Disk(s) under separate cover

December 1990

Circular 913

FORINSY PC: The Forestry Information
System for the

Personal Computer Module I:

Timber Products and Prices for Florida
CTIM.RIl

Bill Hubbard and Hiren Umarwadla*

Florida Cooperative Extension Service/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
University of Florida/John T. Woeste, Dean

SDOC
101
F636c
913

DISCLAIMER

The Board of Regents of the State of Florida, the State of Florida, the University
of Florida, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and the Florida
Cooperative Extension Service, hereinafter collectively referred to as "UF-IFAS,"
will not be liable under any circumstances for direct or indirect damages incurred
by any individual or entity due to this software or use thereof, including damages
resulting from loss of data, lost profits, loss of use, interruption of business,
indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, even if advised of the
possibility of such damage. This limitation of liability will apply regardless of the
form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence.

UF-IFAS does not provide warranties of any kind, expressed or implied,
including but not limited to any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose or use, or warranty against copyright or patent infringement.

The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the program is with you.
Should the program prove defective, you assume the entire cost of all necessary
servicing, repair, or correction.

The mention of a tradename is solely for illustrative purposes. UF-IFAS does not
hereby endorse any tradename, warrant that a tradename is registered, or approve
a tradename to the exclusion of other tradenames. UF-IFAS does not give, nor
does it imply, permission or license for the use of any tradename.

IF USER DOES NOT AGREE WITH THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITATION
OF LIABILITY, USER SHOULD CEASE USING THIS SOFTWARE
IMMEDIATELY AND RETURN IT TO UF-IFAS. OTHERWISE, USER
AGREES BY THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE THAT USER IS IN
AGREEMENT WITH THE TERMS OF THE LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.

FORINSY-PC
Copyright University of Florida, 1989

Contains INTPRO, Copyright Michigan State University 1987, 1988
University of Florida 1989, 1990
Contains licensed program materials of Metagraphics Software Corporation
Copyright 1986, 1887 Metagraphics Software Corporation, Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Acknowledgements

As new technology becomes available, systems can often be upgraded for improved

performance. The success of this project is mainly due to the pioneers of the FORINSY-4 project on the

IFAS-VAX. They include Duane Dippon, Mitch Flinchum, Ken Munson, and Earl Miller. These leaders also

published documentation of their efforts (Dippon et. al. 1983). It was used extensively in our work in

upgrading the system to the Personal Computer.

Also we would like to thank Steve Essinger and Dennis Watson of IFAS Software Support.

They provided assistance with every aspect involved in the development of the software.

FORINSY-PC: THE FORESTRY INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE PERSONAL

COMPUTER

MODULE 1: TIMBER PRODUCTS AND PRICES FOR FLORIDA (TIMPRI)

Bill Hubbard and Hiren Umarwadia1/

INTRODUCTION

The Timber Products and Prices for Florida program provides current and historic price

information about specific wood products from three regions of Florida. Through a series of questions and

responses the user can prompt the computer to generate a table displaying the most recent average, high, and

low prices for a desired product. It will also provide historic prices for a requested period of time. Prices

can be displayed by month or quarter and by thousand board feet (MBF) or ton. In addition, the estimated

demand for that product in the desired region over the next month is displayed.

The price information is updated monthly from Timber-Mart South, a private price reporting

service. Since these prices are quotations from actual sales, it should be remembered that the most recent

prices are from sales of the previous month. For example, July price information represents sales that were

made in June. Updates will be available through the Florida Cooperative Extension Service on a quarterly

basis.

As with any reference material, use your judgement when interpreting this information. The

prices are not absolute lows or highs, but averages of lows and averages of highs. It is likely that sales prices

will vary considerably due to timber quality, season of sale, location, accessibility, terms of the sales contract,

and a number of other variables. Use this information for reference, and as a starting point in determining

the value of the stand. The operation and logic of this program are shown in Figure 1. The instructions on

how to use the program are included under the section Program Operation.

