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The new DTL35 compact track loader is the company’s first machine of its type and now available in North America. Pushing. Lifting. Digging. Land clearing. These are all tasks that the new DEVELON DTL35 compact track loader can easily complete. Source: Timberbiz The DTL35 compact track loader is equipped with a reliable D34 engine, which is also used in the DEVELON DD100 dozer. The engine helps minimize downtime, reduce maintenance costs and ensure consistent performance in demanding work conditions. Featuring one of the most powerful in-class engines a 115.3 hp the DTL35 helps operators gain traction and manoeuvrability in tight spaces. It’s equipped with features to help maximize productivity and efficiency. Two rubber track patterns are available, and both include a wide and narrow version. A wide multi-bar track comes standard, while a block pattern is optional. The wide multi-bar tracks offer increased contact with surfaces for better traction. This design increases stability and reduces vibration and the risk of slippage. The optional block pattern is designed for more durability on challenging terrains like rock, gravel or uneven ground. It also minimizes ground disturbance, making these tracks a good option for landscaping and turf management. Ride control reduces shocks and vibrations, which enhances stability for the bucket and minimizes spillage when the compact track loader navigates rough terrain while carrying full loads. The auto return to dig automatically returns the arms to the lowered position, saving operators time while delivering a more consistent digging depth. The standard 2-speed travel feature allows the compact track loader to operate at the best speed for the job: the higher speed for traveling longer distances or quickly moving between job sites, and the lower speed for stabilizing the machine during more precise and controlled movements in challenging conditions. The reversible fan protects against dust and debris, keeping the compact track loader’s engine cleaner and cooler to help extend the life of the machine. The rearview camera provides an additional view, allowing operators to easily see behind the machine. An optional around view monitor (AVM) camera system with ultrasonic proximity sensors displays a 270-degree view of the machine’s surroundings for greater confidence when operating the loader in tight work areas or busy job sites. The ultrasonic proximity sensors enhance safety by alerting operators to nearby objects as they back up the machine. The vertical lift arm configuration allows the DTL35 compact track loader to extend its reach forward, making it easier to deposit materials into high-sided trucks, bins or agriculture mixers. To help maintain the loader’s stability, a self-leveling feature automatically adjusts the attachment to remain level as the arms are raised or lowered. This stability is crucial for ensuring safe operation. The bucket shake feature helps shake loose, or release materials stuck to the attachment and facilitates quick and efficient dumping without the need to stop and manually clean the machine. The DTL35 compact track loader has a 3-foot-wide spacious interior, a large polycarbonate swing-out door, electric over hydraulic controls and a roof panel with an unobstructed view of what’s overhead. The adjustable air-suspension heated seat offers superior comfort compared to traditional seats. Air-filled cushions adjust to the operator’s weight and movement, providing a smooth and comfortable ride, especially over uneven terrain. The air-suspension system helps absorb shocks and vibrations, reducing the impact of bumps and rough terrain. The torsion suspension system also helps absorb shocks and vibrations over rough or uneven terrain. This results in a smoother ride throughout the day compared to traditional fixed-frame machines. Attachment changes are easy on the DTL35 compact track loader. It’s equipped with a hydraulic quick coupler that allows fast and tool-free attachment changes, significantly reducing the time required for manual attachments. The DTL35 is offered with more than a dozen DEVELON attachments to help operators complete multiple tasks with one machine.

