Timber Talk 5/5/2026

Jenna Reese
May 4
9 min read

OFA Update

Go Vote!

Today, May 5, 2026, is the primary election. Many important races are being decided, ranging from statewide office candidates to local representatives who directly impact our industry and communities.

Please be sure to head to the polls and cast your vote before they close. Every vote counts in shaping these outcomes.

2026 Forestry Day and Legislative Reception

The OFA is excited to kick off the inaugural Forestry Day at the Statehouse. The event provides an opportunity for OFA members to come to Columbus and meet with their elected officials in their own environment.

Forestry Day will include an evening reception from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, in the Museum Gallery of the Ohio Statehouse, located at 1 Capitol Square Columbus, Ohio. OFA members are encouraged to meet with their elected officials throughout the day and will receive materials in advance.

Forestry Day at the Statehouse is a unique opportunity to tell your story to the members of the Ohio General Assembly and their staff. OFA encourages all of its members to make attending Forestry Day a priority. Contact info@ohioforest.org for more information.

Camp Canopy Sponsorships still available

Associations, SWCD offices, and other organizations across the state have generously offered sponsorship funds to help cover camp costs for those who need it. Camp Canopy will happen from June 7-12th at the beautiful FFA Camp Muskingum in Carrollton, Ohio, and registration closes on May 29th. Students completing 8th-12th grade this year can register for this week long experience that focuses on everything from forest products and tree identification to wildlife management and geology. Inquire with OFA at info@ohioforest.org for help securing a camp sponsorship.

Camp Registration

Lumber Grading and Kiln Drying Courses

Registration is open on the OFA events page for Summer short courses available at discounted rates for OFA members. We hope to see you in Millersburg, Ohio at Yoder Lumber for our Lumber Grading or Kiln Drying courses. All classes are multi-day events that run until 4pm each day. View the calendar to see full details and to get registered while space is still available. Email OFA's Director of Forestry Programs, William Ray, at william@ohioforest.org if you have additional questions.

OFA EVENTS

Have you registered for the NHLA convention

this September?

OFA will be partnering with the NHLA to help support their 2026 convention. The conference will take place in mid-September and will cater to all types of industry professionals. OFA members can use code OFAMEMBER2 for a discounted registration price or code OFAMEMBER for those that are both OFA and NHLA members.

MORE INFO

Market Update

HardwoodReview Forecasting

Nearly one-third of the way through the year, hoped-for increases in hardwood lumber demand are still to come. Certain distribution markets and smaller secondary manufacturers are quite busy, but larger-volume sales are on hold pending clearer indication of market direction for the remainder of the year…which can’t come until the Middle East situation is resolved, though the stock market does seem to be carrying on regardless. Lumber buyers don’t want to risk bringing in too much inventory and sawmills can’t afford to carry much more. That stalemate is keeping production low enough to support prices despite the weak demand, especially for the uppers. As anticipated, the return to somewhat normal trade relations with China has not brought back “normal” hardwood lumber shipments.

While hope remains for better grade lumber demand later this spring and summer, sawmills are now struggling with slowing in low-grade markets, with ties, crane mats and even pallet cants said to be slowing, though most of the current concern centers on ties. Add to that, reports indicate that Vietnamese-sawn Walnut, from U.S. logs, is now competing with U.S.-produced lumber in Asian and German markets, a trend that could very well expand into other species and markets at the rate log exports are growing.

Legislative Update

The following is brought to us by our national partner, the Forest Resources Association (FRA)

Farm Bill Advances with Jobs in the Woods Act as RFS Amendment Falls Short

The House passed the Farm Bill (H.R. 7567) yesterday on a 224–200 vote, with fourteen Democrats joining most Republicans. The bill includes FRA’s Jobs in the Woods Act language, a binding biomass carbon‑neutrality provision we plan to strengthen in the Senate, and reauthorization of the Wood Innovation and Community Wood Grant programs. House passage should help accelerate Farm Bill work in the upper chamber.

Earlier in the day, the House rejected Rep. Cliff Bentz’s amendment to expand the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) definition of “renewable biomass” to include whole trees and residuals from federal, state, and private lands. The amendment failed 216–210, but the RFS biomass debate will continue as the Senate develops its Farm Bill package.

FRA Submits Comments on Independent Contractor Rule

FRA submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Labor on its proposed Independent Contractor Rule, with the letter co‑signed by 30 forestry associations across the supply chain. The coalition supports the Department’s proposal to rescind the 2024 Independent Contractor Final Rule and reinstate the clearer, two‑core‑factor framework from the 2021 rule. The comments emphasize that independent contractors are essential at every stage of the wood supply chain and that a predictable, objective standard is critical for logging, trucking, and forestry support businesses that rely on contractor‑based operating models.

European Commission Misses April 30th EUDR Reporting Deadline

The April 30 reporting deadline for the European Commission’s (EC) EUDR simplification review arrived this week without the release of the long‑awaited report. A new 5th Edition FAQ briefly appeared online earlier in the day but was quickly removed, and the EC has not explained why it missed its legal deadline. An anonymous EU official has indicated the full report is now expected on Monday, May 4. Separately, 32 Democratic Members of Congress sent an April 24 letter to EC President von der Leyen urging the Commission to implement EUDR as written and opposing any move toward a “no‑risk” designation. FRA will continue monitoring developments and will update members as new information becomes available.

DHS Funding Approved

This week, Congress approved a partial Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding measure, ending a 76‑day lapse in appropriations for most non‑immigration‑enforcement components of the department. The bill restores full-year funding for TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, and CISA, allowing these agencies to resume normal operations and planning. The President signed the measure on Thursday.

FRA 2026 Annual Meeting May 18-20, Charleston, SC

"Resilience Across the Wood Supply Chain"

Join industry leaders, partners, and advocates in Charleston, South Carolina, for the 2026 Forest Resources Association Annual Meeting. This year’s program brings together every sector of the forest products supply chain — from the woods to the mill — for three days of collaboration, strategic discussion, and networking. Hear from several CEOs, engage in committee meetings that shape our industry’s future, and celebrate the people and partnerships that keep our supply chain strong.

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.

Additional News and Links

Tree ID Workshop

Do you ever find yourself asking, What kind of tree is that? Whether you’re curious about the trees around you or want to better understand the species in your woodlands, this workshop will teach you how to identify trees using key characteristics. Join Ohio State Extension’s Jim Downs and ODNR, Division of Forestry’s Dave Apsley and Pat Migliozzi for this hands-on workshop on tree identification.

OSU Extension's ESCAPE TO THE FOREST Webinar Series

Join OSU Extension on May 22, 2026 for a joint presentation on Forested Riparian Buffers.

The Ohio State University's Dr. Lorrayne Miralha will present 'Riparian zone sensing: tracking hydrological and biogeochemical pulses in managed forested systems.' She will share her work in forested riparian buffers in Northern California, Coshocton, Ohio, and Brazil.

ODNR, Division of Forestry's Bob Mulligan will present 'Bridging the Gab between Riparian Protection and Timber Production.' Bob’s presentation will focus on the importance of pre-harvest planning, minimizing riparian degradation from heavy equipment and the most recent state standards regarding riparian setbacks and damage mitigation.

Holden Arboretum Field Day

The Holden Arboretum is inviting OFA members to join them for their Working Woods Field Day on June 6th from 9am-4pm. Expect a different format from their traditional field day involving shorter tour loops throughout the day, and opportunities to network with landowners and forestry business professionals. Feel encouraged to bring your business cards or brochures to display.

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