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. Please visit American Tree Farm System for more information.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.
Since 1941 the Tree Farm program 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 nation wide 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 the American Forest Foundation, the national Tree Farm program sponsor, since 1955 Mississippi has been number one in number of Tree Farms in the entire United States. Tree farmers comprise an important group of forest landowners that are vital to the continued economic development of Mississippi.
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 tract 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 and wildlife 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:
The land must have been in continuous ownership for a period of 1 year.
Idle acres are planted to trees.
The land is protected from wildfire, insects, disease and overgrazing.
The land is managed for continuous crops of useful forest products.
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, clean water, clean air, recreation, and wildlife.
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.