Boost hardwood expertise with practical training

By Andi Anderson

Hardwood University, a collaborative program created by Dr. Rado Gazo and the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, offers industry professionals and landowners in the Central Hardwood region cutting-edge training and information.

Established in 2020, Hardwood University hosts multiple sessions annually at premier Indiana hardwood mills and forests, providing valuable insights into the hardwood industry.

The program is designed for new employees in the hardwood industry and those looking to advance or cross-train. Participants gain hands-on experience in various aspects of the field, including forest management, log scaling, hardwood lumber grading, and sawmill efficiency.

Each session is taught by industry experts, including Dr. Gazo, and takes place at different locations, such as Purdue Agriculture Centers and Indiana hardwood plants.

The 2024-25 curriculum begins on September 24 with the “Name that Tree and ID that Wood” course at Martell Forest in West Lafayette, Indiana.

This session focuses on identifying local hardwood species based on bark, leaves, and twigs and understanding the importance of Midwest hardwoods as carbon-sequestering materials.

Other highlights include sessions on marketing hardwood veneer, urban forestry practices, grade-sawing hardwood logs, and advanced digital forestry technologies like drone operations and smartphone apps for tree measurement.

The program also covers traditional and digital methods of lumber drying, from air drying to kiln drying, and sawmill operations aimed at maximizing lumber quality.

Each individual class costs $79 per person, or participants can choose the Hardwood University One-Pay option for $999, allowing a company to send up to four employees to any class for one annual fee. Registration is required and available online, making it accessible for in-state and out-of-state participants.

Hardwood University continues to be a valuable resource for the industry, with nearly 200 professionals participating annually. It offers an unmatched opportunity to learn directly from the field, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the hardwood industry.

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