A dozen wood industry representatives toured potential destinations for Southern Pine exports to Tunisia recently. The North African country is a society – and a lumber market – in transition. As it moves to democracy following a rebellion last year, the nation is saddled with high unemployment and slowing growth. Despite those facts, Tunisia recorded a 25% increase in lumber consumption between 2010 and 2011.

SFPA’s Richard Kleiner, director of international development and Charles Trevor, SFPA’s UK consultant, led the delegation through five days of visits with Tunisian importers and agents. “With a talented and well-educated middle class, Tunisia could be a significant market for exports of American softwoods,” Charles noted in his trip report. Tunisia enjoys close links with Libya, its neighbor to the east and a growing market for lumber imports from America. Currently, the Tunisian market is dominated by low-quality products from Europe. “With more education, more face-to-face meetings with importers and end users, there’s a market here for high-grade material,” Richard said.

SFPA members can read Charles’ complete trip report with additional market insights, meeting details and contacts made. The report is now posted within the Members Only section of www.sfpa.org.  For more information about SFPA’s international programs, contact Richard Kleiner at rkleiner@sfpa.org or call him at 504/443-4464, ext. 211.

Deck Safety Month is Here

May is Deck Safety Month, sponsored by the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA).  Click here to explore the special section of NADRA’s website devoted to preventing injuries and saving lives.  The site includes tips for choosing a deck builder plus a four-page deck evaluation form; each section asks key questions about structural supports and connections, such as post sizes, fastener types plus any visible signs of corrosion or weakness. There’s also a 10-point consumer safety checklist to identify deck components that may need attention.  Other sections of the site cover consumer construction tips and information aimed at deck-building professionals.

SFPA delivers more construction guidelines for professional deck builders and advanced do-it-yourselfers at its dedicated website www.SouthernPineDecks.com.

LINKS:

Special section: http://www.nadra.org/consumers/deck_safety_month.html

Deck evaluation FORM: http://www.nadra.org/Deck_Evaluation_Form.pdf

consumer checklist:

http://www.nadra.org/DSM_checklist2012.pdf

SFPA has launched a new website announcing the next Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition – Expo 2013 – check out www.sfpaexpo.com.  Featuring easy navigation, the new site is an online resource, providing all the details an exhibitor or attendee needs to know about this premiere event.

Coming June 6-7 next year to Hall A of Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, the show will be a first-class marketplace for the wood products industry’s equipment and services. Expo 2013 presents a unique face-to-face networking opportunity. Exhibitors will greet an audience of top management and purchasing executives from around the globe.

“Where else can you test-drive so many different products in one place and at one time?” asks Eric Gee, SFPA’s exposition director. “Expo continues to evolve with technological advances in our industry, and the 2013 event will be another great opportunity to see what’s new to help boost an operation’s efficiency,” he adds. More than 130 companies exhibited and participated in Expo 2011, displaying equipment and services covering more than four dozen product categories.

As the show draws near, look for updates and newsletters to be posted on the show site, plus tips for exhibitors and travel hints for fun activities to enjoy in the Atlanta area.  For questions or comments about Expo 2013, contact Eric at 504/443-4464 ext. 214, or e-mail him at egee@sfpa.org.

SFPA Welcomes New Member

SFPA welcomes Universal Timber Structures of Auburndale, Florida as a new Associate member.  With more than 40 years of experience in the heavy timber industry, Universal offers ridge and rafter systems, truss and arch systems, curved rafter systems, trellises and pedestrian bridges. For fabrication of its systems, Universal uses glulam beams and solid T&G structural wood decking, among other materials. Hardware options include prime-painted steel, hot-dipped galvanized steel and stainless steel.

Larry Zhou, the company’s principal officer, will represent Universal with SFPA. Contact him at 863/965-0213, or send e-mail to larry_zhou@yahoo.com.  To learn more about Universal Timber Structures, visit  www.utsdesign.com.

More than 400 exhibitors from 34 countries showcased their latest products and technologies at the recent Dubai Wood Show, the premiere event for the wood industry in the Middle East and North Africa. Over three days, twelve delegates representing American Softwoods received more than 300 visitors to their wood products display; more than half expressed serious interest in purchasing products. The show drew a quality crowd – importers, distributors, and design professionals – from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan, India and Saudi Arabia.

