How do they go about determining the value of a walnut log?

Determined by certain specifications. As, log diameter, length, clear faces, interior defects, thin sapwood, sweep, etc.. Black Walnut logs are valued anywhere from $.50/Board foot - $4.00/ board foot, depending on those specs. And what log rule used.

Probably a lot less than you think.

They have a reputation of being made of gold. In reality, those perfect veneer logs are few and far between.

Thirty some years ago I planted a couple hundred figuring my kids could retire early. Another one of my stupid ideas.

Cuttings from them make decent firewood, though.

sold some 3 yrs ago and got a very good price,did my homework and had the county assess before i sold. Get several bids .....was very happy with what i recieved . Should say ,mine all went to an amish furniture maker in walnut creek ohio. Selling trees is like selling furs,,market to the ones who want to buy them and who will pay well for them. Im in ohio and had guys bidding on my trees from vermont. All went to my sons college fund....still have about 60 left. I keep teaching him to be a steward of the land. Sell every 15-20 yrs and leave seed.

kinda like asking what a car is worth...need more details.

I sold 9500 bf the other day that were straight run very few veneer mixed in mostly big sawlogs the logs averaged $2.55 /bf gross the high log was $8.00 a bf the low was 1.30 the high logs were 24" plus wide,over 10' long , 4 side clear ,no peck ,heavy sap . There were some 4.50 three face logs . Most of the logs that would make any FAS were $2 plus

How have prices been affected as compared with one and two years ago?

They are up . The high grade stuff is a little better , the lower grade big stuff is a little better , the mid grade small to medium stuff is way higher and that makes up your volume . It's not what it was say five years ago but much better than 2 years ago

i really thought of getting an acre and planting for such a similar purpose... doesn't work like they tell ya, eh?

The last job that I cut had several trees that were planted 54 years ago they were in a nice deep soil creek bottom. And yielded butt cuts over 20" in diameter . They realy did well one made veneer. Don't give up on that acre if you still have it . As long as they had some competition to make them grow taller .

I always wanted to plant that acre to black walnut too. My plan was to plant seedlings, graft on a purple heartwood black walnut (that I have access to) and after the graft hits 8 ' graft on some nut varieties up high. That way I get my 8 foot log and in the meantime a yearly nut crop.

I'm only 64...I can still pull it off can't I?

Bought ten years ago they took down a big one by spirit lake when widening the highway, I forgot, it sold to a japanese company for veneer, I think it was 20,000$ I can't remember for sure

Gary a friend of mine is a loger and cutting my woods now. only cutting walnut and white oak all I can say it's crazy high . be sure to use someone you really trust.

The actual nut market for walnuts baffles me. Amish market here sells em $10/lb.

Amish walnuts.. $10 a lb.. american joe's walnuts $3 a lb