Influence of Local Dynamic Conditions on Logistics Costs of Timber Procurement: Analyzed by Applying a Technique of Geographically Decentralized Decision Making

Timber procurement is part of the flow of wood from forest to production. In the present study, it is referred to as timber flow, which consists of logging, roadside inventory, transportation, and mill inventory functions. Local timber flows should be managed by tactical means of decentralized decision making (DDM), which are facilitated by dynamic models of a decision system. The technique consists of several hierarchical negotiation levels which can solve a local procurement problem by the technique of functionally decentralized decision making (FDDM). Models describing the system are also bigger and more complicated than models which are constructed for geographically decentralized decision making (GDDM). Consequently, the models may cause different dynamic results. Therefore, this study has two main objectives: 1) to introduce a technique of GDDM and 2) to consider the effects of the time-factor using dynamically determined functions of local procurement. Using this application, the system can be controlled for balancing timber flows, because the system's internal adjustment process is defined with higher precision; the extra costs caused by a disturbance can be diminished by adjusting the durations of local timber-flow functions. The implications of these results for improving decision making (DM) of local timber procurement in Finland are discussed

Multiple-criteria stem bucking (Picea abies L. Karst.) for maximizing monetary value of timber trade

In this study, timber trade scenarios are considered in a wood procurement region of Finland. This multiple objective decision-making situation includes the timber purchase from forest owners and the lumber sales from sawmill to abroad. The situation is further complicated by a number of stem bucking instructions of sawmill during different periods. In practice, this decision problem has been solved by applying single-objective stem bucking instructions in harvesters. Due to the complex nature of the problem, single-objective solution can’t be directly used to support the timber trade in a manner that it is techno-economically relevant to the forest owners and industries. In this study, stand parameters and timber trade attributes were measured in local wood procurement conditions to improving the bucking instructions. Three scenarios of how the simulation system works based on the real stem diameters and optional monetary value of logs are investigated in the timber-trade process. The Finnish timber trade market is subjected to agreements regarding stem bucking regulations. These agreements could be made on the basis of the three criteria suggested in this study accounting for the effects of stand classification on the timber sales of forest owners and the lumber sales of export companies

Cutting productivity of windfalls in Finland

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Irish pig farmer's perceptions and experiences of tail and ear biting.

peer-reviewedAbnormal behaviours such as ear and tail biting of pigs is of significant welfare and economic concern. Currently, pig welfare legislation is under renewed focus by the EU commission and is likely to be enforced more thoroughly. The legislation prohibits routine tail docking and requires adequate enrichment to be provided. In Ireland, tail-docking is still the most utilised control mechanism to combat tail biting, but biting is still widespread even in tail-docked pigs. In addition, as pig farms are almost all fully slatted, bedding type material cannot be provided. Thus, the opinions, and practices of farmers in countries like Ireland, which may need to make significant adaptations to typical pig management systems soon, need to be considered and addressed. We carried out a survey of pig farmers during 2015 in order to gain a greater understanding of the extent of biting on Irish farms, perception on the most important preventive measures, current enrichment use and actions following outbreaks. Fifty-eight farmers from 21 Counties responded with an average herd size of 710 ± 597 sows (range 90–3000 sows). Only two farms had experienced no biting in the last year. Of the farms that had experienced tail biting (88%), 86% had also experienced ear biting. The most common concerns relating to biting were condemnation and reduced productivity of bitten pigs with both receiving an average score of 4 (most serious). Ear biting occurred most commonly in the 2nd stage (approximately 47–81 days from weaning) weaner and tail biting in the finishing stage. The most important preventive measures were felt to be taking care of animal health, restricting density, maintaining an even quality of feed/content and maintaining good air movement. Sixty-five percent of respondents added additional enrichment following an outbreak. Chains were the most common form of enrichment currently used (83%). Those not using chains favoured wood, toys and rope (17%). Identification of the most effective and accessible control and prevention measures both for the animals and for the farming community is thus essential. Improved understanding of the concerns and practices of producers, which this survey contributes to, is a first step towards this aim