The projected Louisiana gross farm value of forest products decreased significantly Oct. 1, 2006, through Sept. 30, 2007, according to the LSU AgCenter’s 2007 AgSummary. This followed an increase in 2006. The 2007 total sawlog harvest decreased by 50 million board feet (4%) to a cut of 1.3 billion board feet. The pine sawtimber harvest decreased by 3%, to a total statewide harvest of 1.1 billion board feet. The hardwood sawtimber harvest fell to 170 million board feet (9% decrease) in 2007. Pine chip-n-saw harvested in 2007 totaled 878,019 cords, a decrease of 19% from 2006 totals. Over the past three years, chip-n-saw harvests have declined more than half. The 2007 Louisiana pulpwood harvest was 5,966,475 cords, down 160,935 cords (3%) from the 2006 harvest. Pine pulpwood harvest increased 6%, from 4.5 million cords in 2006 to 4.8 million cords in 2007.
(This article was published in the winter 2008 issue of Louisiana Agriculture.) |