4-H Poultry Judging Team competes at area contest

Eight 4-H’ers from Emanuel County tested their poultry knowledge on April 21, 2025, at the Area 4-H Poultry Judging Competition held in Lyons, Georgia.

At the competition, all contestants judged two classes of live birds for egg production and gave oral reasons for their selections on one class. In addition, they judged carcasses and ready to cook products for meat quality, candled eggs to determine freshness and grade, and judged eggs for exterior and broken-out quality.

The Senior team (9th-12th grades) received sixth place in the 12-county competition. Team members were Nataleigh Belcher, Lauren Sapp, and Nathaniel Harry. The Junior team (4th-8th grades) made up of Elizabeth Harry, Sam Lawrence, Karaleigh Mills, Benton Harry, and Lyndon Singletary placed 6th out of 14 teams.

Team members prepared for the event by attending classes and workshops instructed by Jakyn Tyson, Emanuel County 4-H Agent. Crider Foods generously served as the donor for the Emanuel County 4-H Poultry Judging Team. This evaluation competition is a major event for the Georgia 4-H Poultry Program, a culmination of many months, sometimes years, of hard work. This event provides the opportunity for youth to learn and understand the standards used in poultry and egg production. In addition, they learn the importance of marketing to the public and how to apply those learned skills in a realistic decision-making process. This program is dedicated to teaching Georgia youth animal husbandry as well as life skills such as critical thinking skills, teamwork and oral communication skills.

For more information on Emanuel County 4-H and how you can get involved as a student or volunteer, contact them at (478) 237-1226 or visit the office located at 129 North Anderson Drive in Swainsboro.