Tobey McDowell of C. McDowell Logging Recognized as FRA’s 2026 National Outstanding Logger Award Winner
CHARLESTON, SC — May 19, 2026 — The Forest Resources Association (FRA), in partnership with John Deere, honored Tobey McDowell of C. McDowell Logging in Jackson, Georgia, as the recipient of the 2026 National Outstanding Logger Award. The award was presented during FRA’s 2026 Annual Meeting at the Hotel Emeline in Charleston, South Carolina. McDowell was originally nominated for the Southeastern Region Outstanding Logger Award by the Georgia Forestry Association and the Southeastern Wood Producers Association. After earning the regional honor, he advanced alongside other regional winners to compete for the national award.
Justin McDermott, Forestry Division Sales Manager – North America for John Deere and official sponsor of the award, spoke about the significance of the Outstanding Logger Award and the new partnership between John Deere and FRA in support of the program. McDermott shared why John Deere is proud to sponsor the award and noted that the McDowell family exemplifies the kind of logging operation the honor 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 McDermott.
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.
Tobey was presented with a commemorative plaque and an award check from John Deere recognizing his achievement as the 2026 National Outstanding Logger Award winner. Tobey graciously accepted the award and delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the challenges facing the industry and expressing gratitude for the faith, perseverance, and support that have helped sustain McDowell Logging through difficult times. He also thanked those who have supported the company over the years, giving special recognition to his wife and family.
“Tobey McDowell has been a model for what a leader and an advocate looks like in the logging sector. There is no area of work that McDowell Logging glosses over or won’t treat with the utmost professionalism. Working with Tobey has been a true pleasure. Tobey’s devotion, faith, drive, perseverance, enthusiasm, and humility make him not just a great logger, but a wonderful person to have as a representative of this industry.” – Dillon Hendrix, Georgia Forestry Association
Tobey McDowell and McDowell Logging
McDowell Logging is a family-owned and operated business renowned for its quality, safety, and skilled workforce. All harvesting and transportation equipment is company-owned and maintained by employees, including an in-house mechanic, with routine greasing, oil changes, and inspections. The company operates two six-person crews and five drivers, averaging 50 loads per week, and specializes in clearcut harvesting, chipping, and thinning operations using exclusively John Deere equipment. Safety is a top priority, managed in partnership with a professional logging safety contractor who oversees monthly OSHA-required meetings. Tobey McDowell ensures every job meets landowner expectations, often returning to perform additional cleanup before completion. Beyond operations, Tobey is deeply engaged in his community and industry, sponsoring local recreational sports, participating in the Butts County Chamber of Commerce, advocating for Georgia forestry policy initiatives, including 2022’s Referendum A and 2023 log trucking weight limits, and serving CrossOver Ministries in Jackson, Georgia, in multiple volunteer roles.
“Tobey McDowell exemplifies the professionalism, leadership, and commitment to excellence that the National Outstanding Logger Award is intended to recognize. On behalf of the Forest Resources Association, I extend my congratulations to Tobey and the entire C. McDowell Logging team on this well‑deserved national recognition. Their dedication to safe, efficient operations and their service to the wood supply chain and local community reflect the very best of our industry.” – Tim O’Hara, President & CEO, Forest Resources Association
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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