“This event has earned a reputation as the leading timber exhibition in the region through the creation of investment opportunities and business potential for the participants and visitors,” says Charles Trevor, SFPA’s American Softwoods representative based in the UK. “Our display aimed to introduce Arab visitors to US softwood species, applications, and benefits, as well as to encourage old and new relationships and facilitate business,” he adds. During 2011, American softwood lumber sales to the region totaled $20 million.

Richard Kleiner, SFPA’s director of international market development, and Charles Trevor teamed with Ashlee Tibbetts of the Softwood Export Council to conduct five interviews with UAE and India-based journalists. Copies of SFPA’s two Arabic publications were helpful references to explain Southern Pine grades, resources and sustainability.  The media contacts were also interested to learn about SFPA’s international website: www.SouthernPineGlobal.com.

“Across this region, there is significant potential for increasing sales of Southern Pine over the next three to five years,” Richard says. For more information about SFPA’s international programs, contact Richard at 504/443-4464, ext. 211, or e-mail rkleiner@sfpa.org.

Sawmill Safety Awards Reminder

April 25 is the deadline for receiving forms from member mills to be considered for SFPA’s 2011 Sawmill Safety Award, recognizing operations outstanding safety performance.  Forms were mailed last month for reporting employee hours worked and recordable cases of lost-time injuries and illnesses during 2011. The confidential results will be tabulated to determine the recipients of the 2011 awards.

If you are an SFPA Lumber Mill, Treater or Laminator member and did not receive a form, please contact Richard Wallace, SFPA’s vice president of communications, at 504/443-4464, ext. 236, or by e-mail to rwallace@sfpa.org.

New FRA President Announced

The Forest Resources Association (FRA) announced last week that Deb Hawkinson will replace retiring President Richard Lewis, effective July 2, 2012.  “We feel she is absolutely the right fit to continue FRA’s success in ensuring that FRA wood fiber supply chain members can continue to operate successfully and profitably in the U.S.,” chairman Dick Carmical stated.

Hawkinson has a strong background in the forest industry, as well as in association management.  Since 2007, she served as executive director of the Hardwood Federation.  Prior to that position, she spent seven years with AF&PA, eventually as director of issues management, overseeing political involvement programs and grassroots communication. She began her career with Weyerhaeuser, working in the company’s federal affairs office in Washington, DC.

“FRA plays a key role in representing the interests and promoting the success of its members, from the forest landowner to the wood supplier and wood consumer. I’m looking forward to working with FRA members to continue building a strong future for the organization and its membership, Hawkinson said.”  She will be based at FRA’s national headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.

Coming to Atlanta: Lumber Quality & Leaderships Workshops

Two programs coming to Atlanta next month can help Southern lumber manufacturers become more efficient and potentially more profitable. The sessions are being presented by the Lumber Quality Institute of Corvallis, Oregon.

On May 7-8, the 29^th Annual Lumber Quality & Process Control Workshop is a must for sawmills seeking to maximize board foot and grade recovery.  Featuring  newly added material, it provides practical information and up-to-date techniques that will help sawmill personnel to Recognize and eliminate costly mistakes, Maintain an effective lumber size control program, and Learn about real-time lumber size control in use in mills today. This workshop is designed for first line supervisors, graders, QC personnel, maintenance and filing supervisors.

On May 9-10, the 24^th Annual Lumber Quality Leadership Workshop provides an opportunity to go beyond the basics and focus on concepts and ideas that will propel QC programs to the next level. This workshop describes new concepts in quality control and management.  This program is designed for managers, superintendents, QC personnel, and first-line supervisors.

For sawmills of any size, both workshops will provide excellent ideas for potentially improving returns. For more information, contact the Lumber Quality Institute, 541/231-8628, or visit www.lumberquality.com.

In advance of the June 1 implementation date of new design values for visually graded Southern Pine, the American Wood Council (AWC) has developed an addendum to its Design Values for Wood Construction, the Supplement to the National Design Specification for Wood Construction® (NDS®). New design values apply only to visually graded Southern Pine and Mixed Southern Pine sized 2″ to 4″ wide and 2″ to 4″ thick (2x2s through 4x4s) in No.2 and lower grades (No.2, No.3, Stud, Construction, Standard, and Utility), plus No.2 Dense and No.2 NonDense Southern Pine. AWC’s addendum to the NDS Supplement lists the new design values to use with the 2012 NDS, 2005 NDS, and the 2001 NDS.  Click here to download.

