University of North Georgia (UNG) students and faculty member Dr. Linda Purvis hosted their ninth annual Poultry 101 event for middle and high school students Feb. 22 at UNG's Gainesville Campus.

It was an immersive event designed to train, educate and inspire the future of the poultry industry. Students participating in Poultry 101 received expert instruction and hands-on learning opportunities to prepare them for FFA, 4-H and even college-level poultry competitions.

Through activities like carcass quality evaluation, egg grading and poultry product assessment, they gained critical skills that will set them apart in competitions and future careers.

"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."

April Cook, a sophomore from Toccoa, Georgia, pursuing an associate degree in agriculture-avian biology, enjoyed offering pointers for poultry judging to the younger students.

"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 from Hull, Georgia, pursuing an associate degree in agriculture-poultry science, also was grateful to be able to impart some of his knowledge. A few years back, a joint practice with the poultry judging teams from Self's high school and UNG helped set him on his current path.

"I fell in love with it from there," Self said. "It all drew me in and captivated me."

Conner Watson, a freshman from Watkinsville, Georgia, pursuing an associate degree in agriculture-poultry science, has a father who works in the poultry industry. Events like Poultry 101 are beneficial for those who don't have such a direct tie to the industry.

"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.

Jacque Conner, a senior from Dawsonville, Georgia, pursuing a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies after earning an associate degree in agriculture-poultry science, attended Poultry 101 while she was in high school. When she decided to transfer to UNG from another college, that experience proved to be fruitful.

"Poultry 101 really opened my eyes to the world of poultry," Conner said. "It made me realize I didn't have to go to UGA or out of state to study poultry science."

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 sponsored the event.