For some reason Paulownia is really lousy firewood - the Japanese used to to make outer boxes for Hibachi's and incense burners, they just put a thin copper liner in the fire hole to stop charring/smoking. It was also a favoured wood for tansu chests & sea chests due to lightness & water proof qualities.

Sounds like the farmer needed a chainsaw mill. He/you might want to contact Mal at Boutique Timbers.