Teagasc advises on forestry thinning to achieve peak prices

STRATEGIC thinning of forestry plantations gives farmers greater flexibility to sell at peak prices, according to Teagasc experts hosting a nationwide series of advisory workshops next week.

Teagasc forest development officer John Casey said it is difficult to predict timber prices into the future as timber is globally traded and prices are subject to many factors. Thus, farmers who regularly thin their forests are best placed to sell stock during windows of maximum price opportunity.

Mr Casey said: “Timber prices are cyclical in nature and there has been a strong upward trend over the last 20 years. Forests have a distinct advantage over other farm crops in that there is flexibility in the final harvest date. This flexibility only applies to forest crops that have been first thinned at the appropriate time, helping to minimise the risks of instability or wind damage.

“As the forest reaches maturity, owners can keep a close eye on the market and choose to harvest when timber prices are strong. Sound forest management will therefore be well rewarded in the future. That’s why I would urge farmers to attend one of these courses or events to acquire the know-how.”

Teagasc’s farm forest thinning events begin next Monday and will include forestry courses, field days and forestry walks.

Organised by Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department in association with the Forest Service, the events are part of the Adult Learners’ Festival 2011, coordinated by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation. The festival runs from Monday to Friday, February 21 to 25.

Events include timber measurement courses for farm forest owners, which will introduce the concepts of thinning and demonstrate basic timber measurement techniques.

Dr Nuala Ní Fhlatharta, head of Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department, said: “Timber prices have risen sharply in 2010, driven by sawmill capacity, increased exports by timber processors and growing demand from energy and other markets. This has provided a very welcome financial boost to forest owners who had made the decision to thin and, crucially, had the essential preparations in place.”

- Further information on www.teagasc.ie/forestry