Timber Talk 7/7/2026
- Jenna Reese
- Jul 6
- 10 min read
OFA Update
Help us save our Kiln Drying Short Course
We are asking all interested members to register ASAP and help spread the word so that these summer courses do not have to be cancelled and we can keep offering them in the future. Our Kiln Drying Course is a multi-day event that runs until 4pm each day from 7/28-7/30 at Yoder Lumber in Millersburg, Ohio. View the calendar below to view our event page,, see full details, and to get registered. Email OFA's Director of Forestry Programs, William Ray, at william@ohioforest.org if you have additional questions.
Last Call for the Paul Bunyan Show!
As we ready our brochures, printed show guides, and finalize our 2026 Paul Bunyan Show website that will be seen by thousands of industry professionals, consumers, and trade show attendees, this is our LAST CALL to advertise in the show guide, become a show sponsor, or exhibit at show and still be included in printed materials. We have extended our dates for print by just a couple of days, so don't miss your chance to promote your business to 1300+ industry staff members and management, plus 15,000+ show attendees! Please click each of those links to get signed up as an exhibitor, sponsor, or show guide advertiser. Ad design services are also available for those who need extra assistance creating a digital ad. Please email us at info@ohioforest.org for more info.
Market Update
HardwoodReview Forecasting
Optimism over lower post-war fuel prices is up against expectations of weaker summer demand, with exports already slowing for many. Apr and May are often among the best export months of the year, but volumes turned down this Apr rather than up. Still, if not for the big drop in shipments to China, total U.S. exports through Apr would have been up 4% year-over-year. Exports to Europe, excluding the UK, were up 12% through Apr—which was helpful considering the 19% decline to the UK-- but the scheduled EUDR implementation is now just six months away, with no clear resolution yet for U.S. hardwood suppliers. While U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer recently labeled the EUDR a non-tariff trade barrier, the EU’s resolve has yet to be shaken by either outside or inside pressure. Expect a late-year demand surge from the 27-member bloc as a hedge against disruptions.
While domestic U.S. distribution yards still report good business—some say better than last year—flooring and cabinet manufacturers continue to struggle. The Q1 remodeling market index was the weakest in at least three years (NAHB); growth in remodeling expenditures is expected to slow “sharply” by Q1 2017 (Harvard); and single-family home starts were down year-over-year through Apr (Census).
Legislative Update
The following is brought to us by our national partner, the Forest Resources Association (FRA)
Farm Bill
Last Tuesday, Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) released draft text of his legislation reauthorizing the Farm Bill. The Chairman hopes to markup the bill in the few weeks between the July 4 and August Congressional recesses.
The bill largely mirrors the House-passed product (the Farm, Food and National Security Act—H.R. 7567), which was approved on April 30, and includes a number of FRA policy priorities. Among them are:
Jobs in the Woods Act: Amends the existing Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program to specifically include forestry and forest products. This language essentially captures the Jobs in the Woods Act (JWA), which would provide grants of between $500,000 and $2 million to stand up job training and career pathway programs tailored to careers in sawmilling, logging, or other forestry and forest products sector jobs. RISE is structured similarly to JWA but currently does not include our sector. This language rectifies that situation and will provide needed workforce development assistance for the entire forest products value chain.
Wood Innovation Grants (WIG): Reauthorizes the Wood Innovation and Community Wood Grant programs. On WIG, the bill reduces the non-federal dollar-for-dollar matching requirement to 50 percent. It also updates priorities for grants to include the use or retrofitting of existing sawmill facilities, the enhancement of carbon reduction strategies, and resilience and economic benefits associated with wood products. On Community Wood, the measure changes the program's name to the Community Wood Facilities Grant Program. It also increases the federal cost-share from 35 percent to 50 percent for projects and the maximum grant per facility to $5 million. Finally, it increases the maximum size for energy systems eligible to 40 megawatts (current limit is 5 megawatts of nameplate capacity) and doubles its total authorization to $50 million.
