Stan Petzoldt |
Recent improvements in the timber market have brought on a surge in timber sales, according to reports from professional foresters around Missouri. But better prices do not always foster more selling.
Stan Petzoldt, of Petzoldt Lumber Co., Frohna, says, "Fifty percent of sales are made just prior to an ownership change in the land. Age of the owners is a big factor."
The timber buyer also says that about 10 percent of the landowners his company buys timber from are already managing their timber. He estimates that at least 70 percent of the owners believe in timber management but are unwilling to spend the time or money to do it.
Most of the sellers his company buys from do not actively oversee the harvesting. In fact, they don't even discuss the harvesting process with the loggers.
Petzoldt offers this advice to timber owners: "Selling as standing timber will most likely get you the most dollars for your timber unless you are a competent logger and marketer."