Mississippi Extension Forester Honored with National Award

Butch Bailey recognized for decades of forestry education and outreach

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:50pm

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Butch Bailey, an Extension forester with Mississippi State University, has been selected to receive the prestigious Extension Forester of the Year Award from the Forest Landowners Association. Bailey has dedicated over 20 years to educating private landowners, youth, and the public about the importance of sustainable forestry practices in Mississippi.

Why it matters

Bailey's award highlights the critical role Extension foresters play in promoting responsible land management and environmental stewardship, especially among private landowners who control the majority of forested acreage in the United States. His work has had a significant impact on how many Mississippians approach forestry and timber harvesting on their own properties.

The details

As an Extension forester based in Purvis, Mississippi, Bailey has been a 20-year member of the Mississippi Forestry Association, serving in leadership roles including president and on the board of directors. He has led professional development workshops like Project Learning Tree and Teacher Conservation Workshops for two decades, in addition to supporting 4-H, FFA, and Boy Scout forestry education programs.

  • Bailey has been an Extension forester for more than 20 years.
  • He will be presented with the Extension Forester of the Year Award during the Forest Landowners Association's annual conference in July 2026.

The players

Butch Bailey

An Extension forester with Mississippi State University who has dedicated over 20 years to educating private landowners, youth, and the public about sustainable forestry practices.

David Hall

A member of the Forest Landowners Association who nominated Bailey for the Extension Forester of the Year Award.

Forest Landowners Association

A national organization representing 2,000 members who own and manage over 55 million acres of private timberland across 44 states.

Mississippi Forestry Association

A professional organization that Bailey has been a 20-year member of, serving in leadership roles including president and on the board of directors.

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What they’re saying

“I have been fortunate to know Butch for many years and to work with him as well as learn from him. I cannot imagine anyone more deserving of this award. Butch has dedicated his life to educating landowners, kids, teachers and anyone who will stop long enough to listen about the importance of forests and sound forest management.”

— David Hall, FLA member

“I am deeply humbled by the nomination, even more so than the award itself. I consider my career as an Extension forester both a profession and a vocation. To be recognized this way for doing what I love to do means a lot. I'm grateful to David Hall for the nomination and to the Forest Landowners Association for the recognition.”

— Butch Bailey

What’s next

Bailey will be presented with the Extension Forester of the Year Award during the Forest Landowners Association's annual conference in July 2026.

The takeaway

Butch Bailey's award highlights the vital role Extension foresters play in promoting sustainable forestry practices and environmental stewardship, especially among private landowners who control the majority of forested acreage in the United States. His decades of dedication to educating the public, youth, and fellow professionals have had a significant impact on land management in Mississippi.