TUCKER, Ga. — The USPOULTRY Foundation recently held its 77th Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest, held at Mississippi State University. Ten universities participated with Texas A&M University winning the high team overall category, while Ohio State University earned second place.
The Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest works to increase student enrollment in poultry science and gives students the opportunity to showcase how well they have mastered the USDA rules and regulations governing the grading of eggs and poultry carcasses, USPOULTRY notes, adding that the contest is all a part of the Foundation’s comprehensive student outreach program.
In addition to Texas A&M’s win, TAMU students Kyle Leibham and Annalyn Flores were recognized, with Leibham earning high individual overall honors and Flores finishing second, USPOULTRY noted in its statement.
“As these students look forward to industry careers, we are grateful for their interest in gaining this hands-on experience in judging live bird, breed selection, market products and egg grading,” Barbara Jenkins, USPOULTRY Foundation executive director, said. “Congratulations to the high team and high individual overall category winners, and to all of the teams that participated. We thank MSU once again for hosting the program.”
While this contest is a way for students to demonstrate their poultry judging skills, the Foundation also used the program to recognize Bonnie Walters with the University of Wisconsin River Falls for her 34 years of coaching service. This 77th contest was her final time coaching.
“We also thank Ms. Walters for her continued support and all her years of service,” Jenkins added.
The Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest is just one part of the USPOULTRY Foundation’s wide range of student and youth outreach initiatives. Its other initiatives include sponsoring the annual College Student Career Program, International Student Program and National FFA Career Development Events at the International Poultry Expo (IPE), as well as co-sponsoring the Ph.D. and Vet Student Career Fair during the International Poultry Expo, as part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), USPOULTRY added.
The Foundation’s additional outreach initiatives focus on programs for high school, technical school, and elementary school students, while also supporting recruitment efforts at schools and universities.
To learn more about the Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest and the USPOULTRY Foundation, visit www.uspoultry.org.