A team led by Professor Erica Walker from Brown University in the US has received federal funding to conduct the first air-quality and community noise assessment of Mississippi communities impacted by the production of wood pellets. Source: Timberbiz As the global demand for clean energy alternatives surges, the wood pellet industry, often touted as a sustainable fuel option, is projected to nearly double in size by 2026. In the United States, the industry’s growth is most pronounced in the rural South, where 91 wood pellet manufacturing plants are situated, constituting 75% of US production. Mississippi alone is home to seven wood pellet plants, four fully operational and three soon to open (or in early development) that are anticipated to be the largest in the world. But this growing industry is facing scrutiny over its environmental, health and social impacts; similar to fossil fuel refineries, wood pellet plants are more than twice as likely to be located in predominantly Black and poor communities. Ms Walker, RGSS Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the Brown University School of Public Health, and her team of researchers have received a US$5.8 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for their investigations into the emissions from wood pellet plants in Mississippi. This work represents the first study of wood pellet emissions on human health in the United States. “It is fascinating but not surprising that predominantly Black and/or poor communities across Mississippi are being asked to undergird the shift to renewable and sustainable energy production,” Ms Walker said. “When these large wood pellet companies move into these communities, they are bringing with them environmental externalities, which may negatively impact the towns and cities nearby. This award provides us with the opportunity to actually spell out what these environmental externalities are and to what extent they may negatively impact the health and well-being of the surrounding community.” In collaboration with Dr Krystal Martin from Greater Greener Gloster Project, Dr Courtney Roper from the University of Mississippi, and Dr Sharelle Barber from Drexel University, Ms Walker is expanding her research into the emissions from the industry in the state of Mississippi specifically noise, particulate matter, black carbon, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCS), which potentially exceed the thresholds established by the Clean Air Act by up to five times. Ms Walker and her team have spent the last year enrolling families with children, collecting survey and biological information with the aim of understanding how these emissions are impacting children across the life course. They are focused on the Mississippi town of Gloster, home to 897 people, of which 71% are Black and 38.6% live in poverty, with an annual median income of $22,131. They point out that vulnerable populations and children in particular are impacted by air pollution emitted from wood pellet production. Proximity to these plants is associated with a statistically significant higher risk of hospitalization for respiratory illnesses and increased asthma-like symptoms in children. “Mississippi’s children rank 49th in overall child well-being according to a recent KidsCount report,” Ms Walker said. “I am excited about being able to consider the exposome (air, noise, water, visual and soil) pollution and follow the health of these young children until adulthood.” Ms Walker’s preliminary findings are the first air-quality and noise measurements taken in a Mississippi-based wood pellet-impacted community. She and her team measured their results against an air and noise pollution monitoring campaign in Mendenhall, Mississippi, a town with no current industrial activity. In Mendenhall, 34% of residents are Black, 35.8% live in poverty and residents have an annual median income of US$35,956. “When comparing air and noise pollution concentrations in Gloster to those in Mendenhall,” the authors write in their first report, “air and noise pollutant concentrations in Gloster are magnitudes higher, even after adjusting for meteorological conditions.” Over the next five years, and with the support of the NIH, the team will be launching a study quantifying the health impacts of wood pellet manufacturing in three types of communities: those with an operational wood pellet plant, those with a proposed wood pellet plant, and those with no wood pellet plants and no (or limited) industrial manufacturing. They will be conducting a combined noise and air pollution assessment and will use these measurements to assess their impact on children’s respiratory health and stress. They will also engage the community by providing research training for Mississippi-based high-school, community college, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as older adults – who will be using the environmental-literacy awareness tools and the app developed by Walker, NoiseScore.

Canada’s BC Council of Forest Industries Vice President & Chief Economist Kurt Niquidet issued a media statement to express concerns about the serious economic implications of the impending railway strikes. Source: Timberbiz “The BC Council of Forest Industries calls for all parties – employers, unions, and the federal government – to consider the far-reaching consequences of a railway shutdown and to work urgently towards a resolution,” he said. “Rail transportation is the backbone of our industry, enabling the movement of lumber, pulp, and paper products across North America and to global markets. The potential disruption of these services poses a severe risk to the forest sector and the economic stability of forestry-dependent communities across the province. A simultaneous work stoppage at CN and CPKC could result in tens of millions of dollars in weekly losses for the forest products manufacturing sector.” Mr Niquidet emphasized that the majority of the forest sector’s products rely on rail transport, particularly for exports to the United States. “Within the first week of a strike, we could face widespread mill curtailments, further threatening jobs and economic activity in our communities. “The impacts of a rail shutdown will extend far beyond our industry. The broader economic fallout on British Columbia could be devastating, disrupting the flow of goods, triggering job losses, and creating profound uncertainty in the rural communities that are the backbone of our sector. This situation underscores the critical importance of maintaining a reliable and uninterrupted transportation network to safeguard Canada’s competitive position in global markets. “Natural resources are the lifeblood of Canada’s economy, and our railways are the arteries that keep this lifeblood flowing. Any interruption to this essential infrastructure risks bringing our economy to a halt, with workers and communities bearing the brunt of the impact. “We urge all parties to find an immediate resolution.”  

