At a time when timber prices are at an all time high, forest owners must ensure they get full value for their harvested timber.
Irish Forest Owners (IFO ), a representative body for the majority of private forestry producer groups, is concerned that many owners are unaware of the true value of their timber.
“Sitka Spruce, fully mature, well stocked and managed, is making over €35,000 and up to €40,000 per hectare. Even poorly performing plantations are producing timber worth €22,000 per hectare.
“Numerous forests planted in the 1980’s and 1990’s are now at clearfell stage. Before agreeing to sell it is vital to get impartial advice and IFO is pointing to independent forestry experts, Teagasc and producer groups.
“Owners should be aware of the various classes, quantities and values of timber whether thinning or clearfelling. These normally comprise sawlog, a range of palletwood categories, stakewood and pulp. Great vigilance is required when thinning to guard that unscrupulous operators are not raiding the plantation of selected timber and severely damaging the future potential of the remaining crop.
“Notwithstanding the widely broadcasted difficulties with felling and planting licences, forestry is a secure and valuable investment with the advantage of ease of management. It is important that the private farm forest owner is the one who gets the value from this investment,” IFO stated.
