Industry News

A 2025 recap of the hardwood lumber industry from NHLA Chairman Bucky Pescaglia—marked by new trade wars, economic uncertainty, and significant industry losses, yet also resilience, advocacy, and growth within the NHLA. This year-end recap highlights key policy challenges, member achievements, convention insights, and the ongoing efforts shaping the future of American hardwoods.

Why the NHLA Rules Matter: The NHLA Rules are the backbone of the North American hardwood industry, ensuring consistency, credibility, and competitiveness for every member. From standardized grading and global export credibility to professional training and certification, these rules help businesses build trust, reduce disputes, and strengthen buyer relationships across the hardwood supply chain.

NHLA Inspector Marty Westeen reflects on a year of hands-on work in hardwood mills across the U.S., helping members optimize yield, navigate export markets, and prepare the next generation of certified inspectors through the NHLA Inspector Training School.

The Hardwood Federation, supported by NHLA members, is amplifying the voice of the U.S. hardwood industry through targeted advocacy, trade relief initiatives, and engagement with policymakers. By raising awareness of the economic and community impact of hardwood mills, the Federation helps ensure that U.S. hardwood companies remain competitive and resilient in challenging global markets.

Precision Pays: Optimizing lumber thickness and fiber recovery can significantly improve yield and profitability in the hardwood industry. Dana Spessert of NHLA outlines how precision measurement, quality control, and adherence to updated NHLA Rules help companies adapt to modern challenges in lumber production and market demands.

NHLA’s Inspector Training School (ITS) celebrated the graduation of Class 210, marking a milestone in 77 years of advancing hardwood grading expertise. Graduates leave equipped with NHLA Rules knowledge, technology skills, and an understanding of wood’s carbon value, ready to strengthen businesses, improve product quality, and support sustainable forests across the industry.

Welcome to the NHLA Family! As NHLA closes out 2025, we're celebrating our dedicated members whose volunteer work on committees and task forces strengthens programs, expands reach, and ensures the collective voice of the North American hardwood industry remains strong. From market advocacy to innovation and education, NHLA’s growing membership demonstrates the power of collaboration in shaping the future of American hardwoods.

The hardwood industry is facing shrinking markets, rising competition, and shifting customer demands—and surviving the status quo is no longer enough. This article explores why intentional innovation, strategic evolution, and data-driven advocacy are essential for rebuilding market share, competing with synthetic substitutes, and redefining the future of American hardwoods.

The NHLA Inspector Training School partnered with Gurdon High School to give students an immersive introduction to the hardwood industry, combining sawmill tours, hands-on experience, and the Grader 101 curriculum. The program builds career pathways into manufacturing, quality control, sales, and more, demonstrating how education, industry, and community can collaborate to develop the next generation of hardwood professionals.

Thank You to Our Task Forces | NHLA honors the dedicated volunteers who served on committees and task forces throughout 2025, strengthening programs, advancing innovation, and protecting the competitiveness of North American hardwoods. From market impact initiatives to AI grading, structural standards, certification programs, and member engagement, their work is driving progress and shaping a stronger future for the hardwood industry.

NHLA’s new leaders, Dr. Sailesh Adhikari and Jared Klepko, are driving innovation and engagement in the hardwood industry. Adhikari is advancing Thermally Modified Wood and Structural Grade Hardwood standards, while Klepko strengthens corporate partnerships and member value—together creating new market opportunities, jobs, and sustainable growth for NHLA members.

Discover how AI vision systems and right-sized robotics help hardwood mills boost safety, efficiency, and throughput—enhancing human craftsmanship without replacing skilled operators.