Is there a market for Eastern Red cedar in the upper midwest?

[lyle-111]

I'm a greenhorn with a few acres of maturing Eastern Red Cedar on my property. I'm wondering if there is a local market for logs, posts, boards, mulch, etc..

The logs range in size from:  12" dia at base, to 6" dia at 8' length,  to 16"-20" dia at base, to 10"-14" at 8' length.

Smaller size logs are also available.

Also, how do you figure the value of a log?

Thanks, Lyle

[CLL]

I'm sure cedarman can' help you more, but we don't buy cedar less than 7" at 8' unless its pulp wood, I live in Missouri though. Right now cedar is 7.5-10 cents a bdft, on the stump, 35-40 cents delivered to mill.

[ARKANSAWYER]

 




  You can look at the scale and tell how many bdft in the log.  Here I am paying $0.40 bdft for cedar scaled.  So a  6 inch 8 ft log is $4.40.

[lyle-111]

Thanks for the scale.  How do you come up with a diameter on a tapered log?

[pigman]

Small end average diameter under the bark.

[lyle-111]

Thanks again.  As I stated earlier, I am really a rookie at this so I appreciate everyone's input. 

I posted a add here in MN today, and already have a couple guys interested in some logs. (Now that I know a fair asking price)

[sparky]

Lyle,

Where are you located? I may be interested in your cedar logs. I live in the Minneapolis area, but am part of an antique tractor club in Dalton, MN.

Will

[Cedarman]

There are markets for cedar from 2" on up.  For small poles, I would try the peeled post furniture makers and see if any would want to use red cedar instead of white cedar.  Maybe get one to try it.   There is about 5000 acres somewhere in Mn that they want cleared.  We send some cedar lumber into Wisc.   You just have to beat the bushes any way you can.  Our price list is on our website  www.cedarusa.com   Doesn't make it the right price, just our price.

[ARKANSAWYER]

  IT would amaze you the amount I send back up north in RV's.  I have shoved 500+ bdft in many a ride.  We get folks who come down every summer and they call ahead and place orders and send checks then pick up their wood for the trip back.
  So rethinking this maybe you do not need to worry about trying to sell any up there at all.

[lyle-111]

Wow, 5000 acres to clear?  I'd like to see that operation.
What's the best time and way to peel these cedar logs?

[sparky]

Lyle,

Do you have any cedar logs for sale? I have a definate interest.

Sparky in MN

[lyle-111]

Sparky,
Check to see if you have a personal reply from me. Otherwise, is it Ok to give out a phone # on this forum? 
Lyle

[Cedarman]

Morbark has a peeler.  Semologger has one I think.
Roundwood systems out of Montana has a doweling machine for about 120, 000 that will take a half dozen logs a minute and turn out perfect cylinders.
If someone had a wild hair, they might try  a business of peeling cedars for fencing in a big way.
I think the cedars in Mn are for the taking if you do a complete clear cut.
We have a couple million acres in Oklahoma and are getting further behind each day.

[sparky]

Lyle,

I sent you a personal message (PM) with my e-mail address and phone number. It is probably not a good idea to give out phone numbers in a reply. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sparky

[TheWoodsman]

I have experience producing rustic furniture with hickory poles and I'm currently experimenting with eastern red cedar.  The thing about the small poles is that guys like me can only buy them if we know where to find them.  If they aren't advertised then they'll probably never sell. 

[Cedarman]

Woodsman, if you can't find enough poles locally, we can provide.  There is a good bit of cedar south of you in Ohio, Switzerland and Jefferson counties.

A good website is invaluable.