Great Wrap, a B Corp Certified material science company, has partnered with Opal one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading cardboard packaging and recycling companies, to exclusively offer the only Australian made Compostable Machine Pallet Wrap for businesses of all sizes in Australia and New Zealand, enabling them to divert traditional pallet wrap away from landfills. Source: Timberbiz Great Wrap’s Certified Compostable Machine Pallet Wrap, which is certified by the Australasian Bioplastics Association, is made with compostable biopolymers and plant-based oils, is a packaging solution for businesses that secures pallet loads while minimising supply chain waste. Given Australia generates 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, there is an urgent need to adopt compostable materials. Opal Packaging Plus, which has been appointed as the exclusive distributor of the Certified Compostable Machine Pallet Wrap, is a business unit of Opal. Great Wrap will add to Opal Packaging Plus’ more than 15,000 product range and is the first compostable stretch wrap it offers. “Our machine pallet wrap stands out because it’s fully compostable, capable of a 250% pre-stretch, operates smoothly on high-speed lines, and maintains high tension for ultimate reliability. Our wrap is denser and stronger than traditional wrap, meaning our customers can reduce their wrap thickness to achieve the same results as they would with traditional wrap,” said Jordy Kay, Co-founder of Great Wrap. The Australian Government has set clear national packaging targets including 100% of packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, and 70% of plastic packaging to be recycled or composted by 2025. “Globally, people have been trying to recycle plastic packaging for 50 years, but only 9% of our recycled materials go through the recycling system, showing us the infrastructure isn’t perfect, and emphasising the need to diversify and explore more end-of-life options, such as commercial composting, so we aren’t reliant on one waste stream,” said Julia Kay, Co-founder of Great Wrap. While currently targeting the Australian business landscape, Great Wrap is also working to build a biorefinery that will produce a marine-degradable material called PHA, to continue to change the packaging landscape. Later this year, Great Wrap is also planning to supply their Compostable Hand Pallet Wrap for exclusive distribution through Opal Packaging Plus.

The Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ (WPMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Don Hammond to the role of independent Chair effective 9 September 2024. Source: Timberbiz Mr Hammond is the current Independent Chair of Phytos, a Fonterra Cooperative Council member, was a shareholder and Chair of a sawmilling and value add timber business, the inaugural Government appointed chair for the Game Animal Council, an independent director of the Bioprotection Centre of Research Excellence at Lincoln and has been chair on the board of various private companies with many of these in the forestry space. Mr Hammond has interests across forestry, aviation, property, horticulture and dairy farming. “I believe my knowledge of and experience within the forest side of the sector has the potential to bring a different paradigm to WPMA and assist in creating synergies which will allow greater benefit for all parties,” Mr Hammond said. Mark Ross, WPMA’s Chief Executive said that on behalf of the board we are delighted to have Mr Hammond as the new Chair. “He is a highly reputable governance professional with experience in various industries, including wood products and forestry. With the sector having a significant role to play in New Zealand’s future direction Don’s leadership, strategic thinking and clarity of purpose will assist in steering wood processing and manufacturing into our next stage of economic growth and sustainability,” Mr Ross said. The WPMA Board would like to acknowledge and thank the outgoing Chair, John Eastwood, for his outstanding contribution to WPMA. Mr Hammond is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) who has extensive experience across the forestry sector and his commitment to sustainable management make him an ideal leader for this critical role. He brings a wealth of knowledge and governance experience to his new position, having served in various leadership roles across forestry and farming. His deep understanding of the forestry sector, combined with his strategic vision, will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening the synergies between wood processing, manufacturing, and forest management. This appointment is a significant recognition of the expertise and influence professional foresters like Mr Hammond bring to the broader industry. “Don Hammond’s appointment as Chair of WPMA is a tremendous achievement and a testament to his dedication to the forestry sector,” said James