Issue or Situation

Poultry is Kentucky’s leading agricultural industry and a major economic driver in Cumberland County, where large-scale poultry farms, along with businesses in trucking, feed production, and processing, provide significant employment opportunities. According to the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture, Cumberland County is home to 409 farms, underscoring the region’s deep agricultural roots. However, as the number of farms declines and the average age of producers rises, preparing the next generation with essential agricultural knowledge and skills is more important than ever.

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Community Needs Assessment (2023) highlights the importance of agricultural literacy, workforce readiness, and life skill development among youth. Hands-on experiences in poultry science foster responsibility, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for agriculture, while also preparing students for future careers in the industry. To bridge this gap, Cumberland County 4-H partnered with Cumberland County Middle School to provide youth with hands-on learning experiences in poultry production and food systems.

Outreach or Educational Program Response

Through this collaboration, science teacher Sara Moore integrated 4-H poultry science resources into the classroom, giving students a firsthand look at embryonic development. Using an Incubator and brooder, students incubated eggs, observed growth stages through candling, and learned about poultry life cycles and responsible animal care. Some classes expanded their projects to include quail and ducks, further diversifying their learning experience.

Beyond the classroom, Cumberland County 4-H offers additional opportunities for students to expand their poultry knowledge through the 4-H Animal Science Club. In 2024, a Broiler Project was launched in partnership with Clay County, Tennessee 4-H, allowing participants to raise 20 chicks for seven weeks. In its first year, five youth successfully completed the project, showcasing their birds at the county fair and gaining experience in animal husbandry. A partnership with Patterson Butcher shop provided youth with the opportunity to process their birds for home consumption, reinforcing the farm-to-table concept.

Building on this momentum, the 4-H Chick Chain Project will debut in 2025, shifting the focus to egg production. Participants will receive 20 chicks to care for and will gain hands-on experience in poultry management, egg collection, and marketing.

To extend learning beyond production, 4-H has offered a BBQ Poultry Cooking Program for the past three summers, providing youth with an opportunity to learn safe grilling techniques, food handling practices, and the importance of poultry in the food system. This hands-on class, led by an Extension Poultry Specialist, has consistently drawn strong participation, with 22 youth attending in 2024 alone. Through this program, youth not only gain cooking skills but also reinforce their understanding of food safety and poultry as a valuable agricultural commodity.

Participants and Target Audience

Since its inception nearly three years ago, the classroom incubation project has engaged approximately 300 students at Cumberland County Middle School. The Animal Science Club and its poultry projects provide further learning opportunities, allowing youth to apply what they’ve learned in real-world agricultural and food production settings. The BBQ Poultry Cooking Program, now in its third year, continues to provide valuable life skills, reaching dozens of youth each summer.

Outcomes and Program Impact

The poultry embryology project has given students a memorable and engaging introduction to agriculture. Science teacher Sara Moore shared one of the most impactful moments:

"Candling is always my favorite part of the experience. The look of amazement on their faces always brings me joy. In that moment, students realize the little developing embryo is very real and alive. They are able to see the blood vessels and watch that tiny shadow of a chick move around. It's a moment in their educational experience that I believe will stick with them."

These experiences align with the 4-H Thrive Model, which focuses on fostering growth mindsets, positive youth-adult relationships, and youth leadership development. Through 4-H poultry programs, youth develop confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for future careers in agriculture and related industries. The hands-on nature of these projects helps participants build practical knowledge, learn from challenges, and develop a sense of responsibility, all while being supported by caring mentors and industry partners.

By providing a pathway from classroom learning to hands-on agricultural experiences and career preparation, this collaboration between Cumberland County 4-H and Cumberland County Middle School is shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders while strengthening one of the county’s most vital industries. The program not only introduces youth to animal science and food systems but also encourages entrepreneurial thinking and workforce readiness, ensuring a sustainable future for Cumberland County’s agricultural economy.