NEBRASKA'S FOREST PRODUCTS BULLETIN

TIMBER TALK

This summer, the Northern region has experienced above normal rainfall that has disrupted logging in certain areas. Some of those areas are beginning to dry out, though log decks and green lumber production have not increased significantly to this point. Logging activity and, therefore, log procurement are further complicated by curtailed production and shutdowns by regional paper plants. Of course, the most obvious impact on sawmill production this year has been the COVID-19 pandemic. Eastern US hardwood sawmill output dropped to historical low points this spring and summer. Kiln dried inventories have been limited if not reduced for a number of items because far less green lumber was produced and processed for drying. Yet, there are no severe shortages of lumber in most species, grades, and thicknesses, because the pandemic continues to restrict manufacturing activity and demand for hardwood products throughout the world. As rarely happens, there is not a perfect balance between supply and demand. Most grade lumber pricing has stabilized from supply contraction earlier this year. Hard Maple is one example of prices moving from a downward bias to steady or firm. Slightly higher interest and lower availability are credited for the shift. But, there are other specific items experiencing weak demand and price pressures, including certain grades and thicknesses of Basswood and low grade lumber in most species.

May 2020 was the lowest recorded level of estimated Eastern US hardwood sawmill production since HMR began tracking production data. June and July posted monthly gains, but very small gains. Year to date sawmill production is 17.1% below the same period in 2019. Lower output and slightly better domestic demand have eased price pressures and could cause shortages of certain kiln dried items later this year, most notably #1C&Btr Red Oak and FAS White Oak. There are other issues that could keep mill output down. Finding and keeping qualified laborers is an ongoing problem. Financial constrains stemming from reduced business in China and broader competitive market pressures could hold back a rebound in production, as well. However, there are no indications of severe or chronic supply shortages of any particular item to this point

This May, Eastern US hardwood sawmill production dropped to the lowest level ever recorded in HMR’s data series (1960 to current). Production was higher in June and July but remained below 5.0 billion board foot on an annualized basis. This large contraction, combined with gradually improving demand, brought overall hardwood supply and demand into closer balance. Now, the vast majority of grade lumber items is still readily available, but, in most cases, supplies are no longer overwhelming markets or businesses carrying those inventories. The result has been a more stable pricing environment for grade lumber. Supply circumstances are much different for industrial lumber. Pallet industry consumption is trending up, but pallet cants and lumber remain plentiful. Similarly, crossties and switch ties are abundant relative to buyers’ inventory needs. Finally, weakness in the oil industry and cancellations of proposed pipeline projects are heavily impacting sales of board road and mat timbers.

(Source: Condensed from Hardwood Market Report, August 7, 2020. For more information or to subscribe to Hardwood Market Report, call (901) 767-9216, email: hmr@hmr.com, website: www.hmr.com)

FOREST NEWS

  Western Forestry Utilization Success Stories

Members of the Western Forest Utilization Network worked with the Council of Western State Foresters to develop a series of wood utilization success stories from across the western US, including from Nebraska. This publication highlights the innovative work being done across the west and provides examples of wood utilization opportunities which may be applicable here in Nebraska.

Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Washington and Seward Counties

Husker project exploring red cedar use in

construction gets Nebraska Environmental Trust

grant
 

A University of Nebraska–Lincoln project to explore the use of eastern red cedar in construction has received a $28,412 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Husker researchers plan to explore the potential use of eastern red cedar as a local “mass-timber” construction system. They will use the funding to develop a demonstration building that resolves concerns about the environmental impact of eastern red cedar in Nebraska.

Transforming manure and cedar mulch from

"waste" to "worth"
 

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 

Black Walnut, 33 trees

Veneer 2 – 435 bf

Veneer 3 – 473 bf

Lumber 1 – 996 bf

Lumber 2 – 2,992 bf

Lumber 3 – 2,518 bf

Total – 7,414 bf

Forester/Date
Karloff 11/2019 (Re-advertisement)

Seller Information
Rick Young 1885
Blue Sage Parkway
Elkhorn, NE 68022
Ph: (402) 670-8820
Location: Washington County

Timber Information 

Individual is doing construction on property and needs to remove about 6 black walnuts. About 1,600 board feet total with the 2 largest trees (24 & 23 DIB) being veneer potential. Not looking to be paid, just would like trees removed.

Seller Information

Marny Stricklin
1113 Camp Gifford Road
Bellevue, Nebraska
Ph: (402) 250-0253
Location: Sarpy County