Recognizing loggers as an integral part of the forestry supply chain, the Logger of the Year Award is presented to an individual who is nominated by the forestry community and reviewed by a committee of professionals. The Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) and the Southeastern Wood Producers Association (SWPA) proudly announce Tobey McDowell of C. McDowell Logging in Jackson, GA, as the 2025-26 Georgia Logger of the Year.
“My grandad and dad were both pulpwooders and I used to ask for them to please bring me along,” said McDowell. “I always said that one day I would be a logger.”
“Loggers are an important part of Georgia’s forestry supply chain,” said Tim Lowrimore, President & CEO of the Georgia Forestry Association. “They link the landowners to the marketplace and do so in a safe and efficient manner.”
“Tobey is one of the hardest workers you’ll ever meet,” said Drew Bentley, a salesman from Warrior Tractor and Equipment. “He works really hard to set a good example for loggers and isn’t afraid to be a voice for this industry.” In the past few years, McDowell has testified under the gold dome, advocating for the elimination of ad valorem tax on harvesting equipment and raising the truck weights.
As the official Georgia Logger of the Year, C. McDowell Logging has additionally been nominated for the Forest Resources Association’s Southeastern Logger of the Year award, where they will be evaluated among his peers in surrounding states. GFA officially recognized Tobey at the 2025 GFA Annual Conference on Jekyll Island, GA.
Special thanks to Mason Tractor Company who sponsored the 2025 Georgia Logger of the Year Award.
