Weekly Newsletter Update

Spring road closure season has arrived in southern New Brunswick. As is common this time of year, most mill yards are filled to capacity, resulting in either delivery curtailments and/or price reductions. Additionally, the cost of diesel fuel has jumped drastically over the past two weeks due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. These compounding challenges have resulted in many producers deciding to park their equipment for the spring or until conditions improve.

• TC Books due March 31st! 
• Spring weight restrictions took effect March 9th, in Southern N.B. and will take effect Monday, March 16th, 2026, in Northern N.B. 
• Arbec deliveries curtailed March 11th, 2026. 
• 14th SNB Board – JDI Contract in now active. Producers looking to ship wood over spring road closure are required to provide an estimate to the SNB office. Please note that recent price decreases are in effect on this contract. 
• Softwood pulpwood to JDI curtailed effective March 12th, 2026. 
• 8-foot poplar to Louisiana Pacific curtailed, effective February 20th, 2026.  
• Marwood curtails red pine. 
• Reminders: 
• Taylor Lumber still purchasing spruce/fir sawlogs. More info below. 
• Poplar pulpwood deliveries to AV Nackawic curtailed until after spring breakup. Maple pulpwood must be approved before trucking. Call SNB office.  

Spring Road Closure 

Spring weight restrictions for truck traffic will now come into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2026, in Southern New Brunswick. and at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, in Northern New Brunswick. 

JDI Sussex, Saint John 

Last week, on March 12th JDI notified the Board that all softwood pulpwood to JDI will be curtailed effective immediately. Last week, JDI gave the Board a heads up that this curtailment was expected with the logistical transition of trying to redirect softwood pulpwood from the Sussex mill to the Saint John pulp mill. At this time, JDI predicts the duration will be approximately 3-weeks, however, this could change.  

AV Nackawic, Nackawic 

Effective February 18th, 2026, all deliveries of maple pulpwood to AV Nackawic must be authorized by calling the SNB office. AV is making an effort to control inventory levels on a load-by-load basis.  

Reminder that all deliveries of poplar pulpwood are curtailed. Unfortunately, AV does not expect to resume purchasing until after spring break up in June.  

Arbec Forest Products, Miramichi 

Last week, Arbec curtailed all deliveries on Wednesday, March 11th, in advance of their expected March 16th curtailment date due to high inventories in their yard. Arbec will not be taking any roundwood for the duration of the spring road closure season.  

Louisiana Pacific, Houlton 

All deliveries to LP have been curtailed effective February 20th, 2026. LP is optimistic that they will continue purchasing hopefully after spring.  

SNB Board – JDI Contract  

The 13th consecutive SNB Board Contract with JDI has successfully come to a close as of March 7th.  

The 14th SNB Marketing Board – JDI contract is now in place. The duration of the 14th contract is 9 weeks, from March 8th - May 10th, 2026 (road closure season). The contract volume is for a total of 5,300gmt (3,300gmt saw material & 2,000gmt pulp).  

If producers intend to ship wood through the contract but have not yet provided an estimate to the Board, please call the SNB office promptly. Producers must submit a signed copy of the new EUDR regulation acknowledgment form prior to receiving payment for their delivery. 

Producers are to use “SNB Marketing Board (producer name)” as the contract number when filling out the TC.  

Ledwidge Lumber, Enfield, NS 

Effective January 26th, 2026, Ledwidge Lumber reduced their studwood price to $102.25/gmt delivered (-$10/gmt). Ledwidge has also notified the Marketing Board previously that all NB studwood is curtailed effective January 16th, 2026. 

Woodland Pulp, Maine 

Woodland pulp has been experiencing a long-term shutdown due to various reasons. At this time, Woodland is not purchasing pulpwood to their typical schedule. 

Marwood, Traceyville 

Effective February 27th, 2026, Marwood has curtailed all deliveries of red pine. Please do not cut any red pine for the remainder of the spring season. Hemlock to Littles Lumber and cedar to Traceyville remain open for deliveries. 

Taylor Lumber, Middle Musquodoboit, NS 

Taylor Lumber is still purchasing softwood sawlogs, maximum 25% balsam fir (minimum 75% spruce), minimum top of 5”, for a price of $122.25/gmt. Lengths are 10’6”, 12’6”, 14’6” and 16’6”.  

US Markets and Currency Rates  

Currency conversion rates for US markets will increase to 1.37% for the week of March 23rd, 2026.  

Facebook Page Updates 

The SNB Marketing Board has created a Facebook page to better inform the private woodlot audience. Follow our page to see immediate updates on mill closures, specs, and more. Simply hit the FOLLOW tab of our page located here. 

For more information on pricing and specifications, please visit our Market page here. Or contact the office at (506) 433-9877 or 433-9866.