In 2024, the Texas forest sector directly contributed $27.4 billion in industry output and employed over 73,000 people. A Texas A&M Forest Service expert said the state’s forest industry continues on a steady trajectory thanks in large part to ongoing demand for new construction. (Texas A&M Forest Service)The Texas forest industry continues on a steady trajectory thanks to ongoing demand for new housing and construction, as well as other manufacturing sectors that rely on renewable wood fibers, said a Texas A&M Forest Service expert. According to a Texas A&M Forest Service report, in 2024 the Texas forest sector directly contributed $27.4 billion in industry output and employed over 73,000 people. Texas forest sector reaches beyond state linesStottlemyer said around 85 sawmills currently operate in Texas, transforming raw timber into products like dimensional lumber, plywood and oriented strand board.