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Chairmans Annual Report
As you know, Farm Forestry Timbers Society was formed to revive the market for locally produced specialty timbers in New Zealand. The current situation is that our local timbers languish in obscurity while imported timbers enjoy market dominance.
Our goal is to ensure a ready supply of locally grown, sustainable, quality natural timber for the local market. The only way we can achieve this is to work together to ensure a reliable timber supply with consistent product quality.
We also need to promote the local product. The reality is that locally produced wood is without rival, a truly sustainable raw material.
Only with members contributing will we go forward as a group. Its up to members to play their part in developing markets for specialty timbers. Producers depend on engineers, architects and specifiers for choosing them instead of the other man peddling imported product. Start communicating, make each other aware of what you do.
The marketplace is there for listing your products and services, but who among you are actively placing adverts for your products? Membership is so very cheap and your directory listing comes with this. But how many of you are even aware that it costs you nothing to place as many adverts as you want? Just login and get to work, you can even upload photos to further increase your profile in the marketplace.
Over the last year we have made some progress. We have determined characteristic stresses for four timber species: redwood, leyland cypress, lusitanica cypress and totara. This means that engineers can now use these species and our visual grade (No. 1 Structural) in structural design. We still have macrocarpa to go and I'll get this done during the year when I find time. We now also have New Zealand's first in-service test underway for thermally modified hardwood in an outdoor decking application. However, there is much to achieve and I'm afraid we're up against the radiata pine lobby. The Wood Processors Association is pushing for a revision of NZS 3603 which is will further erode use of specialty timbers in structural applications. Please participate and attend the AGM, below.
Dean Satchell
Farm Forestry Timbers Society AGM
We'll be holding our AGM online this Thursday, 27th February, 7pm via Skype. If you interested in participating in the meeting, you'll need to email me. It would be great for contributors with ideas and enthusiasm. You will require a reasonable internet connection.
Dean Satchell, Chairman
In-service test underway for themally modified Eucalypus regnans
This trial was intiatated in December 2013 to test thermally modified Eucalyptus regnans as outdoor decking timber. Thermal modification increases durability and stability of timber without any chemical treatment. Many thanks to Vaughan Kearns of Ruapehu Sawmills who has sponsored this trial. more>>
Subscriptions
Thanks to you all for joining or renewing your membership to Farm Forestry Timbers Society. I'm sure you will all agree its pretty good value for money and hopefully you will enjoy responses to your listings and adverts in our marketplace. Being a voluntary organisation, revenue will be channelled into industry-good activities. Those with ideas on what we should prioritise should attend the AGM.
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