The University of North Georgia (UNG) welcomed middle and high school students to its Gainesville Campus for the ninth annual Poultry 101 event, an immersive program designed to educate and inspire the next generation of poultry industry professionals.
Led by UNG students and faculty member Dr. Linda Purvis, the event provided hands-on learning experiences to prepare participants for FFA, 4-H, and college-level poultry competitions.
Activities included carcass quality evaluation, egg grading, and poultry product assessment—skills crucial for both competitions and future careers in Georgia’s top agricultural sector.
“Georgia’s poultry industry is the No. 1 agricultural sector in the state, and events like this ensure that young minds are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in this essential field,” Purvis, an associate professor of biology, said. “It’s great to see our students leading and teaching these younger students. This year, we had a great group of students who stepped up and led. It’s exciting to see our own students taking ownership and leading the event.”
UNG students played a key role in mentoring the younger participants. April Cook, a sophomore studying agriculture-avian biology, enjoyed offering guidance for poultry judging.
“The kids were awesome to talk to,” Cook said. “A lot of them had good questions. They really wanted to learn.”
Devin Self, a freshman in agriculture-poultry science, shared how a similar experience during high school influenced his decision to pursue the field.
“I fell in love with it from there,” Self said. “It all drew me in and captivated me.”
For some, Poultry 101 provided clarity on career options. Conner Watson, a freshman whose father works in the industry, noted that the event was especially beneficial for those without direct ties to poultry science.
“Being able to see options around the state that are available for students who have decided to pursue poultry science is very helpful,” Watson said.
The event was made possible through sponsorships from industry leaders, including Mar-Jac Poultry, Fieldale Farms Corporation, Rose Acre Farms, Tyson Foods, Lathem Family Farms, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., and Chick-fil-A Robson Crossing.
With its continued success, Poultry 101 remains a vital program for fostering interest in an industry that plays a key role in Georgia’s economy.
