07/01/2026
Today I had the opportunity to meet with Jeffrey Lasiter and Justin Lasiter with T&T Logging from Tullos, LA and Chris Masengill with Louisiana Central to discuss the challenges facing Louisiana’s logging and timber industry, along with ideas for creating new opportunities for growth. The Lasiters are fifth generation loggers who take great pride in their work and in the logging industry.
One of the most important topics we discussed was identifying and developing innovative markets for timber. By expanding demand for Louisiana wood products, we can help strengthen our logging industry, support private landowners, create jobs, and keep our rural communities thriving.
The timber industry isn’t just important to Louisiana—it’s essential.
🌲 Louisiana is home to 15 million acres of forestland, covering nearly half of our state’s land area.
🌲 Forestry is Louisiana’s #1 agricultural commodity, generating more than $14 billion in annual economic activity.
🌲 The industry supports nearly 34,000 jobs and provides $2.46 billion in wages and labor income to Louisiana families.
🌲 Our forests are managed sustainably, with Louisiana growing about 1.5 times more timber each year than is harvested.
As someone who represents one of the most timber-dependent regions of our state, I understand how critical this industry is to our local economy. Our loggers, truck drivers, mill workers, landowners, and forestry professionals are the backbone of many rural communities.
I’m grateful to T&T Logging and Louisiana Central for sharing their perspectives and practical ideas. Conversations like these reinforce the importance of having leaders who understand rural America and are committed to advancing policies that grow jobs, expand markets, protect private property rights, and support our natural resource industries. Louisiana’s timber industry has tremendous potential, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to ensure our loggers, landowners, and rural communities have a strong voice and every opportunity to succeed.