AWC has also developed an addendum to its Design Values for Joists and Rafters that includes the new design values for these sizes and grades of Southern Pine and Mixed Southern Pine; click here to download.

“The June 1 effective date allows for an orderly transition to the new design values, and AWC’s addendums provide important information for building professionals,” says Cathy Kaake, SFPA’s senior director of engineered and framing markets.   Complete information about Southern Pine design values is available online at www.SouthernPine.com. For questions or comments about this issue, contact Cathy at ckaake@sfpa.org.

NDS Link: http://www.awc.org/publications/update/2012NDS-Addendum-March2012.pdf

J&R link: http://www.awc.org/publications/update/2012DVJR-Addendum-March2012.pdf

Staff Adjustments Announced

Several changes to SFPA’s headquarters staff become effective this month. SFPA President Adrian Blocker announced that program administrator Julie Brumfield’s last day in the office will be April 13. In addition, Russell Richardson, director of treated and industrial markets will be leaving the staff by the end of the month.  “These are not easy decisions to reach,” Adrian said. “On behalf of all members, I sincerely appreciate the fine work both Julie and Russell have provided to our membership and the industry,” he added.

In response to the two departures announced and in addition to their existing responsibilities, Richard Kleiner (rkleiner@sfpa.org) will assume the duties of treated markets director and Eric Gee (egee@sfpa.org) will provide support as director of industrial and special products markets.  “I encourage all interested members to provide Richard and Eric with their ideas and input as these two program activities move forward,” Adrian said.

Julie’s duties are being reassigned to other staffers. Members are advised to contact Tami Kessler, director of administration, with specific inquiries and help reaching the appropriate staff member. Tami may be reached at 504/443-4464, ext. 222, or e-mail tkessler@sfpa.org.

Wanted: Website Advertisers

For the first time, SFPA is developing a program to accept limited advertising on its websites.

SFPA’s flagship marketing site www.SouthernPine.com  receives some 70,000 page views each month, plus each user’s time-on-site exceeds industry averages. Other available sites will include www.SouthernPineDecks.com and www.RaisedFloorLiving.com.

“Over recent years, we’ve had a steady stream of requests for SFPA to offer advertising opportunities on its sites,” says Richard Wallace, SFPA’s vice president of communications.  Ad specifications and program rates will be available soon. Interested advertisers should contact Richard at 504/443-4464, ext. 236, if interested.

At nearly double the amount shipped in January 2010 and 14 percent above January of last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service recently reported Southern Pine exports to be approximately 30 million board feet for January 2012.  Half of January shipments were dressed lumber, 28 percent rough and 22 percent treated.  Top destinations included Dominican Republic, Mexico and China.

Softwood lumber imports to the U.S. in January were approximately 670 million board feet, three percent below January of last year.    Canada shipped nearly 640 million board feet to the U.S. during January.

SFPA members can find detailed reports in the Members-Only sections at www.sfpa.org. For questions, contact Russell Richardson, director of treated markets, at 504/443-4463, ext. 239, or by e-mail at rrichardson@sfpa.org.

New Features for Members’ Online Account Manager

SFPA’s online Product Locator continues to be a popular feature of www.southernpine.com.

The site’s traffic continues to build, recording more than 65,000 page views each month. Now, once logged in, SFPA members have several new features available. Under Account Info, members can indicate if they are a producer or exporter; exporter listings are managed through SFPA’s international site www.SouthernPineGlobal.com. In addition to listing one primary contact, members can now designate up to four alternate contacts, and designate different primary contacts for domestic and international sales.

The locator offers more than 400 products; members are encouraged to list all products that they either carry in stock or can special order. Under Reports, members can now track user views of the company’s profile page for the last 45 days, or total views from the time the account was established. Members also see a graphic displaying the top 20 page views by product.

“SFPA members should encourage their dealer and distributor customers to create and maintain their own listing on the locator,” says Russell Richardson, SFPA’s director of treated markets.  “The locator is getting increased visibility through SFPA’s promotions. The more online listings potentially offer more sales opportunities for members,” he adds. For questions or comments about the locator, contact Russell at 504/443-4464 ext. 239, or e-mail him at rrichardson@sfpa.org.

