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Partnerships in Forestry: Mississippi
Mississippi Forestry Association
2024 WAS A YEAR OF TREMENDOUS GROWTH FOR MFA
By Casey Anderson, Mississippi Forestry Association Executive Director
As 2025 begins, Mississippi Forestry Association reflects on a productive and impactful 2024. From advocacy to education and outreach, MFA has stayed true to its mission of supporting the state’s forest landowners, forestry professionals, and environmental stewardship efforts.
A highlight of the fall was the MFA Annual Meeting, held in late October. This event brought together industry leaders, landowners, and forestry professionals from across Mississippi to network, exchange knowledge, and explore the latest advancements in forestry. Speakers covered a broad range of topics, from timber management to forest health and
policy. The meeting was a great success and reminds us that collaboration plays an important role within the forestry community.
Additionally, MFA participated in National Forest Products Week in October by once again having Governor Tate Reeves declare the week as Mississippi Forest Products Week. Mississippi’s leadership in sustainable forest management and wood products production was showcased, helping to further establish the state’s reputation in these critical sectors.
As we transition into 2025, MFA remains focused on several key priorities. Our advocacy efforts will continue to push for policies that support sustainable forestry practices, forestland conservation, and the growth of the forest products industry. These efforts are crucial to ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of Mississippi’s forests and everyone who depends on them.
MFA is also excited to grow our educational efforts this year. We plan to offer additional workshops and training sessions for educators, including opportunities for teachers and homeschool families to learn about forestry. Our goal is to increase understanding of forest management and conservation from an early age, growing the next generation of stewards and, hopefully, additional workers for the forest industry.
In addition, MFA is ramping up our workforce development programs, thanks to support from outside grant sources. These initiatives will help build a skilled, diverse workforce to meet the needs of the forest industry for years to come, from entry-level positions to more advanced roles.
2024 was a year of tremendous growth for MFA. Expanding our staff allowed us to take on new roles and programs, allowing us to better serve our members and strengthen the forest industry. We are fortunate to have a talented, dedicated team working on behalf of our members, and I appreciate their commitment and hard work.
Our staff’s work is only possible thanks to members and partners such as Forestry Mutual. We appreciate the constant support Forestry Mutual provides our association, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for the benefit of forestry members across Mississippi.
