Putnam County 4-H Teams Place at Region and State Events
By: Melissa Henry, 4-H Agent
Recently 4-H members tested their natural resources knowledge at the region and state levels. Learning more about our soil and our trees can be useful as these members go on to become homeowners and nature enthusiasts as adults. Youth competed at the 4-H land and forestry judging contests, which are some of the many judging areas offered through the 4-H program which is part of the UT Extension.
Putnam County 4-H members competed in the region land judging contest held recently in Springfield. In land judging, youth learn about soil textures, drainage classes, how to determine slope, and land capability classes. The junior high team of Cadence Howell, Britta Gaetjens, and Jackson Huff placed 3rd in the competition. Jackson was the 7th place individual and Cadence was the 10th place individual. It was the first time that any of these 4-H members had participated in the contest.
The Senior High forestry judging team competed in the state contest held recently at the East Tennessee Research and Education Center in Knoxville. The team earned their spot by winning the region contest earlier in the year. The state contest consists of tree identification, compassing, tree measurement, and a team portion called forest site evaluation. Team members were Hannah Bernhardt, Bailey Steger, and Blake Shepherd. The team placed 6th overall with Hannah Bernhardt earning 4th place individual honors.
Judging teams are offered throughout the year for youth in grades 4 – 12. For more information about 4-H judging teams, please contact the 4-H Office at 526-4561.
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Photo Captions
Photo state forestry: The senior high team received 6th place in the state forestry contest. Team members were (L to R) Blake Shepherd, Hannah Bernhardt, and Bailey Steger
Photo land: The junior high land judging team placed 3rd in the region contest. Team members were (L to R) Jackson Huff, Cadence Howell, and Britta Gaetjens
Photo land practice: Britta Gaetjens (left) and Cadence Howell work to identify soil characteristics while practicing for the 4-H land contest.
