2024 Logger survey: working tough ground

Loggers across the U.S. responded to Timber Harvesting’s recent 2024 Logger Survey, which showed that contractors in all parts of the country are having a tough time grappling with rising costs and dropping demand in some areas. For example, for the first time ever across 20-plus years of logger surveys, the number of loggers who rate their company’s financial health “poor” (9%) to “very poor” (21%) outnumber those who say “good” (21%) to “very good” (7%)—30% to 28% overall in favor of the negatives.

Meanwhile, two-thirds (66%) of loggers who responded say they see a trend toward lower sawlog and plylog demand in their area, an overwhelming number of loggers (89%) say they see a trend toward lower pulp and fiber wood in their area. Of the almost 200 loggers who responded, the top four challenges cited are insurance (68%), limited markets (62%), load quotas (57%) and mill compensation (56%). There’s much more included, but here’s a quick look at other survey results:

• 45% of loggers have trucks parked for lack of qualified drivers.

• 61% buy at least some of their own timber.

• 69% have employees who regularly operate two or more different machines.

• 85% of loggers say they would seek other work rather than relocate to stay in logging.

Full survey results are covered in the July-August Timber Harvesting, both hard copy and digital versions.

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BC Timber Supply Stymies Canfor

May 22, 2024 | News

After thorough analysis of the persistent shortage of economically available timber and challenging operating conditions in northern British Columbia, Canfor Corp. announced the permanent closure of its Polar sawmill in Bear Lake, BC and the suspension of its planned reinvestment in Houston, BC. This follows the announcement by subsidiary company, Canfor Pulp, that one line of production will be indefinitely curtailed at the Northwood Pulp Mill.