Tree Farmer of the Year:

Every year South Carolina conducts a Tree Farmer of the Year recognition. Inspecting foresters nominate landowners who are doing an exceptional job at managing their forest and who  share their enthusiasm for land management with others. The completed nominations are sent to the District Chairman. District Chairs select the top candidate. This property becomes the District Tree farmer of the year. The State Committee considers all District tree farmers of the year properties and selects three candidates for an on site visit. This usually occurs early each summer. The landowners and their properties are visited by representatives of the State Committee who selects the Tree Farmer of the Year.

Tree Farmer of the year from SC are:

06-07: Ben Herlong, Saluda, SC.

05-06: Bookman Station, LLC, Columbia, SC.

03-04: Johney L. Haralson, Denmark, SC.

02-03: John M. Mc Phail, Abbeville, SC.

01-02: Dyches Family, Savannah, GA.

00-01: Dr. Walter A. Mc Phail, Mauldin, SC.

99-00: Fred Gantt, Columbia, SC.

98-99: Deer Hill, Lane, SC.

97-98: Randell C. Ewing, Hartsville, SC.

96-97: William E. Eutsler, Cheraw, SC.

95-96: Gordon E. Gale, Hardeeville, SC.

94-95: Dr. A. G. "Skeet" Burris, Beaufort, SC.

93-94: W. R. "Roy" Watkins, Cassatt, SC.

92-93: Francis A. Snelgrove, Lexington, SC.

91-92: Tom Turner, Rock Hill, SC.

90-91: Robert Cecil Gentry, Salem, SC.

89-90: James W. Hunt, Jr. Eastover, SC.

88-89: John Carter, Sharon, SC.

87-88: Carroll & Jane Brown, Colleton County .

86-87: Charles W. Redfearn, Beaufort, SC.

85-86: John W. Kemph, Jr. , Edgefield, SC.

84-85: Iverson Brookes Lawton, Allendale, SC.

83-84: Rufus B. Lawrimore, Hemingway, SC.

82-83: Mary Julia Royall, Mt. Pleasant, SC.

80-81: S. Guerry Stukes, Summerton, SC.

Regional Tree Farmer of the year :

Tree Farmer of the Year awardees are entered into Regional recognition programs. One person is selected from each region; consideration is National Tree Farmer of the Year.

Regional Tree Farmer of the year from SC are:

2005: Dyches Family, Savannah, GA

2004: John & Mary Rebecca Spearman, Lane, SC.

2003: Dr. Walter A. Mc Phail, Mauldin, SC.

2000: Dr. A. G. "Skeet" and Gail Burris,Cummings,SC.

1996: Dr. A. G. "Skeet" and Gail Burris,Cummings,SC.

National Tree Farmer of the year:

The Regional Tree Farmer of the Year from the four regions in the United States enters into a National Tree Farmer of the Year event.

National Tree Farmer of the year from SC are:

2000- Dr. A.G. "Skeet" and Gail Burris,Cummings,SC.

Master Tree Farmer Volunteer of the Year:

The Master Tree Farmer program is an educational program designed to aid landowners to better managing their land. The program does not make landowners into foresters but it prepares landowners to be able to communicate clearly with foresters and to help them to understand forestry recommendations. One of the requirements of graduates of Master  Tree Farmer courses is providing volunteer time to promote sustainable forestry. Every year course coordinators have an opportunity to nominate landowners for this award.

George D. Kessler Inspector of the Year:

Every two years the State Committee selects a Tree Farm Inspector who best exemplifies the devotion and contributions made by the professional foresters who help keep the Tree Farm Program strong in South Carolina.

Note: Dr. A. G. "Skeet" Burris, Cummings, SC, was instrumental in establishing the award. Burris named the award after Dr. George D. Kessler in honor of his many years of service to the SC Tree Farm program.

George D. Kessler Inspector of the Year from SC are:

2000: Tom W. Patton,Jr.,Columbia, SC

2003: Jeffery G. Brown, Elgin, SC.