I just cut roughly 40 acres and I can tell you I regret cutting it, no money in timber for the landowner. Mine was hardwoods and pines mixed. Prices paid to me for the timber:

Pine Pulpwood $6.00/ton
Pine CnS/Canterwood $12.00/ton
Pine Plylogs $28.00/ton
Pine Poles $40.00/ton
Hardwood Pulpwood $8.00/ton
Oak Logs $45.00/ton
Miscellaneous Logs $33.00/ton

So as long as you are ok with purchasing without factoring that in, is good. Obviously things can change in 25-28 years but market has been bad since Opal in 1995.

Not sure about the 3k/acre for loblolly but can tell you that is what my dad has been planting when he HAS to cut timber. Supposedly the best option for those chasing timber money.