Tree Farmers are landowners who voluntarily manage their woodlands for the continuing growth of forest crops for commercial purposes while protecting environmental benefits. Mississippi is proud to claim two National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, Terry and Ann Ozier of Brandon and Chester Thigpen of Montrose. In 1996, Ed Brown of Bay Springs was selected National Outstanding Tree Farm Inspector. American Forest Foundation is the national tree farm sponsor. MFA sponsors the program in Mississippi.

Woodlands are certified as Tree Farms after inspection by a forester and certification by MFA’s Tree Farm Committee. The program in Mississippi is sponsored by the Mississippi Forestry Association, with membership of about 3,000 individuals, companies and organizations interested in forestry working together for the economic and environmental progress of Mississippi.

Over the more than 5 decades since 1941, the effort has grown into America's largest volunteer forest conservation effort involving foresters from all branches of the profession, landowners of many backgrounds and all segments of the forestry community. Many forestry organizations, public agencies, consulting foresters, and others add their expertise and involvement to the system.

Woodlands are certified as Tree Farms after inspection by a forester and certification by MFA’s Tree Farm Committee. The program in Mississippi is sponsored by the Mississippi Forestry Association, with membership of about 3,000 individuals, companies and organizations interested in forestry working together for the economic and environmental progress of Mississippi.

Over the more than 5 decades since 1941, the effort has grown into America's largest volunteer forest conservation effort involving foresters from all branches of the profession, landowners of many backgrounds and all segments of the forestry community. Many forestry organizations, public agencies, consulting foresters, and others add their expertise and involvement to the system. The system is financially supported by membership dues from forest industry and contributions and fees from tree farmers and others.

Mississippi is the #1 Tree Farm State

According to American Forest Foundation, national Tree Farm sponsor, since 1955 Mississippi has been number one in number of Tree Farms in the entire United States. Tree farmers comprise an important group that is vital to the continued economic development of this state.

Who are Tree Farmers?

Tree farmers are landowners who voluntarily manage their woodlands for maximum production and returns. The words Tree Farm, when applied to a piece of privately-owned forestland, mean the landowner has been publicly recognized for doing an outstanding job. He or she is managing woodlands for the continuing growth of forest crops for commercial purposes while protecting environmental benefits.

Trees are a crop. While tree crops do not require intensive cultivation, there are certain practices that must be done to keep their growth rate and quality high. The basic requirements for a Tree Farm are:

When you see a Tree Farm sign you know the owner of the land is carrying out these forestry practices.

Why be a Tree Farmer?

Tree farmers receive the cash benefits that come from keeping their woodlands in top production. Each tree farmer receives a certificate and displays a sign that announces he or she is contributing to the present and future well-being of the community and state by growing timber.

There are indirect benefits, too. Raw materials from the forest help maintain industry. Forest industries provide jobs and tax revenue which helps maintain state and local government. Every growing tree contributes to a prosperous Mississippi.

How to become a Tree Farmer

Your woodlands may be eligible for certification right now.
If you think you quality as a tree farmer, please contact:
MFA Program Coordinator, Tom Monaghan.