The Annual Union County 4-H Chick Chain Show and Sale was held at Jones Farm and Livestock this year. With a great success at this location, we want to thank owner and 4-H supporter Trevor Jones for offering us this opportunity.
In the spring of each year Union County 4-H orders one-day old baby chicks. The 4-H members choose one of the three breeds that they wish to raise. They make a deposit for the 20 chicks they chose, promising to bring six of the grown hens back to auction off in the fall. With this promise, when they return their six chickens, they are refunded their deposits and get to keep the remainder of the hens.
The funds raised at auction are used to sponsor the upcoming year’s Poultry Project and award the kids with premium checks when there is a surplus collected.
This is based each year on profits from the auction, so now we have high expectations for next year. Support the 4-H kids and buy some laying hens next fall. Call the Extension office 865-992-8038 to be added to the postcard list if you want to be reminded to come to the auction.
Kids began arriving and checking in around 5:30 p.m. with bidders and supporters shortly following. The 4-H laying hens were judged by Callie Knoblin. We greatly thank her for her hard work and time.
Chickens were judged in three categories, Black Stars, Golden Stars, and Barred Rocks. Each category was awarded a Grand Champion pen and a Reserve Grand Champion pen and blue and red ribbons according to the quality and composition of the birds.
After judging, the 4-H members were given awards. Grand Champion Black Stars went to Chase Burnett, closely followed by Reserve Champion Crete Cook. Blue Ribbon Winners included Trip Webb, Travyn Farmer, Crete Cooke, and Chase Burnett.
Red Ribbon Winners included Chandler Dickens and Kaylee Dickens. Grand Champion Golden Stars went to Presley Lay, closely followed by Reserve Champion Truett Davis.
Blue Ribbon Winners included Emily Carr, Presley Lay, Gipson Dyer, Asher Effler, and Truett Davis. Red Ribbon Winners included Emily Carr, Lynnsi Bailey, and Ava Cox. All of the kids did an outstanding job caring for their birds. A special recognition to Truett Davis for his participation in the Record Book Contest and for winning the Grand Champion $50 prize.
Around 7 p.m. the auction began. Darrell Dyer volunteered his time to be the auctioneer for the 4-H Poultry members. It is with much appreciation for Darrell as he offers his service to the 4-H program each year.
As a bonus this year, Horace Maynard FFA Homecoming Queen Candidate Morgan Whitaker set up a booth selling barbeque and hot dog dinners and all the fixings. This was a great supplement to her fundraising efforts as well as offering families a meal option while at the event.
The auction was a great success and we thank each individual that helped. There were so many appreciated volunteers and parents. Special thanks to Joe Thomas and Linda Dyer for volunteering their time to assist.