by Katie Martin, Extension Agent – 4-H Youth Development, UT Extension Smith County
Recently, two Smith County 4-H Members had an opportunity to show what they have learned at the Central Region Poultry Senior High Judging Contest. The contest consists of live birds, eggs, and ready-to-cook poultry products. During the contest, there are three classes where eggs are graded on quality: candling, broken out, and exterior. Contestants must know the parts of an egg and how it deteriorates over time when candling. A light is held to the eggs in order to see the interior. The shell is then graded in the exterior quality class, and contestants look for defects and abnormalities. Egg whites and yolks are graded in the broken out class. A class of four live White Leghorn hens is judged on their egg laying ability. This is determined by the pigment of their skin and abdominal capacity. Finally, meat parts are identified and carcasses are graded in the ready-to-cook poultry classes.
This year’s event was held in Murfreesboro on Wednesday, September 23rd. Smith County 4-H was represented by Abby Malone and Carson Meeks. Abby was the 2nd high individual and Carson placed 4th. We are so proud of both of these 4-H’ers for the hard work and effort they put into this contest.
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 is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 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.
