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 an Oct. 30 survey of managers.
U.S. Southeast
Regional managers in the Southeast report timber markets are holding steady for
this time of year, with sales activity and prices ranging from normal to picking
up. The manager in South Carolina reports that the New-Indy mill at Jonesville,
S.C., has begun operation of the chip mill and is accepting pine pulpwood. The
manager in Virginia reports that recent wet weather has made it difficult on
loggers as they search for dry ground but that these wet conditions have not
resulted in any positive price movement.
Finally, the manager in Alabama says, "We cover a broad land area from this
office and market happenings tell different stories depending on the specific
region. There is a general improvement on sawtimber prices, but especially on
wood movement across most of the region. A new pole mill was recently announced
near LaFayette and that seems to have had an immediate impact on sawtimber
pricing. The pandemic brought with it a significant curtailment of hardwood
pulpwood, but that market has now rebounded well within most of our operating
area. Following yearly trends, this is the time of year that mills work to buy
stumpage to build winter inventory—at minimum, that part feels normal right
now.”
U.S. West Gulf
In the West Gulf region, two of the three managers report timber markets and
prices as average for this time of year. But the manager in Mississippi reports
markets and activity as below normal and slowing, stating: “Prices have
stabilized but are very low.” He notes that the mills shut down on Fridays and
sometimes on Mondays if the weather is dry but remain open all week if there is
rain. In Texas, the manager notes that timber activity across the board seems to
finally be bouncing back and reaching normal levels. In Arkansas, the manager
said demand in the pine sawtimber market still seems to be elevated while other
markets in the area are normal.
U.S. Northeast
Managers in the Northeast report timber sales activity and markets to be mostly
normal for this time of year, along with average prices. One manager in New York
sees a different picture, with below normal markets, but activity and prices
seem to be picking up and increasing. He says, “Hardwood pulpwood is still
constrained; however, in areas of the state, firewood is moving strong. Hardwood
sawlogs seem to be in short supply and mills are actively seeking both logs and
stumpage.” The other manager in New York said recent rains have slowed some
logging production and that “sugar maple is one bright spot as prices are
beginning to increase. White pine and spruce/fir are also increasing in demand
and price. Hardwood pulpwood is moving.” The Vermont manager said that the
market is generally good for hardwood logs, and demand for softwood logs is
increasing, but “pulp and chip wood is down and will continue to be soft for the
coming winter season.”
F&W Forestry Services
P. O. Box 3610, Albany, Georgia 31706
email: fw_newsletter@bellsouth.net
Visit us at: www.FWForestry.net