Maximising the value of your timber – Event Summary

Given that the rotation for this crop is so long it is important to get the most income from your timber as possible.  At this event Douglas Priest went over the forestry cycle with the emphasis on maximising profits.  Considerations were made for different sizes of woodland and ways to reduce costs/increase profits.

The different types of negotiated sale were discussed these include;

• Single price per tonne
• End Product Working
• Lump Sum
• Road Side Sale

The pros and cons of each sale type were discussed to help land owners decide what the best option was for them.

Key take home messages:

• Ensure your contract is adhered to, minimum marketable timber 7cm diameter, brash management etc.
• Making the most of harvesting machinery – collaboration with neighbours, working poorer areas with good areas (carrot and stick)
• Agreement on road condition and upkeep/repairs
• If timber is not uplifted from the site within the timescale outlined in your contract then you could be entitled to compensation (usually 4-6 weeks)
• Continuous Cover Forestry rather than clear fell.

A copy of the presentation from this event can be found here.

A relevant case study for first thinning and timber sale can be read here.

If you have any further queries then please call out helpline and ask for Douglas Priest.