The Landing; A Timber Industry Podcast

Hosted by Jason Davenport

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Jun 2026

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In this podcast we take a deep dive into the Pacific Northwest's timber industry. Interviewing industry professionals to hear about the challenges of today's industry.

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 771 hr 11 min

The Landing Ep 77: Gary Warner on Modern Logging, Forest Health & the Future of the Timber Industry

In this episode of The Landing, Jason Davenport sits down with Gary Warner of Warner Enterprises to discuss nearly five decades of logging, forestry, firefighting, and innovation in Northern California's timber industry.Gary shares the story of Warner Enterprises, founded by his father in 1977, and how the company has evolved from traditional logging operations into a diversified business involved in biomass utilization, wildfire mitigation, forest restoration, emergency response, and infrastructure projects.The conversation dives into the realities of modern logging, including the rising cost of equipment and fuel, the challenges of recruiting and training the next generation of operators, and the incredible advances in harvesting technology that have transformed production in the woods. Gary also discusses his involvement with the Sierra Cascade Logging Conference, educating future generations about forestry, and why public understanding of forest management matters now more than ever.Jason and Gary explore topics including:• The history and growth of Warner Enterprises• Modern logging technology and production efficiency• Workforce development and operator training• Forest health, wildfire mitigation, and restoration forestry• Biomass utilization and emerging wood products markets• The importance of industry outreach and education• Family business succession and leadership transitions• Lessons learned from nearly 50 years in the timber industryThis episode offers a thoughtful look at where the timber industry has been, where it's headed, and the people working to ensure forests remain productive, healthy, and resilient for future generations.Sponsors:Finster Forestry is currently hiring an experienced harvester operator for their cut-to-length operations in the Corvallis and Philomath area. Competitive benefits include 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental insurance for employees. Contact finsterforestry@gmail.com with the subject line: Harvester Operator.Drew's Boots — Built for loggers, firefighters, contractors, and anyone who depends on their boots every day. Use code JasonDavenport for 10% off your order.

May 22, 2026Episode 763 hr 14 min

The Landing Ep 76: Men’s Mental Health, Weight Loss & Taking Ownership | Robert “Nemo” Nieman Returns

On this episode of The Landing, Jason Davenport sits back down with Robert “Nemo” Nieman for one of the rawest conversations yet. What starts as a life update quickly turns into an honest deep dive into men’s mental health, weight loss, testosterone therapy, stress, discipline, and the reality of trying to become a better man while working in the Pacific Northwest timber industry.Jason opens up about losing over 200 pounds, battling high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, and learning how to completely rebuild his relationship with food, health, and self-worth. Nemo shares his own journey through hormone therapy, fitness, recovery, mental struggles, and the mindset shifts that helped him take control of his life both physically and mentally.Together, they talk about:The hidden mental toll of working in demanding industriesWhy men struggle to talk about stress and emotionsWeight loss, fitness, and learning discipline later in lifeTestosterone replacement therapy and overall health optimizationSleep, recovery, nutrition, and long-term healthBreaking destructive habits and taking ownership of your lifeWhy consistency matters more than motivationThis episode is honest, unfiltered, and packed with real conversations that a lot of men need to hear.Sponsors:Drew’s Boots — Premium handcrafted boots built for the toughest jobs in the timber industry. Use code JasonDavenport for 10% off your order.https://drewsboots.com/?ref=JasonDFinster Forestry — Currently looking to add an experienced harvester operator to their growing team. Contact finsterforestry@gmail.com with the subject line: Harvester Operator.

May 12, 2026Episode 7556 min

The Landing Ep 75; Jason Reed

This week on The Landing Podcast Jason Davenport sits down with Reed’s Fuel & Trucking owner Jason Reed for a deep dive into one of the Pacific Northwest timber industry’s longest-running family businesses. From hauling residuals 24/7 with a fleet of 42 trucks, to upgrading into modern technology like digital mirrors and automatic transmissions, Jason breaks down what it really takes to keep sawmills moving around the clock. The conversation covers family business succession, leadership, driver retention, trucking technology, work ethic, weight loss, and the realities of running a multi-generation company in today’s timber economy. You’ll also hear stories from the early days of Reed’s Fuel & Trucking, the impact of the 2008 crash, the spotted owl era, and why company culture matters more now than ever before. This episode is packed with honest conversation, industry insight, and blue-collar perspective from two guys who understand what it means to build something that lasts. SPONSORS:Drew’s BootsBuilt for the guys who don’t quit. Use code JASONDAVENPORT at checkout for 10% off your order.Finster ForestryFinster Forestry is hiring an experienced harvester operator for cut-to-length operations around the Corvallis and Philomath areas. Competitive benefits including 100% paid health, vision, and dental insurance for employees. Contact: finsterforestry@gmail.com — subject line: Harvester Operator.

