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How to farm hardwoods profitably
Authors: Mike MalloyPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2003, Issue N.Z.J.For. 48(2) 2003, pp 32-36, Aug 2003
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: The possibility of adding tree farming to the usual farming repertoire is discussed in the light of experience in converting reverting hill country near Warkworth of some 105 hectares into a tree farm. A brief history of the project is recorded. Two studies on commercial aspects of the project are given. The first relates to the commercial acceptability of exotic blackwood lumber to manufacturers in the Auckland metropolitan region and was effected by survey. The second was done by interview on eucalypt milling and merchandising and was carried out in the Auckland and Northland areas. An alternative to existing methods of marketing was hypothesised.
From the survey, it appears that most manufacturers know little about the characteristics of Tasmanian blackwood but are willing to learn. From the interviews it appears that any potential special purpose wood industry in New Zealand must struggle with lack of organised planting, undercapitalised mills, poorly maintained woodlots, low conversion rates for logs and significant competition from the logging of primary forests overseas. In spite of these handicaps (which can be overcome), the return from on-site processing of sustainable log production could be about 15 times that expected from conventional farming.