1/ Extension Specialist and Research Assistant, respectively

Figure 1

Questions or comments regarding the program should be directed to:

Bill Hubbard Mitch Flinchum

(904) 392-5420 (904) 392-5420

School of Forest Resources and Conservation

118 Newins-Ziegler Hall

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL 32611

Program installation

The program requires an IBM or IBM-compatible computer with a hard disk or floppy drives.
It requires the user to install the program on the hard disk to run more efficiently. The easiest way to place
the program on the hard drive is to put the FORINSY-PC master diskette (1 of 2) in a floppy drive and type
install. A subdirectory on your hard drive entitled FORINSY will automatically be created, although the user
is allowed to change the subdirectory name. The install program checks the hardware of the system and

accordingly copies the files into the subdirectory. Once the files have been placed in the subdirectory, and you
are in that subdirectory, simply type TIMPRI. You will be greeted with the opening screen as shown in

Figure 2.

FORINSFORESTR INJORATIOH S!YSTI
FORINSY;I:TNll PIODUCTS AND PRICES

The Scoo OfFrs eore

an Cosevaio

Press a key to continue.
Press Fl for help with this screen
Press F2 tor help with keg conads

Figure 2

TIMBER
PRODUCTS
AND
PRICES
FOR
NEsS5

I

Program operation

The program operates through a system of user prompts. Any key can be pushed once a
selection has been made. At any time, the F1 or F2 keys can be pressed for specific or general help (see
the HELP section for more information). After the introduction, the user is shown a list of products and
measurements used in selling timber (Figure 3).

IORNATION ON FO1RIS: NODULE I
TIBER PRODUCTS AND PRICES
tm m mm ma

Press a key to continue. M rules Tor sawtinber) VA
Press Fl for help with this screen vI
Press F2 for help with key co0ands

Figure 3
The user will have the option to view a list of measurements-diameter at breast height
(DBH) and length of main stem-which are the minimum size requirements for the various products. An
example of one of these screens that gives a brief information about specifications is shown in Figure 4.

At this time, if the user does not know what the various products are, a table of minimum
diameters (DBH) and heights to a merchantable top is available. This list is an approximation of today's
standards. These limits may change by specific geographic location and time.

Pulpwood, Cbip-n-saw are nost
connonly measured in cords:

1 cord : 8 cuft, of wood
and 128 cu,.ft. of total sace

Sautinber and Peeler logs are
measured in NBF's
1 MBF = 1000 Board feet
1 Board foot: = 1-f

(See the conversion program
fnr holn nn di ffaranni' in Ina

Information is available for the
following proJucts:

1) Pine sawtimber [Scribner rule]
2) Oak sawtimber [Doyle rulel
3) Fine peeler logs [Scribner rulel
4) Pine yulpwood
5) Pine chip-n-saw
6) Firewood
7) Hardwood Pulpwood
8) mixed hardwood sawtimher

INFONTION ABOUT SPECIFICATIONS

All the YNaLICtS are SPeCifiea in
terms of DEN (diameter at breast
height) and the Height (Height is the
height from the ground to the top
diameter listed for example :

"16 ft to a 4 in top" means that the
tree has to have a diameter of at least
4 inches at a height of 16 feet,

Press a key to continue., NI ,,,
Press Fl for help Vith this screen
Press 12 for help vith key combnds

Figure 4

Next, the user is asked to choose a product and region. Since Timber Mart South groups its
data by Florida region, the user is given the choice of which to view in Figure 5. There are four options:
the Northeast (region 1), the South (region 2), the Northwest (region 3), or the whole state. Arrow keys are
used to highlight the desired selection. If the user is unsure about in which region the timber is located, the
F1 key (see HELP section) can be used to view a list of counties and highlighted maps (as shown in Figure
6).

