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 Official Texas Longhorn Herd works to preserve one of the nation’s oldest cattle breeds, and considered a living symbol of American cattle history.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture students traveled to Italy to study Roman and medieval construction, gaining a unique global educational experience.
Funds will support student programs and leadership opportunities across the National FFA Organization. The next Give FFA Day is scheduled for February 25, 2027.
A Nebraska rancher says his land may not support cattle this year after 2,000 acres were burned in recent devastating wildfires across the state.
While social media has labeled the possible event a “Godzilla El Niño,” experts say the intensity remains uncertain—but the signal for a stronger pattern is there.
Rising diesel and energy costs are squeezing farmers and rural communities, increasing production expenses and raising concerns about consumer demand for beef even as U.S. meat exports regain the Australian market.