Ala. 4-H youth present poultry research on international stage
Alabama 4-H offers an array of poultry projects, from starting a flock of chickens through Chick Chain to competitions like Poultry Judging. With a new, one-of-a-kind program called Poultry Pioneers, four Alabama 4-H members have taken a crack at undergraduate-level research.
Brigid McCrea, an Alabama Extension 4-H and poultry specialist at Auburn University, created the program to address the need for research on small, backyard flocks. The program also gives youth real-world industry experience.
“The 4-H’ers in the pilot group have taken the next step in expanding their knowledge,” McCrea said. “They have read and critiqued research journal articles, conducted their research projects, and organized and presented their findings in a scientific presentation.”
Flock of pioneers
McCrea kicked off the pilot program in September 2025. When forming this first flock of pioneers, McCrea selected the group based on their past successes in 4-H poultry projects and dedication to their own backyard flocks.
At the start of the project, the four pioneers ranged from high school freshmen to seniors. They were responsible for their own research projects, but they worked in pairs of two. Elizabeth Knight of Lamar County and Alyssa Rios of Marengo County focused on egg functionality. Sisters Ava and Emma Mullins of St. Clair County focused on interior and exterior egg quality. All four projects compared eggs from heritage and commercial chicken breeds.
“We want to better educate the consumer about how eggs from different chicken breeds can perform differently,” Knight said. “If someone is using eggs for baked goods, this will help them know what breed will give them the best outcome.”
Building Beyond-Ready 4-H’ers
Throughout the project, the group met regularly to prepare and design their projects. Each pair spent two days collecting lab data in Auburn University’s Department of Poultry Science. They then analyzed and organized the data into scientific presentations.
After 10 months, the project culminated in July when the pioneers presented their research at the 2026 Poultry Science Association annual meeting in Toronto, Canada. During the meeting, the pioneers presented in front of poultry science professionals from around the world. They also learned about cutting-edge research and innovation, returning home to Alabama with certificates of excellence for their contributions to the industry.
Contributing to the poultry science industry and addressing needs of small flock owners are experiences that McCrea said make the pilot group of poultry pioneers beyond ready for great careers.
“The 4-H Poultry Pioneers program reflects Extension’s mission to extend knowledge to communities,” McCrea said. “Our 4-H’ers are doing work that benefits underserved small flock owners as they improve on their own life skills and personal development.”
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