NEBRASKA'S FOREST PRODUCTS BULLETIN

TIMBER TALK


LUMBER MARKET REPORTS
 
Northern
It is a Presidential election year, and with it comes all the distractions that accompany an election year - namely debating and division. The current President has been impeached and is on trial to see if he will remain in office. These circumstances are enough to erode US consumer confidence and affect consumer spending. But overall, that has not been the case. Whether US citizens have become numb to sensationalized media, or whether the before-mentioned events don’t impact their daily lives, consumer confidence is up, and they are still active. The US economy is relatively strong, with low-interest rates and a solid housing market that, in 2019, extended the longest growth streak since the US Census Bureau began tracking housing starts in 1959. Unfortunately, US hardwood manufacturers are not fully benefitting from the good housing market. HMR’s hardwood lumber consumption numbers show both the US cabinet and solid wood flooring industries consumed less lumber in 2019 than in 2018. Both of these market sectors are facing stiff competition from imported goods and non-wood products. So despite a vibrant economy and housing industry, any gains in grade hardwood sales and prices have been mostly supply driven rather than demand driven. That is not true for industrial products. In 2018 and 2019, tie-treaters and wooden pallet and container manufacturers needed additional supplies and readily accepted increased production of ties and pallet material.


Southern
Markets for hardwood products are widely mixed. The primary reason for the variance in business is that activity is currently supply driven rather than demand driven. Cutbacks in total Red Oak production have positively impacted interest in #1C&Btr Red Oak, both green and kiln-dried. But by avoiding Red Oak or grade lumber production of Red Oak by sawing more industrial products, supplies of other items have risen. Mill output of Ash, Poplar, and Mixed Species has increased and continues to outpace buyers’ needs. Even certain industrial products are meeting, if not exceeding, volumes necessary for buyers to maintain desired inventories, including pallet cants. For crossties, RTA data show inventories have risen four consecutive months and were 1.3% higher in December 2019 than December 2018.


Appalachian
The mood was fairly upbeat at the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association Convention and Exposition, which concluded on Wednesday. Many participants reported improving business conditions in early 2020 compared to 2019. That said, most agreed the improvement resulted from months of reduced production and contracted supplies rather than a substantive increase in demand. To that end, efforts made by sawmills and yards to lower grade lumber production have been successful. Prices are stabilizing for many key species that had been hard hit by the downturn in exports to China and are firming for some selective items. Along with other issues discussed by convention goers, domestic hardwood promotion and US trade policy were among the most popular topics.


(Source: Condensed from Hardwood Market Report, February 7, 2020. For more information or to subscribe to Hardwood Market Report, call (901) 767-9216, email: hmr@hmr.com, website: www.hmr.com)
Hardwood Lumber Prices - Green 
 
Species FAS #1C #2A
2/20 11/19 8/19 5/19 2/20 11/19 8/19 5/19 2/20 11/19 8/19 5/19
Ash 805 885 980 1075 500 535 625 695 330 340 400 420
Basswood 795 795 795 810 420 430 430 440 215 225 225 225
Cottonwood 780 780 780 780 575 575 575 575 260 260 260 260
Cherry 1010 1050 1110 1235 515 555 590 725 310 320 335 385
Elm 670 670 670 670 420 420 420 420 290 290 290 290
Hackberry 530 530 530 530 480 480 480 480 295 295 295 295
Hickory 800 800 850 865 530 530 545 560 400 400 415 425
Soft Maple 1235 1235 1180 1140 820 790 760 760 460 460 460 470
Red Oak 780 760 825 960 530 540 560 635 485 495 515 535
White Oak 1700 1700 1725 1745 885 895 970 1000 540 550 550 560
Walnut 2175 2175 2315 2510 1175 1175 1300 1545 465 465 510 720
Note: Kiln dried prices in $/MBF, FOB mill, is an estimate of predominant prices for 4/4 lumber measured after kiln drying. Prices for cottonwood and hackberry from Southern Hardwoods list. Prices for ash, basswood, northern soft grey elm, unselected soft maple, red oak, and white oak from Northern Hardwood list. Prices for cherry, hickory and walnut (steam treated) from Appalachian Hardwoods list. (Source: Hardwood Market Report (HMR), above prices are from the first issue of the identified month. To subscribe to HMR, call 901-767-9126; email hmr@hmr.com; or go to www.hmr.com.)
Hardwood Lumber Prices - Kiln Dried 
 
