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Stumpage markets were excellent throughout Wisconsin in 2014. Aspen cordwood markets made substantial gains early in the year, increasing by 25 percent between the fall of 2013 and the spring of 2014. Mixed hardwood cordwood increased by 10 percent over the same period, while sawtimber markets remained stable to strengthening in 2014. Red oak sawtimber outperformed most species, as stumpage rates increased by 15 percent between the fall of 2013 and 2014 (statistics based on averaged public forest bid openings in north central Wisconsin).

Strong cordwood demand in 2014 and the continued positive trend of hard maple and red oak sawtimber is likely attributed to weather-related supply issues to some extent. The winter of 2013/2014 was marked by heavy snowfall and extreme cold temperatures, which significantly impacted roundwood production. This all followed a wet late-summer and fall in 2013. So, the development of supply shortages in early 2014 was no surprise to many industry contacts. This pressure on supply helped boost stumpage pricing throughout most of 2014.

Timber sales with above average timber characteristics and/or four-season access and operability continue to attract superior stumpage rates and competitive bidding. Housing market conditions and export demand may play a role in current market stability and pricing over the next six to nine months. The following tables exhibit trends consistent with our above summary. Cordwood products are trending positive while sawtimber rates show more price fluctuation, yet reveal positive trends.

The following charts depict historic stumpage trends for north central Wisconsin.

Lake States Stumpage Markets-Cordwood Trends-Feb 2015

 

Lake States Stumpage Markets-Sawtimber Stumpage Trends-Feb 2015

Contact Steigerwaldt today at 715.453.3274 or info@steigerwaldt.com, and our foresters can evaluate your forestland and give you practical advice on the best time to harvest your timber.