Decatur County 4-H Poultry Judging Contestants
Back L-R: Aubree Neuman, Scott Ross Hayes, Isabella Alvarez
Front L-R: Olivia Head, Savannah Neuman, Madison Patrick, Azriel Bell
The 4-H Southwest Area Poultry Judging Contest was held Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Tifton, Georgia. Decatur County 4-H students participating in the competition were junior team members Azriel Bell, Aubree Neuman, Isabella Alvarez, Savannah Neuman, Olivia Head, and Madison Patrick. The Decatur County junior team earned 2nd place honors at the district contest. Isabella Alvarez was the 3rd high individual, with Olivia Head earning 5th place and Azriel Bell winning 6th place high individual. Scott Ross Hayes competed as a Senior 4-H individual and earned 9th place high scorer. Poultry judging is the largest judging event in the Georgia 4-H Program, with over 500 students participating across the state this year.
The 4-H Poultry Judging contest offers youth a hands-on opportunity to develop critical thinking and evaluation skills through real-world agricultural practices. During the contest, participants judge both live chickens and market poultry, identify parts of birds prepared for sale, and evaluate eggs for quality and market readiness. These activities simulate the standards used in the poultry industry, giving students practical insight into food production and quality control.
One of the most valuable components of the contest is the oral reasons segment. After evaluating a live production class, participants must clearly explain and defend their ranking decisions. This process strengthens communication skills and encourages logical reasoning, as students learn to articulate their observations with confidence and accuracy.
Preparation for poultry judging helps students understand industry standards in poultry and egg production, including factors such as health, productivity, and product quality. Participants apply these standards in 10 different categories that require careful analysis and attention to detail.
Beyond the competition, the skills gained through 4-H poultry judging extend into everyday life. Participants become more informed consumers, able to make smarter choices when purchasing poultry and eggs at grocery stores or dining in restaurants. Ultimately, the program equips youth with knowledge and abilities that are valuable both within and outside of agriculture.
Georgia 4-H partners with specialists at the University of Georgia for all its livestock programs. The UGA Poultry Science Department has a vital and long-standing relationship with 4-H. Poultry science faculty travel and prepare the area-level contests as well as the state contest, taking care to provide consistent and accurate classes for every 4-H’er.
Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities. For more information about Decatur County 4-H, call the UGA Extension Office at 229-248-3033 or visit www.georgia4h.org.
