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Perhaps the best way to convince people of the benefits that
forestry can bestow on their properties is to show examples
of how farmers have already established woods on their land
and profited from them.
Sean Ronan is one such farmer and owns 70ac near Callan,
Co Kilkenny. He is 61 years of age and has spent all his life
farming and contracting and is considered one of Ireland's
best ploughmen.
In 2001, Sean planted almost half his farm, choosing the
heaviest and lowest-lying areas for trees. His decision to
plant was made after an assessment of forestry benefits combined
with stacking entitlements.
While his woodland adds greatly to the landscape - and will
continue to do so in the future - Sean emphasised that this
is a commercial forest venture and must earn its keep.
Around 19ac are planted with a Larch/Sitka spruce mix, with
the balance containing Norway spruce and four acres of ash
and alder. The general layout and quality of the trees so
impressed the judges for last year's RDS
Farm Forestry Awards that Sean received a gong and
a cheque for €1,000.
Several factors influenced the judges' decision - including
the manner in which the best use was made of the available
land and how both the layout and choice of species were well
thought through in order to maximise benefits for the farm.
They felt that Sean's woodland was a fine example of the
way in which farming and forestry benefit each other. The
site was well chosen, in that road access is good and it adjoins
other woodland which, in total, comprises a large block of
around 500ac. Management of the woods can, thereby, be carried
out in co-operation with neighbours, making full use of available
machinery during thinning and other operations.
Medite
in Clonmel are nearby and provide a convenient outlet for
the thinnings and final crop. Sean also hopes to bundle the
brash and sell it as fuel - and, again, his proximity to Medite
will ensure this operation is viable.
Distance travelled is a key factor when deciding whether
bundled brash is saleable or not. It is a bulky material and
cannot be profitably transported more than about 30 miles
from the forest to the factory.
Having examined the numerous options available, Sean decided
to opt for a Coillte
farm partnership and proceeded under the guidance
of Coillte area manager Mick Power.
Under the partnership scheme, Sean will receive the full
20-year premium payments plus 80pc of the profits from thinning
and 55pc of the profits when the final crop is harvested.
All the work is managed and carried out by Coillte contractors,
which allows Sean to concentrate fully on his other businesses.
Forestry partnerships such as this are just one of a wide
range of options available to farmers and other landowners
when considering planting. Undoubtedly it suits some to let
their woodlands be managed by others and, at the same time,
give them a share in the returns. Others prefer to do their
own management and ground work and remain in full control.
It really all depends on each individual situation.
Teagasc,
one of the contracting companies or a private forestry consultant
can assist you in finding out what options are available.
Talk to them all before making the big decision.
Sean is more than happy that he planted - and he is now reaping
the benefits. Source - The Irish Independent
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