Happy World Forestry Day

Today is no ordinary Wednesday. In 1971, the 23^rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture gave birth to the idea that the world should celebrate our forests and all that they offer for “protection, production, and recreation.” The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization agreed that this could help grow public awareness of forests around the world and officially designated March 21 as “World Forestry Day.”

In honor of World Forestry Day, the Pinchot Institute, with partners ShadeFund, The Conservation Fund, U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Forest Guild, and Dovetail Partners have assembled a slideshow of 24 ways that forestry improves our lives.  Click here to view.

LINK: http://www.shadefund.org/forestry-improves-lives?utm_source=Pinchot+Wire+March+2012+-+World+Forestry+Day&utm_campaign=World+Forestry+Day+2012&utm_medium=email

As a follow up to its approval of new design values for visually graded No.2 and lower grades of 2×4 Southern Pine lumber in January, the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) Board of Review has approved new design values for No.2 2×4 Dense and NonDense grades, with an effective date of June 1, 2012. This size category includes material that is 2 to 4 inches thick and 2 to 4 inches wide.  In announcing its decision March 9, ALSC stated: “After consideration of all the information available to it, the Board approved the No.2 Dense 2 to 4 inches thick and 2 to 4 inches wide and No.2 Non-Dense 2 to 4 inches thick and 2 to 4 inches wide southern pine design values as submitted by SPIB on February 10, 2012 with a recommended effective date of June 1, 2012.”

“The new design values for No.2 Dense and No.2 NonDense apply only to Southern Pine lumber,” says Cathy Kaake, SFPA’s senior director of engineered and framing markets. “Mixed Southern Pine does not have published Dense and NonDense grades,” she adds.

Minutes of the ALSC Board of Review’s March 9 executive session along with previous ALSC rulings are available on the New Design Values page of www.southernpine.com.  Also available from this page is Supplement No.9 to SPIB’s 2002 Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber, plus a revised table providing the new design values.  An updated Questions & Answers document will be available soon.

For the latest information regarding new design values for visually graded Southern Pine dimension lumber, visit www.southernine.com, or e-mail Cathy at ckaake@sfpa.org.

Marine Presentation Hits Members’ Targets

SFPA partnered with Cox Industries and Weyerhaeuser for a seminar attracting architects, contractors and code officials, held this week at Weyerhaeuser’s distribution center in Gulfport, Mississippi.  Russell Richardson, SFPA’s director of treated markets, led the presentation, discussing the specification of pressure-treated Southern Pine for marine applications. “All of the variables involved in specifying treated lumber can be confusing for building professionals,” Russell reported. “SFPA was on hand to disseminate the technical information necessary for these professionals to make informed decisions and to feel confident when specifying treated lumber, allowing our members to focus on selling their branded products,” he added.

Event organizers Kelly Phillips of Cox Industries and Alan Pace with Weyerhaeuser plan to schedule similar events along the central Gulf Coast.  “These seminars are a win-win for all involved.  Educating our customers is fundamental to selling our products,” Kelly commented.  SFPA members interested in more information can contact Russell at 504-443-4464 ext. 239, or by e-mail to rrichardson@sfpa.org.

Welcome New Member

SFPA welcomes Cameron Lumber Company of Cameron, South Carolina as a new Lumber Mill member. For more than 60 years, Cameron Lumber has established a reputation for excellence, serving customers in both the domestic and export markets. The company’s primary focus is Southern Pine timbers – with lengths ranging from 8 to 38 feet – and high-grade lumber, 4/4 to 16/4 thick, in lengths of 8 to 20 feet. Cameron’s operation has the capacity to dress products up to 6” thick by 12” wide, to lengths up to 38 feet.

Randy Hunt, the company’s vice president, will represent Cameron on SFPA’s Board of Directors. Contact him at 803/823-2275, or send e-mail to rhunt@cameronlumber.com.   To learn more about Cameron Lumber Company, visit www.cameronlumber.com.

