Big Jay: Louisiana's Champion Pecan Tree Stands Tall a Year Later

More than a year has passed since Big Jay, the towering pecan tree on my mom’s property in Keatchie, earned the prestigious title of Louisiana’s State Champion. Named in honor of my dad, Jay Adams, also known as JR, this tree is not just an impressive natural wonder—it’s a living testament to our family’s history and the beauty of the land we call home.

A Mighty Champion

Standing an incredible 112 feet tall, with a circumference of 15 feet and 1 inch, and a limb span stretching over 104 feet, Big Jay dominates the landscape. He towers over everything around him, offering shade, shelter, and a home for countless birds and squirrels. But for us, he offers more than that—Big Jay represents decades of family memories, picnics, and moments spent under his wide canopy.

The tree first caught the attention of the experts when we had a site visit for the NRCS Conservation Programs. Carla Crawford, a Natural Resource Specialist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), noticed Big Jay’s enormous presence and contacted Louisiana State Forester Dr. Rick Williams to come and conduct official measurements. On June 2, 2023, Dr. Williams, Crawford, and Mackenzie Stroud, a soil conservationist for DeSoto, officially measured Big Jay and awarded him a stunning 319.328 points on the champion tree measurement scale. With that, Big Jay became Louisiana’s largest pecan tree.

Big Jay’s Legacy

“We feel very proud that Big Jay is a state champion,” my mom, Carol Adams, shared with us during the celebration of his title. “For the 40-plus years we’ve lived here, we’ve always known he was a mighty tree. He’s a wonderful source of shade in our yard, and we enjoy picnicking under him, watching the squirrels and birds feast on his nuts. I hope he continues to share his splendor for many years to come.”

The Adams family has planted countless trees on the property over the years, but none compare to Big Jay. And in true family tradition, we hope that future generations will enjoy the shade and beauty of the trees we’ve planted, just as we have.

Big Jay continues to stand strong as a symbol of the natural beauty that surrounds us in Keatchie, Louisiana. More than just a pecan tree, he represents years of family history, shade-filled afternoons, and countless memories. As we look toward the future, we’re grateful that Big Jay will be here for many years to come, continuing to provide comfort and inspiration to those who walk beneath his towering limbs. It’s a privilege to share this land with such a magnificent piece of nature, and we’re excited for future generations to experience the wonder of this state champion pecan tree.