Southern Forests Face Rapid Transition to Labour-Saving Technology

A new report released by the US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and Southern Region has forecasted significant changes in the forest products market, with rising unemployment rates expected due to automation.

Technology is transforming every aspect of the industry, from tree cutting to processing at sawmills. Scientist Jeff Prestemon at the Forest Service emphasized the importance of research collaborations between scientists and industry partners to develop new ways to recycle materials typically discarded as waste.

The report "Markets in the Southern Forest Outlook" analyzed six scenarios and anticipated market fluctuations resulting from changes in income, population, climate, technology, and trade policies. The forecast indicates the South will continue to be a net exporter of forest products, while industrial roundwood prices projected to rise for the first time in recent years.

Mass timber's increased usage is also expected to strengthen the southern softwood market, if its adoption catches on, Prestemon noted. However, trade barriers would bolster softwood exports, but diminish hardwood exports.

Wood pellet production in the South will experience growth across all states, except when combined with high warming and low economic growth. Meanwhile, paper manufacturing is predicted to confront significant job losses due to automation, following steeper declines than expected for this sector, said Prestemon.

"From how trees are cut to how they're processed at sawmills—every step in between technology is changing the industry," he noted, adding that researchers partnered with industry experts to develop practical recycling methods and new products made using materials destined for landfill.