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Thanks to the generosity of the Polk County Farm Bureau office, the local 4-H Poultry Club is definitely counting their chickens before they hatch. Polk County 4-H Agent Helen Blackwell was recently contacted by Doug Harmon on behalf of the Farm Bureau to see how the agency might help 4-H youth. 

Blackwell shared that 4-H is kicking off a new Poultry Club in September, and that most of the ten families who are participating are new to owning chickens. The club will teach 4-H members recommended management practices so that they can start their own backyard laying flock. Youth will not only raise their own poultry but participate in the 4-H Poultry Judging program, the regional avian bowl, and even learn how to start a small business selling eggs.

With this initiative in mind, the Polk County Farm Bureau office gave a donation to the club of $2,500.00 to help purchase coop materials, chicks and feed for participating families. Club members will work together to build their own coops. As they progress in their knowledge, current members will also be responsible for passing along their knowledge to new members who join in the future.

“These are monies that will keep on giving for years to come, and we are so grateful to Farm Bureau for investing in our Polk County youth this way,” says Blackwell. 

For more information on 4-H programs in Polk County, visit the NC Cooperative Extension of Polk County website at polk.ces.nscu.edu or call 828-894-8218. 

Submitted by Kerry Jones

 

Polk County 4-H Youth Development Agent Helen Blackwell leads the new Poultry Club program