Poultry Judging 2026 Program Information
Poultry judging is for youth ages 8-18 as of January 1! If youth would like to participate, we would love for them to do and more information about the program is below along with links. Youth MUST register in 4-H Online in order to participate. The registration link will take you to the 4-H Online page where you can sign-up in 4-H Online or you can login and see the program under the "Events" tab in your account. Please let us know if you need any help or have trouble accessing it!Why Poultry Judging?
Students will learn . . .
- Poultry Judging promotes the study of unique agricultural fields
- To think critically
- To make decisions based on a rubric or set of ideal standards
- To decisively communicate their decisions to others
- About poultry life cycles
- Where their poultry produce comes from
- How to grade eggs inside and out
- How to judge production laying hens so that you can tell if a bird is going to be a good layer
- How to grade ready-to-cook birds
- The different cuts of meat for chickens
- How to prepare your meat safely in your home
- Participate at the State Poultry Competition at NC State University!
Poultry Judging gives students a look into one of the unique fields of agriculture. They gain insight and knowledge of what is involved in the poultry industry and how that affects them personally as they consume poultry products.
It gives students a look at how food is graded and what is safe and appropriate to eat along with being able to identify what they are eating and how to safely handle and cook their meat.
It also contributes to critical thinking and communication skills. Part of the program requires students to make decisions based on pre-determined criteria and to explain why they made the decisions they did to a judge. Students increase in skills and confidence in their speaking abilities and learn to make good decisions for specific reasons.
