Returning to the show calendar for the first time since before the pandemic, Interforst was back with a bang. Forestry Journal joined thousands of guests at Messe München last month, as 31,000 visitors and more than 300 exhibitors ensured there was plenty to see. In this series of articles, we'll show you a small taste of what was on offer. 

AROUND 31,000 visitors enjoyed a glimpse into the future of forestry at this year’s Interforst, which put digital solutions and technical innovation at its heart. From drones to smartphone apps, there was something new for everyone to discover. Throw in appearances by some of the industry’s biggest names in machinery – including Ponsse, Komatsu and John Deere – and it’s clear why it has been heralded as a major success. 

Dr Reinhard Pfeiffer, managing director of Messe München, said: “Interforst this year is an incredible story. The response from the industry is truly impressive and shows how important Interforst is in times like these. 

READ ALL OF OUR INTERVIEWS FROM INTERFORST 2022 HERE 

“We struck a sociopolitical nerve with the topics of forest conversion, forest regeneration and climate protection. Forestry and forest technology are hugely important in combating the climate crisis.”

Forestry Journal: LogStackPro was an award-winner LogStackPro was an award-winner

As well as more than 300 exhibitors, this year’s Interförst also ran a programme of events that shone the spotlight on the changing climate, forestry’s role in it, and how the sector can adapt. This included opening remarks from Cem Ozdemir, minister of food and agriculture, Professor Jürgen Roßmann, RWTH Aachen, and Prof Erik Findeisen, University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, who explained the possibilities for cloud-based navigation in timber. 

For those who would rather enjoy some ‘old fashioned’ felling and wood-processing fun, Interforst delivered. Exhibitors also included Eco Log, HSM, Sampo Rosenlew – all showing off their latest machines – as well as brands such as Hiab, Ufkes Greentec and FAE. From woodchippers to mulchers, the four-day event had it all. 

Forestry Journal: Stihl's MSA300 was a big winner Stihl's MSA300 was a big winner

Ralf Dreeke, managing director of Wahlers Forsttechnik and chairman of the Interforst advisory board, said: “We felt it on every day of the trade fair. The industry wanted to meet again live and used Interforst to do just that.”  

During the show, visitors were able to check out all 30 of the nominees for the KWF Members Award. This included Woods App and Vertical Tec Concepts' tractor-mounted platform. 

The eight winners of the award were as follows (some names have been translated from German): 

  • VinZent body armour 
  • Virtual Reality application for instruction in dangerous work – a community project of Bayerischen LUK und BaySF 
  • TR4P – the intelligent bark beetle trap

Forestry Journal: Flügel’s TR4P could prove valuable in the fight against bark beetles.Flügel’s TR4P could prove valuable in the fight against bark beetles.

  • LogStackPro – digital photo-optical measurement of log piles from Heidegesellschaft forest products and equipment
  • Protos Barrier
  • STIHL MSA 300 

The next Interforst will take place in July 2026 at the exhibition grounds in Munich.