary for ensuring economic viability and longevity with Jody Hendrickx of Hendrickx Logging. Wood & Iron is a podcast that explores the needs and challenges of today’s logger. Join our hosts as they explores business operation, policy navigation, and the future of logging with loggers from the Midwest to the West. The goal of Wood & Iron is to promote a successful and sustainable logg...
15 Feb 2026
S.1 Ep. 2: Beyond the Saw
Join us as we talk with consulting forester and owner-operator Matt Carothers of Superior Woodlands Company, LLC. We discuss the challenges he faced and opportunities he embraced throughout the start-up, growth, and maintenance of his company. Matt Carothers is a husband, father, and consulting forester from Hazelhurst, WI. As owner-operator of Superior Woodlands Company, LLC he advises families, small businesses, and conservation organizations on long-term forestry rooted in his lived experi...
15 Jan 2026
S.1 Ep.1: Introducing Wood & Iron
Wood & Iron is a podcast that explores the needs and challenges of today’s logger. Join our host, Blake Manley, Executive Director of the Western Forestry and Conservation Association (WFCA) as he explores business operation, policy navigation, and the future of logging with loggers from the Midwest to the West. The goal of Wood & Iron is to promote a successful and sustainable logging workforce in our forested states by offering relevant and timely information that you can listen to ...
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