Biomass Carbon Neutrality: Includes a binding biomass carbon neutrality provision requiring the Department of Agriculture to assign a greenhouse gas emissions factor of no more than zero to any policy related to the combustion of forest-based biomass for energy. This language differs from the existing carbon neutrality provision, which is reauthorized every year as part of the appropriations process, in that it is legally binding—meaning the Department must comply with the directive. FRA, working with other trade associations in the sector, hopes to expand upon this provision to include an “all of government” approach to this important and legally binding carbon neutrality language.
Biofuel Payments: Reauthorizes the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels through 2031. This direct payment program incentivizes wood pellet production as “advanced biofuel” is defined in the law to include wood pellets—both those used for the domestic heating market and export pellets. Producers simply report their tonnage to the USDA on a quarterly basis and receive fairly lucrative cash payments.
Forest Inventory and Analysis: Updates the Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program to improve national forest data collection and requires, as a data collection method, a timber products output survey and woodland owner survey. The language requires the USDA to annually report inventory and analysis of timber within our national forests. Finally, the bill establishes an expert “Blue Ribbon” panel to review the FIA, evaluate its effectiveness, and provide recommendations for improvement.
The legislation does not address the “renewable biomass” definition in the Renewable Fuel Standard program; however, we anticipate that an amendment will be offered during committee markup.
European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
The National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) is circulating this letter urging the Administration to press the European Union to recognize the U.S. as “low risk” under the EUDR and to remove the unwieldy compliance requirements of the flawed policy. The deadline for organizations to sign the letter is July 24.
In a notable development, U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Andrew Puzder penned this op-ed on June 24, echoing many of the same criticisms that FRA and the rest of the forestry and forest product sector have been making for months about the regulation.
Housing
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted 358-32 to approve H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD (Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream) to Housing Act. That followed the bipartisan Senate vote (85-5) the previous day. As we summarized last week, the bill is an amalgamation of several different measures aimed at boosting the housing market and making homeownership more affordable. Among its many provisions, there is language that would incentivize changes in local governments' zoning and land-use policies, authorize new housing construction and rehabilitation grant programs, modify the Community Reinvestment Act, and reduce federal environmental review requirements. The bill also includes modular and manufactured home provisions, as well as language directing studies on barriers to small mortgage lending.
The President canceled the bill-signing ceremony earlier this week, but the legislation does not need his signature to become law. Once the bill is formally presented to the President, he generally has 10 days to sign or veto it. If he takes no action during that period while Congress remains in session, the bill would automatically become law without his signature.
That clock, however, has not yet started.
Safety Update
Sedgwick Safety Services
Ladder Safety at Work
Ladders are common, useful tools in many workplaces, including construction sites, warehouses, offices, retail spaces and maintenance environments. While ladders may seem simple and harmless, they are involved in many workplace injuries every year. Falls from ladders can result in serious injuries such as fractures, head injuries and even fatalities. So, it is important to practice proper ladder safety which is essential for creating a safe work environment and preventing avoidable accidents. OSHA has Standards on ladder safety for General Industry (29 CFR 1910.23) and Construction (29 CFR 1926.1053).
Common Causes of Ladder Accidents
Many ladder-related injuries occur due to improper use. Common causes from improper use include using the wrong type of ladder for the task, placing ladders on unstable surfaces, climbing while carrying tools, overreaching and failing to maintain three points of contact. Additionally, lack of training and rushing to complete tasks also increase the risk of falls. Employers should take the time to train employees on these actions and how they can cause injuries.
Choosing the Right Ladder
A critical component of ladder safety is selecting the appropriate ladder for the job. There are several types of ladders, including step ladders, extension ladders, and fixed ladders, each designed for specific uses. For example, it is important to choose a ladder that is tall enough to reach the working height without standing on the top rung or step or in some cases the top two steps. Ladders must also be rated to support the worker’s weight plus any tools or materials being carried. Weight ratings, often labeled as “duty ratings”, should always be checked before use. Also, ladders should be made of materials suitable for the anticipated work environment. For example, nonconductive fiberglass ladders should be used when working near electrical sources, as metal ladders can conduct electricity and increase the risk of electrocution.
