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Exploring marketable timber on farms for extra income

Exploring marketable timber on farms for extra income


By Scout Nelson

In Plains states, farms and ranches often contain tree species like walnut, oak, and maple, which could potentially generate additional income for landowners. These hardwood trees, while not suitable for construction-grade lumber, are useful in furniture, molding, and flooring production.

Effective forest management, including harvesting, can sustainably yield a higher volume of wood products. The quality of timber is crucial. Trees like walnuts, often planted by previous generations, require proper pruning and thinning to reach their full potential and quality.

Landowners interested in selling marketable timber can advertise their offerings, specifying species and sizes, on various websites or wood product newsletters. These platforms frequently list available standing timber for sale.

Before engaging in a timber sale, especially when approached with lump sum or per-piece offers, consulting a forester is advisable for a second opinion. A forester can provide a volume estimate, helping landowners determine if they are receiving fair value for their timber.

The logistics of harvesting also play a role in the timber's marketability. Trees located in remote or rough terrain may incur additional expenses due to the increased difficulty in accessing and transporting them. Ideally, logging activities are scheduled post-harvest or pre-planting season and preferably on frozen ground to minimize soil compaction.

Post-harvest, the site may require cleanup, which can be addressed in the contract with the logger. Decisions on how much leftover material, like tree tops and branches, should be retained on-site for soil enhancement or erosion control are important considerations.

Marketable trees are not confined to woodlots. Trees in urban or rural yards, parks, and along streets can also be utilized as lumber. For specific inquiries, contact Kim Slezak, a forest products specialist with the Nebraska Forest Service, at kslezak2@unl.edu is recommended.

Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska 

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