TFA Weekly News – Join us for Branching Out!

By Editor | August 15, 2026 |

August 14, 2026

TFA Legislative Committee Meets with Rep. Trent Ashby

This morning, TFA Legislative Committee leadership welcomed Rep. Trent Ashby for a conversation about issues affecting Texas forestry, logging, and timber.

Open communication with our elected leaders is essential to ensuring that the people who work in these fields have a voice in the decisions that affect them. Building relationships in Austin helps TFA work with policymakers on issues that support the people, businesses, and communities that depend on Texas forestry.

We appreciate Rep. Ashby’s time, his willingness to listen, and his continued support of Texas forestry.

Join us for the 2026 Branching Out Seminar from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at the Lufkin Convention Center.

This half-day program will cover timely topics affecting Texas forests and rural communities, with presentations on working forests, post oaks, timber management, herbicide regulations, rainwater conservation and wildlife.

Landowners, foresters, loggers, land managers and anyone interested in forestry are encouraged to attend.

Cost for the seminar is $20, lunch included. Register for the event at txforestry.org/branch-out26.

When Markets Move, Wood Moves Too

Source: Forest Resources Association

Global trade shifts are reshaping the U.S. wood supply chain. The Forest Resources Association examines how changes in the Chinese market, including tariffs and declining demand, have contributed to a shift toward Southeast Asia. In 2025, Southeast Asia surpassed Greater China as the largest regional market for U.S. hardwood exports.

The article explores what these changing export markets could mean for timber values, procurement, harvesting decisions and the broader forest products industry.

Lawmakers Explore Ways to Support U.S. Hardwood Industry

Source: Fastmarkets

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson discussed efforts to increase the use of American hardwood in federal buildings and military applications, while expressing concern about sawmill closures and their impact on forest management.

New Approach Shows Promise for Managing Southwestern Pine Beetle

Texas A&M Forest Service and research partners have identified a potential new tool for reducing tree mortality caused by southwestern pine beetles in West Texas. Field trials in the Davis Mountains found that a targeted semiochemical treatment reduced tree mortality in treated areas, offering another potential management tool for protecting vulnerable ponderosa pine.

Researchers will continue evaluating the treatment and how it could be applied across larger areas.

Texas State Forest Festival Returns

The 42nd Annual Texas State Forest Festival returns to Lufkin’s George H. Henderson Jr. Exposition Center Sept. 17–20.

The four-day event celebrates East Texas’ forestry heritage with live entertainment, carnival rides, the Lumber-JACKED 5K & Fun Run, Big Axe BBQ Competition, Market Days, the Children’s Festival, chainsaw carving and more.

Learn more at TexasStateForestFestival.com.

Calendar

Aug. 21 – Branching Out Seminar

10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Lufkin Convention Center

To register, visit the TFA website.

Aug. 28 – Texas Pro Logger CEU Workshop

7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Texas Forestry Association, Lufkin

To register, visit the TFA website.

Sept. 17 – Texas Pro Logger Core Training

7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Texas Forestry Association, Lufkin

To register, visit the TFA website.

Oct. 28-30 – Texas Forestry Association 112th Annual Conference

Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe

Join forestry professionals from across Texas for industry insights, CEUs, networking, exhibitors, golf, the Fun Run/Walk and more. Learn more and register on the conference website.