Poultry Judging Contest 2026
IMPORTANT: We will continue to follow Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) guidance regarding poultry exhibitions as the contest date approaches. Please watch for updates and announcements.
Participation
- Counties may enter any number of 4-H participants.
- Teams consist of 3–4 contestants, with no limit on the number of teams or individuals per county.
- Team scores are based on the top three individual scores.
- All contestants are eligible for individual honors.
- The top four senior 4-H members (ages 14–18 as of January 1, 2025) will be selected for the Illinois State Team.
- High-scoring individuals will be invited to represent Illinois at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, KY (third week of November).
Contest Classes
Participants will judge:
- Three classes of past egg production hens (reasons required for two).
- Three classes of ready-to-cook fryers (8 per class).
- One class of 10 broken-out eggs.
- Two classes of candled shell eggs (20 per class).
- Two classes of exterior egg quality (20 per class).
Contestants will have 10 minutes per class.
Resource
Training materials are available in the National 4-H Poultry Judging Manual.
➡️ Click the Orange “Learn More” button above to learn more and register!
Event Contact:
Myla Munro
mgmunro@illinois.edu
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