OFA Update
Register Now for OFA's Kiln Drying Short Course
OFA's kiln drying class was created in close consultation with the "Wood Doctor," Gene Wengert. Instructors Bob Pope with SII Dry Kilns and Chad Niman, forest products specialist at the University of Kentucky, were highly recommended by Gene and provided an excellent course last year for manufacturers. This same course will be provided again August 12-13, at Yoder Lumber and is sponsored by Ohio Valley Lumber Drying Association, Great Lakes Kiln Drying Association, and Yoder Lumber. Check out the course agenda at https://www.ohioforest.org/page/Kiln and view a printable registration form.
Market Update
HardwoodReview Forecasting
With the exception of some additional increases in the Maples and White Oak, price forecasts are flat or declining over the next two months. Supplies of most species, which lagged demand as recently as a month or two ago, have caught up to or even surpassed it, though this has been more so due to lackluster domestic and weaker export sales than significant production increases. Upper-grade White Oak is pricing itself out of some markets, though substitutional shifts to Red Oak or lower grades of White Oak will not be enough to sustain those prices through summer. Exports were steady during the first four months of the year, which is not a good result for a period that typically sees seasonal increases. Additionally, while Jan-Apr export volumes were up relative to the last three quarters of 2023, they lagged year ago levels. That said, Vietnam and the UK stand out as relatively strong growth markets in their respective regions.
U.S. cabinet manufacturing demand for hardwood lumber has slowed in 2024, especially with custom and semi-custom cabinet sales down more than stock cabinet sales. This is a surprising demand shift, given the relative resilience of higher-end home building to mortgage rate hikes, and the fact that imports are capturing an increasing share of stock cabinet demand.
Hardwood Industry Launches New Tool for Architecture and Design Professionals
The Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC) and the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA), in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, have launched a new website at RealAmericanHardwood.pro. The website was developed to educate architects, interior designers, and construction professionals on the attributes of Real American Hardwood® products, as well as introduce new and innovative hardwood product technologies for the built environment.
Great architecture and design are brought to life with beautiful, natural, and sustainable materials. Learn more at RealAmericanHardwood.pro.
Filled with information on the uses, value, and benefits of the most commonly specified domestic hardwood species, the website also explores new ways for design/build professionals to incorporate hardwood products—such as thermally modified hardwood and cross-laminated timber—into commercial and residential spaces. A sustainability section provides visitors with data—backed by science and research—on the environmental and climate friendly qualities of hardwood products, and how they compare to alternatives, such as vinyl and steel.
Linda Jovanovich, chair of the RAHC, says the new website plays an important role in educating current and future professionals. "As the RAHC works with and educates architects, designers, specifiers, and students, RealAmericanHardwood.pro is a valuable resource to serve those communities. I am looking forward to adding it to our education toolbox and putting it to work alongside our website at RealAmericanHardwood.com, which is designed to inform and inspire consumers and prosumers alike."
"There are many different factors that are important to consider when designing a space for people to gather, while celebrating the Naturally Authentic® beauty and character of Real American Hardwood products," says Dallin Brooks, executive director of the NHLA. "From the visual aesthetics of lumber to the functionality of different species, this new platform will equip all involved in the design/build community with the information they need to create a positive impact on both people within design spaces and on the environment outside by specifying Real American Hardwood flooring, cabinetry, millwork, furniture, and more."
The website also includes a featured projects section, where visitors can read case studies about unique projects and submit their own work for publication.
Visit RealAmericanHardwood.pro to experience the website and learn more.
Legislative Update
CAUV updates will provide significant tax savings for woodlands
After more than ten years of advocating for accurate woodland inputs in the CAUV formula, the Ohio Department of Taxation has accepted the Ohio Forestry Association’s (OFA) data regarding land clearing costs and updated those inputs in the formula.
“This is wonderful news for Ohio’s woodland owners and forest products industry,” said OFA executive director Jenna Reese. “With 86% of forests privately owned in Ohio, forest health and the industry depend on the woodland management decisions of landowners enrolled in CAUV.”
Prior to the updates on July 12, the artificially low land clearing costs in the CAUV formula were a deterrent to landowners maintaining their woodland parcels. Many have had to clear woodlands for cropland due to values that are much higher in the formula than they are in reality. Accurate conversion inputs like land clearing and drainage costs are critical for landowners enrolled in CAUV who previously faced significant tax barriers to maintaining their woodlands.
“For years Farm Bureau has advocated that these numbers be updated based on the real world data from the Ohio Forestry Association,” said Leah Curtis, policy counsel and senior director of member engagement for Ohio Farm Bureau. “We are glad to see the Tax Department take this step and will continue to work with OFA to ensure accuracy for woodland values.”
