Isaac Dubois, a native of Mora in Kanabec County, and Eleanor Weckwerth, a native of Dassel in Meeker County, were granted Gold’n opportunities on Sunday, August 26, after being crowned as the ninth annual Poultry Prince and Princess. The scholarship program of Minnesota 4-H and Gold’n Plump, a Pilgrim’s brand, recognizes the industry knowledge, leadership and skills of Minnesota’s up-and-coming poultry experts by awarding two teenagers with poultry ambassador titles and $1,000 academic scholarships.
From August 23 through 26, eligible Minnesota State Fair 4-H poultry participants competed in the scholarship program at the State Fairgrounds. Eleanor and Isaac stood out among the contestants, claiming the title after ranking highly in the qualifying rounds of the 4-H Poultry Interview, Quiz and Showmanship competition; the 4-H Chicken BBQ Contest; and the Q&A and Stage Presence final round. Runners up included:
- Issac Tesch from Carver County
- Kayla Lenzmeier from Isanti County
- Ruby Radunz from Meeker County
- Simon Otto from Wright County
“Over the past nine years, the Poultry Prince and Princess scholarship program has grown to become a beloved part of the Minnesota State Fair, and all of us at Gold’n Plump are thrilled to see it celebrate another successful year,” said Kelsie McEndaffer, PR & communications manager for Pilgrim’s, the company behind the Gold’n Plump brand. “Not only does the program recognize the passion and talents of the next generation of poultry industry leaders, but it also introduces thousands of fairgoers to a side of the poultry industry that they don’t normally see. We’re proud to support this wonderful program.”
Sunday’s finals required the top six contestants to showcase their poultry knowledge with strong stage presence and personality, answering questions such as, “How often do most hens layeggs?” and “How do you protect your chickens from Minnesota’s heat in the summer and cold in the winter?”
Along with $1,000 scholarships, the Poultry Prince and Princess will have the opportunity to expand their speaking, interview and presentation skills through industry and publicity appearances during their year-long term and will receive royal portraits created by the official State Fair artist, Kristi Abbott. They also had the chance to participate in the State Fair parade on Sunday.
“We’re proud to see this program continue into its ninth year. I am continually impressed by the work and determination each student puts into the scholarship program,” said Sharon Davis, Extension Educator and Science of Animals Director, University of Minnesota Extension Center for Youth Development.
Learn more about the 2018 Poultry Prince and Princess Contest online at http://z.umn.edu/
