The University of Arkansas won the high team overall category at the 72nd USPOULTRY Foundation Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest, held at Louisiana State University (LSU). The team from Ohio State University was not far behind in second place. Additionally, Will Bryles won the high individual overall category, and Dakota Walker finished second. Both are from the University of Arkansas.
“We are grateful for the assistance of David Boldt, Dr. Dennis Ingram and others at LSU for all the logistics support and planning associated with this event,” remarked John Starkey, USPOULTRY Foundation president. “It remains a program that has a high level of friendly competitiveness among the teams and the student participants.”
Eleven universities participated in the competition in production judging, breed selection and market products judging. The schools included the University of Arkansas; Ohio State University; Penn State University; Kansas State University; Texas A&M University; Louisiana State University; Mississippi State University; University of North Georgia; Iowa State University; University of Wisconsin – River Falls; and University of Georgia.
The contest is made possible by a grant from Mountaire Corp. in honor of Ted Cameron, founder of Mountaire. It is part of the USPOULTRY Foundation's comprehensive student outreach program, established to enhance young people's interest in the poultry industry and encourage student enrollment in poultry science and related studies.
In addition to the Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest, the USPOULTRY Foundation sponsors the annual College Student Career Program, International Student Program and National FFA CDE at the International Poultry Expo (IPE), as well as co-sponsors the Ph.D. and Vet Student Career Fair during IPE, part of the International Production & Processing Expo. Other youth outreach sponsorship includes the National FFA Convention, National 4-H poultry activities, and high school and elementary school outreach programs. The Foundation also funds student recruiting efforts at colleges and universities from coast to coast.
