4-H News: 4-H Chick Chain Show & Sale

By Katie Martin -UT, Extension Agent – Each spring, 4-H members in Smith County have the opportunity to become involved in the 4-H Chick Chain. This activity allows 4-H’ers to receive one-day-old baby chicks to raise. The 4-H’er is responsible for feeding and caring for the chicks, and at the end of the project, they have the opportunity to show and sell their hens.

Tuesday, October 25th was the culmination of over seven months of hard work for sixteen Smith County 4-H members. 4-H’ers brought three of their best hens, which they received as chicks through our Chick Chain program, to Smith Farmers Co-op to be judged and auctioned off.

This year Chick Chain participants raised Buff Orpington and Barred Rock hens. All of our 4-H’ers brought outstanding birds, but there were several pens that deserved special recognition. Our Grand Champion was Abby Malone, and Mason Thomason earned our Reserve Champion award. We are so proud of all the hard work that each 4-H’er put into raising and taking care of their birds!

A special thank you to our judge, Jared Goad, and our auctioneer, Brian Harville. We would also like to give a special thank you to Smith Farmers Co-Op for not only hosting our show in their warehouse, but for sponsoring prize money for each 4-H’er that completed the project. Most importantly, thank you to the parents and community supporters that attend this event, purchase birds, and help to make it a success each year.

The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. For further information concerning the many opportunities that 4-H has to offer the youth in Smith County, call 615-735-2900.