HOW TO CUT SOUTHERN" FARM TIMBER PROFITABLY 
3 
HOW TO CUT 
SOUTHERN FARM TIMBER 
FOR STEADY PROFIT 
By Wilbur R. Mattoon, Extension Forester, Forest Service 
New Markets for Southern Timber Call for Better Cutting Methods 
WHY should southern farmers continue cutting their timber in 
ways that materially reduce the income-producing capacity of 
their farms? 
New pulp and paper mills are being constructed in the South 
with each passing year. New markets for wood are thus being created. 
Continued existence of these mills depends upon a steady and con- 
stant supply of pulpwood for many years. Therefore, wise land- 
owners will plan to grow and harvest continuous crops of wood and 
timber. When heavy cuttings are made, such as timber buyers have 
commonly specified in the past, continuous and profitable production 
is impossible. 
Farmers have too long made the mistake of excessive cutting of 
timber stands. Such practice is probably traceable to the days of 
destructive and wasteful lumbering. Heavy cuttiag will greatly 
reduce the annual farm income over a period of years. On the other 
hand, through the application of selective cutting and other simple 
forestry practices, which farmers will readily understand, the economic 
benefits from timber-growing lands may be greatly increased and 
extended. 
Woodlands in the South may be kept permanently profitable. 
Timber stands may be maiutained and continuous crops marketed 
when the following objectives are the basis of woods management: 
1. Cut timber lightly and frequently — selective cutting. 
2. Protect timber from fire and other injuries. 
3. Improve the growing timber stand by wise cutting of the weaker 
or less promising trees for pulpwood, stave blocks, posts to be treated 
with wood preservative, or fuel wood. 
4. Grow some quality timber products on the farm, such as poles^ 
piling, or sawlogs. These usually bring high prices that add up rapid- 
ly when figured in the total farm income. 
5. If pulpwood prices justify it, add pulpwood to the list of regular 
farm crops and treat it as a regular and dependable source of annua] 
cash income. 
KEEP YOUR WOODLANDS IN CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION! 
