FRA’S 2026 SOUTHCENTRAL REGION OUTSTANDING LOGGER AWARD
RICKY SUMMERFORD OF SUMMERFORD ENTERPRISES INC., RECOGNIZED AS FRA’S 2026 SOUTHCENTRAL REGION OUTSTANDING LOGGER AWARD WINNER
Auburn, AL, March 11, 2026 – The Forest Resources Association (FRA), in partnership with John Deere, honored Ricky Summerford of Summerford Enterprises Inc. from Fulton, MS, as the 2026 Southcentral Region Outstanding Logger Award winner. The honor was presented during FRA’s Southwide Region Spring Meeting held at the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center in Auburn, Alabama.
Clay Altizer, FRA’s Southwide Region Manager, introduced Berry Johnson of John Deere and welcomed him to the podium. Johnson shared why John Deere is proud to sponsor the Outstanding Logger Award and noted that the Summerford family exemplifies the kind of logging operation the award was created to recognize.
“Loggers are essential to proper forest management, and a strong, thriving wood supply chain depends on their hard work. That’s why John Deere is proud to partner with FRA to support the Outstanding Logger Program,” said Berry Johnson, representing John Deere at the event.
FRA’s Outstanding Logger Award recognizes exceptional independent logging contractors who demonstrate professional excellence in logging safety, environmental stewardship, business management, and community involvement. The award program elevates industry leaders, encourages peers to model best practices, and promotes strong relationships between loggers, foresters, and landowners.
Berry Johnson and Robby Toombs, FRA’s Southcentral Region Steering Committee Chair, along with Clay Altizer, presented Ricky with an engraved cherry and black walnut cross-cut saw plaque and a generous award check. He graciously accepted the award on behalf of their entire family and the Summerford Enterprises Inc. team.
Ricky Summerford and Summerford Enterprises Inc.
Ricky Summerford, president and owner of Summerford Enterprises Inc., located in Fulton, Mississippi, is a second-generation logger who is proud of his logging lineage. His father, Carl, started the family’s logging business in 1969 and still works on-site almost every day.
Ricky attended Itawamba Agricultural High School from 1981 to 1984 before studying forestry at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi. Prior to working for Summerford Enterprises, Ricky worked as a forestry technician for Drennen Forestry Services Inc., dealing with timber procurement and land and timber management. He began working for Summerford Enterprises in 1987, so he has been with the family company for almost 39 years.
From start to finish, Ricky has exemplified excellence in the logging industry—consistently going above and beyond to make a positive impact on both his peers and the next generation of loggers. A true leader and educator, he regularly invites forestry students to observe and take part in silvicultural practices, helping them gain hands-on experience in sustainable forest management. His long-standing commitment to safety, best practices, and mentorship has earned him deep respect across the industry. In recognition of his dedication and passion for his craft, Ricky was named the Mississippi Forestry Association 2024 Logger of the Year. FRA is proud to honor him with the 2026 Southcentral Region Outstanding Logger Award.
“The FRA Outstanding Logger Award judging panel was extremely impressed during our visit to the Summerford Enterprises Inc. operation. Ricky and the entire team are truly deserving of this honor and recognition, and I am proud to celebrate their contributions to our industry and to have them represent the Southcentral Region as our 2026 award winner,” said Clay Altizer, FRA Southwide Region Manager.
About Forest Resources Association (FRA)
FRA is an association representing the interests of more than 300 organizations and businesses in the forest products industry, including forest landowners, suppliers, consuming mills, associated businesses, and state forestry associations. Members all share a common interest – they rely on FRA to promote the public policy interests of the forest products industry’s supply chain on Capitol Hill and our work to advance safety, operational and technical efficiencies, and supply chain relations. FRA has member representation in 49 states and 384 Congressional Districts.
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