Honored for Sustainable Forestry Leadership

WRIGHT, Minn.—A handcrafted plaque shaped like the state of Minnesota now sits as a symbol of decades of hard work, family legacy, and a deep commitment to the land. This year, Jesse Anderson of J&A Logging was named “Logger of the Year” by the Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee, recognizing not just production, but a philosophy rooted in sustainable forestry. For Jesse, the honor traces back generations.

“It started with my dad,” Jesse said in an interview. “He was logging as long as I can remember. Back then, logging and farming kind of went hand in hand.”
But Jesse is just as quick to point out another key influence in his upbringing—his mother, Rene. He recalls growing up on a dairy farm where hard work was simply part of daily life. “My mom worked just as hard as anyone,” he said. “We were out there milking cows, doing chores every day.” That early exposure to responsibility and long hours, he explained, helped shape the work ethic he carries into the logging business today.

His father began working for other operations before launching his own business in the 1980s. Anderson grew up helping on weekends, learning the trade firsthand. In 1999, after a stint in construction, he made a decision that would define his career.

“I was going to go back to construction that summer, and I didn’t,” he said. “I just stayed in the woods. It’s nicer work for me. You go out there and do things your way—you don’t have to argue with anybody.”

From those early days working alongside his father, J&A Logging has grown into a six-truck operation producing roughly 20,000 cords of wood annually. The crew hauls primarily to regional mills, with a steady output year-round—long winter days often stretching into Saturdays.

But it’s not just the scale of the operation that earned Anderson recognition. It’s how the work gets done.

Sustainability sits at the core of J&A Logging’s approach. Anderson emphasizes full utilization of harvested trees, including chipping tops that might otherwise go unused.

“Utilization is a big thing,” he said. “Especially on private land. They might not get a lot out of the chips, but their woods are cleaned up nice when we’re done.”
That attention to detail hasn’t gone unnoticed. In nomination materials supporting Anderson’s selection, one supporter wrote, “Their professionalism, execution, and attention to detail while working in difficult conditions has earned them special notice. They have earned my respect and rating of ‘Excellence.’”
Another nominator highlighted the family’s deep roots and tireless work ethic: “As a generational operation, I would say logging runs in their blood—however, I’m not convinced they have blood and instead run on sap.”

Beyond the job site, J&A Logging has built a reputation for community involvement. The company has supported local organizations and events including Carlton County 4-H, Dollars for Scholars, and the Kaleb Anderson Memorial 5K. J&A Logging also donates to Cromwell-Wright Fire Department and Log a Load for Kids.
“Their family has been extremely community oriented and have donated their time and money to support events,” a nominator noted.

For Anderson, the reward isn’t just in recognition—it’s in overcoming the daily challenges of the job.

“It’s always something,” he said. “Weather, breakdowns, conditions—it’s never easy. But when you figure it out and get through it, that’s the rewarding part.”
Changing weather patterns in recent years have made the work even more unpredictable, with inconsistent winters complicating traditional logging cycles. Still, Anderson and his crew have adapted, investing in newer equipment to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.

“You’re either paying for breakdowns or you’re paying for equipment,” he said. “Now we just go and get things done.”

Despite the recognition, Anderson remains grounded—and focused on the future of the industry. One of his biggest concerns is public perception.

“I wish people understood more about the benefits of a younger forest,” he said. “They drive by a clear cut and think it’s devastation. But five years later, it’s growing back. Wildlife thrives in that new growth.”

He points to the broader potential across Minnesota’s forestland, noting that only a fraction is actively managed.

“There’s a lot of room for growth in responsible forestry,” he said.

Still, entering the industry isn’t easy. High equipment costs and barriers to entry mean many logging operations remain family-run, passed down through generations—just like J&A Logging.

Anderson is quick to credit the people behind the operation. Longtime crew members Cory Aho and Mike (Mick) Johnson have each spent years in the woods with him, while Mike Turnock and Roger Manninen round out the core team. His son, Jacob, joined the operation after graduating in 2022 and now splits time between driving truck and running equipment. Behind the scenes, Anderson’s wife Jana handles the business’s bookkeeping, helping keep the operation running smoothly.

“You can’t do it without a good crew,” Anderson said.

As the forestry industry evolves—with emerging markets like cellulose-based products and even aviation fuel derived from wood chips—Anderson remains cautiously optimistic.

“If that takes off, it’ll be a good market for us,” he said.

For now, though, the focus remains where it has always been: in the woods, doing the work right.

The “Logger of the Year” award may mark a milestone, but for Jesse Anderson and J&A Logging, it’s simply another chapter in a story still growing—one harvest at a time.