The Lumber Word

Senior Economist Dustin Jalbert from Fastmarkets is back, and that means it’s time to stress-test the lumber market. We dig into real supply and demand, where we are in the cycle, and what buyers and sellers are actually saying. Were we too bullish the past few weeks? Will the cost of production finally pull capacity, or do higher prices today just set up lower prices tomorrow? Tune in and recalibrate your lumber compass.   Advertiser and Guest Fastmarkets RISI Dustin Jalbert Senior Economist Wood Products djalbert@fastmarkets.com www.fastmarkets.com Show Contacts: Gregg Riley: Gregg@sitkainc.com Charles DeLaTorre: cdelatorre@ifpwood.com Matt Beymer: mattbeymer@hamptonlumber.com Ashley Boeckholt: ashley@sitkainc.com

Two familiar faces are back as Bart Charles and Matt Layman join us to break down a lumber market that just won’t quit. Prices across all species are climbing the classic wall of worry—up nearly $100/MBF in the last two months and still catching a bid. With big multifamily jobbers caught short and orders leaking back in, is an $800/MBF print really in play? Take a breather, hit play, and hear what we think—most listeners walk away a lot smarter and entertained.   Advertisers: Fastmarkets Random Lengths djalbert@fastmarkets.com www.fastmarkets.com Advertiser and Guest Layman’s Lumber Guide www.laymansguide.com Matt@laymansguide.com Guest Bart Charles Atlantic Forest Products charles@atlanticforest.com Show Contacts: Gregg Riley: Gregg@sitkainc.com Charles DeLaTorre: cdelatorre@ifpwood.com Matt Beymer: mattbeymer@hamptonlumber.com Ashley Boeckholt: ashley@sitkainc.com

The lumber market keeps showing strength across all species. Gregg and Matt discuss longer-term multifamily projects starting to appear, while Charles breaks down how Southern Pine strength has evolved. We’re seeing tight availability, trucks being chased after purchase, and the same quotes coming back days later — classic up-market signals that surprised many. How long does it last? Tune in to find out.   Fastmarkets Random Lengths djalbert@fastmarkets.com www.fastmarkets.com Lumberhub.net George@Lumberhub.net   Show Contacts: Gregg Riley: Gregg@sitkainc.com Charles DeLaTorre: cdelatorre@ifpwood.com Matt Beymer: mattbeymer@hamptonlumber.com Ashley Boeckholt: ashley@sitkainc.com  

This episode of The Lumber Word is dedicated to Scott Adams, who passed away this week. One of the main reasons this podcast exists is because of his influence—his ability to cut through noise, challenge assumptions, and explain complex systems in a way that actually made sense. That mindset is at the core of what we try to do every week: make this podcast useful and give back to the lumber industry. Thanks, Scott. Gregg, Matt, Ashley, and Charles circle up and jump right into North American species dynamics, with a quick (and well-earned) look back at calling the Q1 price move—and then a deeper discussion on the more important question: how far can it go from here? With demand still a head-scratcher and supply slowly coming off the board, the group breaks down what this tightening setup could mean over the next few months. You’ll hear exactly how we’re thinking about inventory positioning, hedging, and pricing strategy in this market. Charles goes the extra mile with a boots-on-the-ground read of SYP, sharing what the market feels like—not just what the numbers say. If lumber is an input cost, your main cost, or something you actively trade, this episode reinforces why The Lumber Word remains the go-to podcast for practical, real-world market insight. Thanks for listening. Advertisers: Fastmarkets Random Lengths djalbert@fastmarkets.com www.fastmarkets.com Layman’s Lumber Guide www.laymansguide.com Matt@laymansguide.com Show Contacts: Gregg Riley: Gregg@sitkainc.com Charles DeLaTorre: cdelatorre@ifpwood.com Matt Beymer: mattbeymer@hamptonlumber.com Ashley Boeckholt: ashley@sitkainc.com

Matt, Gregg, Ashley, and Charles kick off the New Year by breaking down the flow of lumber heading into 2026. From what different species are doing to why listeners of The Lumber Word tend to be a step ahead. The crew digs into market positioning, hedging misconceptions, and where real opportunity lies. If you want a few laughs and to be a smarter, better-prepared lumber trader in 2026, this episode is a must-listen.   Advertisers: Fastmarkets Random Lengths djalbert@fastmarkets.com www.fastmarkets.com Show Contacts: Gregg Riley: Gregg@sitkainc.com Charles DeLaTorre: cdelatorre@ifpwood.com Matt Beymer: mattbeymer@hamptonlumber.com Ashley Boeckholt Ashley@sitkainc.com

Alex Mead from StoneX joins Gregg, Matt, Ashley, and Charles for a milestone Episode 150 packed with market insight. The group breaks down current lumber conditions, why the new CME SYP lumber contract is positioned to grow in the coming years, and what the Commitment of Traders Report is signaling about the next move. They discuss the wide spread between CME and spot lumber, how buyers across the supply chain are reacting, and whether being short into Q1 could be risky. Stick around to the end for early 2026 forecasts and a strong close from Matt, highlighting gratitude for the industry and why this market still matters. Advertisers: Fastmarkets Random Lengths djalbert@fastmarkets.com www.fastmarkets.com Layman’s Lumber Guide www.laymansguide.com Matt@laymansguide.com Show Contacts: Gregg Riley: Gregg@sitkainc.com Charles DeLaTorre: cdelatorre@ifpwood.com Matt Beymer: mattbeymer@hamptonlumber.com Guest: Alex Mead Risk Management Consultant StoneX Alex.mead@stonex.com

