Forestry Extension: Youth Programs

Students at the annual forestry career development event.

FFA Forestry

As a part of the Missouri FFA Organization, FFA Forestry is a cooperative effort among educational institutions, government agencies and food, fiber and natural resource-related businesses to ensure a strong and vibrant agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource system for Missouri.

FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The National FFA Organization was organized as the "Future Farmers of America" in 1928 in Kansas City, Mo. In 1988, the official organization name was changed to "The National FFA Organization" to reflect the broadening field of agriculture, which today encompasses more than 300 agriscience careers, including forestry!

The annual Forestry Career Development Event (CDE) is one of many CDEs that are held each spring in conjunction with the Missouri FFA State Convention in Columbia, MO. For more informtion, see the latest edition of the Forestry CDE Guidelines.

The Forestry CDE is designed to stimulate students' interest in forestry and the principles and benefits of forest resource management. The objectives of the CDE are:

Understand and have a basic knowledge of forestry and agroforestry principles
Identify trees common to Missouri
Recognize tools and equipment and their uses in forest management
Inventory standing timber
Understand timber stand improvement principles
Interpret topographic maps and understand legal descriptions

The following references were used in the development of the Forestry CDE:

Conservation Education Series: Forest Management for Missouri Landowners, Instructors Guide. 2005. Missouri Department of Conservation. Contact Matt Seek, MDC Outreach and Education, 573-751-4115 x3288
Fifty Common Trees of Missouri. 2005. Missouri Department of Conservation. Contact Matt Seek, MDC Outreach and Education, 573-751-4115 x3288
Missouri’s Oaks and Hickories. 1993. Missouri Department of Conservation. Contact Matt Seek, MDC Outreach and Education, 573-751-4115 x3288
Forest Management for Missouri Landowners (PDF). 2003. Missouri Department of Conservation.
Trees of Missouri. 1983, University of Missouri, Extension Publication B767.
Windbreaks. 2006. Training Manual for Applied Agroforestry Practices. MU Center for Agroforestry
Riparian Forest Buffers. 2006. Training Manual for Applied Agroforestry Practices. MU Center for Agroforestry
Trees of Indiana (CD). Purdue University. To order, phone 888-398-4636 or visit Purdue Web site