Cherry and Black walnut logging...

[mrcaptainbob]

The loggers have dropped about 40 black walnuts about 15- 24" at the base. 3 are about 30" and were about 80' tall with the branch out starting about 15 to 20' up. There's about 30 cherry's the same way. The tops are off and were pulled from the woods. The contract is 60/40. What's an 'about' $0.00/bft for low to medium quality black walnut and medium to better cherry? Not looking for accuracy here, just needing an education when the mills come in for pricing. TiA....

[Ron Wenrich]

Well, that all depends on your area.  15-24" at the base isn't really all that big.  Foresters measure trees at 4 1/2' above the ground.  This gets rid of the butt swell.

Scaling practices are generally on the small end and inside the bark.  There are various things that will affect the quality of a log.  The most obvious are knots, sweep, crook, and seams.  The more knots that are present, the lower the value.  The ones that are clear are the ones worth the most money.

Veneer is usually on logs 14" in diameter and up.  They have some pretty high value, when compared to other logs.  But, for me to quote to you some Pennsylvania prices will have little to do with Michigan prices.  Several dollars a foot would be a minimum.

Here's a site in New York that publishes their sawlog prices.  http://www.wightmanlumber.com/logprices.htm

You'll be able to see how one mill sets its grade standards, and gives prices for logs that meet them.  They are pretty close to some mills in my area, but they don't have the veneer prices listed.

You may also want to get in contact with either your local extension agent or your Bureau of Forestry.  They should be able to give you a list of buyers in the area or possible a price range. 

[mrcaptainbob]

Thanks, Ron. Will look into that info.