The Christens - Country Wood Enterprises

Back in 1988, Beat and Donna Christen bought a property east of Carman with 43 acres of mixed hardwood forest along the Boyne River. They bought it for the location - the water, trees, wildlife and the sheltered yard.

Though he worked as a heavy equipment operator, Beat liked the idea of farming. Then he realized that the cost of getting started was beyond his reach. In the mid 1990’s, he started to explore other ways to make the land pay for itself. That’s when he approached the Manitoba Agro Woodlot Program.

"I wanted professional recommendations from somebody who knew what trees could be cut and what species should be replanted;' said Beat.” I needed to know what could be done with the woodlot.” Fortunately, Beat learned that, with the right management, his hardwood stand could provide a long-term, sustainable harvest.

"Where I live is pretty much intended to be bush land and I like to keep it that way;' said Beat.” Every time I put my chainsaw to a tree I can't help but think about how long it took that tree to grow. Many of my trees are 80 plus years old;' he said, explaining that he would not cut trees just to make firewood or clear land.

His property contains mostly oak, basswood, ash, elm and some maple. Beat learned that many of his elms were dying of Dutch elm disease. He also learned that by cutting the dead, dying, diseased and deformed trees he could salvage the wood, while stimulating growth of young trees and minimizing spread of DED.

Beat purchased a portable bandsaw mill and set to work. "When I started I had to do pretty well anything and everything;' said Beat. His work ranged from custom logging and milling to prefabricating buildings and re-decking semi-trailers.

In order to make the most of his equipment and increase his profit, Beat attended several of the Program's training workshops. Initially, Beat focused on increasing his operating efficiency by learning how to maintain his mill and sharpen blades. Then he progressed to milling for grade, so he could maximize lumber quality, consistency and profitability. After only seven years, Beat’s sawmill supplier sent him a plaque to recognize milling a million board feet of lumber!

Before investing in a kiln, Beat took a two day workshop on kiln design and drying. And a few months later, Country Wood Enterprises was selling dried elm and oak lumber. Although he managed to secure a permanent job, Beat liked the work so much that he continued doing custom milling and drying on a part time basis for his established customers.

Beat still maintains contact with Agro Woodlot Program staff. He often refers customers and landowners to the Program for indepen­dent advice on woodlot planning before a harvest begins.

“Without the Agro Woodlot Program I wouldn’t be running my own business,” said Beat. “I have a good feeling that I am in the right place to achieve what I want to.”