Chambana Sun

Grady Shaffer, a member of Illinois 4-H from Adams County, demonstrated his poultry expertise at the 2024 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference. The event took place on November 21 in Louisville, Kentucky. Competing against top 4-H youth nationwide, Shaffer secured a commendable seventh-place finish in past production hen judging among 79 participants.

The National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference is an annual event that recognizes members who excel in state poultry programs. It provides a platform for young people to develop essential skills related to the poultry industry. These skills include decision-making, reasoning, communication, and technical knowledge in areas such as poultry physiology, food safety, and nutrition.

Participants in the Poultry Judging competition are tested on various competencies including orderly decision-making, reasoning skills, communication of decisions, poultry dish preparation, food safety practices, and subject matter knowledge concerning different species of poultry.

Beyond competition knowledge, these national events offer youth opportunities to learn life skills and explore careers within the poultry and allied industries.

Financial backing for the conference was provided by several organizations including the Department of Animal Sciences, the State 4-H Office, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation.

Illinois 4-H is recognized as a leading youth development program under University of Illinois Extension. It operates through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. The program aims to empower young individuals for life today while preparing them for future careers. Research indicates that those involved in 4-H are more likely to contribute positively to their communities and engage actively in civic activities.

Ken Koelkebeck from University of Illinois served as a source for this information. Carissa Nelson from the Media Communications Manager at the 4-H State Office contributed to writing this report.