Oregon Logging Conference hits the big 70
The Oregon Logging Conference held its 70th annual logging show February 21–23 in Eugene, Oregon. Forestry customers and equipment dealers visited more than 100 exhibitors in what show director Rikki Wellman said was one of the most successful shows that she has organized.
"The best part of the show," Wellman said, "was the outstanding support of
the major forestry dealers and suppliers to ensure the best representation from
all aspects of the forest industry. The show itself has changed over the years,
but the quality and value is still here."
"This conference is not only a showcase for new forestry equipment," she continued,
"It’s an opportunity for loggers to attend educational seminars and panel discussions to learn the latest in forestry-related topics. Loggers can earn professional credits while networking and exchanging ideas with their peers."
In addition to supporting the loggers of today, the Oregon Logging Conference supports the future of our industry. According to Wellman, the conference has donated more than $275,000 to public education programs and supports the Oregon Women in Timber's free educational program, Talk About Trees, which presents science-based curriculum to kindergarten through sixth grade classes. They also provide scholarships to students majoring in forestry-related fields. Last year, the conference awarded 10 scholarships, totaling $12,500.
One of the most talked about educational programs was the "New Technology Equipment" seminar held on Thursday. Mike Schmidt, the Forestry Biomass Project Manager for John Deere Construction & Forestry, was one of the featured speakers. More than 200 loggers attended the
"Why Bundles?" presentation, which focused on how advanced harvesting equipment, including John Deere’s
1490D Energy Bundler and
1270D Harvester, reduces excessive forest fuels while benefiting both the environment and local economies.
One of the biggest equipment displays was sponsored by Papé Machinery, which is John Deere's largest forestry dealer on the Pacific West Coast. The Papé tent provided a comfortable refuge from the occasional rain shower, where guests could relax, munch on popcorn, and speak with one of the many Papé staff from stores around the region.
Papé really pulled out the stops, showing 11 pieces of John Deere and Hitachi forestry equipment, including the versatile
swing machine models, a
909J Feller Buncher and the impressive
1490D Energy Wood Harvester. Even the smallest of loggers had to get up-close and check out the John Deere
1490D
"bundler."
Papé Machinery held their annual customer reception at the Valley River Inn on the show's opening night. Guests enjoyed heavy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments while swapping logging stories and ideas with the Papé and John Deere staff.
The Oregon Logging Conference proved once again to be a valuable resource for loggers, providing an opportunity for loggers and equipment dealers to renew old friendships and establish future relationships. It just wouldn't be February in Eugene without the OLC.
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