By Blake Jackson
Missouri 4-H was prominently represented at the National Poultry and Egg Conference, held November 19-21 in Louisville, Kentucky, showcasing the skills and dedication of youth members in poultry-related competitions.
Participants competed in Poultry Judging, Turkey BBQ, and Chicken BBQ contests, according to Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.
The Missouri poultry judging team included Lance Jacobs from Harrison County, Carter Chidster, Makennah Lavy, and Ellie Butler from Lincoln County. Team members evaluated production hens, judged raw and processed chicken products, presented oral reasons, and assessed market eggs over several rounds.
The team excelled in the market egg division, finishing third overall, missing second place by just one point. The combined Harrison County-Lincoln County team placed seventh overall, with Jacobs achieving 12th high individual among competitors from 25 states.
“This experience has changed me as it has expanded my horizon of what I can accomplish. Going into this, I had never been involved in the poultry industry as my passions have always been cattle and sheep, but this has changed my perspective on poultry and how I have realized just what an amazing and powerful industry it is,” said Lavy.
The team credited their coach, Sean O’Brien, for his “countless hours spent preparing, studying, encouraging and helping them consider pursuing poultry, 4-H and FFA-related careers.” Missouri 4-H also performed well in the BBQ contests, with Colby Anderson of Warren County placing third in the Turkey BBQ contest, and Landon Nelson representing the state in the Chicken BBQ competition.
Photo Credit: 4-h
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Poultry