NEWS & VIEWS • SEPTEMBER 2025 19 Financial calculations of growing E. smithii versus GS 211 show that GS 211 is a viable and productive alternative for the forestry business. Table 2 provides an economic comparison between the two. The calculations were based on the following assumptions and considerations: • Yield estimates for E. smithii were obtained from internal enumeration data, while estimates for GS 211 (good site’) were based on enumeration data taken at a 7-year-old block trial. The standard conversion of 0.83 was used to convert the estimated yield (MAI @ 37.959 m3/ha/yr * 10-year rotation) from m3 to tonnes (South African Forestry Handbook 2012). Yield for GS 211 ‘average’ and ‘marginal’ sites and site indices were estimates/assumptions. • The premium for E. smithii is R100/tonne and R50/tonne for GS 211. • Seedling and clone costs were obtained from a private commercial nursery. • Harvesting and short-haul costs were obtained from an internal costing model used for NCT farms. • Silvicultural costs were omitted since they will be standard across E. smithii and GS 211 stands.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyNjA0