Profitable wood processing - what does it require? Good wood!

Authors: D. Cown, van Wyk, L.
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2004, Issue N.Z.J.For. 49(1) 2004, pp 10-15, May 2004
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: The international forest products industry has traditionally used material selected specifically for particular end uses - the most obvious example being the distinction between hardwoods and softwoods. New Zealand has been blessed with an environment ideally suited to tree growth, and forest managers over time have done an excellent job of refining practices for the efficient production of healthy crops, developing systems to yield high volumes of wood from a relatively small land base. Unfortunately markets do not buy trees, and much less attention has been paid to the features which ultimately create market demand - wood product uniformity and performance. Any given stem of radiata pine contains a variety of "qualities" - some predictable and some unpredictable.
The challenge now for the industry as a whole is to overcome the apparent short-term focus on cash profit which has led to issues such as falling confidence in forestry, poor image for wood, and forest sales (largely to overseas conglomerates). It is time to apply the knowledge gained from years of research into the inherent qualities and breeding of radiata pine and channel effort into improving the wood quality delivered to log purchasers and end users. The highest priority should be given to:
•   R&D to develop better segregation tools.
•   Generic and company-specific market development to enhance the image of NZ forestry at home and abroad.
Long-term breeding strategies to increase market acceptance and reduce variability.

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