Industry veteran Sig Thoma joins Gregg, Matt, and Ashley to break down a lumber market searching for direction. The crew digs into mill fixed costs, why curtailments are so tough, and where early green shoots may appear heading into 2026. They debate contracts vs. VMI for next year, highlight what sellers are doing, and share the items they’re buying—plus the risk strategies they’re using right now. A fast, insightful episode to help you trade smarter. Guest: Sig Thoma / Industry veteran Sig@xmico.com Advertisers: Fastmarkets Random Lengths djalbert@fastmarkets.com www.fastmarkets.com Layman’s Lumber Guide www.laymansguide.com Matt@laymansguide.com Show Contacts: Gregg Riley: Gregg@sitkainc.com Charles DeLaTorre: cdelatorre@ifpwood.com Matt Beymer: mattbeymer@hamptonlumber.com Ashley Boeckholt: ashley@sitkainc.com  

In Episode #148 of The Lumber Word, Matt, Gregg, Charles and Ashley sit down with Kyle Little, COO of Sherwood Lumber and current NAWLA Chairman, to talk about staying grateful in one of the toughest markets we've seen in years. Kyle gives an inside look at what NAWLA is working on to improve meetings and member engagement, while the crew runs through a quick market round robin — how short is multi-family, where inventory is hiding, 2x4 #2 R/L Chicago trading around $485–$495, and whether the three-year streak of $30 CME rolls can keep going. Who are the Long CME traders? They hit SYP futures, new potential deliverables in the legacy lumber contract, whether big buyers are stepping in, and if demand is starting to feel a little 2008-ish. The episode wraps with thoughts on growing customers in a slow market and what the industry can learn from this moment. Guest: Kyle Little COO of Sherwood Lumber and Current NAWLA Chairman klittle@sherwoodlumber.com NAWLA Contact Information Matt Bruno MBruno@nawla.org https://nawla.org/ Advertisers: Fastmarkets Random Lengths djalbert@fastmarkets.com www.fastmarkets.com Layman’s Lumber Guide www.laymansguide.com Matt@laymansguide.com Show Contacts: Gregg Riley: Gregg@sitkainc.com Charles DeLaTorre: cdelatorre@ifpwood.com Matt Beymer: mattbeymer@hamptonlumber.com Ashley Boeckholt: ashley@sitkainc.com

This week we welcome back one of our favorite guests — and sponsor — Matt Layman. The crew breaks down the strange mood gripping the industry: no curtailments, exhausted traders, Repair & Remodel softening, and customers disappearing into the weeds. We run through every major species, what’s cheap, what’s expensive, and how November expiration and January futures could shape the next move. Matt shares what his members are seeing across retail, multifamily, and manufacturing, while the team debates whether mills get bank lifelines or if cuts finally hit. We look at Home Depot’s outlook, immigration’s impact on the economy, and how much wood needs to come off for any kind of Q1 rally. If you’re trying to navigate this market or plan for H1 2026 business, this episode is loaded with takeaways. Come for the insight — leave smarter.   Advertisers: Fastmarkets Random Lengths djalbert@fastmarkets.com www.fastmarkets.com Layman’s Lumber Guide www.laymansguide.com Matt@laymansguide.com Show Contacts: Gregg Riley: Gregg@sitkainc.com Charles DeLaTorre: cdelatorre@ifpwood.com Matt Beymer: mattbeymer@hamptonlumber.com Ashley Boeckholt: ashley@sitkainc.com  

Gregg, Matt, and Ashley dive right in this week after a jam-packed NAWLA Traders event in Kansas City. The trio breaks down the mood coming out of the show — who was optimistic, who wasn’t, and what that means for the lumber market heading into year-end. They take a hard look at the November CME lumber expiration, asking whether open interest is too high or if most of it will roll into EFPs as the year winds down. The conversation heats up around curtailments, demand signals, and what kind of event or news could realistically turn the market around — or if things are really that bad. The guys wrap things up by sharing what they’re buying, selling, and watching, plus a few ideas for what others in the industry should be considering right now. Come for the post-NAWLA insights, stay for the trading talk — and as always, walk away smarter and better looking.   Fastmarkets/CME SYP Futures webinar, November 18, 2025, link: www.fastmarkets.com/lumbertalk   Advertisers: Fastmarkets Random Lengths djalbert@fastmarkets.com www.fastmarkets.com Layman’s Lumber Guide www.laymansguide.com Matt@laymansguide.com Show Contacts: Gregg Riley: Gregg@sitkainc.com Charles DeLaTorre: cdelatorre@ifpwood.com Matt Beymer: mattbeymer@hamptonlumber.com Ashley Boeckholt: ashley@sitkainc.com