Are you a 4-H member who is a whiz on the grill? Why not consider competing in the national 4-H chicken or turkey contest at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference. It is a great opportunity to highlight your talents, competing with other 4-Hers around the country.
Many counties around the country hold 4-H chicken barbecue contests. If your county doesn’t, consider having your club start one. In the national contests the participants have 2½ hours to cook 3 chicken halves or 2 turkey breast fillets. The grills, charcoal and lighter fluid are provided, along with the chicken or turkey meat. Participants provide the tools and know-how to barbecue the meat. The participants are judged on their cooking skills (including handling the food safely) as well as the appearance and taste of the finished product. In the national contest contestants are also required to give an ‘illustrated talk’ showing their knowledge of the chicken or turkey industry in the US. Most county and state contests don’t include this in their contests, but 4-H seniors who want to represent their state in the national contest should be aware of this requirement.
RESOURCES
Kentucky 4-H chicken and turkey barbecue project (University of Kentucky)
Webinar – Cooking Your Way to the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference
AUTHOR
Dr. Jacquie Jacob
University of Kentucky
jacquie.jacob@uky.edu