As of today’s post, the most recent quarterly timber stumpage price data available from Penn State University’s quarterly Timber Market Report is their “Fourth Quarter, 2024” release. We like to periodically analyze the Penn State reports and offer commentary and insights related to the trends we see, in hopes it provides our readers some value for their future decision making.
The following six charts illustrate the recent improvement we’ve observed, along with historical price trends for hardwood timber stumpage, using data from Pennsylvania University’s quarterly Timber Market Report. While several species are featured in Penn State’s report, we’ve focused on the six with the largest commercial impact on our region’s solid wood products industry. We noted the following regional and species trends:
- Comparing 4th quarter prices to 3rd quarter, price trends are as follows: prices are generally down for the oaks in all four quadrants of the state, except the northwestern region; hard maple is generally up for all regions of PA except the northwest; cherry price movements were mixed, depending on the region of the state; soft maple prices moved generally downward except for the southwestern part of the state; and yellow-poplar prices increased in most areas except for the northwestern part of the state.
- Comparing 4th quarter 2024 prices to 4th quarter of 2023, price trends were as follows: prices for the oaks and soft maple moved lower in most parts of the state except for the northwestern region; cherry prices moved generally lower except for the southeastern part of the state; hard maple price movements were mixed, depending on the region of the state; and yellow-poplar prices increased in most areas except for the southwestern part of the state.
Please keep in mind, that despite the various quarterly and annual trends outlined above, high quality timber continues to attract strong interest from bidders throughout the regions of PA, NY, and WV, where we offer timber sale and land management services. It’s also important to note that the value of your unique stand of timber may differ widely from these multi-county averages, discussed further above. Pricing for your specific property’s timber is subject to ever-changing, highly-localized markets.
For local, customized expertise regarding your unique property, we encourage you to work with one of our seasoned foresters. Reach out to us through our Contact Us page
Decades of Change: U.S. Hardwood Lumber Exports and Evolving Markets
