December 15, 2020
By: Leigh Fuson
The COVID-19 Pandemic caused a lot of changes and cancelations for every group and organization this year. This is no different for DeKalb County 4-H. While it has been challenging and discouraging at times, 4-H has continued to be as active as possible with modified programs and activities. One of these programs was the first (and hopefully last!) virtual poultry judging contest.
We had teams compete virtually in both the Central Region and the Tennessee State contests. Cali Agee, Angelique Barrick, Laura Magness, and Luke Magness placed 1st in the junior high division.
Laura was 5th high individual, Angelique 6th, and Luke 10th. Also competing in the junior division were Autumn Crook and Wade Evans. On the state level, the senior high team of Briona Agee, Jenna Cantrell, Summer Crook, and Lydia Davenport placed 4th. Jenna was 5th high individual overall and 3rd in the production category which includes the live bird judging.
During the contest, there are three classes where eggs are graded on quality: candling, broken out, and exterior. A class of four, live White Leghorn hens is judged on their egg laying ability. Finally, meat parts are identified and carcasses are graded in the ready-to-cook poultry classes. This year, high quality pictures and videos were used to judge from the computer.
Although a virtual contest isn’t ideal, we are thankful to our regional and state staff for the opportunity to compete, learn, and develop teamwork. We are proud of these 4-H members for their hard work and determination during this competition!
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.