Friday edition
October 23, 2026
U.S. MILLS — OCTOBER 21 RESULTS
PCA runs mills at capacity as fibre and operating costs rise
Packaging Corporation of America produced 1.489 million tons of containerboard in the third quarter, with mills operating at full capacity. Its October 21 results reported US$2.6 billion in net sales, up from US$2.3 billion a year earlier, and US$262 million in net income.
Total corrugated shipments increased 10.6% from a year earlier, including acquired Greif operations. Shipments in PCA’s legacy business declined 0.5%. CEO Mark Kowlzan cited benefits from Jackson mill projects and improved performance at the acquired mills.
For the fourth quarter, PCA expects lower containerboard production because of planned maintenance at three mills, with higher outage expenses. The company also expects freight, recycled-fibre, wood-fibre, chemical and energy costs to rise. It attributed the anticipated wood-fibre increase to seasonal winter yields and mill mix. These are the company’s expectations for its own operations.
By the Numbers
Latest available observations checked October 23. Each comparison uses the same indicator and units; percentages are calculated from the displayed values.
U.S. on-highway diesel
US$6.276/gal for , versus US$6.179/gal for : up US$0.097/gal (+1.57%). Latest weekly observation, released October 20. EIA series EMD_EPD2D_PTE_NUS_DPG → Current EIA weekly release →
Lumber futures — November 2026 contract
US$523.00/MBF at the close, versus US$536.50/MBF at the close: down US$13.50/MBF (−2.52%). Both observations are for the November contract. Investing.com historical closes → Contract identification →
Madison’s Lumber Prices Index
US$499/MBF for the week ending , versus US$500/MBF for the week ending : down US$1/MBF (−0.20%). Latest reported index week. Madison’s dated index report →
Mill Investment & Business Costs
WEST — CALIFORNIA / OCTOBER 20 DECISION
Placer authorizes up to US$6 million for proposed biochar plant
Placer County’s board authorized loan documents of up to US$6 million for Sierra Nevada Biochar’s proposed Cabin Creek facility on October 20. The county describes a plant that would turn woody biomass and eligible organic material into biochar and other products through a thermal, non-combustion process.
Loan proceeds would be released against paid receipts, with repayment over 60 months at 10% annual interest. Biochar Now would be responsible for costs beyond the county’s US$6 million commitment.
The board did not approve the ground lease, which was removed from this vote and requires a later decision. The authorization therefore does not mean the plant is open or that all approvals are complete. The planning commission approved a conditional-use permit and environmental-review addendum on September 10. This proposal replaces the earlier gasification power project.
County’s original decision report and remaining lease approval →
CANADA — ONTARIO / 2027 PAYROLL COSTS
WSIB lowers the average premium rate for 2027
Ontario announced October 22 that the average Workplace Safety and Insurance Board premium will fall to C$1.18 per C$100 of insurable payroll in 2027, from C$1.23 in 2026. The new rate takes effect January 1.
This is a system-wide average, not a quoted rate for an individual logging or mill employer. WSIB says each business’s classification, claims experience and insurable earnings affect its rate; individual 2027 rates will be available online in November.
The maximum insurable earnings amount will increase to C$126,700 per worker, from C$121,700 in 2026. That higher ceiling is a separate payroll-cost input from the reduction in the average premium rate.
Ontario’s October 22 announcement → WSIB’s 2027 rates and insurable-earnings ceiling →
Action Detector
WEST — OREGON / TOUR RSVP DUE OCTOBER 26
Corral G-Z stewardship tour moves to October 29
The Forest Service’s Corral G-Z stewardship solicitation on the Fremont-Winema National Forest lists a site visit October 29 at 10 a.m. Pacific. Amendment 001 moved it from October 22. Attendance counts are due to Will Potter at will.potter@usda.gov by October 26 at 4 p.m. Pacific.
Solicitation 12363N26Q4181 combines timber and product removal with land-management services, paid through stewardship credits and appropriated funds. Quotes are due November 16 at 5 p.m. Pacific. The amended meeting directions and site-visit map identify the location southeast of Bly.
The current SAM.gov opportunity includes the amended procurement package; Amendment 002 also changes work quantities and maps. The solicitation urges site inspection but does not describe attendance as a mandatory precondition for bidding.
Official SAM.gov opportunity and current package → Amendment 001: reproduced Forest Service document → Original RFQ and quote deadline: reproduced Forest Service document →
MIDWEST — MINNESOTA / EXISTING FINANCING PROGRAM
Growth Loan Fund includes forestry innovation, with equity conditions
Minnesota’s existing Growth Loan Fund offers loans to eligible seed and early-stage businesses planning an equity raise. Its listed fields include forestry products, processes and technology. Enrollment must precede the matching investments; previously raised money does not qualify.
After enrollment, a business has 12 months to raise at least 70% of its stated goal, with a minimum US$400,000 equity raise. Approved loans equal 20% of eligible equity raised, capped at US$400,000. Accredited-investor or venture/angel-fund participation is required.
The loan bears 1% interest over seven years, with principal payments deferred until year four and the remaining balance due at maturity. Eligibility includes a Minnesota headquarters and fewer than 50 employees. The state’s current page provides enrollment and proof-of-investment requirements; this is an existing loan program, not a newly announced forestry equipment grant.
Under the Radar
CANADA — YUKON / OCTOBER 21 ANNOUNCEMENT
CanNor funds forestry training and timber-access support
CanNor announced up to C$546,945 over three years for the Yukon Wood Products Association on October 21. The funding supports its new Leadership, Education and Advancement in Forestry program, known as LEAF.
The association will provide training and technical and regulatory assistance for forestry businesses and First Nations. Work includes timber-harvesting plans, timber access, operating improvements and opportunities to supply local biomass markets.
The award is to the association to deliver this support. The announcement does not establish a C$546,945 grant available to each operator or announce an individual-business application deadline.
BOOKS & APPS
Woods-Ready Safety Plan
The free Woods-Ready Safety Plan helps logging crews assemble coordinates, responder directions, contacts, hazards and emergency-equipment details into one shareable job-site plan. It runs in a browser and keeps saved plans and its Quick Guide available offline after the app has loaded.
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