COLUMBIA, Mo. – Thirty youths from around the state participated in Missouri 4-H State Poultry Day, held June 12 at the University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center.

State Poultry Day gave participants a full day of educational sessions, workshops and competitions, which included poultry judging, poultry photo and the dozen egg contest. Youths gained firsthand knowledge of cutting-edge industry practices as well as basic poultry knowledge to help them succeed in their projects. 4-H members developed their skills in grading eggs and poultry carcasses, identifying poultry cuts and selection of quality live poultry while networking with youths who share similar interests.

Educational presentations were led by Mark Cunningham, poultry judge and exhibitioner; Janet Snow, MU adjunct professor and poultry nutritionist for CSA Animal Nutrition; Tatijana Fisher, assistant professor and state extension poultry specialist at Lincoln University; and Lorryn Bolte, global product marketing coordinator at Phibro Animal Health Corp.

Top 10 overall junior judging competitors:

1. Asher Ahrens, Cape Girardeau County.
2. Hunter Aufdenberg, Cape Girardeau County.
3. Aiden Wimmer, Callaway County.
4. Madisyn Suess, Cole County.
5. Bryli DeLashmutt, Callaway County.
6. Kirsten Harris, Callaway County.
7. Kasen Ahrens, Cape Girardeau County.
8. Sadie Jackson, Scotland County.
9. Emily Harris, Callaway County.
10. Bailey Aufdenberg, Cape Girardeau County.

In the dozen egg contest, in which youths bring in eggs from their own chickens to be evaluated, the top competitor was August Nagel, Franklin County.

In the photo contest, Morgan Jackson, Scotland County, placed first; Alyzabeth Ambrose, also of Scotland County, placed second.

Top three overall senior judging competitors:

1. Cassidy Murphy, Callaway County.
2. Doralynn Lee, Warren County.
3. Jasmine Gates, Randolph County.

These youths will have the opportunity to represent Missouri in competition at the 2021 National Poultry and Egg Conference.

The 2021 State 4-H Poultry Day was sponsored by The Poultry Federation and the Missouri Egg Council with support from the Missouri 4-H Foundation. Successful and meaningful programs like State 4-H Poultry Day would not be possible without support from our partners.

About 4-H

More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. For more information on Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

Photos available:

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2021/20210614-poultry-j.jpg
Top three juniors in the poultry judging contest, from left: Asher Ahrens and Hunter Aufdenberg, both of Cape Girardeau County, and Aiden Wimmer, Callaway County.

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2021/20210614-poultry-s.jpg
Top three seniors in the poultry judging contest, from left: Doralynn Lee, Warren County; Cassidy Murphy, Callaway County; and Jasmine Gates, Randolph County.