4-H Connections

The Sevier County 4-H Poultry Show was held recently, at the Sevier County Fairgrounds, in Sevierville. The event highlighted the year for 4-H’ers participating in the 4-H Chick Chain Project. Ryan King, a student at Seymour Intermediate School, exhibited the grand Champion Pen of Pullets. Ivan Thacker from Sevierville Middle School exhibited the Reserve Champion Pen of Pullets. Cody Matthews from Sevierville Middle School received the award for the best overall set of poultry records. Other 4-H members exhibiting pullets included Faith Williams, Clarissa Williams, Elias Crawford and Ryan King from Seymour Intermediate; Jonathan Smelcer from Seymour High School; Asa Crawford and Steven Sutton from Seymour Middle and Ivan Thacker, Sara Matthews, and Cody Matthews from Sevierville Middle School. Each of these exhibitors received blue ribbon awards and $10.00 premium money for their pullet entries. Others participating in the Chick Chain Project this year included: Matthew Doyle, Pittman Center and Ben Collins, New Center. The Chick Chain is one of several livestock opportunities available to 4-H members, in Sevier County. The Chick Chain gives young people the opportunity to purchase and raise 25 baby chicks for laying hens. The project begins in March and culminates in September with the county show, where 4-H members enter a pen of three hens. Pens are judged on growth and egg laying quality. Order for the Chick Chain participants, for 2003, will begin in January. If you need more information, about the 4-H Chick Chain Project, please contact Glenn K Turner, at the Agricultural Extension Service, at 453-3695.