FFA Poultry Evaluation team to compete nationally at career development event

The Columbia FFA Chapter will send members to Louisville, Ky as they vie for national honors in the area of Poultry Evaluation at the National FFA Career Development Event held during the 86th FFA National Convention and Expo. FFA members who will represent the chapter include Lainyn Kerley, Rock Bridge senior, Rachel Kirchhofer, Rock Bridge junior, Michelle Ross, Rock Bridge senior and Kassie Rankin, Hickman junior.

"This event focuses on a member's ability to utilize logical reasoning in relation to production, management, marketing and consumption of poultry products," said Melissa Dunkel, Career Development Event education specialist.

Poultry Evaluation is one of 25 CDE's, covering job skills in everything from communication to mechanics. Members evaluate production, processing and merchandising phases of the poultry industry as well as identify various industry components. They are also tested on the application of sound management practices. Participants evaluate live birds, present oral reasons and place a class of ready-to-cook broilers.
In the processing and merchandising phase of the event, members select and grade ready-to-cook turkeys, processed products and cartons of eggs. CDE's help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly and perform effectively in a competitive job market.