OFA Update
OFA Membership Renewal Packet
As a reminder, the OFA board approved an end-of-year membership renewal process in 2023 to replace the anniversary renewal system we had been using. This is the second year for this change, and we have already seen an improvement in operations. Renewal packets are going out this week by mail including a letter highlighting any major changes for OFA in the last year, an inventory of the benefits you received in 2024, corporate sponsorship opportunities, an agenda and lodging details for the 2025 annual meeting, and your membership invoice. Please return invoices with payment by January 1, 2025, to ensure your membership remains uninterrupted.
Register for the 2025 Annual Meeting
The meeting will be held at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. The event begins on Wednesday, February 5 with our President’s Reception to be held at Land-Grant Brewing. We have reserved the Land-Grant Extension and the Winter Garden. This is sure to be a fun evening of networking with your peers. Try your hand at brewery curling, ride the ice bumper boats or just hang out in a heated igloo and catch up with friends. The meeting will continue Thursday with a full day of industry sessions, ½ day of landowner sessions and our annual awards luncheon. We hope to see you there!
If you would like to sponsor the meeting and be listed on the registration mailing, please see the options below and let Jim Harding know of your interest. Jim can be reached at 888-388-7337 or by email.
We are seeking sponsors for the following:
President's Reception $1000 - Includes 1 Registration for the Annual Meeting
Awards Luncheon $1,000 - Includes 1 Registration for the Annual Meeting
Shuttle Bus Sponsor $750
Continental Breakfast/Break Sponsor $750
Bar Sponsor During Breaks $750
Student Attendee Sponsorship $250
Make your reservations online here or call the hotel at 614-463-1234 and ask for the OFA rate code G-MBS0.
Conservation Award Nominations are open; please submit your nominations online here.
OFAF Update
Ohio Forestry Association Foundation awards $11,500 for conservation education grants in 2024
The Ohio Forestry Association Foundation (OFAF) awarded grants for conservation education projects throughout Ohio. These grants are generally small-scale and are designed to assist an organization with funding for activities that align with the mission of OFAF in the following year.
The 2024 grant recipients are:
A DAY in the WOODS/Vinton Soil and Water District – McArthur, Ohio
Danville FFA – Danville, Ohio
#forestproud – Washington, D.C.
The Forestry Forum – Columbus, Ohio
Graham Local Schools – Saint Paris, Ohio
River Valley High School – Bidwell, Ohio
South Gallia FFA – Crown City, Ohio
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Ohio Forestry Association Foundation as part of your Giving Tuesday practices, you can donate online.
Market Report
HardwoodReview Forecasting
The light at the end of the tunnel is looking less like a train, but there remains a lot of tunnel to traverse, especially with Christmas, Lunar New Year and Tet holidays upon us. At best, it will be months after the inauguration before consumer prices, interest rates and taxes come down enough to raise real wages and stir new hardwood product demand. Without demand improvements, a premature uptick in hardwood lumber production could swamp low-grade markets and erode both the grade lumber price increases earned over the last year and the thin margins upon which mills and yards are surviving. Continued restraint will get more difficult if lumber scarcity and increased late-year export activity push lumber prices higher than we are forecasting.
On the up side, exports were steady through Sep, and contacts reported both a pre-EUDR bump in Oct and increased Nov demand from China ahead of potential new tariffs. With EUDR implementation now officially pushed back a year—maybe longer—exports to Europe will slump in Dec, but at least those markets will remain open in 2025. Mexican demand is also looking good—better still if tariffs work against exports to China in 2025—with White Oak shipments surging in late-summer and Q3 Red Oak shipments the highest in 20 years.
RAHC Update
Real American Hardwood Coalition 2024 Day of Giving
At this time of year, we give thanks for many things. From family and friends to industry colleagues and fulfilling careers, there’s a lot to be thankful for in our everyday lives.
On this Giving Tuesday, Adam Conway from Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, Inc., has a message to share. Click the image below to watch.
Build Your World® and give back to support the industry that has given so much to all of us. If you’d like to make a voluntary, year-end contribution to the RAHC, click a button below.
And remember, contributions made out directly to the RAHC are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
The Real American Hardwood Coalition inspires a stylish and healthy environment by educating consumers on the many benefits of Real American Hardwood products including appearance, durability, lifetime value, healthy home, and sustainability.
Partner Update
NHLA's USDA Rural Development Programs
You’re invited to join USDA Rural Development staff for an insightful presentation and discussion on updates to new and existing government programs designed to support rural businesses and communities.
TOPICS TO BE COVERED INCLUDE:
Rural Energy for America Program Grants and Guaranteed Loans
Rural Business Development Grants
Value-Added Producer Grants
Intermediary Relending Loan Program
Choose from Two In-Person Sessions in Northern Ohio:
Northeast Ohio
When: December 4, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: Trumbull County Agricultural and Family Education Center
520 West Main St., Cortland, OH 44410
Northwest Ohio
When: December 10, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: Hancock County Agricultural Center, Conference Room
7868 County Road 140, Findlay, OH 45840
Why Attend?
Gain insights into programs that can provide funding and resources for your business or community projects.
Engage in a live Q&A session with USDA staff.
Take advantage of one-on-one opportunities to speak directly with program representatives.
No Registration Required – Just Show Up!
If you have questions ahead of time, contact:
Danielle Frye at 330-481-2230 or danielle.frye@usda.gov
Justin Dueitt at 419-581-4531 or justin.dueitt@usda.gov
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how these programs can benefit you or your business!
Upcoming Events
Master Logger Chapter Meetings
Northeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
12/11/2024
Location: Middlefield, Ohio
Northwest Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
12/11/2024
Location: Findlay, Ohio
Southeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
12/11/2024
Location: Shawn Sexton's Lodge, Jackson, Ohio Time: 6:00 PM
2025 Annual Meeting
2/5/2025 » 2/6/2025
Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus, Ohio
OFA Proudly Supports
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