The Lumber Word

EP 99: November Southern Yellow Pine Sell-Off

"The Lumber Word" podcast, hosts Charles, Matt, and Ashley delve into the current market dynamics across various lumber species. They observe that while Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) is experiencing a sell-off, other species are rallying. This divergence prompts a discussion on whether SYP's performance signals a market in harmony. The hosts also explore how traditional traders of Canadian and U.S. species might adapt to customers seeking more species options. Additionally, they identify indicators of a market rally and signs that it may be peaking. Listeners who stay tuned until the end will gain insights into current buyer behaviors and strategies.

EP 98: Global Wood Summit Recap & 2025 Market Predictions

Gregg and Ashley are back from the Global Wood Summit in Vancouver and bring Matt up to speed on everything he missed. They dive into insights from the Summit, forecasting where the lumber market might head in 2025. From the ongoing cross-border lumber dispute to potential shifts in production, they break down the factors that could shape next year’s supply and demand. Could we hit $700 Chicago on 2x4 #2 SPF? And what role might the upcoming election play? Tune in to get tomorrow’s lumber news today and stay a step ahead in the industry!

EP 97: Live from the Global Wood Summit

The Lumber Word takes the show on the road and does Episode #97 in front of the live audience. Gregg, Ashley, and Charles talk about what they heard the last few days from industry experts on lumber, logs, pulp & paper along with many other exciting speakers. Mitchell Preger from Industrial Forest Products also joins us today. Thanks to Russ Taylor for the invite and the opportunity to expose more people to TLW. We looked at pricing for 2025, European lumber, Southern Pine, and what is happening with the cut in Canada. Come listen in and make sure to come to Vancouver next year to experience this in person.

EP 96: Barking up the Right Tree with Sig Thoma

Join industry veteran Sig Thoma as he dives deep into the factors shaping lumber pricing. Matt and Ashley get Sig's insights on housing affordability, who are snapping up new homes, and the 10-30-year yield curve's impact on the market. We also explore the sticky situation with lumber mill costs, why residuals are a pain, and what expectations for Q1 2025 could bring in terms of curtailments. What happens if demand rises, and production slows? Tune in and get smarter about where the market’s headed!

EP 95: Lumber Flow Forecasts & That $11 Billion Potential Split

In this episode, Matt, Gregg, and Ashley dive into a week packed with events shaking up the lumber world. How does the flow of lumber look now, and what can we expect heading into 2025? The team grabs their crystal lumber ball to give you insights into the future. Plus, we dig into the cross-border dispute—who’s getting a slice of that $11 billion pie? What are the hot items and what should you be getting the heck out of?  How do we think sellers of production can get better returns in 2025? Whether you’re a trader looking to get under the hood, or you sit somewhere along the supply chain, this episode has the intel you need. Fire up the podcast and get smarter!

EP 94: Just Past Time: Lumber Procurement Method

In this episode, Charles DeLaTorre joins us. We break down how #lumber users are adopting the JPT (Just Past Time) inventory method and what it means for the market. With everyone betting on higher prices next year, how should buyers, sellers, and risk managers play their hand? With everyone thinking one thing it will probably not play out the way we all have it scripted in out head.  We also dive into why mills keep clinging to outdated pricing formulas when selling to the big-box giants. Why are there still a high amount of shorts in the market?  The conversation gets lively, and whether you're at the office, in the car, or out for a run, you'll leave feeling smarter—and maybe even a step ahead of the game!

EP 93: Forecasting the Future with Chris Beard from John Burns Research & Consulting

This week on The Lumber Word, we’re joined by Chris Beard from John Burns Research & Consulting! I’ve seen them at events, and they are the OG of research in this market! Chris dives into the stats that keep our market moving and gives us the John Burns perspective on housing starts, permits, and long-term trends. We ask the big questions: What’s the lag between interest rates and housing demand? How are we shaping up to end the year, and what does 2025 look like? If you're anywhere near the construction supply chain, you'll want to hear Chris's insights. Matt, Gregg and Ashley all want Chris back after this great POD. And don’t forget to check out what John Burns Consulting can do for your business at www.jbrec.com!

EP 92: The Lumber Edge: Smarter Strategies, Emerging Premium Scramble, Sharper Predictions

In this episode, Matt, Gregg, and Ashley dive into the post-curtailment lumber world, sharing their seasoned lumber trading insights as they try to make sense of this wild market. Are home centers in for a shock in 2025 with potential production shortfalls? Will there be a rush for premium grades? The team dissects overvalued and undervalued products, ponders why 4" lumber is dragging, and breaks down the latest on September lumber futures expiration. Stick around for the final fun segment—marry, date, dump—where lumber gets the matchmaking treatment. You’ll leave with plenty of laughs and solid trading tips!

EP 91: Boosting Your Lumber Game with Charles DeLaTorre

In this jam-packed episode, we’re joined by a friend, and lumber industry expert Charles DeLaTorre to upgrade our SYP knowledge. It’s been a whirlwind week in lumber, and with Canfor's recent curtailments shaking up North American markets, we're diving deep into where we stand with supply and demand.
Matt, Gregg, Charles, and Ashley had a lively debate on what the future holds for lumber prices in late 2024, with Gregg making some bold predictions for 2025. Matt also brings the WSPF and Pac NW lumber information and talks about Hem Fir and DDF filling into some lost WSPF regions.  If you’re planning to buy or sell lumber soon, this episode is a must-listen. We also tackled the September CME Lumber Futures expiration and what might be on the horizon for November and January. Tune in for insights that’ll keep you ahead of the curve!

EP 90: Fast Times in the Lumber Market: Is This Our ‘Learn It. Know It. Live It.’ Moment?

 In Episode #90 of "The Lumber Word Podcast," Gregg, Matt, and Ashley dive deep into the current lumber market, debating whether we're at the peak or just getting started. The team discusses the velocity and strength of the truck market, as well as historically low inventory levels. Are mills sitting on a lot of dressed inventory, or are buyers overextending by purchasing extra trucks? With short orders popping up in the cash market, the crew explores whether these moves make sense. Tune in to hear their insights and what you should be doing over the next 4-6 weeks to stay ahead.