NEBRASKA'S FOREST PRODUCTS BULLETIN

TIMBER TALK

Weather these past few weeks has been typically fall-like in terms of cooler and wetter conditions. But it is still a couple of months away before cold temperatures set the hard, frozen base needed for optimal winter logging conditions. Until then, logging contractors could have difficulty accessing purchased timber. Most surveyed sawmill operators state that log decks are either steady or down. But, even mill owners that have decent log piles have been unable to ramp up production due to labor constraints. In fact, labor problems are impacting productivity up and down the supply chain. The US Department of Labor reports the number of unemployed seeking work is 7.7 million, and those aged 16 and older not in the workforce total over 100 million. Nonfarm employment has risen 17.4 million from the low point in April 2020 but is 5 million people below the pre pandemic level in February of last year. Supply strains caused by lack of labor are evident in prolonged lumber and industrial timber product shortages and record high lumber prices for many species. During winter months is when hardwood production in this region typically increases, though logging contractors and sawmill operators are uncertain how much more mill output will rise this winter because of labor issues. At the same time, solid residential construction activity is driving steady demand for hardwood lumber and finished goods.

Information shows a wide mix of log inventories at area mills. Some sawmill operators report decent log decks, while others state that log supplies are well below normal levels for this time of year. Wet weather conditions in parts of the region have restrained timber harvesting for much of this year. Shortages of pulpwood have compounded log supply problems for area mills by prompting many logging contractors to focus harvests on pine and pulpwood. The fact is that sawmill output did not grow in October as it normally does. Shortages of green Poplar, Ash, upper grade White Oak, and #2A&3A Oak are still the norm. Supplies of kiln dried lumber are satisfying short term demand, though there are concerns about kiln dried inventories longer term.

Worker shortages continue to plague all sectors of the hardwood supply chain. In some areas – particularly where softwoods also grow – there are not enough loggers to work all the hardwood tracts sawmills would like to harvest. Meanwhile, virtually all surveyed sawmills, concentration yards, distribution yards, and secondary manufacturers say they need more workers. The same is true for companies that provide products and services to the hardwood industry, particularly trucking firms. Amid these circumstances, companies are struggling to get products to customers in a timely manner, whether logs, lumber, components, or finished goods. Among the notable trends in hardwood markets is continued strong demand for whitewoods. While many end users are substituting Soft Maple for Hard Maple to lower costs, both species are selling well. Demand for Birch is good from established end users and also from Maple users seeking relief from comparatively higher costs. Beech is also moving well to many of the same markets as Maple and Birch. Disruptions in Beech and Birch imports from Europe and Asia are further bolstering demand for domestic whitewoods.

URBAN WOOD NETWORK - NEBRASKA CHAPTER

The Nebraska Chapter has now launched and is looking forward to working with the national network and fellow chapters to share resources and strategies that will propel the urban wood economy from coast to coast.

Our chapter aims to leverage the power of sustainable, fair, and modern consumption standards to create an industry that is unique to our local economy and landscape.

With the advancement of an MOU with the Urban Wood Network, the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) and Carson+Co Global (CCG), are excited to formalize efforts underway for several years to establish a thriving urban wood industry in Nebraska. Like many areas, Nebraska’s urban wood utilization gained momentum with the expansion of the Emerald Ash Borer into the state. We recognized that communities must be able to effectively and sustainably manage the influx of urban wood generated from felled or removed ash trees in addition to other urban trees when they must be removed.

During November 2018 Urban Wood Workshops – co-hosted by the Lincoln Parks and Recreation, NFS, and CCG – we heard loud and clear attendees’ call to form a state urban wood network to foster a statewide vision alongside the national network through which urban wood utilization could be coordinated. NFS and CCG are honored to collaborate alongside dedicated, strategic partners in Nebraska to answer that call and bolster the holistic management of Nebraska’s urban trees, where every part of the tree is put to its highest, best use.

Development of the Urban Wood Network Nebraska Chapter strengthens our ability to connect members throughout the supply chain and make resources for urban wood utilization more readily available to ultimately reduce urban wood waste. We appreciate the opportunity to join the Urban Wood Network where our collective energies can be channeled for even greater, long-lasting impact.

Information about membership and opportunities for engagement with the Urban Wood Network will be provided soon.

US BIOCHAR INITIATIVE "BUSINESS OF BIOCHAR" ONLINE SYMPOSIUM

For more than a decade, scientists, environmentalists and a growing number of public policymakers have considered biochar an intriguing technology with the potential to utilize biomass waste streams and improve soil fertility. More recently, innovators and early adopters have come to consider biochar as a viable, profitable and effective environmental instrument for sequestering carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and providing a wide array of uses including: remediating pollution in soil and water; incorporating biochar into construction materials for buildings and roads; and, producing clean, renewable energy among other uses. Biochar is on the verge of an explosive expansion based upon its

many beneficial applications, but especially due to its ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Biochar’s debut on carbon removal markets has been a game changer since it was first accepted as a removal product in 2019.

On December 7 through 9, 2021, the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) in collaboration with the U.S. Biochar Initiative will host a symposium focused on the Business of Biochar. The purpose of this event is to share information concerning the opportunities for growth, investment and the business development prospects for biochar.

Participants will receive new information on what the growth of this game-changing technology can mean for global markets and the environment. Speakers will provide up-to-date assessments on the potential of carbon markets and policy advancements that are contributing to a healthy growth forecast, and they will identify the impediments to growth that may prevent the development of the industry unless these barriers are removed or changed. In addition, representatives of carbon marketplaces, carbon removal buyers and investors will discuss the rapidly evolving carbon removal markets and how and why demand for biochar-based credits is exploding. Finally, in an adaptation of a popular television program, startup biochar entrepreneurs will have a chance to present short video presentations to pitch their enterprise as a target for investment.

For more information and to register, visit https://ttc.swoogo.com/businessofbiochar21.