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National Hardwood Magazine

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In Memoriam – Robert Kennedy Irving

In Memoriam – Robert Kennedy Irving It is with profound sadness that the family of Robert Kenneth Irving marked his passing in Moncton, New Brunswick, following a courageous battle with cancer. Robert K. Irving, Co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited, was born on December 3, 1954, in Saint John, New Brunswick. He was the second-oldest son […]

In Memoriam – Edward Julius “Buddy” Irby Jr.

In Memoriam – Edward Julius “Buddy” Irby Jr. Edward Julius “Buddy” Irby, Jr. passed away on May 20, 2026. He was 72. Born October 13, 1953 to Susie Hullum Irby and Edward J. Irby Sr., Buddy spent most of his life in Vicksburg, MS, graduating from Warren Central High School and earning a B.S. in […]

West Coast Business Trends July 2026 – A Consistent And Promising West Coast

West Coast Business Trends July 2026 – A Consistent And Promising West Coast Hardwood suppliers on the West Coast described market conditions as cautious but gradually improving, as inquiry levels and quote activity continued increasing across portions of California and the Pacific Northwest. While many customers remained selective with purchasing patterns, sources noted that residential […]

Why Knot Come And See How NHLA Is Addressing Your Challenges

Why Knot Come And See How NHLA Is Addressing Your Challenges Here are the top challenges I see the industry facing: 1. Increased competition for domestic logs from log exporters. 2. Shrinking domestic demand for graded hardwood lumber due to competition from substitute products. 3. A lack of skilled trade labor, along with high-cost manual […]

The Crisis Nobody’s Talking About

The Crisis Nobody’s Talking About As hardwood demand struggles and mills close, we’re losing the battle for the next generation—before they even know there’s a fight. Hardwood lumber demand has declined since the early 2000s. Real prices, adjusted for inflation, sit at 1980s levels. Furniture manufacturing has moved offshore. Over 50 mills have closed in […]

Quebec Business Trends July 2026 – Overall Positive Report For Most Lumber Species Sales And Production

Quebec Business Trends July 2026 – Overall Positive Report For Most Lumber Species Sales And Production With cooler and wet weather conditions over May, production so far in 2026 is below the pace of 2025 figures. Contacts stated there was some lethargy in May, unlike the April and March momentum that had been evident. Business […]

Ontario Business Trends July 2026 – Hard Maple Leads The Pack In Hardwood Lumber, Stays Strong As Best Seller

Ontario Business Trends July 2026 – Hard Maple Leads The Pack In Hardwood Lumber, Stays Strong As Best Seller May’s wet weather conditions in many parts of the province finally subsided easing logging conditions. Some mills reported log inventories as tight but normal for the time of year. Freight costs are a concern for some […]

Southeast Business Trends July 2026 – A Stagnant And Tough Southeastern Lumber Market

Southeast Business Trends July 2026 – A Stagnant And Tough Southeastern Lumber Market Reports from hardwood lumber representatives throughout the Southeast share common denominators: challenges caused by fuel prices, supply and demand, lacking labor and a tight cross-tie market. The market, according to one source in Kentucky, is “very stagnant. There are multiple causes but […]

Real American Hardwood® Expands Its Reach Across Design, Hospitality, And Mass Timber Markets

Real American Hardwood® Expands Its Reach Across Design, Hospitality, And Mass Timber Markets As the hardwood industry continues searching for new opportunities to strengthen domestic demand and expand hardwood’s relevance within contemporary design, construction, and commercial markets, Real American Hardwood® (RAH) has increasingly positioned itself where those conversations are already happening. This spring, RAH strengthened […]

Obituary – Brian E. Potter

Obituary – Brian E. Potter Brian E. Potter, age 72, of rural Akron, IN, died on April 25, 2026, at his residence. Brian Earl Potter was born on February 21, 1954, in Washington, IN, to Bert and May (Woods) Potter. He married Debra Lee Clodfelder in Odon, IN, on August 7, 1976. He was baptized […]