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The top prices obtained by forest owners for timber so far this year have failed to reach 2018 levels, according to new figures collected by the IFA from forest owners, forestry companies and sawmills.
From April to June, sawlog conifer timber 4.9m in length sold for €78/t to€82/t excluding VAT at the roadside.
This compares with €80t/ to €90/t last autumn. These prices are now back in line with early 2018 levels, but still higher than in 2017.
Stable
Palletwood prices are broadly stable, with only top prices for shorter lengths (under 2.5m or 3.1m) falling €2/t below late 2018 levels.
Stakewood (€38/t to €45/t) and pulp (€20/t to €34/t) fall in a lower range than last year, with cheaper pulpwood showing the sharpest drop of €5/t at the lowest end of the scale.
Demand
"The demand for timber, particularly sawlog, has been reducing due to an oversupply of sawn timber in Europe," the IFA reported.
These trends are in line with those reported last month based on Coillte prices and Irish Farmers Journal analysis of private sales so far this year.
The association urged forest owners to put in inspection paths, get several quotes and talk to other farmers before accepting a price for their timber.
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