4-H poultry judging team produces numerous area contest winners

Emanuel County 4-H sent eight competitors to the Area 4-H Poultry Judging Competition in Lyons on April 19 and ended the contest with several winners.

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.

“Despite the COVID challenges this year, students and coaches have done a great job preparing for and participating in the poultry judging events,” said Dr. Casey Ritz, University of Georgia professor and Poultry Science Extension Program coordinator.“It is our pleasure as faculty of the UGA Poultry Science Department to assist with 4-H youth development efforts.”

Emanuel’s junior team (fourth through eighth grades) comprised of Kamm’Rynn Bell, Lawson Frye, Sam Lawrence, Spencer Lawrence, and Lauren Sapp received first place.

The local senior team (ninth through 12th grades) made up of Jose Hernandez, Sarah Beth Kersey, and Grace McBride received first place as well.

Additionally, many 4-H’ers were recognized for their individual scores.

From a total of 28 competitors, Kersey was recognized as the overall highest individual score in the senior division.

In the junior division, Sapp was the overall highest individual score while Spencer Lawrence was the second highest of 33 competitors.

At the Georgia 4-H State Poultry Judging Contest held April 30 at the Oglethorpe County Livestock Facility, the senior team went on to place ninth out of the top 14 teams from across the state.

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.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 190,000 people annually through the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities. For more information about Emanuel County 4-H and how to get involved as a student or volunteer, call 478-237-1226 or visit the office at 129 North Anderson Drive, Swainsboro.