Youth Poultry Programs
Agricultural Education
With so many of our population far removed from agriculture, it is critical that we educate the next generation about agriculture and its importance to society. Research has shown that reaching people at an early age will impact their decisions and future goals. They learn that they can study poultry science in college and pursue careers in this important industry.
MSU Extension’s Youth Poultry Programs
MSU Extension’s Youth Poultry Programs directly impact participants, as well as their families, friends, and peers. Young people increase their knowledge of the poultry industry and its importance to society. The skills they gain in Extension’s Youth Poultry Programs will last a lifetime!
4-H Poultry Chain Project
The 4-H Poultry Chain Project gives young people across the state an opportunity to grow and manage their own birds, implement biosecurity practices, and learn about the poultry industry.
Ages
Cloverbuds (ages 5–8), Junior 4-H’ers (ages 8–13), and Senior 4-H’ers (ages 14–18) can show at the county level.
Junior and Senior 4-H’ers can advance to the Mississippi State Fair.
Poultry Judging (4-H and FFA)
Standards must be met in every aspect of the poultry industry, from meat to egg production. Poultry Judging teaches participants those standards and why they are important in the industry. Participants use USDA grading criteria and their decision-making skills to judge ready-to-cook poultry products and live birds.
Ages
Junior and Senior 4-H’ers. The State Champion Senior Team advances to the National Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
FFA students ages 12–21. The State Champion Senior Team advances to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
4-H Avian Bowl
Knowing the facts improves the outcome in almost any situation. Accurate information helps people make informed decisions, predict potential challenges, devise effective strategies, and communicate effectively—all critical for a successful career. 4-H Avian Bowl encourages participants to expand their knowledge of avian facts and compete in fast-paced questioning in a quiz-bowl setting.
Ages
Senior 4-H’ers. The State Champion Senior Team will advance to the National Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
4-H Egg Chef Challenge
4-H’ers test their culinary skills during this contest, while also presenting their knowledge of the egg industry, from quality standards to the economic value of eggs. Jam-packed into 12 minutes, master chefs prepare a dish and present knowledge gained throughout their project.
Ages
Senior 4-H’ers. The State Champion advances to the National Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
4-H Chicken and Turkey BBQ Cook-out
The grills are hot, but the competition is hotter in this race for the perfect chicken or turkey recipe. Participants showcase their pitmaster skills and their knowledge of the poultry meat industry, from the nutritional value to the economic impact.
Ages
Junior and Senior 4-H’ers. The Senior State Champion advances to the National Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
Omelet and Crepe Cook-off Contest
At both Dixie National and the Mississippi State Fair, participants are challenged to develop creative recipes and showcase their cooking and serving skills in front of a crowd. In this fun competition, youth also demonstrate their knowledge of food safety and nutrition when preparing meals.
Ages
Junior and Senior 4-H’ers.
The Omelet and Creep Cook-off Contest is currently sponsored by the Mississippi Poultry Association, Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, and Mississippi Beef Council.
Farm to Fork: Poultry Science Camp
Through hands-on demonstrations, activities, and tours, campers explore the world of poultry, from the egg to the chicken nugget. This week-long camp is full of adventures, immersing participants in the layer and broiler industries. Learning disguised as play—it’s fun for everyone!
Ages
Third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders
Opportunities to Support Extension Youth Poultry Programs
We offer poultry programs and contests for Mississippi youth of all ages and interests! Young people in Extension’s Youth Poultry Programs are…
- learning more about the poultry industry.
- discovering career opportunities related to poultry production.
- engaging in creative contests and fun activities, from growing birds to cooking omelets.
When you sponsor these programs in any amount, you are supporting the future of the poultry industry!
Ways to support Extension’s Youth Poultry Programs
- Establish an endowment for perpetual support of 4-H poultry programs
- Present a one-time sponsorship
- Contribute specific awards directly to participants
For more information on MSU Extension’s Youth Poultry Programs and sponsorship opportunities, contact Tannah Christensen at t.christensen@msstate.edu.
Publications
News
Farm supply stores are full of cute chicks in the spring, and the sight of the fluffy baby birds, combined with future dreams of fresh eggs, prompts many people to impulsively start a backyard flock.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Keeping buffalo wings on menus is a supply chain issue that goes all the way back to procedures farm workers follow to protect the health of commercially grown chickens.
Baby chickens are so cute and cuddly that few people can resist holding them. Unfortunately, as public interest in raising backyard birds has grown so has the number of Salmonella outbreaks in the U.S. (Photo by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Success Stories
Children who enjoy hands-on learning and want to showcase their accomplishments and compete against fellow participants can join the 4-H Poultry Chain Project.
The 4-H Poultry Chain Project regularly receives generous donations from organizations across the state, but the project has never received a donation quite like Southern AgCredit’s pledge of $25,000 over 5 years.
When FARMtastic makes its rounds over South Mississippi, residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations come together to ensure that participants have a great time.
