Seeds of the Future: A Look Inside Bellamy Seed Orchard
By: Madelin Garcia, Intern Writer
Tucked away in the heart of Jackson County, the Bellamy Seed Orchard is growing more than trees, it’s cultivating the future of forestry. Operated by ArborGen, the country’s leading producers of genetically advanced seedlings, the orchard plays a crucial role in reforestation efforts.
ArborGen’s Bellamy Seed Orchard specializes in producing pine and hardwood seedlings for landowners, individuals, and industry professionals. “We sell both hardwood and pine seedlings for reforestation,” said a representative from ArborGen. “Our customers range from large landowners to everyday people looking to plant trees on their property.”
But the work that goes into each seedling is more complex than just planting and watering. The staff, mostly made up of full-time employees from Jackson County, engage in year-round operations to maintain the health and productivity of the orchard.
During the spring and summer, the team applies fertilizers to the soil, promoting flower growth and enhancing nutrient levels. “Spring fertilization is a soil nutrient build-back, while the summer nitrogen applications spur on flowering to support seed production,” they explained.
Come fall, the focus shifts to harvesting cones, extracting seeds, and preparing for the next cycle. One of the more specialized springtime tasks is mass control pollination (MCP), a process that ensures the best genetic traits are passed on to future trees.
“We’re focused on producing advanced genetic pine trees,” they added. “That’s our main product. These trees grow faster and resist disease better.”
The orchard also prioritizes sustainable land practices. Herbicide spraying, mowing, light pruning, and irrigation are all handled with care to preserve soil health and prevent erosion. These best management practices help keep the operation efficient, productive, and environmentally responsible.
For a company with a national reach, ArborGen maintains strong local roots. “Yes, most of our employees are from Jackson County,” the representative said proudly. And with over 700 acres under careful watch, it’s no small job.
As climate concerns and conservation efforts take center stage, operations like the Bellamy Seed Orchard are more important than ever. Thanks to the dedicated team at ArborGen, the seeds planted here today will grow into the future of tomorrow.