Farmers and other forestry landowners must understand the forest product market and the way your timber prices are influenced. This is because the grower can greatly affect many of the things that affect these prices.

If you have a forest in Ireland, you can get better prices by following some simple rules.

Provide access to your site. This will facilitate harvesting machinery and timber lorries. Also you must have a good network of inspection paths. This allows anyone to view the quality of your crop, which is very important you want to achieve good prices.

Because of the often fragmented nature of private plantations it would benefit both yourself and your neighbouring forest owners to group together when you are doing any major work such a thinning.

You must time thinning correctly. The trees must be at the correct size.

Always seek professional advice regarding the best way to market your timber. You should also get advice about how harvesting and extraction operations should be conducted, and the making and implementation of the various contracts.

Make sure you know the current market prices. Contact Forest Ireland about professional advice or the Irish Timber Growers Association for details on current price information.