Treadwell, president of the NZIF. “His leadership will be invaluable in guiding the wood processing and manufacturing industry towards greater economic growth and sustainability. This appointment also underscores the crucial role professional foresters and NZIF members play in every part of the sector, from sustainable forest management to innovative wood product development.” As the sector continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change, economic shifts, and technological advancements, the involvement of skilled professionals like Mr Hammond is more important than ever. The NZIF believes the expertise and ethical standards upheld by its members are key to ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of New Zealand’s forestry and wood processing industries. The NZIF is proud to support its members in taking on leadership roles which shape the future of the forestry sector, and it is confident Mr Hammond’s tenure as Chair of WPMA will lead to significant advancements for the industry and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for New Zealand.

Celebrating 40 years since Timber Towns Victoria’s first inception in 1984, members recently toured the Baw Baw Shire region as part of their Annual General Meeting and yearly forum. Source: Timberbiz The Baw Baw Shire was one of many regions that were impacted by the Victorian Government’s announcement to cease native timber harvesting in state forests. TTV Vice President and Baw Baw Shire Councillor Michael Leaney said the site visits to the region have helped TTV group members gain a better understanding of how local businesses in the region are transitioning and the new opportunities being created. “Timbers Town Victoria will continue to advocate for the economic viability and ongoing sustainability of the towns and regions significantly impacted by the closure of native timber harvesting in state forests, and the State Government’s Forestry Transition Program has provided valuable assistance to affected communities and businesses,” Cr Leaney said. TTV President Councillor Karen Stephens hailed the three-day forum a success. “It is important to our members that we see first-hand these communities that have been affected by the cessation of native timber harvesting. We know that it has presented numerous challenges for these communities and TTV will continue to provide support and a commitment to these challenges faced by Victorian communities,” Cr Stephens said. ‘It has been pleasing to witness the innovation and positive changes that some businesses have made since the cessation of native timber harvesting to transition their business,” she said. Cr Stephens thanked all those who gave their time to assist in the success of the three-day forum. “Timber Towns Victoria offers a very special thank you to the businesses we visited and their time they gave freely to us – David Taylor, Willow Grove Timber Mill; Glenn Fenton, Nationwide Trees; Andrew Batarilo, Alpine Trout Farm; Doug Ward Drouin West Timber Truss,” Cr Stephens said.  

New Zealand Central North Island district mayors from Ruapehu, Kawerau and Taupo whose forestry mill operations are threatened by soaring electricity prices, have met with Prime Minister Hon Chris Luxon and Regional Development Minister Hon Shane Jones to discuss urgent actions to prevent the closure of mills and other export manufacturers. Source: Timberbiz Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton, Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui, and Taupo Mayor David Trewavas together with local iwi expressed united concern for the central North Island economy and its communities following Winstone Pulp International (WPI) announcement of plans to shut down its Tangiwai Sawmill and Karioi Pulpmill due to unsustainable energy costs. They warned that this impending closure is only the ‘tip of the iceberg’ unless an urgent solution is found for other New Zealand export manufacturers facing similar pressures from unsustainable energy costs. The mayors were ‘cautiously optimistic’ about the prospects of keeping WPI operational after their meeting with the Prime Minister and the Regional Development Minister. “There is no doubt that the Prime Minister and Minister Jones are acutely aware of what is at stake. They share our concerns for the economy and our communities, and want to find a workable solution,” said Mayor Kirton. “The government has demonstrated its commitment by inviting us to collaborate with WPI and present a proposal outlining what it would take to keep the mills operating. We are now working with urgency on developing a solution to put to them. “We are grateful for the government’s attention and support in addressing the immediate crisis facing WPI. The government has committed to considering whatever short-term solution we can put forward while they work to establish a long-term fix to prevent such a situation from arising again in the future,” he said.

