Kentucky, the land of large timber barns and warehouses continues to remain in last place in the US for development of mass timber buildings and construction supply chain.

A team comprised of 3 colleges at the University of Kentucky has been working since 2016 to test and advance additional hardwood species that could be used to build cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and other mass timber products. The team hosted our 2nd regional conference with over 115 participants showcasing across campus and regional research collaboration that has led to our most abundant species and state tree Yellow-poplar being approved in the international building code through the ANSI/APA PRG-320 Standard 2025. 

115 participants from a broad audience including: woodland owners, farmers, architects, foresters, engineers, industry representatives, building code representatives, equipment vendors, academics, etc.

The conference was so successful we have been asked to host a larger regional conference for the Midwest and Southeast US in the Fall 2026 to continue advancing these novel construction materials made from local sustainable wood. These efforts have also been heavily promoted internal to personnel within extension and across campus in engagement roles with the university due to the novel changes to the construction sector as prefabrication continues to drive the built environment. We are currently working with 3 separate companies looking to locate within Kentucky to produce mass timber products.