The 16th Annual Eastern White Pine Graders Competition, sponsored by NELMA, was held Saturday, September 28. Hosted by Madison Lumber Mill in West Ossipee, New Hampshire, 46 graders representing 8 sawmills participated in this year’s event.
The individual grader championship winner had to successfully make their way through 3 rounds of grading selected boards of various grades and sizes to emerge as the overall winner. Taking 1st Place was Devon Dunnels of DiPrizio Pine Sales with a score of 15 out of 20. Following closely in 2nd Place was veteran grader, Rick Johnston of Pleasant River Lumber’s Hancock Mill. Bill Badger of Hancock Lumber Company’s Pittsfield Mill finished in 3rd Place. Rounding out the Top 5: Chris Joy of DiPrizio Pine Sales and Paul Angelone of host mill, Madison Lumber Mill.
In a close battle for the Team Championship and Bronze Hammer trophy, Pleasant River Pine’s Sanford, Maine mill took their first, top honor in a one-point win over the next 3 Team competitors from Hancock Lumber Company’s Pittsfield mill, Hancock Lumber Company’s Bethel mill, and Madison Lumber. Limington Lumber rounded out the Top 5
NELMA would to thank Madison Lumber Mill personnel for hosting the 2019 Eastern White Pine Competition which included serving a hearty barbeque lunch to participants and NELMA Inspection Staff!
