South-wide Stumpage Markets
South-wide average stumpage prices declined for four of the five major products in the 3rd quarter. Only hardwood saw timber prices improved this quarter. Hot and dry weather prevailed over most of the South this quarter, easing accessibility to supply, which helped push prices downward.
This downward price movement is in line with seasonal, summertime trends that have seen stumpage prices decrease quarter-over-quarter (Q/Q) in the 3rdQuarter in 12 of the last 15 years for pine saw timber and 11 of the last 15 years for pine chip-n-saw. The upward movement in hardwood saw timber price also follows seasonal trends, as hardwood saw timber prices have increased Q/Q in the 3rd quarter in 19 of the last 20 years.