The Power of Youth Programs in Poultry Production

In a recent episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Mary Fosnaught from the North Carolina State University’s Prestage Department of Poultry Science. Their conversation unveils the transformative influence that youth programs, like 4H, have on instilling confidence and advocacy skills in young people interested in food animal production.

Dr. Fosnaught elaborates on the significance of hands-on experience with animals, highlighting how such engagement cultivates leadership, public speaking abilities, responsibility, and empathy—skills that digital screens simply cannot replicate. The dialogue traces the historical roots of youth agricultural programs from the early “corn clubs” to the modern-day necessity of connecting youth with agricultural traditions amid global food challenges.

The Youth Market Turkey Show

A focal point of their conversation is the Youth Market Turkey Show at the North Carolina State Fair, a thriving partnership between NC State and the fair itself. This initiative showcases market poultry while allowing participants to receive three poults in June, raise them at home, and return in October to present their best hen, thereby learning about poultry husbandry in a practical setting.

Dr. Fosnaught emphasizes the accessibility of turkeys and chickens for families that may not have the capacity for larger livestock. Within just 16 weeks, young people witness firsthand the impact of genetics, nutrition, and responsible care. Importantly, many exhibitors bring their project full circle by processing their remaining birds for Thanksgiving, instilling a deeper understanding of food production and family sharing. This experience equips them with factual knowledge to address common misconceptions about poultry farming while discussing biosecurity and animal welfare with fair visitors.

Building the Future of Poultry Science

The discussion also delves into career prospects within the poultry sector. Dr. Fosnaught advocates for presenting poultry science as a primary career path rather than something stumbled upon later in a student’s academic journey. She highlights an impressive array of careers within the industry, from engineering and data science to communications and administration—many of which don’t involve direct interaction with birds.

As a declining segment of the population produces food for the majority, it becomes vital to cultivate a new generation that appreciates, understands, and can advocate for the intricacies of animal agriculture. The insights shared in this episode are a crucial reminder of the importance of education and youth engagement in securing the future of safe and affordable protein sources for everyone.

To listen to the full episode, check out the podcast embedded below: