Green Horizons

Robert Jacoby and family were recognized as the 2008 Missouri State Tree Farmers of the Year at the Shannondale Tree Farm Day in October. The Wright County property has been owned and managed by the Jacoby family since 1950 and became a certified Tree Farm in 1990.

Their stated objective is to manage the forest, wildlife, soils and water resources to the maximum potential and productivity.

The Jacoby’s prefer uneven age forest management having selectively harvested trees on 407 acres of the 1,045-acre farm. But, they also have employed even age management techniques, such as shelterwood and clearcut, when warranted. Walnut trees have been pruned and released, timber stand improvement conducted on 75 acres of hardwood stands, and 64 acres of old fields reforested with a variety of species selected to fit the various soil types involved. In addition, more than four miles of access trails, with erosion control structures, have been installed. All of these land/forest management activities have been tempered to reflect their goals in maintaining and/or improving water quality in the Whetstone Creek watershed and the smaller Dove Creek drainage.

They also have created small clearings around fishless ponds, established 28 food plots, restored a 13-acre savanna, and created travel corridors for wildlife. All of these activities show how dedicated the Jacoby Family is to managing their natural resources wisely and why they are deserving of the recognition of Tree Farmer of the Year.

	Robert Jacoby and his wife, Laine, were honored as Missouri’s Tree Farmers of the Year for 2008 at the Shannondale Tree Farm celebration.
Several old fields were reforested with species adapted to the site, such as native shortleaf pine on this exposed, south-facing hillside.
	The Jacoby family has established more than four miles of access roads and firebreaks to facilitate management activities.
Small clearings around numerous ponds on the Jacoby farm greatly improve habitat for multiple wildlife species.