October 29, 2009
Mississippi Forestry Association (MFA) named Julian Watson, a Holmes County native, the MFA 2009 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. MFA presented the award at its annual President’s Banquet, a highlight of the 2009 Annual Meeting in Tupelo. The 300 banquet guests enjoyed a video presentation by Mississippi State University’s FarmWeek detailing Mr. Watson’s tree farm. Along with a plaque and other gifts, Watson was given an all expense paid trip to the 2010 National Tree Farm Convention.
After being given the family farm by his parents, Watson began to seek the best plan for preserving the land. He sought advice from many, including forestry consultant Charles Dismukes, and in 1985 began to plant trees to conserve the natural resources and restore the topsoil that was rapidly eroding. “People thought I was crazy when I told them I was going to plant trees, but now I have beautiful, productive tree farm! I don’t own any equipment, and have taken advantage of all the government conservation programs,” Watson said. Rusty Williamson, Holmes Area Forester, and Tim Traugott, retired MSU Extension Forester, have been Watson’s advisors over the years and commend Watson for thoroughly following his forestry management plan.
Watson not only worked on his own property, but worked diligently to promote forestry in Holmes County, and did the same in other counties across Mississippi. He established the Holmes County Forestry Association in 1997 and has used his knowledge and connections to grow the membership over the past 12 years. Through the county forestry association he has been able to share much of what he has learned with other member landowners in Holmes County and informed others about important forestry resources.
Watson currently lives in the Jackson area and works with Prudential Financial. Please visit the FarmWeek web site http://msucares.com/news/farmweek/ to watch the video about Watson’s tree farm and for a program schedule.
MFA hosted 500 guests at their annual meeting last week in Tupelo at the BancorpSouth Arena and Conference Center. The theme “Made in Mississippi,” featured current forestry leaders who grew up in Mississippi or were educated in the state. Meetings began on Wednesday, October 28 and continued through Friday, Oct. 30 with educational sessions, awards, exhibits, and fun activities for private landowners and forestry professionals.
Mississippi Forestry Association’s vision is to serve as The Voice of Forestry in Mississippi. In 1938 MFA was formed to guard and grow Mississippi’s forests and that is still its mission today. MFA is the only organization that represents every group in the forestry community. MFA leads efforts to protect landowner rights, to improve the forest products economy and to educate the community about the ecological benefits of healthy, renewable forests. MFA is a private (non government), nonprofit association. To learn more, visit www.msforestry.net.