Questions for a Ginseng Buyer.

Well, folks that initial interview with a Ginseng buyer has not come to fruit. I found out that this guy was just a blow hard, and didn't have anything of any value.....but I have something even better coming.

I contacted an established buyer that has stores in a few midwest states. He has been in the business for numerous years, and has a wealth of knowledge for wild harvesters and foragers.

He is Dan Wiebke, one of the main players at Wiebke Fur Company. here in La Crosse, WI.

He has agreed to answer some of your questions on the current market for Ginseng, its handling, transportation, etc. I just sent him a Q &A  list this morning, so as soon as I get some responses I'll be posting them here on the blog.

Also, Dan and his company buy other wild harvest commodities, and I am going to twist his arm and get some insights on the other products and his advise when presenting them to buyers.

Be patient this is a busy time for him and his staff, but I am excited about getting this information and getting it out there for you.

I am working on a white paper covering " Essential Tools for Wild Harvesting Profits".  I need some of the true and tested tools and items you take into the field when you are harvesting or foraging. I have mine, but I am interested in learning what other folks feel is "absolute" on their belts when in the woods or on the water. Post a comment, let's see what you can't live without when harvesting.

Your in Wild Harvest Profit Success!

5Rivers Jim

Ginseng Market Update-Interview With a Buyer

Hey All.

I just got off the phone with one of the local buyers of Ginseng, and he has agreed to an interview Thursday on how the market is doing this year.  I will try to record our conversation, but if that doesn't work, then I will transcribe important tid bits and post them.  This should be a good time and great information for selling your commodity. Stay tuned for the post. I will also be listing some of the buyers throughout the US, so don't miss out.

Your in Wild Harvest Profit Success!

5Rivers Jim

Taking Stock and Creating Wealth

I have been busy lately with my other profession, but I wanted to talk about the life style, or mind set of those of us that Wild Harvest or Forage for Profit.  Have fun and profit from your time in the woods or on the water.

I talked with a buyer for Ginseng locally, and he had some very interesting comments on this very profitable market from another buyer in the Dakota's.

It seems one very energetic harvester thought that super cleaning his roots would bring him a higher price, and was shocked by what his extra labor rewarded him. He actually got a lower price for his roots because the buyer thought that they were TOO clean, and came from cultivated "sang.

Apparently, he cleaned his roots with a tooth brush of all the crevice dirt and discoloration on the roots, beyond the normal washing and drying that most buyers require. It just hammers home the point to contact your buyer and see if there are any special requirements you need to observe for harvesting and selling your bounty.

Also, I received a comment on my post of "getting legal"  (click to see post) before harvesting Ginseng, and they were happy that I had posted a link to our states website regarding harvest and sale of 'sang. He stated that he had a hard time finding information on these rules and laws. If you find yourself in that spot just post a comment and I will help you with finding what you are looking for no matter your location here in the US or Canada.

Another note for Wild Harvester's and Forager's.
 
Make sure you have your  written permission for being on private property while harvesting  with you.  

I manage a farm/forest for a friend and there were three foragers on that property without permission this last weekend.  They said that they got verbal permission from the owner to harvest. Well, that owner/manager was me and I shocked them by saying I... the manager.... never saw them before and they would have to leave. I was kind, but firm, and had them leave the property, but I was well within my rights to call the DNR Warden and have them ticketed.

Just a heads up!

Your is Wild Harvest Profits success!

5Rivers Jim

Ginseng Season; Know the laws and make sure your lisenced.

The harvest season for Ginseng the plant called "green gold" has started in this state of Wisconsin.

The state publishes a handout on the laws and regulations for harvesting and selling wild ginseng.

You can read these pamplets at this website

Make sure that wherever you harvest this big money maker that you follow all the rules and requirements for each state that you forage in. The fines can be substantial for not being in compliant.

Many of the buyers are listed in the yellow pages of your phone book, for markets to sell too. Call them and ask if there are any handling procedures that they require, before you start your harvest.


Our harvest season here in Wisconsin is from 1 September until 1 November. You can sell your harvest later then the posted harvest time frame from 1 September to 1 March.

I have more on this valuable commodity and will post it in the next few days.  Today's post is just a heads up and get legal notice.

Yours in Wild Harvest Profits success.

5Rivers Jim