NASHVILLE, TN – Finished lumber prices remain firmer than many regional timber markets, creating a mixed picture for landowners and smaller forestry operators. The Madison’s Lumber Price Index reached $524.55 per thousand board feet September 11, up 1.2% for the week and 8.8% from a year earlier.
Lumber futures were trading near $565 per thousand board feet September 15, pressured by weaker housing demand and ongoing U.S.-Canada trade tensions. Higher mortgage rates are also limiting construction demand.
Southern timber remains softer. TimberMart-South says second-quarter pine sawtimber averaged $23.34 per ton, down $2.78 from a year earlier. Mixed hardwood sawtimber averaged $30.44, down $2.03.
Hardwood markets show wider regional differences. Pennsylvania first-quarter white oak averaged $727 per thousand board feet in the northeast and $750 in the northwest, while black cherry ranged from $412 to $848.
Landowners should treat national lumber prices as direction, not a direct stumpage quote. Local mill demand, species, quality, tract access, and hauling distance remain critical.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Stronger finished-lumber prices have not produced uniform gains for timber owners, making local market conditions especially important.