Over 200 forest owners attended the recent Teagasc timber marketing day in Kildalton recently and were told that the quality of the timber has a very important bearing on the market price offered.
John Casey, Teagasc Forestry Adviser covering Co. Waterford, said with annual timber production from the private forestry sector forecast to increase seven fold to almost 3 million cubic metres by 2028 there are both challenges and opportunities for forest owners to get this rapidly expanding timber resource to market. “Some of the key concerns for owners when preparing for thinning include the securing of an attractive market for timber and ensuring the work is completed to a high standard.”
The day started with an outdoor demonstration organised by the Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association. Forest owners had the chance to view the quality of timber required by Irish sawmills and the best way to ensure such quality. Similar to other farm-based products,
The outdoor demo was followed by a series of short presentations from Teagasc, the Forest Service and the Irish Timber Growers Association indoors. A recently formed regional forest owner group, Irish Wood Producers, also gave their perspective and gave an overview of the service they could provide.
Teagasc Forestry adviser, Michael Somers, said feedback from forest owners has highlighted the need for a suitable forum to engage with key players involved in the harvest and purchase of timber. This ‘Talking Timber’ event provided a great opportunity for forest owners to meet and network with other forest owners, forest managers, harvesting contractors and timber buyers, he said.
The timber marketing day also provided an opportunity for forest owners to familiarise themselves with key forestry issues around preparing for thinning, harvesting options, available markets and timber prices, and the impact of wind damage earlier this year, particularly in Munster and south Leinster.
A further timber marketing event will be held on Tuesday, September 2 at the Mullingar Park Hotel, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Registration commences at 9.30 am and the event will run from 10am to 2pm. The event is free.