From the Field: To the Forest

We are excited to shine a spotlight on the Mississippi Forestry Association! They just concluded their annual meeting in Biloxi. Hurricane Nate almost interrupted, but the event was pulled off without a hitch!

We were just thrilled to see that a 4-H mother-daughter duo were recognized for their achievements in forestry. Mara Shelton of Neshoba County 4-H received the Outstanding Youth Forestry Achievement Award and her mother Vicky Shelton received the Outstanding Youth Forestry Leader Award. Mara has been a member of the Neshoba County 4-H for eight years and in her forestry 4-H club for three years.

One of the things we love about 4-H is the ability for 4-H’ers to compete at local, state and national levels. Mara’s forestry judging team won the 2017 Mississippi Statewide 4-H Forestry Judging Competition. She even received the highest individual score in that competition. They went on to compete at the 2017 National Forestry Invitational Competition in West Virginia where Mara won the prestigious Joseph N. Yeager Spirit of Leadership Award, which is awarded by her peers! Also, she placed first in the Jack & Jill Log Sawing Competition and second place in the Girl's Log Toss Competition on event day at nationals. Look out world! Mara is amazing!

Of course, 4-H wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers! Vicky has coached the Neshoba County 4-H Forestry Team for three years. She is one of those volunteers that is truly dedicated to educating 4-H’ers and making sure they are prepared for each contest they face.

We appreciate the Mississippi Forestry Association for honoring these true leaders!

Do YOU want to join 4-H? Maybe volunteer? We would love for you to!

Want more forestry news? Check out this Farmweek feature about the MFA’s Logger of the Year!