SLB Website Enhanced

The Softwood Lumber Board (SLB) announced this week the launch of its remodeled website: www.softwoodlumberboard.org.   The new site offers improved functionality, content and a much stronger vehicle to communicate the activities of the SLB to its industry funders.  The website provides details on the goals and objectives of the SLB, types of programs that it will be funding and how they will be measured.  A new “How it Works” section provides everything industry representatives need to know about the check off, including assessment and exemption procedures. The “News & Updates” section will post details about the latest SLB activities.

For the third consecutive year, annual shipments of Southern Pine lumber have increased, totaling 13.434 billion board feet in 2011. That volume represents a 9% increase over the 12.25 Bbf shipped in 2010, and 14% above the 2009 volume (11.79 Bbf). Reports of shipments are compiled using data provided by the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau and Timber Products Inspection.

SFPA members can find additional historical data related to Sothern Pine shipments within the Members Only section of www.sfpa.org.

PWF Videos Now on YouTube

Promoting the Permanent Wood Foundation (PWF) system back in the mid-1980s was a focus of wood industry associations. SFPA and allied partners produced two video programs to explain the construction process and advantages of this unique foundation technique. More than 25 years later, the two tapes have been converted to a digital format and posted on SFPA’s YouTube channel. In less than three weeks, more than 150 views of these programs have been recorded. “The image quality is certainly not HD, but the message hits the mark: a PWF works,” says Richard Wallace, SFPA’s vice president of communications.

“Permanent Wood Foundations: Nothing Complicated; Nothing Complex” is a 12-minute case study following the construction sequence of Minneapolis home. The PWF process is demonstrated from start to finish: site preparation, framing basement walls and a wood floor, all using pressure-treated lumber.  Click here to view.

“Permanent Wood Foundations – Comfortable Living” is a 10-minute overview of the comfort, energy efficiency and value delivered with a PWF. The pressure treating process is explained. Click here to view.

“SFPA remains one of the few sources of information about PWF construction. On a regular basis, we receive inquiries from builders wanting PWF facts or help in sourcing PWF materials,” notes Russell Richardson, SFPA’s director of treated markets. The 2001 edition of SFPA’s PWF design and construction guide remains a popular download from the publications section of  www.southernpine.com.

One of the largest delegations representing U.S. wood products travels this week to IndiaWood, to be held February 10-14 in Bangalore. Every two years since 2002, this event showcases the nation’s burgeoning woodworking and wood products industry. India’s appetite for wood raw material continues to grow as its furniture industry booms.  About 20 agents on behalf of SFPA and the Softwood Export Council are joining forces to promote lumber products under the American Softwoods banner.

Richard Kleiner, SFPA’s director of international market development, will be joined by Frank Stewart, manager of technical support for the Western Wood Products Association, in making softwood lumber presentations to more than 200 importers and wood users already registered for the seminar. “Product requests from India through SouthernPineGlobal.com have become more frequent in the past year,” said Kleiner.  “The timing is right for promotion and education,” he adds.

SFPA member representatives included in this delegation include Ken Proctor, West Fraser; Deshal Merchant, representing West Fraser; Dave Sundher and Chris Boniface, L.S. Sundher Ltd., representing Weyerhaeuser; Len Barker, Elof Hansson; Edward Cleesas, Klumb Lumber; Cal Larson, FTI America; Norikazu Yoshikawa, Tumac Lumber; Joe Belknap; Pacific Lumber and Shipping; and David Stallcop; Vanport International.

For more information about SFPA’s international programs, contact Richard Kleiner at 504/443-4464, ext. 211, or e-mail rkleiner@sfpa.org.

Welcome New Member

SFPA welcomes Canadian Wood Products (CWP) of Montreal, Canada, as a new Associate Member.  CWP traders connect with forest products importers around the world and its logistics and sales teams have developed a solid expertise in the export market. CWP now delivers across the globe and is looking forward to helping Southern Pine producers expand their reach overseas.  In October 2011, CWP president Philippe Boisclair presented a Canadian market update to the International Softwood Conference in Copenhagen; click here to review his presentation.

Mike Greetham, the company’s Export Manager, will represent Canadian Wood Products with SFPA. Contact him at 514/841-2029, or send e-mail to mike@canadianwood.ca.  To learn more about Canadian Wood Products, visit www.canadianwood.ca.

