Walnut Grading Workshop
Event Date: 3/1/2026
9:00 AM -
Decorah Iowa
HWY 52 South Of Burr Oak
Decorah, Iowa
Capacity:
Event Overview
Sessions in this course are those that have been approved via the MN -SIC, MLEP partnered courses with entities such as SFEC, or small audience MLEP facilitated courses.
Walnut Grading Workshop Agenda
January 26, 2026 POSTPONED UNTIL MARCH - Date to follow from organizers
Northern Timber Company Decorah, Iowa
Host – Jim Ulring
Contacts: Andrew Beebe, Timber Cat Forestry timbercatforestry@gmail.com 608-881-9707 or email Jen Wahls jen.landscapeconnections@gmail.com or call/text 218-310-9058.
9:00 a.m. Introductions
9:15 a.m. Sawtimber Grading Specs
- Discuss how various aspects of walnut sawtimber are graded, what walnut sawtimber is used for, where walnut sawtimber is processed, and where current timber markets are as well as projected market trends.
10:15 a.m. Veneer Grading Specs
- Discuss how various aspects of walnut veneer are graded, what walnut veneer is used for, where walnut veneer is processed, and where current timber markets are as well as projected market trends.
- Discuss foreign markets, length and size of logs, the nuance of reject veneer/near veneer compared to true veneer. Discuss the impacts and implications of tariffs,
- Discuss what makes a “$10,000+” tree and how do we grow more of them? Can we intentionally grow more of them or is it up to nature and luck?
1:15 a.m. Walnut Management Field Notes
- Discuss various aspects of modern walnut management from planting/artificial regeneration to thinning/tending to commercial harvesting. Discuss what works, what doesn’t, and what the modern practitioner can do to improve the resource for the future.
- Discuss issues related to mixed plantings, defects (skidding damage, bird peck, etc), practicality of pruning etc.
12:00 p.m. Conclusion/Goodbye/Lunch
Location – along Hwy 52 south of Burr Oak https://maps.app.goo.gl/23DjbpRcBjzhBEpa6