The state Forestry Career Development Event was held April 27 at Green River Lake State Park in Campbellsville.  Competitors took a 50 question multiple choice exam related to forestry and participated in a variety of practicums including tree identification, timber measurements, forestry tool identification, tree disorders, and compass and pacing.  According to State FFA Executive Secretary Matt Chaliff these events mirror skills needed for careers in the state’s thriving forestry industry.  “This event allows members to practice and demonstrate their proficiency in skills that the forestry has identified as valuable to new employees.  Through their participation in the Forestry CDE, these students showed that they have what it takes to be great employees in the years to come.

McCreary Central FFA was the state winner for the second year in a row.  Team members were T. J. Privett, Allison Perry, Brandon Spradlin, and Austin Trucker.  T. J. Privett was also the state high individual in the event.  The team was coached by Advisor Cameron Lee and will represent Kentucky at the National FFA Convention in October.

Whitley County FFA placed second in the event and North Laurel FFA placed third.  Austin Trucker of McCreary Central was the second place individual and Ethan Hamlin of Whitley County was the third place individual.

Click here to view complete results.

A special thanks is extended to the Kentucky Division of Forestry for coordinating the events and to Taylor County FFA for providing lunch.