No endorsement of these products or services by 4-H is implied or intended.

The Farm Credit System

Farm Credit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services, today and tomorrow. Farm Credit has been fulfilling its mission of helping these areas grow and thrive for a century by providing farmers with the capital they need to make their businesses successful and by financing vital infrastructure and communication services. Because a steady flow of capital means more jobs and economic growth, Farm Credit is able to invest in the vibrancy of communities throughout rural America. For more information about Farm Credit please visit farmcredit.com.

F&W Forestry

F&W is an international forest resource management and consulting firm dedicated to helping landowners gain the most value and enjoyment per acre from their forestland. We believe that environmentally viable timberland is economically viable timberland. F&W is a privately owned forestry company headquartered in Albany, Georgia, with more than 50 years experience and more than 100 advanced-degree professionals operating in forests throughout the U.S., South America and Europe.

Green Diamond

Green Diamond is a sixth-generation, family-owned forest products company that owns and manages working forests in nine states throughout the western and southern U.S. They are a values-driven company with an enduring legacy as successful caretakers of working forests and the natural resources they provide. One of the five largest timberland owner-operators in the U.S., demonstrating a 100% commitment to sustainable forest management. To learn more about Green Diamond, click here.

The Society of American Foresters

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is the national scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States. Founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot, it is the largest professional society for foresters in the world. The mission of the Society of American Foresters is to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and, to use the knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society. SAF is a nonprofit organization meeting the requirements of 501 (c) (3). SAF members include natural resource professionals in public and private settings, researchers, CEOs, administrators, educators, and students. Since 1900, the Society of American Foresters has provided access to information and networking opportunities to prepare members for the challenges and the changes that face natural resource professionals. To find out more about SAF click here.

Southern Regional Extension Forestry

In 1979, the thirteen Southern 1862 Land-Grant institutions and the USDA Forest Service signed a cooperative agreement creating the Southern Regional Extension Forester (SREF) position to serve as a liaison role between the USDA Forest Service and the thirteen Extension Forest Resources units in the South. The position has evolved into a regional programming, representation, promotion, and communication role within the forestry and natural resource communities regionally and nationally.

The goal of the SREF Office is to identify, prescribe, and implement a mix of education and technical services that increase the efficiency of forestry programs in the southern United States. The SREF Office facilitates programming among professionals who work on numerous issues and opportunities facing the forestry and natural resources communities. To find out more about SREF click here.

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Virginia Cooperative Extension was established in 1914 and is a partnership between Virginia’s two land grant universities: Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. Today, Extension operates out of 107 offices, 11 Agricultural Research and Extension centers, and six 4-H centers across the commonwealth. Their agents, specialists, and volunteers work to assist farmers, empower youth, guide responsible resource management, and advance the wellbeing of all Virginians. To learn more about Virginia Cooperative Extension, click here.

West Virginia University Extension Service

WVU Extension Service educators and volunteers build and help sustain collaborations and partnerships with people and organizations in West Virginia, to improve their lives and communities. WVU's programs and services strengthen leaders of all ages, youth, and families. We develop and teach best practices for sustainable agriculture, for responsible use of renewable resources, and stewardship of natural resources. We work to improve our state’s communities, workforce, and the economy. To find out more about WVU Extension Service click here.