Timber Queensland has partnered with Jobs Queensland to develop a workforce plan and action-based initiatives for the forest and timber industry through a state government funded ‘Grow Your Own’ program. Source: Timberbiz Representatives from employers in the Wide Bay region met regularly to pinpoint and endorse focus areas, assist with gathering information, identify key issues and help find solutions to develop, implement and monitor the regional workforce plan. Initially this group worked to develop a Wide Bay forestry industry snapshot, a document that provides an analysis of employment and training trends in the Wide Bay region and forestry-related industries. This report, produced for Jobs Queensland, aims to support the “Grow Your Own” Regional Workforce Program by identifying workforce challenges in the Wide Bay forestry region. This helped inform the development of mechanisms to implement action-based, locally focused and led workforce planning and initiatives. Specifically, it provides an analysis of the employment and training data and trends within the Wide Bay region and forestry-related industries. It identifies workforce challenges and opportunities. Following the publication of the region and industry snapshot industry-led consultation with key industry and community stakeholders, highlighted common workforce, training and business challenges. Despite these challenges, the industry showed a strong commitment to working with government and training providers to plan for their future by developing recommendations, priorities and practical methods to benefit the region’s forest and timber industry’s future workforce. The subsequent Wide Bay Forest and Timber Industry Workforce Development Plan provides a foundation for an industry committed to growth and future prosperity. The skills and experience Timber Queensland has gained from working with Jobs Queensland on the Wide Bay ‘Grow Your Own’ program can be applied in other major forest and timber industry regions in Queensland. “It has been very encouraging to see the industry pull together to drive the development of this plan,” Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said. “It represents the most comprehensive deep dive into this industry for this region so far and will form part of a solid strategy to build resilience in our industry. “Now the real work begins as industry and other stakeholders take steps to carry out each one of the identified actions in the plan, which will take ongoing effort,” he said. “However, with the growth of the bioeconomy and housing demand creating new and expanding markets for wood products, new jobs and roles are emerging and we need to be prepared for that. This plan will help the local industry have the skills and workforce to deliver.” The Grow Your Own Workforce can be downloaded here. The  Wide Bay Forest and Timber Industry Workforce Development Plan can be downloaded here.

Double dips are great when we’re talking about chocolate dip, chip’n’dip and lotto but not so good when talking export log prices, but here we are. Quarter three kicked off with August prices down around NZ$4/m3 from July following a very slight rally from the low in April. Prices vary between ports but for the Southern North Island and Northen South Island you’re looking at around NZ$113/m3 for A grade shorts with Tauranga up a few on that, Lyttleton breaking into triple figures at NZ$101/m3 and similar numbers for the more southern ports. Interestingly, the three-year average price has dipped into the sub-NZ$120/m3 range for the first time since May 2018. Depending on whether you’re a glass half full or empty person, you could argue either way that current stickiness is a supply or demand problem, and to be fair you’d be right on both counts. Demand has reduced primarily due to the Chinese construction implosion, but this has been exacerbated by the traditional off season plus heavy rain and severe flooding in Northern China restricting uplift. Meanwhile, supply has dutifully carried on at around 55,000m3 per day, even in the face of ugly pricing, resulting in only a very small reduction in China on port inventory of 50,000m3 taking the total inventory position to 3.15 million m3. This is basically a Mexican standoff, but the difference is we are pointing our own guns to our heads. Until we can get inventory well under 3 million m3, we’re unlikely to see much in the way of price increases. At the current run rate, we’re delivering around 20 million m3 annualised into China where real demand going forward is probably in the teens. There’s talk of increased interest from India but there’s complexities around supply, and the demand is only a few vessels per month so no silver bullet there. The scenario in NZ isn’t a whole lot rosier in the construction space with framing lumber demand looking decidedly average. There