MEDIA RELEASE
University of Minnesota Extension Service
January 2, 2003
Consider Forestry As Part Of A Farm Enterprise
Written By Brad Carlson, U of M Extension Service Regional Educator
There was a time when the woodlot was a crucial part of each farm. Early settlers depended on the woods for firewood, and building materials. In parts of the state (and country) where prairies predominated, the government initiated many programs to encourage the planting of trees, in order to ensure that farmers had what they needed to be sustainable. Early in the last century, the benefits of trees to shelter farm sites and protect fields from the forces of the wind manifested itself into the widespread planting of shelterbelts and windbreaks.
As agriculture changed in the last 50 years, we have mostly forgotten the original purpose of maintaining a farm woodlot, and we have grown accustomed to the aesthetic value of trees in and around a building site so that we tend to forget the utilitarian purpose they serve. It is evident today that a majority of wooded land in the hands of farmers suffers from a lack of management. This is normally not viewed as a critical issue in Southern Minnesota, but it is worth noting that owning wooded acres can still serve a valuable purpose to a farmer.
The sale of timber for saw logs can be a significant source of income. Most forest owners know this in the backs of their heads, but do not consider it as a primary reason for owning the woods. It is important to note that timber harvest can be compatible with whatever the primary reason for owning the woods is. A well-managed, highly productive forest, can often sustain a harvest every ten years without noticing any real differences in wildlife populations, or the aesthetic quality of the woods.
Because of the fluctuation of commodity prices, farmers could use their forest like a bank account to be dipped into whenever crop prices are low and your income isn’t what you would like it to be. The woods can then regenerate over the next several years to be used again when needed. Even if you do not consider your woodlot or shelterbelt to have species of value, you might be surprised that there is a market for low quality trees to be used as pallets, and other similar products. Clearing out some of these less desirable species such as cottonwood or box elder can pave the way to a more valuable and useful woodlot or shelterbelt in the future.
Most farmers are not experienced at marketing raw timber. It is certainly possible for an individual to develop these skills, but if you do not do it very often you will probably want the assistance of a professional. Both the Extension Service and the Department of Natural Resources Forestry division can assist you with analyzing your options and deciding what works for you. If you have decided to go ahead with a forest harvest, you will want to contact your local DNR Forestry office (in the phone book under state agencies). For a fee, the DNR assists private landowners with arranging a timber harvest. In parts of the state with a larger forest products industry, they can also recommend a private consulting forester that can provide these services.
For most of farm country, though, your DNR Forester is your only option. The Forester will work with you to determine how much you want to cut (both volume and the harvest boundaries), what harvest methods you would like used, what you would like done with the slash, when you want it done, and any other considerations that you might have. They will mark the trees to be harvested. They write up a description of the harvest and let it out for bids. You as a landowner are at your leisure to accept whatever bid you like. This process more than covers the fee you pay for the service. Occasionally landowners can as much as double their income by using the DNR as opposed to contacting a logger directly. In addition, you can maintain control over what happens on your property.
While you are working with DNR Forestry, you should inquire about having a Woodland Stewardship Plan written. This document can help guide you to future management decisions, as well as make you eligible for a tax rebate on your forestland. For more information, contact Brad Carlson, Regional Extension Educator, U of M Extension Service (507-332-6109).
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For more information, contact:
Brad Carlson
Regional Extension Educator , Natural Resources and
Environment
Government Services Building
320 NW Third Street - Suite 7
Faribault, MN 55021
Phone: 507-332-6109
Email: bcarlson@umn.edu
Web:
extension.umn.edu/county/rice