Full stocking levels should be reached about the year 2010.  At that time, 1,000,000 bf of good quality timber will be growing on the 200 acres of forest at Timbergreen.  "We can then begin harvesting the annual growth of 40,000 bf, without ever depleting the forest," states Jim.  "We will always continue to cut the poorest trees first, to keep improving the forest for the future."

One of the biggest advantages of the timber operations at Timbergreen is their diversity.  "When the weather is perfect, we go work in the woods.  When its too wet to move logs, we can run the sawmill.  If it is too miserable to work outside, we can go to the workshop and keep busy and warm.  All our machines are low cost and fully paid for.  Our good lumber  is in very high demand, and we have developed markets for even our low grade wood that let us make a good profit, while improving our woods.  I can't wait till we start cutting the good trees," exclaimed Jim.

A popular product that promises to be a major income generator over the years is hardwood flooring.  Both rustic and clear grades of flooring are available in a variety of species.  Their specialty is wide plank flooring.  Most people choose the 4"-8" wide rustic oak, but hardwood flooring up to 15" wide is available by special order.  Fantastic Flooring is a description of the plank floor Jim recently installed in the new log home, just being completed, all from trees from the woods at Timbergreen Farm.  Curly red oak  boards 11" wide, clear red and white oak planks 12-15" wide and up to 10 feet long,  and walnut accent strips placed in an artistic design, highlight the unique features of the great room of the house. 

Birkemeier encourages other forest owners to  develop the opportunities they find in their own forest.  "Wood products is one business that a small operation can do as well or better than a big high-tech company.  Wood is easy to work with, and with basic knowledge, top quality lumber can be produced efficiently on a small scale with low overhead.  Woodlot owners can find several niche markets for their specific situation and do very well.  Increasing demand and higher prices for trees is making forestry more profitable across the country.  Timber is a great crop for the future on small woodlots."

Timbergreen is spreading their success  by hosting Forest Owner Field Days every month for landowners in the surrounding area.  Sustainable Forestry, Crop Tree Management, Timber Price Trends, Timber Stand Improvement, Low Damage - High Utilization Logging, producing high quality lumber from a small woodlot, and many other subjects are covered from the forest owner's point of view. Their goal is to teach forest owners what they need to know to make the right forestry decisions and effectively deal with professional timber buyers and loggers, to get the best deal possible for the forest owner.  In addition Timbergreen offers forestry consulting services for absentee forest owners and those that prefer to hire a professional forester to represent them. 
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