Teagasc has published a simple manual to explain first thinning to small growers.The document is aimed at farmers with little or no forestry background. The guide first explains what thinning is and why one should thin. It is explained when thinning will take place and the guide indicates that between a 10% and 40% reduction in crop value will occur if thinning does not take place. A very informative section explains the planning for the first thinning. This includes access and provides the steps required to determine stocking and diameter at breast height (DBH). A brief explanation is then given regarding how to thin. The potential markets for the assortments produced from the various parts of the tree are explained. The guide also makes reference to coordination with neighbours to create harvesting economies of scale, and provides general advice on thinning. Source: http://www.teagasc.ie/forestry/docs/advice/teagasc_thinning_10.pdf