The Alder sales and pricing outlook was more positive than budgeted for January.  As the first month of 2024 comes to a close, we have found business slightly better than expected, with both shipment volumes and average sales prices running better than forecasted.  We are encouraged as, due to sawing freshly cut logs, our percentages of bright Alder have improved.  This will increase the volume of width-sorted Superior and Premium we have available.  We have also made further strides with our log scanning system and are finding ourselves now having the ability to fill inventory holes more quickly to make sure we are meeting the just-in-time demand of our customers.   
 
Looking at the balance of the first quarter, we are looking at having solid business for most grades and thicknesses.  Our semi-annual cut of 10/4 and 12/4 is finished in the dry kilns around February 16th.  This will be run to Superior and a Premium/Rustic mix, so call us if you need excellent specialty thick stock.  We are also already selling early March commitments, so if you have not given us your needs, please get them to us ASAP, as 4/4 SUP 10’ remains a struggle to meet all our customer’s needs. 
 
On the industry side, business in Asia needs to catch up to high consumer debt, sharply higher interest rates and a general lack of consumer spending on furnishings.  Travel and entertainment still seem to rule on spending priorities.   Life in the hardwood world is good, not great, but there is a slightly more positive vibe in the air in recent weeks.