Sam Fish receives Master Agriculturalist Award
The Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Alumni Association has named Sam Fish the 2026 recipient of its Master Agriculturalist Award, recognizing decades of leadership and impact in forestry and agriculture.
The honor is the institution’s longest-running alumni award, first established in 1955. The award highlights graduates who have demonstrated excellence in farming, ranching or forestry fields.
The award was presented by Leah Groover, a 2000 graduate of ABAC.
A 1976 graduate of ABAC, Fish continued his education at the University of Georgia, earning degrees in forest resources and agricultural economics. During his time at ABAC, he was active in campus leadership, serving in multiple student organizations including the Forestry and Wildlife Club and the First Division Interclub Council, along with involvement in student government and honor societies.
Fish began his career in public service as a county extension agent in Screven County before moving into a role as an extension forester in Alabama. His early professional experience helped shape a career focused on advancing responsible land management practices throughout the Southeast.
He later joined James River Timber Corp., where he worked with both corporate and private landowners to support reforestation efforts and improve timberland productivity.
In 1995, Fish helped launch Timberland Silvicultural Services Inc., a company that has grown into a major force in reforestation across the region. The company plants an estimated 12,000 acres each year, totaling more than 220 million trees over three decades. Through advancements in planting techniques, improved seedling genetics and strong industry partnerships, the company has contributed significantly to forest sustainability.
Don Sanford, an Alabama registered forester and colleague of Fish, spoke to the impact of working with him.
“Sam’s expertise and relationships with tree nurseries in central Alabama were a huge advantage to our foresters when scheduling seedling pick up; and his company’s knowledge of the property we managed made our lives easier during planting season,” Sanford said. “This allowed us more time to attend to other timber management duties.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fish adapted operations to assist agricultural producers by coordinating labor to support harvesting efforts. Today, the company provides forestry services as well as agricultural labor support across Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Fish has remained active in the community.
“Sam has invested deeply in his community and youth programs,” Groover said. “He volunteered in Boy Scouts, youth sports, church activities, and 4-H, and of course, forestry.”
He has also maintained strong ties to ABAC. He previously served on the Alumni Board, regularly participates in college events and continues to support academic programs within the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. In 2025, he established the Sam Fish Forestry Endowed Scholarship to assist forestry students from Georgia and Alabama.
Fish was recognized April 10 during the 2026 Alumni Association awards program, marking his golden alumni year, 50 years after graduating from ABAC.