Keeping sites productive in today’s economy is an important consideration to managing forestlands, according to LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Mike Blazier.
With housing starts just starting to recover from an earlier slump, the market for saw timber and plywood is still weak, Blazier told the audience at the annual LSU AgCenter forestry forum on Jan. 18.
Near-term possibilities include a strong demand for pulpwood for packaging and shipping containers. That means thinning operations should have a ready market.
Concerning larger trees, Blazier outlined the consequences of postponing harvest to wait for an improved market.
“The longer we wait, the longer we postpone revenue. Unless prices improve significantly, landowners may be wise to harvest mature stands and take the profit that’s available. After harvest, it’s important for a new planting to get off to a good start,” Blazier said. “A good, genetically produced seedling is one of the best choices we can make.”
From The Delta Farm Press: https://deltafarmpress.com/management/louisiana-landowners-advised-focus-forest-productivity