Inspecting Ladders Before Use
Before using a ladder, workers should perform a thorough inspection. This includes checking for cracks, dents, loose or missing rungs, damaged rails, faulty locking mechanisms as well as areas on the ladder that may cause a slip (grease, water, oils, etc.). Step ladders should open fully with spreaders locked in place, and extension ladders should have secure rope, pulleys and rung locks. Any ladder that shows signs of damage must be taken out of service immediately and repaired or replaced, otherwise, it could result in an injury.
Proper Ladder Setup
Proper ladder placement is essential for stability and for the safety of the employees using them. Ensure ladders are placed on firm, level surfaces. If a ladder must be used on uneven ground, use the appropriate leveling equipment, never use improvised solutions like bricks or boards. For extension ladders, a general rule is to place the base one foot away from the wall for every four feet of ladder height. The top of the ladder should extend at least three feet above the landing surface when used to access roofs or elevated work platforms.
Ladders should never be placed in front of doors that are not locked or guarded, as unexpected opening can cause the ladder to fall. Barricades or warning signs should be used when ladders are set up in high-traffic areas.
Safe Climbing and Working Practices
When climbing a ladder, workers should always maintain three points of contact. Three points of contact is where the employee places either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times. It is very important to face the ladder while climbing and descending as this will help maintain balance and control. Tools and materials should be carried using either tool belts or hoisted with a rope, as ascending or descending a ladder while holding equipment can result in a fall. Finally, never have more than one person on a ladder as this could stress the maximum capacity of the ladder and could result in instability, unless the ladder is designed for multiple users.
Training and Awareness
Effective ladder safety requires proper training and reinforcement. Employees should be trained on items such as ladder selection, inspection, setup and safe use. Regular safety talks and refresher training are great ways to keep safety at the forefront of workers’ minds. Employers also play a key role in ladder safety by setting clear expectations, correcting unsafe behaviors consistently and ensuring ladders are used appropriately.
Conclusion
Ladder safety is a critical component of workplace safety and should never be overlooked. By choosing the right ladder, inspecting it before use, setting it up correctly and following safe climbing practices, workers can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Employers and employees share responsibility for ensuring ladder safety through proper training, awareness and adherence to safety guidelines. Taking the time to use ladders safely protects not only individual workers but also the overall health and productivity of the workplace.
If you would like to know more about Sedgwick’s safety services or would like to schedule a confidential consultation, please contact Andy Sawan at andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com or 330-819-4728.
Safety Short Updates by Patrick Donnelly
Whether you are a landowner, logger or an arborist the dangers of deadwood and grapevines in trees cannot be ignored. If you are a landowner and like to work your forest or wood lot on your own this has to be in the forefront of your mind as you plan on what trees to keep and which to remove. Never take for granted that a tree will fall into its intended lay when wrapped up in vines. I have seen the craziest things happen. Some resulting in nasty accidents. So, as we thin our wood lot, remove a tree for a homeowner, or cut timber on a logging job the value of evaluating a tree before you fell it or climb it cannot be understated. As you gain experience this will become second nature but never less important. Keep looking up it has more benefits than you know!
Additional News and Links
ODNR Forestry Day
The ODNR Division of Forestry invites you to the 2026 Ohio Forestry Reception hosted in the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State Fairgrounds during the Ohio State Fair on July 31. Tickets and parking will be provided.
This reception is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments, partnerships, and progress made throughout the proud history of forestry in Ohio and to talk about our current initiatives. It will also be a chance to connect with forestry professionals, partners, and supporters from across the state. The evening will include a featured speaker, as well as food and refreshments from Schmidt’s Sausage Haus.
SOFA Newsletter
ECOFA Newsletter
Sedgwick Safety Article
NEOFA Newsletter
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 |
7/28/2026 » 7/30/2026 Location: Millersburg, Ohio |
Friday, October 2, 2026 |
2026 Paul Bunyan Show Guide Advertising 10/2/2026 » 10/4/2026 Location: Lore City (Cambridge), Ohio Time: Friday & Saturday 8 am - 5 pm, Sunday 9 am - 3 pm |
2026 Paul Bunyan Show Exhibitor Registration 10/2/2026 » 10/4/2026 Location: Lore City, Ohio Time: 8:00-5:00 Fri/Sat 9:00-3:00 Sun |
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