Photo: Members of the Gene Givens Logging company. The group was named the 2026 Logger of the Year by the Arkansas Forestry Association. Photo credit: Luke Matheson

Editor’s note: This story was written by Luke Matheson,
Pine Bluff Commercial.

A logging company with more than 50 years of roots in Sparkman has earned one of the state’s top forestry honors.

Gene Givens Logging Inc. was named the 2026 Logger of the Year by the Arkansas Forestry Association, recognizing the work of Gene Givens and his son, Gregory, for their commitment to quality, safety and responsible forest management.

The recognition was part of a special day for the Givens family, as Gene’s brother, Ed Givens, was also honored as the District 5 Tree Farm winner through EJM Givens, LLLP.

Gene and his wife, Jeannie, established the logging business in 1973. Gregory joined the operation in 2000 after graduating from high school, continuing a logging tradition that now spans three generations.

Over the years, the company has grown to include 10 full-time employees, seven company-owned trucks and enough equipment to operate two logging crews.

The business has also expanded into lumber production with the purchase of the former Barcasle Lumber Company in Sparkman, now operating as Givens Lumber Company.

Gene spent much of his career working as a logging contractor for Idaho Timber and other industry partners. He now focuses much of his attention on harvesting and managing his own timberland, which supplies wood to the family’s sawmill.

The company handles a variety of timber harvesting operations while emphasizing safety, quality and compliance with Arkansas’ Best Management Practices, which are designed to protect water quality and minimize environmental impacts during logging.

Gregory, who serves on the executive board of the Arkansas Timber Producers Association, said the company’s success has come from emphasizing quality over production.

“We determined years ago that we would focus on quality, not quantity, so that we can do a good job every day for the landowner,” Gregory said.

The statewide recognition was an emotional moment for Gene’s daughter, Gena Givens Love, who shared her appreciation following the awards ceremony.

“Today was a very special day for my family,” Love said. “Gene Givens Logging Inc. was honored as the 2026 Logger of the Year by the Arkansas Forestry Association/AFA Education Foundation. To say I am proud would be an understatement.”

Love credited her parents with establishing the values that have guided the business for more than five decades.

“Since 1973, my Dad has dedicated his life to building this company through hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment,” Love wrote. “Today, my brother, Gregory, continues to build on that legacy and carry it forward.”

She said the company’s accomplishments reflect lessons learned from her parents.

“My Mom and Dad instilled in us the values of hard work, integrity, perseverance, and faith in God,” he wrote. “Those values have been the foundation of everything they have accomplished.”

Love also celebrated the recognition of her uncle, Ed, whose District 5 Tree Farm award added to the occasion.

“Seeing multiple generations of our family recognized for their dedication and stewardship of Arkansas’s forestry industry made this celebration even more meaningful,” Love wrote.