Thinning and harvesting your crop
IS forestry a real alternative? Is forestry the best use of my land? This is the question a forester is often asked when a landowner is considering planting some of his/her land, says Paul Neville of Mid Western Forestry.
“For many landowners forestry is a real alternative. This is especially true on marginal land where in many cases the expense outweighs the income derived from the farming practice used by the landowner,” says Paul Neville.
It’s important to ask why landowners have taken the decision to plant some of their land. “The reasons are wide and varied,” says Paul.
‘Mike’, for example, had 25 acres of marginal land on a 70 acre farm. He planted the 25 ac’s in 2015, earning him €5,150 on forestry premiums. These will be paid out on a yearly basis for the next 15 years and are income tax free. He also has an average basic farm payment of €120 per acre. So into total Mike is earning €8,150 on 25 ac’s that was actually costing him time and money up to 2015.
Mike says: ‘for the first time in my short farming life I am actually coming out with a profit on land which up to now more often than not was a hindrance. I was always relying on factors out of my control.’
Forestry is a real option as it provides regular income and is both a short, medium and long term investment, now is the time to reap the rewards of forestry. Contact Mid Western Forestry, 068 32266 or Paul Neville on 087 2711167. Forestry as an alternative land use is a valuable source of income for any landowner.
The total area of private planting carried out in Co. Limerick in 2016 was 329 ha, and in Co. Kerry was 405 Ha. At present the percentage of the country planted is circa 11%.
Our forestry and timber sector is emerging as an economic success story. Brexit will be one of the challenges facing the industry in the near future. The forestry and timber sector includes growing the forest, harvesting and haulage, and processing the various wood products.
Forests absorb and fix carbon and help abate climate change. Forestry also provides significant environmental benefits, and is Ireland’s largest outdoor area for recreational activities. Wood fuel use in recent years has increased considerably.
THINNING AND HARVESTING
Depending on the yield class, the time of first thinning can be anywhere between years 15-18. Thinning will increase overall timber revenue by increasing the volume of sawlog produced. It also produces an interim revenue source for the forest owner. It will also improve the quality of the final crop.
For most crops with a yield class of 20 +, they should be well capable of taking 2 or 3 thinnings on a three or four year cycle. Timber quality is hugely important and dictates the best manner in which to offer the timber for sale. The percentage pulp has a huge bearing on the price.
It is absolutely essential that proper silvicultural thinning is undertaken. I have seen plantations ravaged at first thinning stage with the result that the rotation is increased and the quality, quantity and revenue considerably reduced at clearfell stage. Professional assistance might prove very cheap in the long term.
The forest owner is the primary producer and to insure he/she gets the best price for their crop, make sure your timber is offered to the market in the best possible manner.
Having examined all tenders in consultation with your Consultant Forester, then you decide which is the best option for you, taking into account all factors. The highest bidder may not always be the most appropriate purchaser.
To justify thinning an average tree of .O8m3 would be required. Any crop with an average tree of .07m3 or less would not be attractive to any contractor to harvest.
Every forest is different and factors such as timber quality, current timber prices, ground conditions, extraction distances and road access impact on the financial returns from thinning. Haulage distances to the Sawmill also have a huge impact on price.
I own and manage my own plantations. I would only recommend to my clients those purchasers to whom I would offer my own timber. With these I am assured of proper silvicultural thinning and prompt payment.
There are many advantages to proper silvicultural thinning including:
• Provision of substantial revenues early in the rotation;
• Shortening the rotation length by concentrating volume production on the better stems.
• It allows easier access into the crop for management purposes.
Forest owners should consider the various options open to them in selling their thinnings. They include selling thinnings by employing a Consultant Forester, or selling thinnings themselves where the owners feel that they have the necessary expertise (extremely doubtful).
Sale by weight is the norm and the forest owner will only get paid for that timber weighed over the weigh bridge. Timber on roadside for too long a period is of little benefit to the owner, drying out and loosing weight. A secure timber sales dispatch system is vital for forest owners and purchasers.
Revenues received from the sale of thinnings is tax free. It is absolutely imperative that a timber sales agreement be in place prior to the commencement of harvesting.
Meanwhile, theft of timber is becoming a huge problem and therefore security is of the utmost importance.
For further information contact Michael Sweeney, O87-2221661; mlpsweeney@ gmail.com.