AFA NEWSROOM - February 14, 2025

AFA Logging Legislation Moves Forward!

Great news! The AFA Logging Legislation received favorable approval from the Senate’s Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry Committee yesterday. The bill had its second reading in the Senate Thursday and could be up for a full floor vote as early as next week.

A huge thank you to our AFA members who showed up in force—so many attended that an overflow room was needed! Special appreciation goes to Skylar Clark, Russell Johnson, and Tom Gilpin for speaking on behalf of the logging community. Their firsthand industry experience made a tremendous impact. Be sure to thank them when you see them!

We also extend our gratitude to Senator David Sessions, Chairman of the committee, for prioritizing this bill in the very first meeting of the session. Additionally, a big thank you to Senator Williams, our dedicated bill sponsor, who expressed his eagerness to bring it before the full Senate for a vote.

Stay tuned for more updates as we push forward!

AFA Connect

February 20, 2025

Join AFA Connect at 11:00 am CST on Thursday, February 20, 2025, to learn about the Alabama Drought Reach Program from Program Manager Brianne Minton. The Alabama Drought Reach Program focuses on increasing drought communication and impact reporting in Alabama, with the hopes of improving overall drought literacy throughout the state. Brianne also works as the liaison between the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Earn one CFE/PLM hour.

Lumber Market Shifts: How New Tariffs Will Reshape the Industry

The economic landscape of North America is experiencing one of the most intense periods of trade tension in its history. President Trump's announcement of new tariffs—to the tune of 10% on all imports from China and 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada—has sent ripples through global trade, and the effects will hit several sectors hard.

Among the products listed, Canadian lumber plays a pivotal role. Its implications are profound for the US lumber market.

Lumber Prices: Five Predictions for the Housing and Wood Products Markets in 2025

After several years of unprecedented volatility in wood products markets, 2024 experienced a more stable, albeit depressed, environment for wood products demand and prices.

The brunt of the industry pain was felt by the softwood lumber market, which saw over 3 billion board feet (BBF) of closures last year after almost 2 BBF was shuttered 2023 — a reduction of about 7% of the industry’s capacity base over two years — as prices dragged along at unsustainable levels. Meanwhile, panel mills have been able to manage supply more effectively, keeping prices elevated above pre-pandemic levels and margins healthy, unlike softwood lumber.

3-D modeling. Is this the future of homebuilding?

International Paper Announces Facility Closures

International Paper announced the permanent closure of the company's Red River containerboard mill in Campti, La., recycling plant in Phoenix, Az., box plant in Hazleton, Pa., and sheet feeder facility in St. Louis, Mo. All facilities will cease operations by the end of April 2025. The Red River containerboard mill closure is expected to reduce the company's containerboard capacity by approximately 800,000 tons on an annualized basis.

In total, 495 hourly employees and 179 salaried employees will be affected. The company will work to minimize the impact on employees by using attrition, retirements and current vacancies at other International Paper locations. Team members at these locations will receive outplacement assistance, access to mental health support resources and where possible, severance benefits.

USDA: US Wood Pellet Exports Top 10 Million Metric Tons in 2024

The U.S. exported 879,332.3 metric tons of wood pellets in December, bringing total exports for the full year 2024 to a record 10 million metric tons, according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on Feb. 5.

The 879,332.3 metric tons of wood pellets exported in December as up slightly when compared to the 973,783.9 metric tons exported in November, but down when compared to the 1.04 million metric tons exported in December 2023.

Initial PLM Course

Monroeville, AL - March 5, 2025

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!

Click on an image below to learn more about that county's upcoming Learn & Burn and secure your spot today!

Calhoun County

February 24th - 28th

Henry County

February 24th - 28th

Shelby County

March 3rd - 7th

Tallapoosa County

RESCHEDULED FOR

March 3rd - 10th

Jefferson County

March 10th - 14th

Jefferson County

at Turkey Creek

March 17th - 21st

Online CE Available For PLM & CFE

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

AFA Online Education