HT SAERBT AR ETEMAID )

INFOl TIOn OH ForI inSY: HOULE I
TIMBE PRODUCTS AD PRICES

Press a key to continue.
Press Fl for help with this screen
Press F2 for help with key comands

Figure 5

HELP FOR REGIONS
A FLORIDA

3
1

0

Press a keg to continue, REGION: NORTHEAST
Press F2 for help with keg conands

Figure 6

After the user chooses a product, a region, number of months of data to be viewed, summary

by month or quarter, the price per unit to be used, and the conversion factor, the user can make a change

in the selection by pressing 'Pg Up' or 'Pg Dn' keys before any key is pressed to begin the data retrieval.

Data retrieval may take a short time depending on the processing speed of the personal computer.

When the data is retrieved, it is summarized in table format as shown in the sample printout

(Appendix I). The first table shows the product and region selected, the unit price, the most recent month,

and the range of months that the information covers. It also shows the average and the range of reported

prices for the most recent month and the highest and lowest price recorded during the past range of months.

In addition, a one word description is given (good, fair, or poor) for the current demand and the estimated

demand for the next thirty days.

The ESC button is pushed to see the second table, a summary of the price data entered to

date in quarterly or monthly format. Printouts of both tables can be obtained by following the instructions

on the screen.

The user may begin the program again if so desired by selecting the "yes" option when asked

whether more products or regions are needed. A "no" response will terminate the program and return the

user to the DOS environment.

Another feature added is regional price graphs by product. These graphs track the prices

on a quarterly basis. To choose a graph, simply highlight the product about which you wish to view prices,

and press the enter key. To choose another product, press the Page Up key. A sample graph is displayed

in Figure 7.

Figure 7

Conversion options available in TIMPRI

One of the more confusing aspects of selling timber involves the many ways in which it is

bought and sold. There are three major log measures for volume in board feet: the cord, the cunit, and the

ton. Although not comprehensive, the TIMPRI program has options to convert among the different volumes

and weights. Figures 8 and 9 display the two places in the program where conversions can be made. The

first part is before prices are retrieved and the second is in the conversion utility.

IV FL STL NPIR FL
...... ...... ......

SELECTION OF COWRSION FACTORS

I. I I I

I I I ) I I I

II II

Press Fl for help with this screen
Press 12 fo help with keg comands

Figure 8

CHOICE OF COhMiSION !

I I I
Log nv e conversion (volme/pice)

I I I

Press F1 tor help vith this screen
Press F2 for help with keg comands

Figure 9

Price information in this program is provided in two volume units, $/MBF and $/cord. But

there is an option provided to retrieve this information in terms of weight unit, namely $/ton. As in

Figure 8, the numbers provided in parenthesis are the default values that will be used for the conversion

unless the user wants to use a different value for the conversion factor. More information can be obtained

by pressing the F1 key.

Given information about volume and price, the conversion utility allows the user to switch

back and forth among Doyle, Scribner, and International log rules. As in Figure 9, the second choice allows

conversions between different units of board feet.

Figures 10 through 12 display some of the options available in the utility. The user has the option to change

the default values (obtained from the USFS Service Forester's Handbook, Miscellaneous Report SA-MR-10,

July 1986).

Using help options

If help is available for a certain screen, it can be accessed by pressing the F1 key. This will

access help specifically for the information required. After viewing the help screen, pressing any key will

either access another help screen, or return the user to the program. Help options are not included for all

the screens. In the case where none is available, a message will appear when a help screen is attempted.

General help is also available by pressing the F2 key. Figure 13 describes the use of "F' or

function keys, which can make program operation easier and more efficient.

LOC EIlK COMWKIN

Seec an ftefllown
covri on mehI s 'Q' tqIt

oiyle to Scriiiner

I I In ai
I' I

Press Fl tor help with this screen
Press F2 for help with keg commands

Figure 10

UOLUN AD MIGHT I CO IONS

Il t o I n
I I I i l I

Board feet (Scrihner) for Pine,
Ii ** II I III

Press Fl for help with this screen
Press F2 for help with keg comands

Figure 11

OTHliER COUSION ACTO Of
INIERST !