Species FAS #1C #2A
2/20 11/19 8/19 5/19 2/20 11/19 8/19 5/19 2/20 11/19 8/19 5/10
Ash 1225 1300 1400 1490 830 860 935 1035 620 675 720 775
Basswood 1200 1200 1200 1220 720 720 730 740 485 485 485 485
Cottonwood 1025 1025 1025 1025 760 760 760 760 ---- ---- ---- ----
Cherry 1470 1565 1800 1950 910 975 1140 1275 560 580 680 760
Elm ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Hackberry ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Hickory 1425 1450 1460 1460 1000 1040 1080 1060 860 900 940 935
Soft Maple 1715 1690 1630 1565 1170 1150 1105 1140 800 800 800 800
Red Oak 1160 1200 1355 1490 900 870 935 1010 780 790 805 895
White Oak 2350 2350 2350 2350 1330 1330 1510 1550 1010 1010 1025 1075
Walnut 3575 3575 3725 3825 2050 2100 2375 2550 1165 1215 1450 1625
Note: Kiln dried prices in $/MBF, FOB mill, is an estimate of predominant prices for 4/4 lumber measured after kiln drying. Prices for cottonwood and hackberry from Southern Hardwoods list. Prices for ash, basswood, northern soft grey elm, unselected soft maple, red oak, and white oak from Northern Hardwood list. Prices for cherry, hickory and walnut (steam treated) from Appalachian Hardwoods list. (Source: Hardwood Market Report (HMR), above prices are from the first issue of the identified month. To subscribe to HMR, call 901-767-9126; email hmr@hmr.com; or go to www.hmr.com.)
Pallet Lumber - Green
Dimension 2/20 11/19 8/19 5/19
4/4 x RW 405 405 405 405
5/4 x RW 420 420 420 420
6/4 x RW 445 445 445 445
4/4 x SW 440 440 440 440
5/4 x SW 450 450 450 450
6/4 x SW 480 480 480 480
Ties (7x9) - Green
Region 2/20 11/19 8/19 5/19
Crossties ---- ---- ---- ----
Northern - 8.5' 27.9-31.5 27.9-31.5 27.9-31.5 27.75-30.5
Appalachian (South) - 8.5' 30.5-36 30.5-35.5 30.5-35.5 30-35
Appalachian (North) - 8.5' 30-34.5 30.25-34.25 30.25-34.25 30-34
Southern (West) - 9' 31.5-37 31.5-37 31.5-37 31-36
Southern (East) - 8.5' 31-37 31.5-37 31.5-37 31-36
Note: Pallet lumber prices quoted in $/MBF, average market prices FOB mill, truckload and greater quantities, rough, green, random widths and lengths graded in accordance with NHLA rules. Tie prices quoted in $/piece, average market prices FOB mill. Prices for pallet lumber from Northern Hardwood list. Prices for ties from the respective regional lists. (Source: Hardwood Market Report (HMR), above prices are from the first issue of the identified month. To subscribe to HMR, call 901-767-9126; email hmr@hmr.com; or go to www.hmr.com.)

Urban Lumber Production
Communities across Nebraska are increasing the management of their community forests in anticipation of emerald ash borer. The removal of community trees, whether related to emerald ash borer or other tree management needs, leads to the inevitable question, “what happens to the wood?”

While some wood waste is converted into products like compost or mulch, the production of urban lumber represents an opportunity for entrepreneurs, artisans, and businesses to create valuable products for sale or for the creation of finished wood products.

A new publication outlines the opportunities and challenges of producing lumber products from urban trees. Click the link below to view the publication on our website.
URBAN LUMBER PRODUCTION
Nebraska Forest Service Available Positions
.Forest Products Utilization Team Leader (Lincoln, NE)

The Forest Products Utilization Team is tasked with providing assistance with identifying and developing utilization opportunities for Nebraska’s tree and forest resources.  This position will coordinate and assist with team efforts including supporting stakeholders with wood product development, business assistance, new product demonstration, and education.  The Team Leader will also lead partnership development and collaborate with businesses, organizations, and University partners to evaluate wood product opportunities, identify funding options, and develop and coordinate related projects. The position will also be responsible for the supervision and development of Forest Products team staff including hiring, conducting annual reviews, developing annual work plans and professional development plans.
 
