Green Horizons

Though he is more widely known for holding political office, Mel Hancock has also been active in the Tree Farm program for a good portion of his life. Hancock was recognized this year by the American Tree Farm System for his 25 years as a Tree Farmer. He received a framed Silver Tree Farm certificate and a new Tree Farm sign with a silver background to display for achieving this mark in the program.

Hancock, who was Missouri’s Representative from the state’s 7th congressional district from 1989 to 1997, planted 28 acres of his 55-acre farm to walnut trees in April of 1977. His planting changed an old alfalfa field into a forest with a great potential to bring increased revenue from his farm. Although Hancock says he "did it for the fun of it," he also recommends all young people with land put at least 5 to 10 acres into trees (especially walnut trees) as an investment in their future. Editor’s Note: Individuals should weigh the risk of planting black walnut trees as a future investment in light of the Thousand Cankers Disease (see the most recent issues of GH for information on this threat).

The planting was originally done under the supervision of Jim Jones of Hammons Products and the Missouri Department of Conservation, and has served as a research and experimental area for Hammons over the years. Because of his dedication to managing his trees, Hancock decided to participate in the voluntary recognition program called the American Tree Farm System. To be a Tree Farmer, the landowner must agree to an inspection every five years by a professional forester to certify that the forest is being managed sustainably.

Being able to talk about his trees to others and showing them to visitors has been one of the high points of being a Tree Farmer that has kept Hancock interested in the program. He has even had a delegation from China come to look at his Greene County trees.

So, congratulations to Mel Hancock on reaching his Silver Anniversary as a member of the American Tree Farm System.