Seec an ftefllowin
covesin or Qu it tog t h

Cords to NMBF (Pine)
I I I II
I I I

II I

Press F for help with this screen
Press F2 for help with kes corands

Figure 12

HELP VITH KEY COHMISE

I Hepwt uretsre
Pr2s a He lp to t kon eg omad

Figure 13

ss a ke, to continue,

CONCLUSION

The programs available in FORINSY-PC are an amalgamation of lists of information and

simulation models intertwined with a series of help menus. The FORINSY-PC package of programs should

never be considered complete and final, since feedback from users and ongoing research programs will

continue to encourage additional program development and modification. The conceptual computerized system

will not only facilitate technology transfer and forest management education, but will also provide a stronger

link between the research and extension establishments (Flinchum, et al. 1983).

APPENDIX (I): Sample Printout

CURRENT DATA

PRODUCT: PINE SAWTIMBER [SCRIBNER RULE]

REGION: NORTHEAST-REGION 1

ALL PRICES IN $/THOUSAND BOARD FEET ($/MBF)

MAY90 AUGUST85 TO MAY90
-- ----------------------------------------------
AVERAGE RANGE LOWEST HIGHEST

163.00 150.00-175.00 100.00 210.00

THE DEMAND FOR THE MOST RECENT MONTH LISTED IS "GOOD" AND

THE ESTIMATED DEMAND FOR THE THIRTY DAYS AFTER THAT IS

"GOOD"

HISTORIC DATA (By Month)

DATA FROM: MARCH88 TO MAY90

PRODUCT: PINE SAWTIMBER [SCRIBNER RULE]

ALL PRICES IN $/THOUSAND BOARD FEET ($/MBF)

MONTH

MAY90
APRIL90
MARCH90
JANUARY90
DECEMBER89
NOVEMBER89
OCTOBER89
SEPTEMBER89
AUGUST89
JULY89
JUNE89
MAY89
APRIL89
MARCH89
FEBRUARY89
JANUARY89
DECEMBER88
NOVEMBER88
OCTOBER88
SEPTEMBER88
AUGUST88
JULY88
JUNE88
MARCH88

AVERAGE

163.00
170.00
163.00
147.00
147.00
146.00
148.00
148.00
163.00
138.00
141.00
140.00
144.00
144.00
145.00
138.00
150.00
162.00
151.00
158.00
153.00
158.00
153.00
174.00

RANGE

150.00-175.00
160.00-180.00
150.00-176.00
139.00-155.00
138.00-156.00
137.00-154.00
139.00-157.00
136.00-159.00
138.00-187.00
125.00-150.00
133.00-149.00
131.00-149.00
140.00-148.00
130.00-153.00
129.00-160.00
125.00-150.00
139.00-160.00
155.00-168.00
139.00-163.00
134.00-182.00
130.00-176.00
134.00-182.00
125.00-180.00
162.00-185.00

DEMAND

GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
FAIR
FAIR
GOOD
GOOD
FAIR
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
FAIR
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD

,JM;ERSIT OF FLORFiOA

3 1262 04757 0170

/D\-

*BIII8 Hubbard is an Auslatent ProlMesorIn Foraest Managent in the Foartry Department Instituteof Food and Agricultural Sciences; Hiren Umarwadia
Is a graduate student In the Industrial Engineering Department; Univermity of Florida, Galneaville, FL 32611.

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES. John T
Woeste, director, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, publishes this information to further the purpose of the
May 8 and June 30, 1914 Acts of Congress; and is authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to
individuals and institutions that function without regard to race. color, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Single copies of extension
publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county extension offices. Information on bulk
rates or copies for out-of-state purchasers is available from C M. Hinton, Publications Distribution Center. IFAS Building 664. University of
Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611. Before publicizing this publication, editors should contact this address to determine availability.

printed 10/90