Ted Finnarn, who has represented the Ohio Farmers Union on the CAUV Ag Advisory Committee for over 48 years, said “I, as a long-time member of the Ag Advisory Committee, support the CAUV values that were presented at the public hearing, especially with the adjustment for woodland values concerning updating the costs of clearing and drainage. Much praise to the Ohio Forestry Association, for bringing this information to the attention of the Advisory Committee and the Ohio Tax Department.”
The values released on July 12, 2024, by the Ohio Department of Taxation will be finalized at the end of the month after a comment period.
Ohio Senator JD Vance selected as Trump's Running Mate
Today at the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump announced: “After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio.” Senator Vance has been considered a rising star in the U.S. Senate. Senator Vance's office has met with OFA members for the last two years and listened to the many legislative challenges the hardwood industry faces. As recently as this month, Senator Vance agreed to add his name to a letter--at OFA's request--urging the Department of Defense to implement the new directive for American Red oak to replace endangered imported Apitong in army truck bed liners.
FRA National Issue Update
EUDR
This week, FRA and several allied associations sent a letter to the European Commission Vice President of Trade requesting support to delay the European Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR) implementation. The letter states, “Without a corresponding delay to give producers enough time to comply we face a mounting trade risk, which is already beginning to jeopardize trade between the U.S. and European Union.” The EUDR will become effective on December 31, 2024, if it is not delayed.
Representatives Steel (R-CA-45) and Sewell (D-AL-07) are circulating a letter that urges President Biden to engage with the European Union and request a 24-month delay in implementing the deforestation regulations. The letter mentions, “Without more time for implementation, billions of dollars of trade are at stake. Forest product exports from the U.S. to the EU are valued at over $3.5 billion USD. Without legal certainty that U.S. producers can place products on the EU market according to EUDR compliance requirements, significant trade disruptions will result. The inability to ship to the EU will have cascading negative economic impacts, including devaluing U.S. timberlands, U.S. manufacturing job losses, reduced economic activity with trusted low-risk trading partners, raw material availability issues, and inflationary pressures for EU consumers.” FRA is currently reaching out to House Members to encourage them to sign on to the letter. The deadline for signatures is July 26.
Appropriations
Earlier this week, the House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Related Agencies appropriations bill with a narrow 29-25 vote amidst strong Democratic opposition. The legislation proposes significant budget cuts to the EPA and other agencies and includes several policy riders aimed at restricting the current Administration’s environmental policies. Among these provisions are amendments to prevent the EPA from implementing the new particulate matter (PM 2.5) standard and to halt the U.S. Forest Service from finalizing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the National Old-Growth Amendment
Additionally, the bill retains the carbon neutrality language for forest-based biomass, a provision supported by FRA since its inclusion in the appropriations process in 2017. This language directs the EPA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Department of Energy to recognize the carbon-neutral nature of forest-based biomass energy in their policy actions. Despite its approval in the House, the bill is expected to face significant opposition in the Senate, making the enactment of these riders unlikely. We will continue to monitor and inform you of any developments.
Safety Update
See the latest safety article regarding forklift safety and worker’s compensation article from OFA’s partner Sedgwick.
Upcoming Events
Steel Valley Loggers Chapter Meeting
7/18/2024
Location: DeNoon Lumber, Bergholz, Ohio Time: 5:30 PM
2024 OFA Summer Outing
7/17/2024
Location: Marietta, Ohio Time: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Southeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
8/14/2024
Location: Shawn Sexton's Lodge, Jackson, Ohio Time: 6:00 PM
2024 Kiln Drying Short Course
8/12/2024 » 8/14/2024
Location: Millersburg, Ohio
Master Logger Training @ Fernwood State Forest
8/15/2024 » 8/16/2024
Location: Bloomingdale, Ohio
Tree Farm of the Year Tour
9/7/2024
Location: Cadiz, Ohio Time: 10:00 AM
Master Logger Meetings
Paint Valley Loggers Chapter Meeting
9/9/2024
Location: Bainbridge, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM
Southern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
9/10/2024
Location: Lucasville, Ohio Time: 7:00 pm
Northeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
9/11/2024
Location: Middlefield, Ohio
Muskingum Valley Loggers Chapter
9/11/2024
Location: F.O.E., McConnelsville, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM
East Central Ohio Loggers Chapter
9/16/2024
Location: Fresno, Ohio Time: 6:00 PM
Northwest Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
9/18/2024
Location: Findlay, Ohio
Scioto River Valley Loggers Chapter Meeting
9/19/2024
Location: Scioto Township Fire Hall, Wakefield, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM
2024 Paul Bunyan Show
10/4/2024 » 10/6/2024
Location: Lore City, Ohio
2025 Annual Meeting
2/5/2025 » 2/6/2025
Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus, Ohio
Additional Links
ECOFA August Newsletter
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