Explore how NHLA is investing in advocacy, hardwood promotion, mill optimization, AI grading, and new markets to strengthen the American hardwood industry.

Discover what an NHLA lumber inspector really does, from solving costly sawmill problems and improving lumber yield to introducing a new generation to hardwood careers.

New research explores red maple lumber for structural applications, grading, engineered wood products, and new construction markets for U.S. hardwoods.

Explore a key 2027 NHLA Rules change from “should” to “shall” and join the discussion about what defines properly manufactured hardwood lumber.

Discover how the National Hardwood Academy's Inspector Training School is inspiring the next generation through hands-on hardwood education, workforce development, and career training in the hardwood industry.

Meet Roman Matyushchenko, NHLA National Inspector and Associate ITS Dean, and learn how hands-on instruction at the NHLA Inspector Training School prepares students to confidently apply lumber grading rules in real-world sawmill environments.

NHLA members have approved several important updates to the 2027 NHLA Rules, including changes to manufacturing language, the reinstatement of Original Construction Grades, and multiple amendments to Cypress grading rules. Learn what passed, what did not, and how these changes will impact hardwood lumber grading standards when the 2027 NHLA Rule Book takes effect in January 2027.

Celebrating 15 years of leadership, NHLA Chief Inspector Dana Spessert shares how Quality Control, Yield Analysis, and inclusive bilingual training are shaping the future of hardwood industry careers, strengthening inspector training, increasing mill productivity, and preparing the next generation of lumber professionals.