4-H Youth Rule the Roost

— Written by Coleman Killinger | October 23, 2024 (Updated: Oct. 23, 2024, 5:09 a.m.)

4-H Youth Rule the Roost

Participants of the 2024 Carteret County 4-H Poultry Showmanship Clinic and Show

When it comes to poultry showmanship, 4-H youth rule the roost. On October 14, Carteret County 4-H hosted a Poultry Showmanship Clinic and Show, allowing participants to explore poultry showmanship, start to finish.

Youth were introduced to Mr. Dylan Proctor, an Animal Health Technician with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). Mr. Proctor's role in poultry showmanship comes just before the show starts. When birds are brought together in groups, the NCDA&CS requires a blood sample be taken from each bird. This sample is then tested for a variety of diseases. This ensures safe handling of the birds and allows flocks to be monitored to improve health.

Mrs. Margaret Ross, Eastern Area Specialized Poultry Agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension was also present to share her expertise in the area of poultry care and showmanship. Mrs. Ross serves 32 counties, primarily working with commercial poultry producers to assist in writing nutrient management plans and conducting educational programming. Mrs. Ross shared a variety of resources with the youth including career paths for those interested in agriculture and poultry and more information about the NC State Agricultural Institute and Prestage Department of Poultry Science.

The Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center is no stranger to the horse show world, but its Director, Mrs. Susan Tyre, has roots in poultry as well. Mrs. Tyre, as a youth, competed in many poultry events, including the Youth Market Turkey Show as the NC State Fair. She shared the do's and don'ts of showmanship with the youth. She worked one on one with the youth to ensure safe handling of the birds while showing and gave them in depth knowledge of how to know their birds meet poultry standards.

Together, Mrs. Ross and Mrs. Tyre judged the show at the end of the clinic.

Chicken Showmanship Champion and Reserve Champion — (from L to R) Susan Tyre (judge), James Williams, Cate-Hill Binkley, Margaret Ross (judge)

Tyre (judge) works one on one with youth and parents during showmanship clinic.

Ross (judge) discusses poultry health with youth during showmanship clinic.

Display of various eggshell colors, provided by E. Daly, participant in the showmanship clinic.

Carteret County 4-H offers may poultry related projects and activities throughout the year including the Coastal Plains Chicken Project and Avian Bowl teams. Youth and their families who are interested should reach out to their local 4-H agent for details. In Carteret County, families can contact the 4-H office by calling 252-222-6375 or they can email the 4-H agent at coleman_killinger@ncsu.edu.

N.C. Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.