In this episode of the Big Oak Land Podcast, we sit down with Ruste Via of Island 34 for a deep dive into the art and science of “farming for ducks.” Broadcasting from the heart of working land and water, Ruste shares how thoughtful land management can transform ordinary fields into thriving waterfowl habitats.

Whether you’re a landowner, hunter, conservationist, or simply passionate about sustainable agriculture, this episode offers valuable knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to learn how farming for ducks is about more than habitat — it’s about legacy, land, and leaving things better than you found them.

We're sitting down with Paul Jeffreys Ph.D. from Arborgen and discussing everything about timber management.

On this episode of The American Landowner Podcast, Robert Dudley sits down with Paul Neiffer, a CPA and agricultural tax expert, to discuss key tax considerations for farmers and landowners. Paul breaks down strategies for managing income taxes, the implications of bonus depreciation, and how recent and potential future tax law changes could impact agricultural businesses.

The conversation also covers succession planning, how to structure land sales or transitions for tax efficiency, and common mistakes landowners should avoid. Paul and Robert briefly touch on estate tax planning and how proactive financial strategies can protect multigenerational land ownership.

On this episode of The American Landowner Podcast, Robert Dudley sits down with Jeff Bemis from 1031specialist.com to discuss 1031 exchanges, a strategy for deferring capital gains taxes on land sales. Jeff explains how capital gains tax is calculated for land, and breaks down the mechanics and benefits of using a 1031 exchange to reinvest proceeds tax-free.

The conversation also covers the timing rules of 1031 exchanges, how market dynamics can impact tax-deferred funds, and briefly touches on alternative strategies like reverse 1031 exchanges, gifting land, and 721 exchanges.

On this episode of The American Landowner Podcast, Robert Dudley talks with Pete Madden, CEO of the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities, about the challenges in the Southeast pulpwood markets, including declining prices and mill closures. Pete discusses the importance of sustainable forest management and explores new opportunities in alternative markets like wood pellets, biochar, and sustainable aviation fuels.

They also touch on the potential of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in construction and the need for innovative solutions to support the timber industry. Pete highlights the role of the US Endowment in helping landowners and communities adapt to market changes and create new opportunities.

On this episode of The American Landowner Podcast, Robert Dudley sits down with Phillip Culpepper from Hunt Club to talk about the joy of turkey hunting and the deep sense of fellowship it fosters in the woods. Phillip shares what it truly means to be a dedicated hunter, describing it as more than just a hobby—it's a way of life.

They dive into key aspects of turkey habitat management, from nesting cover and brood habitat to essential food sources like clover and smart timber management. The conversation also explores the challenges of nest predation by raccoons and opossums, the role of predator control, and the damage caused by wild hogs.

Beyond hunting, they discuss the importance of responsible land stewardship and the power of working with neighbors to enhance wildlife management.

On this episode Robert Dudley interviews John Curtis from the NRCS to discuss the role of bats in timber stand improvement and how the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program can help landowners create bat habitat while also improving their timber stands. Mr. Curtis explains how the 666-P enhancement under the CSP program pays landowners to girdle or hack and squirt less desirable trees to create roosting habitat for bats. This not only benefits the bats but can also improve the overall health and productivity of the timber stand by releasing better quality trees. The program provides financial assistance to landowners and can complement their primary timber management goals. The episode also covers the broader environmental and ecosystem benefits of bats, such as pest control and pollination. Overall, the discussion highlights how this NRCS program can be a win-win for both landowners and conservation.

On this episode, Robert Dudley interviews Paul Neiffer, a CPA with extensive experience in farm taxes and the Farm Bill. Robert and Paul discuss the Farm Bill and its impact on landowners. The Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation passed every 5-7 years that covers a wide range of agricultural and rural programs, including crop insurance, conservation, nutrition assistance, and more. Neiffer explains the process of how the Farm Bill is developed in Congress and the key trends, such as adjusted gross income limits and the growing importance of crop insurance. He highlights programs within the Farm Bill that benefit landowners, like the Conservation Reserve Program and conservation easements. Neefer also discusses potential changes in the upcoming Farm Bill, including increases to reference prices that could indirectly benefit landowners through higher rents. He advises landowners to stay engaged with their local USDA and extension offices to understand the programs available to them.

On this episode, Robert Dudley interviews Dr. John Kush from the School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University. The conversation covers Dr. Kush's background and expertise in longleaf pine ecology and management. He discusses the historical importance of longleaf pine in the Southeast, how it was displaced by loblolly pine, and the need for frequent prescribed burning to maintain longleaf ecosystems. Dr. Kush emphasizes the resilience and ecological benefits of longleaf compared to faster-growing loblolly. He advises landowners to work closely with local extension agents and forestry experts when considering converting loblolly stands to longleaf, as it requires careful planning and management. Dr. Kush also highlights the potential for longleaf pine straw production as an income source for landowners. Overall, the discussion focuses on the value of longleaf pine, both ecologically and economically, and the importance of restoring this iconic Southern tree species.

On this episode, Robert Dudley interviews Ben Miles and Rex Linville from The Land Trust Alliance. The Land Trust Alliance represents 950 member organizations across the country that work to conserve land through tools like conservation easements. Conservation easements are voluntary, legally binding agreements between landowners and land trusts that restrict the use of the land to protect its conservation values. They can provide landowners with significant federal and state tax benefits, while ensuring the land remains undeveloped for future generations. The process of establishing a conservation easement typically takes several months and involves the landowner working closely with a local land trust to determine the goals for the property and draft the easement terms.