Oak Ridge, Tennessee, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The Smith County 4-H Senior High Forestry Judging Team earned a commendable 3rd place at the state competition, showcasing their skills against strong competitors. Team members excelled in various forestry tasks, with Turner Harville achieving 4th place individually. Their success comes after winning 1st place at the regional level. The awards banquet at the University of Tennessee celebrated their hard work and dedication, acknowledging the support of alumni coaches.
Smith County
The Smith County 4-H Senior High Forestry Judging Team achieved 3rd place overall at the state competition held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The team faced challenging competition from six other 4-H Forestry Judging teams across the state as part of the University of Tennessee’s Fall Judging Day.
The Smith County team, comprised of members Tana Harville, Turner Harville, and Avery O’Brien, excelled in various tasks related to forestry. Individual member Turner Harville notably secured 4th place overall in the competition.
During the State 4-H Forestry Judging contest, participants tackled a series of challenges that included identifying trees, insects, diseases, and types of wood. They were also tested on their ability to measure trees, complete a compass and pacing course, and collaboratively assess forestry conditions in the Forest Evaluation challenge.
The Smith County team advanced to the state level after winning 1st place at the Central Region 4-H Forestry Judging Contest, which was held at Cedars of Lebanon State Park in late August. Following their efforts at the UT Arboretum, an Awards Banquet occurred on the Ag Campus of the University of Tennessee Knoxville. The banquet, which offered a barbecue dinner, brought together 4-H members from across Tennessee to celebrate their accomplishments and receive awards.
Rachel Petty, the UT Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, expressed pride in the Smith County 4-H’ers, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to the Forestry Judging program. Special thanks were extended to 4-H Alumni Carson Meeks and former National 4-H Forestry Judging competitors Easton Bibbings, Emmy Bibbings, and Owen Meeks for their invaluable coaching throughout the season.
For further information regarding 4-H activities and events, individuals may contact Rachel Petty at the UT-TSU Extension Smith County office via phone or email.
Key Features of the Event
- Event Date: October 4, 2025
- Location: UT Arboretum, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
- Smith County Team Members: Tana Harville, Turner Harville, Avery O’Brien
- Competition Type: State 4-H Forestry Judging Contest
- Achievements: 3rd place overall, 4th place individual (Turner Harville)
- Previous Qualification: 1st place at Central Region Contest
Frequently Asked Questions
What place did the Smith County 4-H Senior High Forestry Judging Team achieve at the state competition?
The Smith County 4-H Senior High Forestry Judging Team secured 3rd place overall in the competition.
Who were the members of the Smith County Team?
Team members included Tana Harville, Turner Harville, and Avery O’Brien.
What individual achievement did Turner Harville attain?
Individually, Turner Harville achieved 4th place.
What tasks were participants required to complete during the competition?
Participants in the State 4-H Forestry Judging contest were tasked with various challenges, including identifying trees, insects, diseases, and wood.
What was the qualification process for the state competition?
The Smith County team qualified for the state competition after winning 1st place at the Central Region 4-H Forestry Judging Contest.
Where and when was the Awards Banquet held?
Following the competition at the UT Arboretum, an Awards Banquet took place on the Ag Campus of the University of Tennessee Knoxville.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Royal Examiner
- The Republic
- Tallahassee.com
- St. Augustine Record
- PB Commercial
- Wikipedia: 4-H
- Google Search: 4-H Forestry Judging
- Google Scholar: 4-H programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 4-H
- Google News: 4-H competition
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