Andy's Advice on Forest Management

To grow a successful forest whether it is a one Ha block at the back of the farm or a thousand Ha in the foot hills, the adjectives are the same, that is to maximise the site with the best quality wood fibre that can be achieved in the shortest period of time.
In other words the most important thing to consider when contemplating forestry investment is the first six months prior to planting and the three years after planting. If this is done correctly the end results will be maximum return for your invested dollar. Any improvements to the stand after the first initial years is purely cosmetic when compared to the importance of the establishment program.
When you grow wood fibre you can either grow it as chip or as high quality saw logs, that is large piece size. A lot of things determine which regime you should consider. For example, location of the site, logging/roading costs, transporting costs, location of the site to processing plants, weed type, soil type and depth, rain fall and exposure.
To invest in forestry is not necessarily a long term project. For example most people who set up a forestry scheme invisage that this type of investment will only reward their children. This need not be the way to think. If a forestry block is properly established and is grown on for 5-8 years grow perimeters of this stand can be logged into a growth model and this growth model can predict the future yeild of this stand in 20-30 years time. As I initially mentioned the value of the end crop is directionally proportional of how well you have prepared your site initially. 

When you invest your money is forestry, do it wisely, ask the experts!!!

Today's terms when we say a stand is only good for chip wood that infers the crop was poorly established and was not looked after in the initial years. In some cases this is correct but in a lot of cases it makes sound economic sense to diversify and to grow a small saw log and chip crop as opposed to high quality piece size logs.
If it is planned correctly  the key in growing  wood fiber is to maximise the return on your investment with minimal expenses. When this equation is thought out carefully some sites would probably grow better chip than saw log and visa versa. The key of course is knowing which regime is the best one for your site and of course the best way to initiate this regime.