Extension program bridges poultry knowledge gap for Mississippi youths
Most Mississippi youths have limited exposure to agriculture and little understanding of poultry production, food systems and related careers, despite poultry being the state’s leading agricultural commodity. Declining agricultural literacy and fewer hands-on learning opportunities leave key concepts such as animal care, food production and biosecurity poorly understood.
Mississippi State University Extension addresses this gap through Poultry Hatch-Out and the 4-H Poultry Chain Project, which serve youths aged 5-18. These experiential programs strengthen agricultural literacy, promote responsible poultry ownership and connect youths to agriculture’s role in their communities and the state economy.
Program evaluations demonstrate strong impact. Poultry Hatch-Out participants showed more than a 75% gain in knowledge of the chicken life cycle, poultry science and proper care practices, with teachers rating the program 4.0 or higher on a 5-point scale. Youths also improved their ability to identify breeds and body parts and gained awareness of agricultural and career pathways.
Participants in the 4-H Poultry Chain Project reported significant gains in knowledge, confidence and practical flock management skills, with many planning to continue raising poultry using best practices. Together, these programs build long-term agricultural literacy, improve biosecurity awareness and support future workforce development in Mississippi’s poultry industry.
Mississippi State University Extension Service | Project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds.
