Henderson FFA Member Develops Successful Forest Management and Products Business
Friday, January 31, 2025 | Author: Texas FFA News
David Pinnell, a Henderson FFA member, has been named the top Forest Management and Products proficiency in the nation at the 97th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo.
The high school student has a business where he rakes, bales, and sells pine straw as landscaping mulch.
For as long as I can recall, my family has been involved in the forestry industry in some capacity," sand Pinnell. "Growing up, we always utilized pine straw as a mulch for our flower beds at home. As I got older and began to realize its many benefits, I knew I could make an impact in the forestry industry.”
He is tasked with cleaning the pine straw, which means removing any pine cones, limbs, or bark from trees that do not need to be a part of the final baled product. He then rakes the pine straw into rows before it can be baled, manually or with a four-wheeler.
"I have prided myself in providing a quality product for my community and enjoy following in my father and grandfather's footsteps as I enter the forestry industry," said Pinnell.
Through this Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), he has not only gained skills in sustainable practices and operating equipment, but he has also learned to promote his enterprise and manage finances.
His proficiency has led to an interest and passion that is shaping his future. Pinnell plans to pursue a degree in forest services from Stephen F. Austin University.
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