by by Rachel Petty, UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Despite the stormy weather, the Carson Maxwell Livestock Arena at the Smith County Ag Center was packed with supporters who came out to the Smith County 4-H Chick Chain Show & Sale on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. This event was the culmination of over six months of hard work and responsibility for 19 Smith County 4-H’ers who completed this year’s Chick Chain project.
Through the 4-H Chick Chain, each participating 4-H’er received either 12 or 24 one-day-old baby chicks in April and was responsible for feeding and caring for the chicks throughout the spring and summer, ultimately raising them to become the outstanding laying hens that were brought to our show. This year, each 4-H’er raised either Barred Rock or Rhode Island Red hens.
We were proud of all of the birds that were exhibited, but two pens deserved special recognition. Jay Driver was named Grand Champion, and Kynlee Davis was named Reserve Champion. Both 4-H’ers raised some impressive Rhode Island Red hens.
At the conclusion of our show, each pen of birds was auctioned off to an eager crowd of more than 20 buyers.
We want to say a special thank you to our judge, 4-H Agent Sarah Brazle from Cannon County. After she concluded judging, Sarah took the time to get hands-on with our participants for a teaching demonstration.
Thank you also to our auctioneer Jason Martin with Heartland Real Estate and Auction who comes back with us year after year to share his time and talents to support our local program.
Mike Sircy with Smith Farmers CO-OP also continues to support our Chick Chain project year after year, as well. During the auction, Mike purchased almost every single pen of birds and then donated them back to directly benefit our 4-H’ers.
It takes a village to run a 4-H program, and we couldn’t be more thankful for all of the 4-H’ers, family members, volunteers, community supporters, and buyers who came out to attend this event, purchased birds, and helped us put on another successful event for our local young people who are participating in and learning about agriculture through 4-H.
For further information regarding the 4-H Chick Chain project or any of the many other opportunities that 4-H has to offer the youth in Smith County, call 615-735-2900. 
