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Properly planning and executing a timber harvest is a complex and time-consuming task. There are a myriad of topics to be considered, but in the interest of time and space, we have given you a few “points to ponder.” Anyone interested in more information should consider attending our next program; see below for information.
Keep in mind that a timber “cruise” does not necessarily correlate to a timber harvest “cut out.” While many, if not most, landowners harvest timber for financial gain, beware of individuals who are willing to cruise an owner’s timber at no cost providing they retain the option to harvest if the landowner decides to conduct the operation. There is an incentive for the potential logger, or individual associated with the logger, to overestimate the timber volume in an effort to persuade the landowner to harvest. Be sure there is no incentive for the cruiser to misrepresent information in an effort to procure the logging rights, which is where the real money can be captured from the seller.
It is also important to remember that a log scaler, not the log buyer, is the one who determines a log’s domestic grade or export sort. Price is the only definitive information a log buyer can relay to the seller. While most buyers are adept at distinguishing between individual grades and sorts, they generally are not the ones who designate a quality, which correlates to log value. Most landowners who sell on a grade basis believe they are receiving correct information when a buyer gives an opinion on a designated quality, and it is certainly possible the buyer is correct. However, the landowner cannot “take it to the bank” on the buyer stating logs are a particular quality. Distinguish the roles of the buyer versus scaler: The former is to quote a price and the latter is to determine grade or sort. Nothing more, nothing less.
One of the most important things to note is the difference between market activity and market strength. Information from landowners, loggers and consulting foresters may give an indication of logging activity, but not necessarily market strength. How many times have you been induced into action because your neighbor was doing something? Loggers are more than glad to see you sell your timber; it correlates into more business for them. Consultants reflect activity in the market, not necessarily strong prices for the woodland owner’s timber. This is not to discredit forestry consultants. It’s merely encouraging you not to put all of your information eggs in one basket. If a seller desires log and/or timber prices, contact several buyers and obtain information on prices today, yesterday, last month, last year, and possibly a few years in the past. Obtain information from entities specializing in timber marketing, not harvesting activity.
For additional information on timber harvesting and marketing, be sure to attend Douglas County OSU Extension’s “Timber Harvesting & Marketing Options” session of the basic forestry shortcourse series. This session will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Douglas County Extension Office, at 1134 S.E. Douglas Ave., Roseburg, and is expected to last about two hours.
Keep in mind that a timber “cruise” does not necessarily correlate to a timber harvest “cut out.” While many, if not most, landowners harvest timber for financial gain, beware of individuals who are willing to cruise an owner’s timber at no cost providing they retain the option to harvest if the landowner decides to conduct the operation. There is an incentive for the potential logger, or individual associated with the logger, to overestimate the timber volume in an effort to persuade the landowner to harvest. Be sure there is no incentive for the cruiser to misrepresent information in an effort to procure the logging rights, which is where the real money can be captured from the seller.
It is also important to remember that a log scaler, not the log buyer, is the one who determines a log’s domestic grade or export sort. Price is the only definitive information a log buyer can relay to the seller. While most buyers are adept at distinguishing between individual grades and sorts, they generally are not the ones who designate a quality, which correlates to log value. Most landowners who sell on a grade basis believe they are receiving correct information when a buyer gives an opinion on a designated quality, and it is certainly possible the buyer is correct. However, the landowner cannot “take it to the bank” on the buyer stating logs are a particular quality. Distinguish the roles of the buyer versus scaler: The former is to quote a price and the latter is to determine grade or sort. Nothing more, nothing less.
One of the most important things to note is the difference between market activity and market strength. Information from landowners, loggers and consulting foresters may give an indication of logging activity, but not necessarily market strength. How many times have you been induced into action because your neighbor was doing something? Loggers are more than glad to see you sell your timber; it correlates into more business for them. Consultants reflect activity in the market, not necessarily strong prices for the woodland owner’s timber. This is not to discredit forestry consultants. It’s merely encouraging you not to put all of your information eggs in one basket. If a seller desires log and/or timber prices, contact several buyers and obtain information on prices today, yesterday, last month, last year, and possibly a few years in the past. Obtain information from entities specializing in timber marketing, not harvesting activity.
For additional information on timber harvesting and marketing, be sure to attend Douglas County OSU Extension’s “Timber Harvesting & Marketing Options” session of the basic forestry shortcourse series. This session will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Douglas County Extension Office, at 1134 S.E. Douglas Ave., Roseburg, and is expected to last about two hours.
Steve Bowers is the Forestry Extension Agent for OSU Extension Service of Douglas County. Steve can be reached by e-mail a steve.bowers@oregonstate.edu or by phone at 672-4461.
