The Decatur County 4-H Forestry Judging Team recently participated in district and state competitions.

The Forestry Field Day Area contest was held Sept. 1, in Randolph County. Junior team members Anders Austinson, Jacob Christie, Journey Austinson, Shelby Lane and Branch Austinson received first-place honors. Anders Austinson also received the junior high individual ranking. Senior members for the area contest were Levi Adkins, Stennes Austinson, Joshua Lane and Josiah Austinson. The senior team also placed first among the other counties. Additionally, Levi Adkins received the first high individual award, Josiah Austinson received the second high individual award and Stennes Austinson received the third high individual award.

Forestry Judging is a rigorous contest with components including: tree identification, insect/disease identification, saw timber estimation and compass/pacing estimation. Guided by coach Caleb Adkins, the team members studied and practiced diligently as they reinforced the 4-H Motto, “Making the Best Better.”

On Sept. 24, senior team members participated in the State Forestry Field Day contest at Rock Eagle in Eatonton, Ga. The competition included the same components as the district contest, with the addition of a forest site evaluation plan. In this part of the contest, the students worked as a team to determine effective forestry management practices for a given area.

Decatur County placed third in the state competition with Stennes Austinson receiving the third place high individual award.

For more information on Decatur County 4-H activities or events, contact the Decatur County Cooperative Extension Office at (229) 248-3033 or check the website at www.ugaextension.com/decatur.