IFA Farm Forestry Chairman, Pat Collins has warned farmers not to undervalue their timber crop, with potential earnings at clearfell of up to €25,000 per hectare for Sitka spruce plantations.
He said that although the majority of farmers are not at clearfell stage, private plantations are maturing earlier due to being established on more productive land with some farmers’ clearfelling as early as year 30.
“I know that some farmers are choosing to sell their plantations when the premiums stop, and I want them to be aware of the potential earnings that can be achieved from timber sales at the time of clearfell”, said Mr. Collins. “Semi-mature plantation currently have a market value of €12,000 hectare, this is the same price that newly afforested sites are realising.”
He said that farmers could be earning up to €25,000 hectare, double the market value from semi-mature plantations, in some instances within 10 years from timber sales while retaining the land.
“It is important farmers understand the potential value of their timber crop”, said Mr. Collins. “On a productive site, yield class 24 with a high stocking rate of Sitka spruce that is well managed, the timber crop is increasing in value by approx. €1,000 per hectare each year.
Information
He encouraged farmers to read the IFA Timber Sales Guide and to talk to other farmers so they are well informed about the market and competency of the contractor before entering into a contract. He said this is critical when it comes to thinnings, as the primary aim is to improve the quality of the plantation to maximise sawlog, so highest price may not always be the best option.