Forestry opportunities explored

THE opportunities for farmers in forestry will be examined at a major Teagasc-Coford conference in Tullamore, Co Offaly, next Wednesday.

New Teagasc and UCD research on the role of site classification in forest production will also be presented at the conference.

The better than expected performance of tree species, particularly Sitka Spruce on land planted by farmers in the late 80s and early 90s, indicates that revenue incomes from first-thinning could be earlier than expected.

Teagasc forestry researcher Niall Farrelly said the outlook is very positive for farmers who have invested in forestry. “The latest research indicates that plantations can be thinned and harvested earlier than previously expected.

“This rapid growth brings increased yields, increased profitability.”

Dr Nuala Ni Fhlatharta, head of the Teagasc Forestry Development Unit, said it is important that farmers actively start to manage their forest crops so that the benefits of thinning are realised.

Teagasc advisers will provide information about timing of thinning operations, harvesting advice and how to comply with forest service regulations.

National and international experts will address the conference, which aims to improve understanding of site classification in the choice of tree species, site productivity and forest management. A survey of private plantations of Sitka Spruce planted before 1991 have yields above the national average.