G76-315 Establishing Black Walnut

This publication contains information on establishing a black walnut plantation. Based on current market conditions, $20,000 to $30,000 worth of black walnut timber can be harvested from a managed acre within 50 years. The total cost of establishing an acre rarely exceeds $100, including site preparation, cost of seedlings, planting, and weed control. The decision to invest in a walnut plantation can be based on: 1. The rate of return on $100 per acre invested is 11.3 percent to 11.9 percent, yielding $20,000 to $30,000 within 50 years. The same investment at 6 percent interest would yield $1,842 at the end of 50 years. 2. Ideal sites are stream bottoms, flood plains, or odd corners. Such areas may be placed in walnut production with little or no loss of agricultural production. 3. Historically, walnut has increased in value faster than the inflation rate. Using present market figures probably greatly underestimates the future market value