How should I approach a logger?

[J Beyer]

In an area where I do not see logs truck, except maybe two or three times a year, how should I approach a logger?  I've though about calling the logger to setup a time to meet at a log landing or something like that.  On the call I would just introduce myself and say that I would like to meet at a landing somewhere to discuss purchase of logs.  That is, unless they are already sold.

My first name is Jeffrey, that's why I sometimes sign the letter:
"The other Jeff B"

[Tom]

Funny you should use those words.  We have a thread that wanders around a question stated almost exactly as you have stated yours.  It manages to go from the front yard to the backyard and talks about a lot more than the question but you may enjoy reading it.  This one will probably get some direct replies as well.
              this other link is:
http://www.forestryforum.com/cgi-bin/board/YaBB.pl?board=sawmill;action=display;num=1020875157;start=14

[Texas Ranger]

Armed, and with a lawyer!

Call 'em up, they are just folks.

[Sawyerfortyish]

Jeff ( not you Jeff the other one)
We put in a sawmill for our own use 22 yrs ago we logged the farm and never thought we would use all the low grade from the trees we cut. But things took off soon we had to get into  logging just to keep up with the mill orders. Now the logging jobs just seem to find us we have our own skidder and log truck and it seems if you want logs you have to get them yourself otherwise they never show up or else it's somthing that nobody else wants. If you see a log truck the best thing to do is get the name on the truck and give them a call if they won't sell to you they might steer you in a direction were you can buy some.

[Ron Wenrich]

I don't know about your state, but ours has a list of loggers.  Contact your local state forester, and they may be able to supply you with a list of loggers.

Are you looking for a specific type of log, or just logs?  Sometimes other mills will supply you with logs if it is something out of the norm.

We sell short logs to a WM type of mill.  Short logs are not profitable for us to cut.  He also takes the unusual.  English walnut, catalpa, and things with lots of metal.  We also get rid of small logs to scragg operations.

We find that logs that are too small or too large for the operations are more profitable to sell than saw.  If you have a niche market, maybe you can use them.

If you are looking at the high end of things, maybe veneer rejects would meet your needs.  A thin kerf band can be used profitably, if you can capture the increased yield in a reasonable amount of sawing time.