07/30/2026
đź’Ą Why 4-H exists....
It All started in around 1900, farmers resisted new Scientific methods from university researchers. Educators formed Youth clubs instead, finding kids were willing to learn these, back then called modern practices and bring them home to eventually out Produce their parents.
It Evolved over each decade to be what is the greatest educational Experience a kids can be involved in, But why Hire judges?
Each category, has a judge whom is (supposed to be) knowledgeable in that area. The judges are to judge on quality, Consistency, utility among many other traits. There are " Standard's " for each Project area. I'm in the Poultry area so I can explain it better than other areas.
The two chickens in the picture are the same breed & age, Silver laced wyandotte Large Fowl. The top one is " Commercial bred ", what you'd buy at the farm store or order from a Hatchery. Not ideal for showing, very small, no meat, not balanced.... The bottom is a Standard bred Bird exhibiting good Body conformation, muscling, needs color work in saddle area but overall is a fairly balanced bird. One conforms to the standard and one does not, one is a Purple ribbon and one is a Red or maybe lower.
When judging Poultry, we are judging for Conformation, market readiness, and Soundness all of which are led by the " Poultry standard of perfection ". Standards were originally set up to achieve a uniform product on the shelves of the grocery store while also maintaining a beautiful animal in the process. Just like you want quality ingredients for your Baking project or a good Club calf for the Beef project you also want to locate a breeder for the poultry project.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to share! 🍀
