Authored by Kylie Burdette
Kylie is the ArborGen United States Sales Manager.
As loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) genetics improve and evolve, shouldn’t your timberlands do the same, and why is this evolution significant?
Many landowners and land managers throughout the southeast are also improving and evolving their operations in recent years. Planting advanced genetics pays off, especially since the forest products industry is a top job and income producer for many states throughout the southeast.
The U.S. South is the largest softwood lumber manufacturing region in North America, with a projected 4 billion board feet added to production this year. These expansions have led many sawmills to reflect on the productivity of their timberlands and start investing in advanced genetics that will eventually be processed through their mills.
These reasons and more are why there are more than 2 million acres planted in Mass-Control Pollinated (MCP®) across the southeast. The added value of MCP® is recognized by many leading and reputable sawmills with significant acreages.
MCP plantations produce more tons to the acre have straighter stems reducing compression wood and higher rust resistance. It is important to note one essential characteristic of MCP® is a smaller limb diameter.
This attribute produces a small, tight knot and creates high-grade lumber. These characteristics combine to provide a superior product, ultimately yielding a higher return on investment for the landowner.
There’s only one chance per rotation to get it right when choosing which seedlings to plant. It behooves landowners and land managers to make the best seedling genetics choice that will provide options at harvest.
Contact your Reforestation Advisor to learn about the best seedling options for your next planting.
