Middle Tennessee fourth- through 12th-graders who aren’t chicken of chickens are being exposed to six weeks of poultry science through the Middle Tennessee Junior Market Broiler Program at Middle Tennessee State University.

Hosted by MTSU’s School of Agriculture, the event kicked off last month at MTSU with an introductory session, where each participant was instructed on how to properly raise broiler chicks.

Broiler chickens are those raised specifically for meat production, though the chickens in the market broiler program are used strictly for educational purposes. Program participants learn broiler chick management, selection, exhibition, and more about poultry science and the poultry industry.

“We are excited about this new poultry science youth development program at MTSU,” said Kevin Downs, poultry scientist in the School of Agriculture at MTSU. “Participating students from around Middle Tennessee will learn more about the science and management of broiler chickens and the significance of the poultry industry.

“I believe any opportunity to expose young people to animals and agriculture in a learning environment is a valuable endeavor.”

Participating youth picked up their chicks in mid-August, with each youth receiving 20 broiler chicks and 25 pounds of starter feed. The youth will manage their broilers for six weeks until a September exhibition at the Tennessee Livestock Center. Students will participate in a variety of educational opportunities during the program.

— Keundrea Simpson, student intern (news@mtsu.edu)

Top photo: Twelve-year-old Gavin Page, son of Mike Page, collects one of the chicks he’ll raise for the next several weeks as part of the Middle Tennessee Junior Market Broiler Program at Middle Tennessee State University. The six-week program teaches area youth about poultry science. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)