I'm in Northern Elmore county. Got around 100 acres that need a second pre commercial thinning 20-22 year old stand. I've been given a bid of $7 for pulp and $13.50 for Pine Sawtimber CNS.

I feel the CNS bid is on the low swing. What's your thoughts?

Mills are full and demand is starting to dwindle. I’d hold on until it’s really wet if you have dry ground.

That’s 7 times what someone I know got for pulp 2 months ago in a 23 year old stand. Cns was about the same price and I think hardwood pulp and t wood was around 6 a ton

FYI, a 'pre-commercial' thin usually means a thinning when its too small to be hauled to the mill. Usually, you pay someone for a pre-commercial thinning. An example would be a mulching or chopping operation in a 8-year old dog-hair thicket of natural generation just to get the stem count down to operable levels.

You need to decide whether you have a winter tract or a summer tract. Prices for summer/fall don’t compare to winter/spring. Prices are way down around here from where they were last year. If you have a wet weather tract, I’d wait. 20-22 yr old chip n saw can bring good money when they need the wood. And generally you have more time to wait on a 2nd thinning. It all depends on your particular tract.

$8 a ton for pulp in Butler county.

Hire a consultant

Pulp price is good. CNS price is way low