2016 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year

Brothers Tim and Sam Johnson were named 2016 N.C. Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year at the N.C. Tree Farm Program’s Annual Meeting at the G.W. Hill Forest in Bahama on Oct. 22.

The R.L. Johnson farm was founded in 1780 and has been under continuous family ownership and operation for six generations. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which describes the farm as “the most intact and expansive agricultural complex in Harnett County.” The Johnson brothers are committed to preserving the history of the farm through the maintenance of the family cemetery and home, an old general store and other outbuildings, and remnants of the farm’s days in the turpentine industry. They continue the family tradition of managing the land to foster high quality timber products, quality wildlife habitat and exceptional water quality.

Tim Johnson, who lives near the family farm, does most of the work on the farm himself. He attended Prescribed Burn School to become a Certified Burner and is very aggressive in controlling invasive species. He is very active in forestry outreach and education. He maintains a dedicated camping area on his Tree Farm for Boy Scouts and hosts students from N.C. State University’s Introduction to Forestry class. In 2014, the brothers the N.C. Tree Farm Program Annual Meeting.

Watch video about the Johnson Family Tree Farm.