is a glimmer of hope with the talk of OCR reductions but there will need to be a significant change in sentiment before housing starts return to 2023 levels. Pruned log demand remains stable with a large portion of the resulting clear lumber heading to the US and European markets, although those markets have also seen issues with demand. The value of pruned logs in the forest grade mix has created a resurgence in pruning as forest owners see this as a good return on investment. Domestic sawmills have been hitting the papers lately with a number of sawmills and pulp mills temporarily closing while spot electricity prices leap higher than Hamish Kerr. WPI shut both its sawmill and pulp mills, Oji closed its Penrose mill, Panpac shut its Napier mill and Donnelly’s shut its Reporoa sawmill. Shutting a sawmill or pulp mill takes a lot of consideration as it’s not just a case of flicking the switch off. There’s a massive cost to both shutting down and restarting these assets. With the Government’s push toward de-carbonisation (noting that Huntley is now burning coal by the ship full) it must surely be plainly obvious that relying on electricity to be the vehicle for the fossil fuel divorce is like relying on Biden to get his own name right. So, with electricity and gas supply and price instability, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that we need another form of fuel to keep all manner of industries in operation. Don’t Stress NZ, we’ve got this. Woodfibre based biofuel is the future of large-scale industrial fuel. Unlike electricity, it won’t hold you to ransom in a dry, windless winter and doesn’t carry the same level of sovereign supply risk that saw an end to gas exploration under the previous Government. Long term supply is easy to see – it’s growing in every forest. Marcus Musson is a Forest360 Director. He holds a Bachelor of Forest Science with Honours from Canterbury University, New Zealand, and specialises in steep slope cable harvesting, marketing and value recovery initiatives.

The Australian Forest Products Association has welcomed the Federal Government’s consultation process on new draft rules that complement the national illegal logging reforms, to allow for industry feedback. Source: Timberbiz The AFPA supports the strengthening of illegal logging laws to ensure that importing businesses source timber harvested from legal sources using sustainable practices. Equally important is the need for the regime to be efficient, practical and effective and the consultation process will be important to allow industry the opportunity to provide feedback. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins has announced the next steps for the Government’s reforms around the Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment (Strengthening Measures to Prevent Illegal Timber Trade) Bill 2024 which includes an opportunity for stakeholders to comment on draft rules before they’re finalised. The updated illegal logging laws which are currently before the Senate, will: Strengthen audit, compliance and enforcement of offence penalties, Enhance monitoring of compliance and streamline investigation powers, Require notice of products being brought into Australia. “Illegal logging has negative effects on supply chains, business decisions, industry profitability, investment, and jobs in the Australian economy,” Ms Collins said. “These rules will help to protect the sustainability of this industry, and the workforce involved, and secure stronger economic growth. “It’s important that we get feedback from regulated entities and other stakeholders on the draft rules,” she said. This would ensure the government was striking the right balance of reducing the regulatory burden and upholding the objectives of the legislation to prevent illegally logged timber entering our market. “Australia’s forest industries unequivocally support a strong and robust regime to combat illegal logging, and we thank the Government for the consultation that will allow industry to provide feedback to policy makers on the new rules,” Chief Executive Officer of AFPA Diana Hallam said. “These reforms are particularly timely. As a result of native forestry industry closures in Victoria and Western Australia, Australia has seen a considerable increase in the volume of imported hardwoods and it’s critical the proper checks, enforcement and penalties are in place if there’s any doubt as to the source. “The integrity of our timber and fibre products is paramount. When grown, harvested and processed properly, as we do in Australia, these products represent the height of sustainability, but when corners are cut, it can be environmentally damaging and undermine Australian jobs,” she said. Comment on the draft rules can be made via the link below until 13 September 2024: https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au