COLUMBIA, Mo. – Almost 90 Missouri 4-H’ers participated in a poultry judging contest, knowledge exam and photography contest at the 2020 State 4-H Poultry Day, hosted virtually in June.

4-H members gained skills in grading eggs and poultry carcasses, identifying poultry cuts, and judging live birds, said Maria Calvert, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture and natural resource science educator.

Top five overall junior judging competitors: First, Oliver Geyer, Clinton County; second, Olivia Williams, Bates County; third, Rafael Vanderpool, Linn County; fourth, Colten Kempf, Boone County; and fifth, Ellery Couch, Lawrence County.

Top five overall senior judging competitors: First, Taylor McCarty, St. Francois County; second, Anna Ahrens, Cape Girardeau County; third, Cassidy Murphy, Callaway County; fourth, Carson Safranski, Callaway County; and fifth, Kinzee Clark, Webster County.

In the photo contest, Colten Kempf, Boone County, took first place and Trinity Holland, Platte County, took second.

Youths indicated that because of their experiences in 4-H, they are able to describe methods used in poultry production, are seeking to learn more about agriculture, and advocate for the agriculture industry, Calvert said. They also reported that they show respect for others’ ideas and look for ways to involve all members.

The 2020 State 4-H Poultry Day was sponsored by The Poultry Federation 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,” said Ty Peckman, MU Extension state 4-H agriculture specialist.

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.