Students earn awards at national poultry contest

University of North Georgia (UNG) students Eric Brockman, Ashley Davis, Alyssa Foster, and Amy Arellano participated in the 75th Ted Cameron National Poultry judging contest sponsored by US Poultry and Egg Association. Coached by biology associate professor Dr. Linda Purvis and UNG junior Jacque Conner, the team brought home five trophies.

"I am so proud of this year's students. They are all an amazing group of students who worked very hard to do so well at the competition," Purvis said. "To be able to compete and perform at a high level with top agriculture colleges sets UNG apart. I hope that this year's student successes inspire more students to consider joining our UNG poultry judging team and be a part of something truly special." 

The team earned the following individual and team awards: 

• Second place team in Division 3 Market Products 
• Third place team in Division 1 Production 
• Fifth place individual in Division 1 Production: Amy Arellano 
• Fifth place individual overall: Amy Arellano 
• Fifth place team overall  
• Sixth place individual overall: Ashley Davis 
• Sixth place team in Division 2 Breed Selection 

Davis, a freshman pursuing a degree in poultry science, shared that it was her last time competing but not because she didn't enjoy the experience. 

"I am very happy with how I did, placing sixth overall individually. I think it reflects the work I put in and shows how much I loved participating on the poultry judging team," the Hoschton, Georgia, native said. "Though I am no longer eligible to compete again and try for a higher placement, I know I gave it my all and these two semesters of poultry judging will always hold a special place in my heart." 

Students interested in joining the poultry judging team can email linda.purvis@ung.edu for inquiries. The team is currently looking for new members for next year’s competition and will begin practices in August when classes begin.