AgEBB-MU CAFNR Extension
Green Horizons
Volume 21, Number 3
Fall 2017
Agroforestry
Jim and Schatzi Ball Named Regional Tree Farmer of the Year
By Matt Jones | Missouri State Tree Farm Committee
From among more than 73,000 Tree Farmers across America, the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) announced the four 2017 Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. Our very own, Jim and Schatzi Ball of Parkville, Missouri, were selected for the North Central Region! They are now competing against Glenn and Scarlett Riley of Abbeville, Alabama (Southeast Region), Ned and Jean Therrien of Gilford, New Hampshire (Northeast Region) and the Chrisman Family of Kalispell, Montana (Western Region) for the National Tree Farmer of the Year award. The national winner will be announced in October.
To be considered for the Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year award, individuals must exhibit exceptional forest stewardship to protect and improve our forest resources. In addition, they must also promote forest stewardship within their communities. But, what else would one expect from two Show-Me State citizens and premier Tree Farmers!
The ATFS is a nationwide sustainable forestry and certification program designed specifically for small family and private forest owners. The program provides landowners with tools and guidance as well as a network of other landowners and experts, all to help them keep their forests healthy and providing clean water, wildlife habitat, wood supply and more. In total, there are 20 million forested acres within the ATFS program.
The following excerpt from an ATFS news release highlights some of the work Jim and Schatzi have done:
"North Central Regional Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, Jim Ball of Parkville, Missouri epitomizes forest stewardship in a state mostly known for its farm land. After serving in the military, Jim purchased 80 acres of land for hunting, but soon saw more opportunity in the property, acquiring other tracts to reach his now 850 acres. Interested in the beautiful hardwoods of the Midwest, Jim began planting and naturally growing black walnut and other hardwood species in 1991, since planting more than 160,000 trees. Actively caring for these stands has meant annually pruning and thinning to allow for optimal growth, most often with the work being done by his family alone. Jim has been met with challenges, particularly with runoff and drainage across the property. Taking them head on, he planned and created a 20-acre lake, and surrounding retention ponds on the property, an arduous task that many do not take on. Jim's continual management of both his forest stands and lake, has resulted in cleaner water (with less silt) as well as a thriving habitat for deer, turkey, quail and many other species."
Jim and Schatzi hosted this year's Missouri Tree Farm Conference at their Tree Farm in Caldwell County.
Missouri Tree Farmers got to see and appreciate all the hard work they have done on the property. The Missouri Tree Farm Committee, on behalf of the entire Missouri forestry community extends heartfelt congratulations to Jim and Schatzi for this wonderful honor!