This position will serve on the Forestry and Fire Bureau Management Team responsible for identifying objectives used to guide the activities of the various programs within the Forestry and Fire Bureau towards the achievement of Nebraska Forest Service goals.
APPLY
Forester – Forest Management/Rural Forestry (Chadron, Ainsworth, and O’Neill)

NFS is seeking enthusiastic, qualified applicants to join our team of dedicated staff working towards improving the health, resiliency, and sustainability of Nebraska’s trees and forests. Providing direct, technical assistance to stakeholders, the Forester (focused on providing forest management technical assistance) will play a key role in providing the resources necessary for clients to achieve their tree and forest goals.

This position will coordinate and deliver forestry program activities for the NFS in their surrounding areas. The employee is required to work with many different groups including landowners, agencies, nonprofits, volunteers, professionals, and youth. Some overnight travel and public speaking are necessary. Positions will be based in Ainsworth, Chadron, and O’Neill, Nebraska.
APPLY

Forest Industry Spotlight

Ash Wood Showcase
On February 7th over 20 woodworkers showcased their talents in the Reactor Gallery at Turbine Flats. Connecting the event to Lincoln’s First Friday Artwalk helped draw in over 200 people. Attendees included representatives from Lincoln Parks and Recreation, local wood products businesses, environmental non-profit organizations, and community members.

The urban ash wood showcase aimed to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities associated with an uptick in tree removals due to emerald ash borer.
Lincoln is home to over 14,000 ash trees on public property – golf courses, parks, and city streets – with double the number estimated to be present on private property. Emerald ash borer was detected in Omaha in 2016 and in Lincoln in 2018. By 2030 we can expect 90% of Lincoln’s ash tree population to be removed or killed off due to the beetle. The large quantity of wood that will need to be disposed of demands multifaceted solutions. The majority of a tree’s biomass is solely suitable for firewood, mulch, and woodchips however about 10% of any given tree can be used to make products like were seen at the First Friday Showcase.

Both business and individual involvement in the November 2018 urban wood conversations demonstrated the enthusiasm and capacity present in the Lincoln community for ash wood utilization. The key to developing a thriving wood utilization network is connecting the members. Other states have had success in connecting arborists with sawmills and woodworkers with commercial outlets to grow their networks. Using “Urban Wood Network” branding, consumers can seek out locally sourced and crafted finished wood products. The February urban ash wood showcase was another step towards developing an urban wood use network in Nebraska.
 
Special thanks go out to all who made this event possible. This includes Lincoln Parks and Recreation, The Urban Wood Network, The U.S. Forest Service, and all of the individuals who shared their time and talents to create unique ash wood products.
Timber Sales

The following listings are for stands of timber or logs being offered for sale by owners or persons of delegated authority. Timber was cruised and/or marked for harvest by the Nebraska Forest Service or other professional foresters. Volumes in board feet (Doyle scale unless otherwise indicated) are estimates by the forester. If no volume is listed, the trees or logs were not marked by a forester and the listing is included only as a marketing service to the owner. Listings are prepared according to the information at the time of publication.
 
Timber Information Forester/Date Seller Information
Black Walnut, 19 trees (along farm lane)
   Veneer 3 – 250 bf
   Lumber 1 – 320 bf
   Lumber 2 – 382 bf
   Lumber 3 – 2,272 bf
   Total – 3,224 bf
 		 Rasmussen
2/2020		 Scott Beckman
52003  837 Rd #8
Elgin, NE 68636
Ph: (402) 843-2334
Location: Antelope County
Black Walnut, 48 trees
   Veneer 3 – 1,675 bf
   Lumber 1 – 1,420 bf
   Lumber 2 – 2,840 bf
   Lumber 3 – 3,585 bf
   Total – 9,518 bf
 		 Rasmussen
Smith
2/2020		 James Albrecht
1009  S Main
Emerson, NE 68733
Ph: (712) 898-5035
Email:  doca49@hotmail.com
Location: Thurston County
Black Walnut, 31 trees
   Lumber 1 – 74 bf
   Lumber 2 – 1,207 bf
   Lumber 3 – 2,084 bf
   Total – 3,365 bf
 		 Karloff
2/2020		 Willard Witte
1809 County Road 8
Yutan, NE 68073
Ph: (402) 443-8279
Location: Saunders County

