Crest takes home top poultry prize

Jordan Ledbetter, Jeremy Lewis, Justin McEntyre, Matthew Morrow and Tyler Ross, part of the FFA poultry team, went through rigorous competition to come in first among 350 students from 78 high schools.

 

Matt Harris, adviser, said the team members learned critical thinking skills, skills in grading products and leadership capabilities. “They’re dedicated to working hard and learning,” Harris said. “I get my enjoyment by seeing them successful.”

 

Tyler Ross said he has been part of the FFA poultry team two years. At the competition they judge chickens, interior and exterior of eggs and poultry ready to be cooked.

 

He said they practice every week starting in late September and going throughout the year. McEntyre said they often spend evenings and weekends practicing.

 

Case Farms LLC, regional poultry integrator, helped sponsor the Crest FFA team.

 

This event is one of 42 different career development events offered to FFA members on the state level.

 

Perdue Farms Inc., with in-kind support from the Department of Poultry Science at N.C. State University, sponsors the State Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event.

 

The N.C. FFA is a youth organization of 16,576 student members preparing for leadership and careers in science, business and technology of agriculture with 228 local chapters across the state.