The recent approval of the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau’s (SPIB) new design values for visually graded Southern Pine lumber by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) Board of Review has generated more questions among producers and customer groups.  SFPA facilitated a task group of industry leaders representing key customer groups to develop answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding new design values and their implementation. Click here to review this new collection of questions and answers, now available at www.southernpine.com.

SPIB issued Supplement No.9 to the 2002 Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber providing new design values effective June 1, 2012. The only design values that will change on June 1 apply to visually graded Southern Pine and Mixed Southern Pine sized 2” to  4” wide and 2” to 4” thick (2x2s through 4x4s) in No.2 and lower grades (No.2, No.3, Stud, Construction, Standard and Utility).

What about Dense and NonDense lumber?  What about Prime lumber grades?  What happens between now and June 1?   These are among the new questions answered in the updated web pages. A helpful table is included listing the new design values for Southern Pine and Mixed Southern Pine, effective June 1, 2012. Answers address transition issues, how to obtain similar load-carrying capabilities and why only some grades and sizes are affected at this time. More than two dozen questions are answered in this updated collection, including a supplemental set of questions with answers providing important background information.

“These answers address the most common questions raised since the ALSC’s decision earlier this month,” says Cathy Kaake, SFPA’s senior director of engineered and framing markets. “The effective date of June 1 allows for an orderly transition to the new design values,” she adds.

Between now and June 1, SFPA will provide more information as it becomes available; check www.southernpine.com frequently for updates.

Welcome New Member

SFPA welcomes Southmark Forest Products, Inc. of Greensboro, North Carolina as a new Associate member. Established in 1996, Southmark Forest Products has a team of traders with decades of experience in the Southern Pine wholesale industry. The company maintains two distribution warehouses and specializes in serving customers in the component, millwork, industrial packaging and laminating industries.  Its strategy for growth includes domestic lumber sales as well as sales to markets in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Barry Day, the company’s principal officer, will represent Southmark with SFPA. Contact him at 336/374-3400, or send e-mail to barry_day@triad.tcwbc.com.  To learn more about Southmark Forest Products, visit www.southmarkforest.com.

The Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB) has issued Supplement No.9 to the 2002 Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber providing new design values effective June 1, 2012. The only design values that will change on June 1 apply to visually graded Southern Pine and Mixed Southern Pine sized 2” to  4” wide and 2” to 4” thick (2x2s through 4x4s) in No.2 and lower grades (No.2, No.3, Stud, Construction, Standard and Utility). SPIB is in the process of submitting new design values for No.2 Dense and No.2 NonDense to the Board of Review of the American Lumber Standard Committee for approval. The new design values for No.2 Dense and No.2 NonDense will also become effective June 1, 2012. Design values for all other grades and sizes of visually graded Southern Pine remain the same, pending results of testing scheduled for completion later in 2012.

 “The effective date of June 1 allows for an orderly transition to the new design values,” says Cathy Kaake, SFPA’s senior director of engineered and framing markets. “The intent of the six-month transition period is to allow the marketplace to begin to use the new design values or switch to other Southern Pine grades or sizes meeting strength and stiffness requirements,” she adds.

Southern Pine users should establish and begin implementation of a transition plan, but exactly how that is accomplished is up to each individual. One choice could be to complete projects in process with the current design values and to begin using the new design values for new projects. Another approach could be to begin using the new design values between now and June 1, 2012 to allow for a smooth design and inventory transition.

The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) continues to facilitate the dialog among key industry segments to help formulate a unified approach to implementation of the new design values. “We are receiving positive reactions from customer groups and will continue to work with them going forward. The ALSC rulings and SPIB’s supplement provide time for a smooth transition,” Cathy says. Between now and June 1, SFPA will provide more information as it becomes available; check www.southernpine.com frequently for updates, including a new set of questions and answers scheduled for release next week.

BACKGROUND: The last major change for visually graded dimension lumber occurred in 1991 when design values for Southern Pine and other North American species were published based on In-Grade testing of full-size samples of commercially produced lumber. Since 1994, SPIB has conducted an annual resource monitoring program developed in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory (FPL). SPIB is the first rules-writing agency to publish new design values. Rules-writing agencies responsible for other species are in different stages for evaluating design values.

SFPA does not test lumber or establish design values. SFPA’s primary function is to market lumber products and to help users understand Southern Pine grading rules and design values.

Complete information about Southern Pine design values is available at www.southernpine.com.