TRADING POST

The Trading Post is provided as a free marketing service for the forestry industry. Only forestry-related advertisements will be accepted. Please submit written ads to the Timber Talk editor at least 15 days before scheduled Timber Talk publication dates. Ads may be edited to meet space constraints.

FOR SALE
Post Peeler. Morbark PS8 Post Peeler. It comes with 2 engines, 1 diesel and 1 electric. 8ft in-feed table with short return system. 33 ft of dead rolls with markers for trimming with a hydraulic bar saw. Markers for 6½, 7, 8 and 10ft posts. Several bunks and banding equipment included. A 24ft triple axle trailer for hauling also included. In excellent condition. Video available. Call John Hahn. 308-430-0630(c); 308-638-7531(h) Hay Springs, Nebraska.

Mulch. The city of Nebraska City has approx. 60 semi loads of single grind mulch $200/ semi load or $50/dump truckload. Shipping not included. Arrangements will be made to load. Contact: Marty Stovall 402-873-5515 or email mstovall@nebraskacity.com.

Sawmill. Mighty Mite bandsaw. 20 HP electric motor, tandem axles w/ brakes on one axle, 36” x 24’ log capacity, (have cut 46” beams) hydraulic operation includes winch, knees, taper, near arm, dogging arms, far arm, dogging spike, log loading arms, and electric clutch and blade lift. Includes automatic blade sharpener, setting machine, 12 used blades and 4 new blades. Excellent condition. Never been used commercially. $17,500. Contact: Gary Fisher, Crawford, NE. Phone: 308-665-1580; email: fisher@bbcwb.net.

Walnut Lumber. All dimensions. $3.00 per board foot. Falls City, NE. Contact: Bruce Walker at 402-245-2031.

Biochar Production Unit. Biochar production unit mounted on a 24 ft gooseneck trailer.  Burns 8 - 10 cubic yards of biomass per day producing up to 2 yards of high-grade biochar and 1 Million BTU/hr of hot air. $50,000. Contact High Plains Biochar for more information 307-761-5508.


SERVICES AND MISC. 
Portable Sawmilling Service. Offering portable sawmilling service, turning your logs into valuable lumber. Contact: Doug Patton, D&S Sawmill Services, Palmyra, NE. Phone : (402)-269-4866 or Email: dssawmillservices@gmail.com.
Woodshop Services. Millwork made from your lumber on my planer/molder. Chris Marlowe, Butte, NE 402-775-5000. Marlowepasture@nntc.net.
Sawmill Service and Supplies. Saw hammering and welding. Precision knife and saw grinding. Contact: Tim Schram, Schram Saw, and Machine, PO Box 718, 204 E. 3rd St., Ponca, NE 68770, 402-755-4294.

Used Portable Sawmills. North America’s largest source of used portable sawmills and equipment. Contact: Sawmill Exchange, 800-459-2148, website: www.sawmillexchange.com.


WANTED
Wood Residue. Slab wood, cutoffs, sawdust, mulch, bales, etc. Lincoln, NE. Call Scott Hofeling at 402-432-0806 or email scott@hofelingenterprises.com.

Logs and Slabwood. Cottonwood, cedar, and pine. 4-26” diameter and 90-100” lengths. Below saw grade logs acceptable. Contact: American Wood Fibers, Clarks, NE at 800-662- 5459; or email: Pat Krish at pkrish@AWF.com.

Cottonwood Logs. Veneer-quality cottonwood logs, 16-36” diameter, 7’ and longer. Pick up service available. Contact: Barcel Mill & Lumber, Bellwood, NE 68624. Ask for Barton or Megan. Phone: 800-201-4780; email: bj@barcelmill.com.
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