The objective of this study was to develop a simple index of mountain pine beetle net brood production based on stand parameters and known tree–insect interactions. We assumed that in addition to potential stand volume losses, treatment priority should also take into account the potential contribution by a stand to the next generation of beetles. In other words, we assumed that there is a direct relationship between the number of brood beetles contributed by a stand to the next generation, and the impact on outbreak progression by treatment activities such as harvesting. Thus, when assigning harvesting priority among stands with similar susceptibility scores, those with the highest estimated net production of beetles should be given preference.