A long-term assessment of the operational characteristics of Virginia logging businesses (2009–2024)

Virginia logging businesses are a critical component of the forest industry, which generates approximately $21 billion annually for the state’s economy. This study analyzes long-term trends in Virginia’s logging sector to inform stakeholder decision-making in a dynamic industry. Data were collected through mail surveys conducted every five years between 2009 and 2024. Results showed a decline in the proportion of wood harvested using chainsaws, from 11 percent in 2009 to 4.9 percent in 2024, while production using rubber-tired feller-bunchers and tracked feller-bunchers increased to about 87 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively. Average annual production per logging business increased by 47 percent, while the average number of workers per crew decreased by 18 percent. Production per business was highest in the Coastal Plain region. The proportion of total annual production produced by new businesses decreased. Additionally, average age of logging business owners increased from 49 years to 55 years, with over 40 percent of owners over age 60 years in 2024, compared with 15 percent in 2009. The percentage of businesses indicating an intent to cease operations in five years also increased over time. Challenges identified include rising operational costs, retaining reliable and qualified employees, mill quotas, and trucking constraints.