The Poultry Project is quickly becoming one of DeKalb County’s most popular 4-H activities. In addition to the Chick-Chain project where youth raise chickens, anyone can be involved in poultry judging even if they can’t raise the birds at home. DeKalb County was recently represented by 11 members at the Central Region contest held in Lebanon. There were a total of 122 participants from across middle Tennessee.
The junior team of Colby Barnes, Macey Cox, Luke Magness, and Westin Wright placed 4th overall. The junior team of Kyra Baker, Ella Pack, and Kolton Slager placed 8th. Macey Cox was 4th high individual. Caleb Taylor competed as an individual in the Jr. High division. The senior high division placed 2nd in the contest and consisted of Caitlyn Lawrence, PJ Ray, and Caleb Taylor. Caitlyn was 1st high individual.
During the contest, there are three classes where eggs are graded on quality: candling, broken out, and exterior. Contestants must know the parts of an egg and how it deteriorates over time when candling. A light is held to the eggs in order to see the interior. The shell is then graded in the exterior quality class, and contestants look for defects and abnormalities. Egg whites and yolks are graded in the broken out class. A class of four, live White Leghorn hens is judged on their egg laying ability. This is determined by the pigment of their skin and abdominal capacity. Senior High members must give oral reasons on this class to defend their decision. Finally, meat parts are identified and carcasses are graded in the ready-to-cook poultry classes.
Many of our poultry judgers have chickens of their own, and the knowledge gained through this contest will help them better care for their birds and market their eggs. Congratulations to these young people on a job well done!
If you are interested in poultry judging or any other 4-H activity, please call 615-597-4945. 4-H is a proud part of UT Extension, the UT Institute of Agriculture, and TSU Cooperative Extension. UT/TSU Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments.
Photo Captions:
Team: DeKalb County 4-H Jr. Teams placed 4th and 8th at the Regional Poultry Judging Contest in Lebanon. Macey Cox was 4th high Individual. Front Row: Westin Wright, Kolton Slager, Kyra Baker, and Ella Pack. Back Row: Macey Cox, Caleb Taylor, Luke Magness, and Colby Barnes.
2nd Place: The Dekalb County Senior High Poulty Judging Team placed 2nd in the Regional Contest: PJ Ray, Caitlyn Lawrence, and Caleb Taylor. Caitlyn Lawrence was high individual.
Luke:
Luke Magness gets ready to evaluate a hen at the Central Region Poulty Judging Contest.
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