Prentiss Headlight
Annual JDC Forestry Awards presented at banquet
By Holley Cochran
The Jefferson Davis County Forestry Association held its annual membership banquet on Aug. 26, at Bethany Baptist Church in Prentiss. Over 250 community members were in attendance.
The meeting began with Ken Carraway, President of the Jefferson Davis County Forestry Association, thanking the sponsors and members that helped make this event and membership drive successful.
Sen. Andy Berry introduced U. S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith as the guest speaker.
While giving his introduction, Berry spoke of the struggle the area was having getting federal disaster assistance approval after the March tornadoes. “We told Cindy one night at dinner in Washington that our people needed help. and by the next day we had approval and help was on the way,” said Berry. “If there is something that is needed that helps us, that affects us, you better get out of her way because she is going to take care of it,” he said.
Hyde-Smith thanked the crowd for their attendance at the banquet and for their support of the forestry association.
“The fact that you are here tonight in Jefferson Davis County speaks volumes,” said Hyde-Smith. “I could be in a big county somewhere and not have one-fourth of this many people there,” she said.
Hyde-Smith spoke briefly on the Big Beautiful Bill, pharmacy benefit management and the cost of prescription drugs.
“I can’t think of anything else that would help the American people more than reasonable drug costs, especially in Mississippi,” she said.
She followed with a discussion on EU Regulations and private property rights.
“If you have a deed to your land, it should be your decision on what to do with that land,” said Hyde-Smith. “We don’t need foreign bureaucracies telling us how to manage our land,” she said.
Hyde-Smith let the community know if they have a problem, to call her office.
“You are the reason I am in Washington, D. C. and I will be your advocate all day long,” said Hyde-Smith. “I am going to get an answer one way or another and we are going to get things done,” she said.
“My idea of prosperity is just having a state where you have the opportunity for a job, you have the opportunity to raise your family in a safe community and you have the opportunity to worship exactly the way you want to worship,” said Hyde-Smith.
“This is home and I love being home, so thank you for making me feel so welcomed and for giving me the honor of service you in the United States Senate,” she said.
Awards were presented next to the 2025 Tree Farmer and Logger of the Year by Carraway.
The 2025 Logger of the Year is Ryan Williamson with Williamson and Sons Logging. Williamson and Sons is a small local logging operation located in Goss. They primarily cut tracts for private landowners in Marion, Lawrence and Jefferson Davis Counties. The company started in 2005 after the timber on the family property was completely blown down after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. In an effort to salvage their own timber, they bought an old skidder and loader and got to work. They are equipped to do first and second thinnings, as well as clear-cuts. The operation has now been expanded to five employees.
The 2025 Tree Farmer of the Year is Brad Shuck. Shuck moved to Mississippi at the age of 13. He acquired 164 acres in Jefferson Davis County in 1987, eventually adding acreage to own a total of 282 acres of what he considers paradise. “Owning this corner of Carson, Mississippi has been the most satisfying project and journey,” said Shuck.
The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Walt Moeller. Moeller is a Jefferson Davis County Forestry Association board member who has served as the liaison between the Mississippi Forestry Association and the JDCFA by attending numerous legislative meetings, state banquets and workshops. He has been a member of the JDCFA since 1999 and the MFA since 2004. He owns 240 acres in JDC and received the 2016 Tree Farmer of the Year award for his management practices which he credits to working closely with consulting and local foresters.
The evening concluded with a drawing for door prizes and fellowship was enjoyed by old and new acquaintances.