The Grundy County 4-H forestry judging team won first place in the state competition on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the UT Arboretum. The team will compete in the National 4-H Forestry Invitational in West Virginia in July 2025.

Grundy County Extension Agent Brent Smith coached the winning team of Breanna Meeks, Donovan Seagroves, and Dylan Yoakum. They competed against teams from Claiborne, Greene, Knox, and Monroe counties. Yoakum received the highest individual score, and Seagroves had the second highest.

The contest included tree, disease, insect, and wood identification. Contestants also competed in tree measurement and a compass and pacing portion.

School of Natural Resources Extension Specialist Chris Graves, Assistant Professor Stephen Peairs, and 4-H Extension Program Leader Melissa Henry coordinated the contest. Graves said Kevin Hoyt, director of the UT Arboretum, also helped and has always supported the contest.

UTIA Videographer Charles Denney attended the Central Region 4-H Forestry Judging Contest on Sept. 5 at Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Find out what these contests look like in the video below.