The value of growing valuable trees in silvopastures

[Brett Chedzoy]

I had the opportunity to tour a local sawmill last week with Cornell Master Forest Owner trainees.  I've toured this mill many times in the past, but always learn something new.  Some interesting statistics that were shared with the group on this visit:

• About 70% of the lumber produced by this company is exported
• Average cost of production to go from the standing tree to kiln-dried board was estimated at ~ $1.50/board-foot
• This single mill produces about 25 million board-feet per year, or about 80 MBF/day.
• They saw an average of 1000 logs/day, averaging about 80 bf/log.  If I'm remembering correctly, that's about 100 truckloads/day of logs.
• The head forester estimated that it takes about 1 year from the time that the log shows up at the mill until the lumber from it is finished and ready for sale.  Much of that time is spent in pre-drying and drying (kilning).

Over coffee this morning I was studying the price sheet they gave to each of us.  For the same log grades, Sugar Maple is worth ~ 50% more than Red Oak, which is worth ~ 70% more than Hickory.  Sugar Maple is worth ~ 260% more than Hickory ($1300/MBF vs. $500/MBF for  "prime plus" grade)

Within a given species, "Prime" grade (15" small end diameter, clear 4-sides, or C4S) is worth ~ 90% of "Prime Plus" (16", C4S).  Select (13", C4S) is worth ~ 75% compared to "Prime Plus".  "#1" (12", Clear 3-sides) is worth ~ 60%, and "#2" (12", Clear 2-sides) is worth only ~ 25%.

And in even-age forests, the larger-diameter trees are growing faster than the smaller ones - and therefore, are appreciating more quickly in volume and value..

Even if the trees in our silvopastures are contributing more than just timber value to the production system, the reminder for me of doing this exercise is that I will benefit more by favoring faster growing trees of more valuable species that are grown (when possible) to a larger diameter.  of course, in the "real world" (or silvopasture), we have to work with what Nature gave us and do our best to balance numerous considerations to optimize our objectives.