Iowa State University has been awarded a $7,000 student recruiting grant by the USPOULTRY Foundation, aimed at fostering the development of future leaders in the poultry industry. This grant will support various initiatives, including the annual FFA Poultry Career Development and Educational Competition and the 'Flock to Your Future' event, held alongside the Iowa Egg Symposium.
The funds will also facilitate Animal Science Learning Day, industry trips to processing plants and the creation of 4-H poultry-specific modules for educational opportunities. The modules, developed with the assistance of Extension Program Specialist Amy Powell, will enhance pre-college poultry education and leadership opportunities for Iowa State poultry students.
Dawn Koltes, assistant professor in the department of animal science and poultry interest group advisor, highlighted the significance of industry tours, stating, "These tours allow students to engage with the industry and observe new trends in poultry production and processing."