System for maximizing a value of lumber

An apparatus for optimizing a value of lumber, comprising:

• a content sensor for reading a value of moisture content in a plurality of boards;
• a control console coupled to the content sensor for controlling the content sensor;
• and
• a computer coupled to the control console, the computer having software executing thereon that calculates an actual price value of the plurality of boards and a maximized price value if the moisture content is modified, wherein calculating a maximized price value includes determining multiple hypothetical moisture contents, determining multiple hypothetical price values for the multiple hypothetical moisture contents, and comparing the multiple hypothetical price values for obtaining the maximized price value.

A computer-readable storage device having instructions stored thereon for executing on a computer a method of optimizing a value of lumber, the method comprising:

• measuring moisture content for a plurality of boards;
• based on the measured moisture content, determining an actual price value of the plurality of boards;
• and
• automatically calculating, using the computer, how to obtain a maximum price value of the plurality of boards based on modification of the moisture content, wherein automatically calculating includes determining multiple hypothetical moisture contents, determining multiple hypothetical price values for the multiple hypothetical moisture contents, and comparing the multiple hypothetical price values to determine an average moisture content value needed for obtaining the maximum price value for the plurality of boards.