Forestry is a big deal in Wisconsin. If we look at the dollars generated, the forest products industry ranks No. 2 in the state at nearly $24.5 billion, according to the Wisconsin DNR.
But it’s not just the economic value that turns heads. The quality of the state’s timber catches the attention of buyers overseas. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection recently hosted an international trade mission, bringing timber buyers from across the globe on a tour of about a dozen lumber businesses in the state.
One of these was MacDonald & Owen Lumber based in Luck. CEO Clint West tells Mid-West Farm Report why Wisconsin timber is sought after, and the success he found during the trade mission:
“We’ve actually got a group going to Mexico in August to further validate some of the relationships that we initiated during the trade group,” he says. “They haven’t resulted in a new order yet, but later this year, we have a group going to Southeast Asia where they’ll be trying to connect with the customers from Taiwan and Thailand as well.”
West explains that Wisconsin timber is known for its high quality because the short growing season makes the rings in the tree tighter, and creates a sturdier wood with prettier grain than trees you’d find in warmer climates. He says the wood is primarily used in hardwood flooring and cabinetry.
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