I'm moving to southern IL with my sawmill and other log and lumber handling machinery. Would like to get a leg up on hardwood sawlog purchasing contacts and FOB mill prices. I guess I would like to try and make some contacts with local loggers or timber brokers, so I get off to a good start.

Another question, what appeals to the local market? Currently I run hardwood logs to kiln dried lumber sales small business here in North Carolina. I've established a decent local customer base that ranges from DIY furniture makers to professional cabinet shops and high end custom furniture makers. I would like to get a feel for the local market there in southern IL and adjust my game plan accordingly.

Thanks

Greetings Jeff:

Seeing that Illinois is currently without a forest products utilization and marketing specialist, I'll try to provide as much information as I can.

For a list of licensed timber buyers in the state of Illinois, please refer to the following Web site: http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems/Pdfs/TimberBuyers.pdf

For a list of Illinois Sawmills: http://dnr.state.il.us/conservation/forestry/05/sawmills2005.pdf

For a list of Illinois Timber Prices: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/forestry/il_timber_prices/index.html

Web site and Contacts of Illinois Wood Products Association: http://www.illinoiswoodproducts.org

Dr. John Phelps is the Illinois Wood Products Association executive director (jphelps@siu.edu)

I wish I could provide more information, but Illinois has been without a forest products specialist for over 7 years, which is truly unfortunate. My suggestion is to get in contact with the Illinois Wood Products Association for further assistance.

Best of luck to you and your business!