From the moment a seedling is lifted to the day it’s planted, every decision matters.

In Episode 10 of the ArborGen TreeLines Podcast, host Dr. Paul Jeffreys is joined by two industry experts to break down the best practices that protect seedling health — and your long-term investment — every step of the way.

Together with Nina Payne, Research Associate with the Southern Forest Nursery Management Cooperative at Auburn University, and Gene Bickerstaff, ArborGen’s Director of U.S. Operations, this episode explores the science, logistics, and real-world experience behind successful reforestation.

Whether you’re a forester, landowner, consultant, or reforestation partner, this conversation offers practical, field-tested guidance to help you give your seedlings the strongest possible start.

At ArborGen, our partnership doesn’t end at delivery. We’re committed to helping you make informed, confident decisions — from the nursery to the field.

Subscribe to stay rooted in forestry knowledge and best practices!

P 09 — Transparency in Genetics: How the AG Score Powers Our New Categories

Choosing the right seedlings shouldn’t feel complicated - and that’s exactly why we built the AG Scoring System. In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the data, the decisions, and the customer feedback that shaped ArborGen’s new pine product categories.

Join Host Dr. Paul Jeffreys with special guests Dr. Patrick Cumbie, and Dr. Colin Jackson as they break down how decades of field trials came together to create the AG Score - a simple, clear way to compare genetic performance across traits like volume growth, rust resistance, and survival. You’ll hear how this score became the foundation for our five new product tiers: OP, OP Pro, MCP®, MCP® Pro, and MCP® Pro+.

We’ll cover:

• Why customers needed a more transparent way to compare genetics
• How the AG Score turns complex science into an easy-to-understand “seedling report card”
• How the scoring system directly powers our new product categories
• What this means for foresters, landowners, and reforestation partners moving forward

Whether you’re managing thousands of acres or planting your first pine stand, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to choose the genetics that match your site and goals. Same trusted families - now easier to compare.

Tune in and discover how simplicity, transparency, and decades of data are helping growers plant better trees for a better future.

Host Paul Jeffreys sits down sits down with Rudy Sullivan, Orchard Supervisor at Bellamy Seed Orchard in Marianna, Florida, and Audrey Phillips, Business Specialist at ArborGen’s Bullard Nursery in Texas and host of The Guilty and the Ghostly podcast, to share the haunting history behind the Bellamy bridge, local ghost stories, and how life in the orchard connects forestry with a little Halloween mystery.

Host Paul Jeffreys sits down with David Hall, CEO and President of Hall Timberlands, to discuss his family’s legacy, today’s timber market challenges, and the future of forestry through advanced management and genetics. 

In this episode, we’re sharing the webinar recording of Timber Markets in Transition: The Role of Forest Genetics. Tune in as our Reforestation Advisors answer real-world questions on topics like choosing the right genetics for evolving timber markets, strategic tree spacing, and how improved genetics can accelerate your return on investment. 

Host Paul Jeffreys has a conversation with retired ArborGen Reforestation Advisor Greg Hay on the past, present, and future of silviculture. Part 1

Host Paul Jeffreys continues his conversation with Reforestation Advisor Blake Sherry and discusses his experiences procuring wood for mills in his area.

Host Paul Jeffreys has a conversation with Reforestation Advisor Blake Sherry about his insider's perspective as a former Procurement Forester. Part 1

Host Paul Jeffreys continues his conversation with forest landowner Jason Watson and covers various decision points such as bareroot vs containerized seedlings, site prep, and desired outcomes.

Host Paul Jeffreys has a conversation with forest landowner, Jason Watson about the many decision points and topics to address when preparing to plant a new forest. Part 1