NWFCS: Profitability Expected For Timber, Sugar Beet Sectors

Today we start our seven part series taking a look at Northwest Farm Credit Services’ Quarterly Commodity Snapshots. And we start with forestry products and sugar beets. NWFCS Vice President Bill Perry said their 12 month outlook for the forest products industry expects profitable timberland operations and very profitable processing operations.

“Mills have reached a new level of profitability as product pricing sets new records.  For timberland owners, strong domestic demand should keep log prices favorable, supporting profitability, even as log supplies remain elevated in some regions.”

Meanwhile when it comes to sugar beet producers, Perry says the 12 month outlook expects profitable returns.

“The USDA forecast suggests the stocks to use ratio will increase to 15.1%, up from 12.9%.  Higher stocks to use tends to provide head winds, but the potential for normalized consumer demand looks to bolster producer profitability.”

Join us Tuesday as our attention turns to wheat and hay.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com