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The Decatur County 4-H Forestry Judging Team recently participated in the Southwest District 4-H Forestry Field Day. The contest was held September 14, 2023 at Reed Bingham State Park in Cook County. Junior team members Bryan Doss, Margaret Chastain, Skye Clements, Tom Chastain, Corbin Keaton, Madison Patrick, Harrison Chastain, Evan Patrick, Aiden Farmer, and Scott Ross Hayes were the 1st place Junior team. Scott Ross Hayes was High Junior Individual and Skye Clements was 3rd place Junior Individual. Senior members were Autumn Wiggins and Owen Fleming. Autumn earned 4th place Senior Individual.
Forestry Judging is a rigorous contest with youth learning to identify up to 70 tree species found in Georgia and learning the most common insects and diseases that impact our forests. Pacing and compass skills are honed. These skills, along with using specialized forestry tools, allow youth to estimate timber volume. Forestry judging gets 4-H’ers outside learning fundamental skills that foresters use each day to manage our forests to provide wood products, wildlife habitats, clean air and scenic views. The team members studied and practiced diligently as they reinforced the 4-H Motto, “Making the Best Better.”
For more information on Decatur County 4-H activities or events, contact the Decatur County Cooperative Extension Office at 248-3033 or check our website at www.ugaextension.com/decatur.
Photo Caption: Decatur County 4-H Forestry Judging Team Members at the 4-H Southwest Forestry Field Day Competition.
Back row L-R: Corbin Keaton, Autumn Wiggins, Evan Patrick, Aiden Farmer, Owen Fleming, Scott Ross Hayes
Front row L-R: Harrison Chastain, Madison Patrick, Margaret Chastain, Tom Chastain, Skye Clements, Bryan Doss