The Smith County 4-H Forestry Judging Team competed on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at the Central Region 4-H Forestry Judging Contest held at Cedars of Lebanon State Park.

Representing Smith County were Senior High members David Ferrell, Easton Bibbings, Gabe Harville, Kynlee Davis, and Carson Meeks. In the Junior High Division, Levi Ferrell, Emmy Bibbings, Tana Harville, Caleb Hensley, Owen Meeks, and Turner Harville competed.

These 4-H members worked diligently to learn how to identify trees, insects, and diseases common to our area. 4-H’ers also learned to measure standing timber to determine the board feet of lumber, along with pacing and compassing skills. These skills not only improve critical thinking but will be useful should any 4-H members choose to pursue a career in forestry or natural resources.

In the Jr. High Division, Caleb placed 6^th, Levi placed 5^th, Emmy placed 4^th, Tana placed 3^rd, Turner placed 2^nd, and Owen placed 1^st.  The team of Levi, Emmy, and Tana placed 2^nd overall, and the team of Turner, Owen, and Caleb placed 1^st overall. In the Senior Division, David placed 10^th, Kynlee placed 9^th, Easton placed 6^th, Gabe placed 2^nd, and Carson placed 1^st. The Senior team was also awarded 1^st place and will have the opportunity to compete at the state contest in October.

We are so proud of our Forestry Judging group’s hard work and were pleased to have Smith County 4-H so well represented at this contest!

For further information relating to any of the many 4-H activities, events, and projects, please contact Katie Martin in the Smith County office of the University of Tennessee Extension at 615-735-2900.

The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers.  4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.