Two timber marketing days, “Talking Timber” are being organised by Teagasc to take place this month. Forest owners will have the opportunity to meet with timber buyers, harvesting contractors and foresters. These two events will take place on: Tuesday, 19 June at the Brandon House Hotel, New Ross, Co Wexford and on Thursday, 21 June at Mountbellew Agricultural College, Co Galway.
Talking Timber events are organised by the Forestry Development Department of Teagasc with the co-operation of the Irish timber industry and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Focus on forest potential
With timber prices generally high at the moment, now is a good time to focus in on your forest’s potential. These timber marketing days give forest owners with timber to sell, the opportunity to meet with timber buyers, harvesting contractors and foresters.
This year’s focus is on realising the potential from your forest. Topics covered will include being market-ready, current market conditions, case studies of private forest sales and the latest research on thinning and harvesting.
Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer who is organising the Wexford event, advises forest owners to prepare for their timber harvest in good time, “Getting a felling licence and adequate roads in place can take time. It’s a pity to miss good prices, or an opportunity to harvest with neighbours, due to a lack of preparation. Forest owners will hear how to be harvest-ready at this year’s ‘Talking Timber’ events.”
Noel Kennedy, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer organising the event in Galway commented, “Forest owners have a deserved expectation to get a fair price for their timber. But selling timber is a two-way process and owners need to play their part for a successful outcome. Talking Timber provides a platform for owners to inform themselves about this process and what they need to do to achieve the best timber sales outcome.”
Outdoor demonstration
Both events will include an outdoor demonstration organised by the Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association (IFFPA) where participants will have the opportunity to view and discuss the quality of timber required by Irish sawmills. The outdoor demonstration will be followed by short indoor presentations from Teagasc and speakers from the forest industry.
There will then be ample opportunities to network with timber buyers, forestry researchers and government organisations relating to forestry. Further information is available from local Forestry Development Officers or www.teagasc.ie/forestry.
The events are free but registration is required. Register in advance on Eventbrite (visit www.teagasc.ie/forestry for full details), or register at the event between 09.30am and 10.00am.
