TreeLines Podcast Episode 18 - The Missing Variable: Genetics in Timberland Appraisal

What happens when forestry technology advances faster than the systems used to value timberland?

In this episode of the TreeLines Podcast, host Dr. Paul Jeffreys sits down with Jason Watson, ArborGen's Vice President of US Sales, and Jason Little, Director of Technical & Analytical Services at Forest Resource Consultants, to discuss one of the most important—and least discussed—topics in modern forestry: the relationship between forest genetics and timberland valuation.

As genetics continue to improve growth rates, stem quality, disease resistance, and overall plantation performance, questions are emerging about whether traditional appraisal methods are fully capturing the value these improvements create.

Listeners will gain insight into how timberland appraisals are developed, the challenges of forecasting biological growth, and the evolving role genetics may play in future land valuation models.

Topics covered include:

• What a timberland appraisal actually measures
• Growth and yield modeling fundamentals
• How forest genetics have evolved over the past three decades
• MCP® versus Open Pollinated genetics
• Why appraisal methodologies can lag behind innovation
• Real-world evidence from modern genetic deployments
• The financial implications of undervaluing genetics
• What landowners and investors should consider when planning for the future

Whether you're a landowner, forestry consultant, investor, procurement forester, or simply interested in the economics of forestry, this episode offers valuable perspective on how biology, economics, and long-term planning intersect.

Resources & Links

• ArborGen Website: https://www.arborgen.com/
• Connect with a Reforestation Advisor: https://www.arborgen.com/reforestation-advisors/
• TreeLines Newsletter: https://www.arborgen.com/category/treelines/

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