The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Forestry and Logging => Topic started by: asca65290 on June 15, 2009, 04:03:37 PM

Title: Black Walnut
Post by: asca65290 on June 15, 2009, 04:03:37 PM
I just bought 70 acres of bottomland mostly forested ground in central Illinois.  To my surprise, there is a high proportion of black walnut on the property with many trees being 18-24 inches in diameter.  I was curious to know how much this might be worth and if anyone has recently sold black walnut to give me a sense for what the going rate is.  There are numerous 6-8 inch trees as well that I think would benefit from a selective logging of the property.  My inclination is to wait until the lumber market returns, although I don't know how walnut has fared compared to some other species, despite the fact that it would be mighty nice to get some immediate income to help pay down the mortgage.  I also wonder how you get top dollar for the high quality veneer logs.  Ten years ago my grandparents logged our farm using a professional forester who marked the trees and ran a bidding process.  However, the auction was conducted without any of the buyers ever stepping foot on the property, so I find it hard to believe that I would get paid any more for high quality logs versus low quality ones.  Would to get your thoughts and any advice you have.

Click here to see pictures of the place:  https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=random&cat=17957&pos=-73336
Title: Re: Black Walnut
Post by: woodmills1 on June 15, 2009, 09:29:23 PM
walnut is if not the best then close to it so wiat till you talk about it more and find someone who comes to your place and says$$$$
Title: Re: Black Walnut
Post by: DRB on June 15, 2009, 10:48:53 PM
From the pictures I see sawlogs not veneer.  Walnut sawlogs  are undervalued right now as low as $400 to $500 a thousand delivered to the mill. I would not cut any till it gets back up.  Veneer logs have to be totally clear of knots and knot scars and be very well formed with modest sapwood.   Good veneer logs still bring a fair price and you may have a few of them. I would try to find a couple veneer buyer to look at the trees and see if there are any. 
Title: Re: Black Walnut
Post by: Ron Scott on June 23, 2009, 08:29:56 AM
Walnut quality and values can vary considerably depending upon location, quality, and markets. Have your local conservation district forester, DNR service forester, extension service, or professional consulting forester familiar with the walnut prices and markets in your area look at your timber stand for the best advice for your management and marketing.
Title: Re: Black Walnut
Post by: jrdwyer on June 23, 2009, 09:12:29 AM
I sold a tract of timber for a client in February that contained a large quantity of walnut (both lumber and veneer quality). It brought a very good price (higher than 2008 published averages for high quality timber sales in Indiana). I am a consulting forester in SW Indiana. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in any forest management services.

Joe Dwyer