LOBeatx is a diameter-distribution growth and yield model system created by myself while working for the Texas A&M Forest Service and Dr. Dean Coble formerly at Stephen F Austin State University. Data used in developing equations were obtained from long-term measurements of plantations across the growing conditions of East Texas (Lenhart et al. 1985) as part of the East Texas Pine Plantation Research Project. Original members (circa 1982) included integrated timber companies which were Temple-Inland, International Paper, Louisiana Pacific, Champion International, St Regis Paper Co, and Owens-Illinois, Inc.

Many growth and yield model decision support systems have been developed for cutover loblolly pine plantations across the Southeastern region. However, these systems were generally developed using limited data from East Texas plantations. Growing conditions for loblolly pine in East Texas differ from those in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Eastern Gulf, and Piedmont regions and even differ to some extent from surrounding states in the Western Gulf region. Hence, a joint venture was undertaken by Texas Forest Service and Stephen F. Austin State University to develop a Windows-based growth and yield simulator for loblolly pine plantations located exclusively in East Texas.

This simulator allows a user to determine how the stand-level variables of planting density and site quality will impact long-term yields and economic returns. Users can input revenues by one-inch diameter classes for three product classes (pulpwood, chip-n-saw, and sawtimber) and can input costs of site preparation and first-year herbaceous weed control to determine how these factors will impact the optimal rotation age. Further economic sensitivity analyses can be conducted since users can change the interest rate and can vary annual revenues (e.g. hunting lease rates) and costs (e.g. management costs and property taxes).