April 24, 2026Episode 7455 min

The Landing Ep 74: Austin Ernesti

What if the real problem in the timber industry isn’t the work—but the lack of exposure to it?In this episode of The Landing, I sit down with Austin Ernesti of Trajectory at the Oregon Logging Conference to talk about connecting the next generation to careers in forestry, logging, and the trades.We cover workforce shortages, the importance of hands-on experience, the fight to keep CTE programs alive, and how getting kids out of the classroom and into the woods can change everything.We also get real about mental health, industry misconceptions, and what it actually takes to build the future of this workforce.If you care about the timber industry—or where it’s headed—this one matters.Drew’s Boots: Use code JASONDAVENPORT at checkout for 10% off your order at Drew’s Boots. https://drewsboots.com/?ref=JasonDFinster Forestry:Looking to add an experienced harvester operator to their growing Cut To Length team. Reach out to finsterforestry@gmail.com for more information. Subject line: Harvester Operator

April 10, 2026Episode 731 hr 50 min

The Landing Ep 73: Rex Lowther FNRL Oregon

In this episode of The Landing, I sit down with Rex Lowther, Executive Director of Future Natural Resource Leaders (FNRL), to talk about what it really takes to grow the future of forestry—from the ground up.Rex started logging at just 13 years old, worked his way through the industry, became a teacher, and now leads one of Oregon’s most important student leadership organizations focused on forestry and natural resources.We dive into:How FNRL is shaping future leaders in the timber industryWhy hands-on experience beats classroom theory every timeThe reality of forestry education—and why programs disappearThe importance of public speaking, leadership, and getting outside your comfort zoneHow industry support directly impacts the next generationRex’s journey from logging, to teaching, to leading a statewide programThis conversation is a real look at the people and programs working behind the scenes to keep the timber industry alive and thriving for the next generation.

March 25, 2026Episode 7242 min

The Landing Ep 72: Axis Forestry OLC Check In

In today's episode I sat down with Wayne, Justin and Richard from Axis forestry and got to talk about how business has been and what's new with Axis!If you want to see what they have going on, or contact them with questions about how they can help get you back up and running, check them out on social media or hit their website https://axisforestry.com

March 10, 2026Episode 711 hr 27 min

The Landing Ep 71: Oregon Logging Conference 2026

In this episode I set up the podcast gear at my booth and had a wide variety of guests come through. It is a bit hectic, but I had a lot of fun talking with everyone!

February 18, 2026Episode 701 hr 36 min

The Landing Ep 70: Chris Melcher

In today's episode I sit down with Chris Melcher from Melcher Logging and talk about what it's like being a third generation logger working in a 70+ year old family business. We dive into what thinning can do for stand health and how technology has made their equipment as efficient as possible. We hope to deepen everyone at the Oregon Logging Conference this year!

February 10, 2026Episode 691 hr 21 min

The Landing Ep 69: Blake Manley

If you guys have seen "Manley Jobs" on YouTube, you know exactly who Blake is. Blake has spent a ton of time trying to help get the word out about this industry. By bringing the industry to our youth, through their schools, Blake is making a difference by showing kids that there are living wage jobs in the forest products industry.We talk about Blake's background in the industry and where he's at now. The biggest thing I would like for people to take away from this podcast are two things: How you can get involved to help with growing the future of the timber products industry in our region and which organizations are here to help.To check out Manley Jobs, hit the link here: https://www.youtube.com/@Manleyjobs

February 6, 202620 min

The Landing EP 68.5: The First Tigercat LX825E

In today's. episode I sit down with Kelly Holt from Diversified Resources, Joe Schmidt and Rob Pentesco from Tigercat Industries. I would like to thank Ken from Tigercat for setting this up and everyone at Bejac for allowing us to borrow a table in their booth to record this episode.We talk about how the LX825E came into existence and what sets it apart from the LX830E and any other machine currently available on the market.Joe is part of the design team responsible for the new designed lower frame and Rob is part of the team that designed the new 4154-14 mulching head.For more information on the LX825E, visit their website here: https://www.tigercat.com/product/lx825-feller-buncher/For more information on what Kelly and Diversified Resources can do to help with your next project, check out their website here: https://www.driforest.comIf you're in Northern California and want more information about the Tigercat lineup, check out Bejac here: https://bejac.com/#gsc.tab=0If you want to see this machine in person, it will be on display at the Sierra Cascade Logging Conference Feb 6th and 7th 2026. Friday until 5pm and Saturday until 2pm.It will also be at the Oregon Logging Conference Feb. 19th, 20th and 21st 2026 in Eugene, Oregon.If you see Kushiah tell him hello from the landing.