The University of Arkansas at Monticello Homepage

By Traci Rushing

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

Four Arkansas 4-H members from Baxter County are headed to Weston, West Virginia, where they will represent Arkansas July 19-23 at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational, the premier forestry competition for 4-H youth in the United States.

Baxter County team members Jaxon Biggerstaff, Danny Reeves, Kayden Wright and Owen Harris will compete at the event, which brings together top teams from across the country to compete in forestry-focused events and educational activities.

“I’m excited that our team has the opportunity to compete at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational this summer, especially in only our second year of competing,” said Chris Wright, the team’s coach. “With two members joining the team this year, they’ve worked incredibly hard to learn the many disciplines involved in these forestry contests. I’m extremely proud of their dedication and know they will represent our state well in West Virginia.”

The Baxter County team won the opportunity to compete based on their performance in June at the Arkansas 4-H Forestry Contest. They finished second in the senior division but advanced to the nationals after the first-place team from Ouachita County declined the invitation due to prior commitments.

The Arkansas 4-H Forestry Contest challenges participants in a variety of forestry and natural resource management disciplines, including tree identification, forest management, forestry measurements and related ecological concepts. Through the contest, students develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of sustainable forest stewardship.

“The contest is an excellent opportunity for youth to compete in the various discipline areas of forestry,” said Jaret Rushing, forestry instructor for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and coordinator for the state forestry competition. “Through the contest, we introduce youth to forestry-related academics while promoting stewardship, conservation and management practices that help grow the future of the forestry profession.”

The State contest was held in June at the University of Arkansas Monticello.

Ouachita County’s senior team of Sarah Spicer, Sawyer Thompson, KB Turner and Kiley Vick earned first place overall in the state contest. High-point individual honors were awarded to the following:

• First Place: Gavin Abbott, Ouachita County
• Second Place: Sawyer Thompson, Ouachita County
• Third Place: Kiley Vick, Ouachita County

The Sevier County team of Trevor Davignon, John Moe, Chip Stamps and Ty Wagner finished third.

In the junior division, the first-place team included Westin Clanton, Jase Thomas, Avery Ledbetter and Kayden Allred from Bradley County. The second-place team from Arkansas County included Liam Doepel, Will Edmondson and Cooper Jones. Montgomery County earned third place with team member Robert Samons.

Junior division high-point individual honors were awarded to:

• First Place: Cooper Jones, Arkansas County
• Second Place: Robert Samons, Montgomery County
• Third Place: Westin Clanton, Bradley County

For more information about 4-H or forestry competitions, visit the Arkansas 4-H forestry contest website or contact your local county extension office.

 

 

 

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