A staff report
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service – Bladen County Center proudly announces the results of the 2024 4-H Regional Chicken Contest, showcasing a remarkable performance by local participants across various categories. The event, which draws participants from several counties, highlights the skills and dedication of young individuals in poultry management and showmanship.
Celebrating agricultural education and youth development, the contest featured competitors segmented into three age divisions: Cloverbuds, Juniors, Intermediates, and Seniors. Each category had participants engaging in comprehensive project presentations and live showmanship, demonstrating their knowledge and care of chickens.
Cloverbuds and Juniors Take Center Stage
The youngest group, known as Cloverbuds, featured Lawson Alley and Gage McQueen, who participated enthusiastically, setting a strong foundation for future contests. The Junior division showcased the talents of Nora Bridgers and Evelyn Parrish, highlighting their emerging skills in poultry care and management.
Intermediates and Seniors Excel in Competitive Categories
The Intermediate category was well-represented with Aleigha Alley, Luke Bridgers, and Phyllis-Grace Williamson, demonstrating advanced understanding and capability in handling and presenting chickens. In the highly competitive Senior division, participants like Trindle Beaver and Jackson Bridgers excelled, with Jackson securing first place for his Senior Project Book and Trindle achieving second place in the same category.
The contest placements for Bladen County participants were particularly impressive:
- Luke Bridgers clinched second place in the Intermediate Project Book and also secured second place in the Eastern Egger category.
- Jackson Bridgers’s first-place finish in the Senior Project Book was complemented by his fifth place in Senior Showmanship.
- Trindle Beaver not only took second in the Senior Project Book but also third in Senior Showmanship.
- Phyllis-Grace Williamson earned third place in Intermediate Showmanship.
- Aleigha Alley rounded out the intermediate showmanship category with a sixth-place finish.
The 2024 4-H Regional Chicken Contest provided a platform for young enthusiasts to learn, compete, and grow in the field of poultry care. The NC Cooperative Extension Service – Bladen County Center continues to support these educational programs, fostering skills in agriculture that are essential for the development of responsible and knowledgeable future farmers. These events also serve to strengthen the community’s connection to agriculture, emphasizing the importance of raising and caring for animals responsibly and ethically.
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