AFA NEWSROOM - January 7, 2025

Tuberville: Trump, GOP are Delivering Relief and Cutting Red Tape for Alabama’s $36 Billion Forestry Economy

Tuberville, who sits on the Senate Agriculture Committee, spoke at the annual Alabama Forestry Association Conference about some of the benefits those in the forestry related industries will soon see.

“Now we have 23 million acres of forest in the state, Alabama, 23 million acres, he said. “It makes $36 billion a year. And again, I know about this because y’all come up to remind me of it quite often and appreciate you coming up. It’s big part of our economy, big part. So I hope you’re starting to get a plan. We’re starting to get a plan for you to help you, and everything that you do, from the from the loggers all the way to the sawmills, all the way to getting rid of your wood residual, everything that we can possibly do to make your life better, make more profit.”

ResourceWise’s 2026 Pulp, Paper, and Forest Products Industry Predictions

The pulp, paper, and forest products industry endured another year of uncertainty and significant change in 2025. From new tariffs and widespread mill closures to persistent overseas overcapacity, the market experienced profound and ongoing transformation.

As part of our annual tradition, ResourceWise is proud to share our key insights and forecasts for the year ahead. Below are seven predictions we believe will shape the pulp, paper, and forest products industry in 2026.

Link to Article

AFA Connect

January 15th at 11:00

Join us for an AFA Connect online presentation featuring Dr. Paul Jeffreys from ArborGen as we explore bottomland hardwoods and planting options.

AFA Mourns Passing of Former Chairman Raymond Jett “Jett” Freeman

The Alabama Forestry Association sadly announces the passing of Jett Freeman, former Chairman of the Board (served from 2000-2001), who passed away December 31, 2025 at age 81. Mr. Freeman was a respected forestry leader, veteran, and longtime Alabama forestry advocate. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends.

Obituary

Portable Pavilion Showcases Alabama Resources for Construction Materials

When the three little pigs built houses of straw, sticks and brick, only the brick house stood up to the Big Bad Wolf. But did that classic fable get it wrong?

One group of Auburn University researchers thinks so, and now, they’re showing how nature - in the way of Alabama’s grasslands and forest - might actually provide superior material while also generating new revenue streams for the state.

A team of faculty members and students from the Colleges of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) and Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) have created a mobile showroom to illustrate how bio-based materials grown right here in Alabama can be used to build healthier and more resilient homes.

With funding from HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, they are building a portable pavilion showcasing the bio-based materials that can be produced in Alabama, potentially creating new jobs and new manufacturing opportunities.

AFF & Partners are Hosting Upcoming Events Across the State

Curious about how Prescribed Fire can enhance the health of your woodlands? The Alabama Forestry Foundation and its partners invite you to register for upcoming Learn & Burn events. Keep checking back - we will be adding more events across the state!

🔥 Hands-on learning

🌿 Expert insights

📍 Multiple locations – more counties coming soon!

Visit our events page to learn more about that county's upcoming Learn & Burn and secure your spot today!

Events Calendar

Online CE Available For PLM & CFE

Still need CFE hours? Check out AFA's online CE Classes available for CFE & PLM credit.... 2024 Bundle (5 Hours) is still available. Click the link below to see all the classes available.

AFA Online Education