MFA

MFA Executive Director Casey Anderson & Workforce Development Coordinator Susan Shedd enjoyed representing ForestryWorks at the MS Lumber Manufacturers Association Convention & Trade Show. This was a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders from across the state.

MFA's dir of comm, Lauren Hawkins, taught part of Lee County Soil & Water Conservation District's teacher workshop. The district purchased MFA's Family TREES children's books for each attendee, so Lauren spoke about the book, educator's guide, & forestry education in classrooms.

🌿 Got a Kudzu problem? MFC offers 2 cost-share programs to help private landowners offset herbicide costs! FRDP: For site-prep before planting new trees (10+ forested acres) bit.ly/2Nbia0I Kudzu Program: For mid-rotation or non-forested areas bit.ly/4gHym8O

📢 MS Winter Storm Relief: SBA low-interest disaster loans are open for affected residents, businesses & nonprofits. ✅ 0% interest & $0 payments for Year 1 ✅ Up to $500k for homeowners/$2M for businesses ✅ Rates as low as 2.875% Apply today! ➡️ sba.gov/disaster

MFA executive director, Casey Anderson, & @MSForestryComm state forester, Russell Bozeman, were in Washington, D.C., last week meeting with @SenHydeSmith & other elected officials. They discussed MS landowners' needs for disaster assistance & how to strengthen markets in MS.

Monday, MFA representatives judged 21 @CAADatMSU Mass Timber Studio student projects. Winners were: Mattie Jones, first place; Abby Mickholtzick, second place; & Caleb McWhorter, third place. MFA & the Mississippi @sfiprogram State Implementation Committee sponsored the studio.

This morning, MFA director of communications, Lauren Hawkins, & education & outreach coordinator, Jonathan Smith, took part in Ann Smith Elementary School's first grade science day. They covered forest products & sustainability, read "Family TREES," & led a tree cookie activity.

MFA education & outreach coordinator, Jonathan Smith, recently attended the 2026 @PLT Annual Conference. During a conference panel discussion, Jonathan spoke about MFA's successful connection with homeschool families & programs through dedicated homeschool PLT workshops.

Yesterday, MFA executive director, Casey Anderson, and landowner coordinator, Dave Godwin, attended the SDI Biocarbon Solutions ribbon cutting in Lowndes County. This is the largest biocarbon facility in the world, and we are proud to have them as an MFA member!

Yesterday, MFA workforce development coordinator, Susan Shedd, attended a Trades Day for Horn Lake High School students. She shared about jobs related to the forest industry and played a game highlighting products that come from trees. #forestryworks #mississippiforestryworks

On Wednesday, MFA Executive Director Casey Anderson and Meacham Harlow of @MSForestryComm read Family TREES and taught about preventing wildfires to students at Christ Covenant School. @smokey_bear made an appearance as well and was a big hit!

International Paper announced that the company’s Board of Directors approved a $225 million greenfield project in central Mississippi. International Paper plans to construct a new 468,000-square-foot sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County on an 80-acre site in Brandon. The site is less than 10 miles from the company’s existing Richland box plant. Read more: magnoliatribune.com/2026/03/20/int…

We love it when MFA members visit local elementary schools to read Family TREES! Jacob Boone of Interfor recently read to K-5 and 2nd grade students at Laurel Magnet School of the Arts. Reach out to Lauren Hawkins to receive a copy of Family TREES for your local school.

MFA Exec Director Casey Anderson & Certification Programs Coord John Auel are in Auburn, Alabama, for the @ForestResources Southwide Region Spring Meeting. MFA's 2024 Logger of the Year, Ricky Summerford, was also recognized as the FRA South Central Region Outstanding Logger!

That's a wrap for Forestry Day at the Capitol and the MFA/CFA Legislative Luncheon. Thank you to all who attended, and a special thank you to our luncheon sponsors!

🚨 BURN BAN ALERTS 🚨 14 counties are now under burn bans due to high wildfire risk. 🚫 NO OPEN FLAMES: This includes debris, fire pits & campfires. ✅ ALLOWED: Gas grills & heaters. Check the list: bit.ly/2MZLIC0 #MSforestry #OnlyYou #PreventwildfiresMS

Yesterday, MFA staff members Lauren Hawkins & Jonathan Smith, & Meacham Harlow from @MSForestryComm, were at Magnolia Speech School to read Family TREES & teach students about wildfire prevention for Read Across America Day & Community Helpers Week. Smokey Bear was also there!

Mississippi keeps on winning!  Carpenter Pole and Piling is investing nearly $5 million to expand in Stone County.  Proud to see this Mississippi company growing right here at home!

MFA staff members, Susan Shedd & Jonathan Smith, have been exhibiting at the MS Association of Conservation Districts Annual Meeting, leading @PLT workshops, and sharing @ForestryWorks resources at career fairs.

This morning, MFA Executive Director Casey Anderson joined other Mississippi forestry and agriculture leaders in meeting with US Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Conversations included discussions on H-2A and H-2B issues that Mississippi producers are currently facing.