Following is the latest update on markets, news and other developments that
impact forest landowners in F&W's operating regions. This information is based
on a Sept. 18 survey of managers.
U.S. Southeast
Regional managers report stable timber markets and mostly normal activity for
this time of year while prices remain average. The manager in South Carolina
reports activity is picking up while the manager in Tennessee said markets are
slow. In Southwest Georgia, the manager reports, "Wet conditions from Hurricane
Sally have presented short-term issues with logging but there has been no
significant impact on market demand or pricing." The Alabama manager notes that
he had two pine log sales that did very well in the last few weeks and he is
optimistic that this is an indication of improving stumpage prices ahead, which
is in line with the normal annual trend. The South Carolina manager expects a
pickup in pine pulpwood prices as paper machines at the New-Indy mill at Rock
Hill redeploy next month. He concludes, "Pine sawtimber demand is stable but the
price remains depressed. Pine chip-n-saw demand is picking up with prices
stable."
U.S. West Gulf
Managers in the West Gulf region report a continuation of below normal timber
markets and prices. The manager in Mississippi reports that while prices are
down, they do seem to be stabilizing, but the wet weather that they have been
experiencing lately in his region "has not affected the oversupply of wood or
low demand." The manager in Texas reports, "Pulpwood and chip-n-saw mills in the
area are full, thus reducing the stumpage prices and keeping quotas extremely
low."
U.S. Northeast
Markets remain mostly normal in the Northeast for this time of year, with
average prices. The Pennsylvania manager reports that activity is picking up,
and that sawmills indicate there are more timber sales on the market from
private consultants this month. The Vermont manager reports that recent
shutdowns only further constrict the low grade wood markets in the region: "As
it stands now, pulpwood and chipwood quotas will be slim to none until December
or January 2021. Hardwood and softwood logs are generally good and moving well."
One New York manager reports that overall, wood markets seem to be slowly
improving. The other New York manager concurs, saying: "Markets appear to be
opening up some as mills try to increase inventories before wet fall weather has
an impact on logging production. To date, it's been extremely dry and very good
logging conditions." Regarding species, he notes that white pine and spruce/fir
are improving in demand and pricing; hardwood logs are in demand although prices
have not yet followed; and pulpwood is moving with quotas in place.
F&W Forestry Services
P. O. Box 3610, Albany, Georgia 31706
email: fw_newsletter@bellsouth.net
Visit us at:
www.FWForestry.net