Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Max on May 4, 2011 at 8:31

Marilyn,

 

Timber prices vary depending on the type of timber and age.  Location plays into the picture also. 

 

If you don't know what kind of timber you have, I would seek another bid to compare the price you were offered.  You can sell several ways, I have always sold by the loads taken out and not a price for the entire tract.

 

I thinned timber earlier this year on two different tracts.  One was hard to get to and located some distance from the mill, so it didn't bring as much as the other.

Prices I sold for:

$7.00/ton pine pulpwood....$5.00/ton hardwood

Second tract:

$10.00/ton pine pulpwood....$7.00/ton hardwood.... $15.00/ton chip and saw.

 

Big timber would bring better prices, pine or hardwood because they are sold as logs.  I would ask for a description of the type of timber you are planning on selling.

 

Good luck on your sale and don't be afraid to ask the timber Company questions about the price you are offered.

Max

Permalink Reply by marilyn on May 4, 2011 at 9:19

Thanks so much for the information.

Permalink Reply by Joe Aldridge on May 4, 2011 at 9:47

Marilyn, 

It really depends on the type, quality and quantity of timber. If its wood (pulp) the rate Max gave you is about right. If its timber then you need to get a forester to come in and cruse the property. I sold hardwood 10 years ago on a stumpage basis and got $350.00 per thousand board feet. After Gustav we sold storm damaged timber and only got $150 - 175 per thousand. There was a glut on the market at that time and the market was down because of the housing and world market. Some of this may have turned around since that time. Your timber company sounds like he is buying it by the tract. I would never sell that way. Just to give you an idea of how much timber can grow on 80 - 100 acres we received over $100,000 for the timber on a selective cut at the $350/thousand. We had done a selective cut 15 years before. Neither the logger nor the forester could believed that much timber came out of the tract we cut. But then again I manage my timber. Most people don't realize what the value of a well managed forest is. So again it may be worth it to hire an independent forester to cruse the tract. He will have a list of loggers that he can draw from to get the best price and he will do the bidding and contract with the company for you. He should also keep an eye on things and make sure the property is not destroyed. A word of caution: This may not be the best time to sell. But that is ultimately your call.

You might ask this logger that you are talking to if he will do a selective cut of your timber on a stumpage basis and if so what price will he give you. That is unless you want to do a clear cut for some reason.

Hope this helps.

Permalink Reply by marilyn on May 4, 2011 at 10:15

Makes sense. I live out of state.  Can you recommend a forester to contact?

 

Thanks

Permalink Reply by Joe Aldridge on May 4, 2011 at 10:40

Where is the property?

Permalink Reply by Joe Aldridge on May 4, 2011 at 10:49

Marilyn,

You can go on Google and do a search for: Consulting Foresters of Louisiana. It will come back with a PDF list of licensed foresters. Pick one that is closest to your property and call.

Permalink Reply by marilyn on May 4, 2011 at 10:52

Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Joe Aldridge on May 4, 2011 at 11:14

You are very welcome. Hope I have helped.

The timber business is about the same as dealing with leases in the oil and gas business. There are companies that will take advantage of a land owner that does not know what the value of their timber is. I hope you find someone that will take care of your forest and manage it well. If its cut correctly you could get another cutting in 15 - 20 years. I don't let them cut anything under 14 inches unless its a trash tree or damaged or you need to do some thinning. Good Luck. I hope it works for you.

Would love to know how you come out on the deal.

Permalink Reply by smith1 on May 4, 2011 at 12:59

There are several other discussions on this site that you can search/read regarding foresters/timber. You might want to make sure the forester is member of the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF) to be sure that the timber company does not have a conflict of interest in purchasing and/or selling your timber. And as stated above, I'd be sure to get a reputable firm and that you entertain more than just one offer if you do decide to sell the timber yourself.

Permalink Reply by smith1 on May 4, 2011 at 13:39

Marilyn, I agree that $12,000 sound quite low but again, it's hard to know unless you have someone that is knowledgable to cruise your timber, etc.  Crawford Forestry, 797-1546 is very reputable and has been in business for years.

Permalink Reply by JHH on May 4, 2011 at 13:22

Marilyn,

Once you find a good forester, he/she need to be paid.  Some charge a percentage of the sale as their fee.  I've seen 6% but fees vary from state to state and person to person.  jhh

Permalink Reply by tom post on May 4, 2011 at 13:57

Marilyn,

 

By all means get a second price.  Look up El Dorado Timber Company and ask for Ronnie.  I've known him for 30 years.  Just sold timber on a tract at Weldon which is west of Bernice on the claiborne/union parish line. 

 

I agree with an earlier poster, $12,000 doesn't sound like much for an 80 acre tract.  There are some people that will try to take advantage of out of state landowners, not saying that's the case here but just be cautious.

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