October - December, 2009
News from Missouri
I have talked to several sawmillers this quarter and several foresters have called or emailed me about how the sawmillers are doing in their area. I have been hearing mixed reports on the sawmill business, but for the most part the news is better. It looks like the hardwood flooring lumber demand is increasing and the quotas on railroad ties are easing.
Many of the mill owners I’ve talked to seem to be uneasy that this is only a temporary uptake in lumber demand. The mill owners believe this demand was caused by the severe slowdown in the lumber industry. During the slowdown there was a lot of inventory in the dry kiln lumber sector of the industry and it has simply taken time to use up this inventory. Now with a shortage in lumber, some of the lumber purchasers seem willing to purchase increased amounts of lumber.
Are the worst of the problems for the forest products industry over? I simply do not know but certainly hope so. If the increase in lumber demand holds up, it looks like the worst is behind us.
If you have any questions concerning the forest products industry please don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email.
John Tuttle (573) 522-4115 ext 3304, or john.tuttle@mdc.mo.gov .