After initial confusion within the hardwood industry about the status of the proposed Hardwood Checkoff, the USDA has issued a statement via e-mail to stakeholders clarifying where the process stands.

Despite an opposition group's claim to the contrary, a "green light" has been given to the proposed Hardwood Checkoff program for further review by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, says the committee sponsoring the initiative.

The White House has started their Christmas decorating with a fresh Christmas Tree grown by an American farm family. The beautiful 18 ½ foot-tall Concolor fir Christmas Tree was presented by Chris Botek, owner of Crystal Spring Tree Farm, Lehighton, PA.

The USDA Forest Resource Coordinating Committee (FRCC) announced its recommendations to improve private forest land throughout the US

Seven domestic softwood manufacturers and importers have been selected by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to serve on the Softwood Lumber Board for a three-year term

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed seven members to serve on the Softwood Lumber Board. Members will serve a 3-year term of office beginning Jan. 1, 2015.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the award of more than $2.5 million in grants to develop wood energy teams in 11 states and an additional $1.25 million for nine wood energy projects.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a final rule eliminating the restrictions on including mature market wood products and other materials in the BioPreferred program.

Researchers at Virginia Tech may have found a new way to treat Emerald Ash Borer-infected ash wood that will be used as firewood.

Clear-cutting is being viewed as an effective way to contain the spread of the pesky and deadly Asian long-horned beetle.