Log classing made a rewarding challenge
From the Spring/Summer 2009 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Forests NSW hardwood log grading co-ordinator Kelvin Everett of Wauchope and Scottish exchange forester David Pool of Coffs Harbour have been rolling out the log grading course on the North Coast. Photo by Howard Spencer
Many primary products are graded using classes such as premium, back down to standard or defective.
Logs are no different, with a logs grading affecting both its price and the processing it goes through.
Forests NSW has moved to improve the log grading skills of staff and contractors with the assistance of prominent chainsaw manufacturer Husqvarna via a new program designed to increase returns for contractors and sawmills, improve timber royalties, and reward the top timber graders with a new chainsaw.
Log graders were presented with 20 logs previously assessed for their timber characteristics by Forests NSW and industry experts, said Forests NSW timber supply and operations manager, Steve Rayson.
Each group of logs was graded by the experts to determine a theoretical optimum mix of products, he said. The subsequent exercise saw all attendees assessing and grading the same logs.
The logs were segregated by the expert panel to give a real value, with attendees results scored against this value.
The winners on the north coast were Stewart Newby of Koppers, Bulahdelah (contractor) and Warren Taylor, Coffs Harbour (Forests NSW).
Steve said properly recognising poles or girders, high quality sawlogs or durable species that are in demand for bridge and other long-lasting applications would attract a greater return than sending logs to a lower value market.
We are hoping to make this a regular event so that log graders have some continual training, Steve said.
The whole industry will benefit if they are better at selecting timber that will provide a maximum return for the harvesting contractor and sawmills.
Howard Spencer Public Affairs & Media, Coffs Harbour
