Ta Ann Holdings earnings fell 73.7% in the second quarter ended June 30, 2012 from a year ago due to lower sales by oil palm and timber segments, but the company expects the second half to be better. Source: The Star Online

Gympie in Queensland is the centre for a strategic alliance between the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), the CSIRO and the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for research into the future of forestry. Source: The Gympie Times

tree-harvesting device has won the New Zealand division of the 12th annual James Dyson Award, one of the major international product design competitions. Harvesting methods currently require return visits to a forest, causing soil erosion and damage to surrounding trees. Source: Nati

Five projects emerged as the winners of the 2012 Intergrain Timber Vision Awards for creative and non-conventional use of timber. The Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the valuable role timber plays in Australian architecture and design. Sources: Architecture and Design, Timberbiz

DNA tests are the latest weapon in the fight to stop illegal timber. Wood samples can pinpoint the species and origin to ensure shipments are legal with an Australian company already considering its use, and an Australian scientist behind the invention. Source: Vancouver Sun

South Australia’s government has offered a multi-million dollar bailout to Carter Holt Harvey after the company warned of mass retrenchments. Treasurer Jack Snelling confirmed the offer is similar though smaller to the Holden bailout, which was around $50 million. Source: AdelaideNow,

Hancock Victorian Plantations Pty Ltd is to repair damage done to critically endangered grassland in south-western Victoria after the federal government secured a legally enforceable $305,000 pledge from the company. Source: Timberbiz

Resolute Forest Products celebrated the planting of one billion trees at its forestry operations in northern Ontario, Canada. This achievement is the result of collective efforts made over the past 30 years by the company, its employees, numerous contractors and suppliers, and the Ont