Timber

The extent of log imports may have been exaggerated in recent years as the debate on the risk of spruce bark beetle infestation heightened.

The larch bark beetle is a large black bark-boring insect which is found in much of Europe and Britain.

With creosote banned since April 2023, alternatives have pushed fencing prices up while reference costs have remained stagnant.

With margins squeezed this year, investing in your farm is becoming more and more difficult.

The Irish Forest Owners promote hardwood growing, harvesting, selling and sawing at field days and demo events.

The HSA is aiming to reduce the risks associated with forestry work, including handling machinery, working at height, chainsaw use, and emergency response planning in new inspection campaign.

The Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) has called for forestry to be represented in the Department of Agriculture carbon farming working group.

Tree planting has now to be encouraged big time and undoubtedly landowners are put off by this messy ash dieback business.