Georgia Forestry Commission Honors the Forester of the Year

Matthew O’Connor continues working with landowners to help protect and restore forests across Georgia.

AILEY, Ga. (Farm Monitor)The Georgia Forestry Commission has named Toombs County native Matthew O’Connor its 2025 Forester of the Year.

O’Connor spent decades working with the Georgia Forestry Commission, helping landowners manage, protect, and restore forests across the state.

The award recognizes years of service in Georgia’s forestry industry and ongoing work supporting forest stewardship and land management.

O’Connor says his focus remains on helping keep Georgia’s forests healthy and productive for future generations.

Related Stories
International Paper’s Rome facility produces roughly 850,000 tons of containerboard each year.
Farmers say weather extremes and rising costs are creating a more challenging season across Georgia peach country.
Waylon NeSmith says continuing the operation is a way to carry on the lessons and legacy his father left behind.
The new initiative is helping agricultural leaders strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills.
Favorable weather and hard work are leading to high strawberry yields and steady crowds at Green Acres Farm, a u-pick destination in Cochran, Georgia.
Student Katelyn Lindsay is traveling the country to support growers and connect consumers to the crop.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The country artist’s “Stand By Your Pan” blends vintage-inspired recipes with stories, humor, and Southern hospitality.
New data from the Illinois Farm Bureau show that farm financial conditions are stabilizing, even as debt per acre and borrowing costs continue to climb.
New trade access, tariff concerns and international negotiations are reshaping the global beef market.
Officials say no additional spread has been detected as containment and monitoring efforts move forward.
Turner built one of the nation’s largest private land holdings while becoming a major force in bison ranching and conservation.
Researchers say stronger rootstocks are helping growers fight citrus greening.