Heather Haines, 4-H Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County
For more than a century, 4-H has helped young people across Georgia build confidence, character, and competence through hands-on learning opportunities. In Forsyth County, youth continue to thrive through judging teams that offer real-world applications of science, agriculture, and critical life skills. Whether they are evaluating eggs and broilers or identifying native wildlife and analyzing habitats, 4-H judging teams allow young people to discover their passion while developing tools for lifelong success.
Through these competitive experiences, such as Poultry Judging and Wildlife Judging, youth are exposed to the science behind the food we eat and the ecosystems we rely on. Just as important, they develop essential life skills including critical thinking, teamwork, time management, and public speaking. These abilities prepare them for careers in agriculture and science, while also helping them grow into thoughtful and capable leaders.
Poultry Judging Area Contest
This spring, the Forsyth County 4-H Poultry Judging Team explored the world of commercial poultry production. During weekly practices, participants learned to evaluate both the internal and external quality of eggs, grade carcasses based on USDA standards, identify poultry parts, and assess the quality of live birds. This hands-on experience provides youth with a deeper understanding of food safety, animal science, and the agricultural systems that impact daily life.
On Friday, April 25, the team traveled to Bartow County to compete in the Northwest Area Poultry Judging Contest. This annual event is organized in partnership with Georgia 4-H and the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Department of Poultry Science.
Team members included Tallulah Bates, Elise Cureton, Emma Haines, Inha Hwang, Blake Turner, and Elin Turner. The team was coached by 4-H Youth Development Agent Heather Haines and Certified Volunteer Miranda Meeks. Their commitment and preparation led to strong results at the contest. Elin Turner placed fourth overall in the junior division, and the team earned third place overall.
Wildlife State Contest
Wildlife Judging is another impactful opportunity for 4-H youth who want to explore the outdoors while learning about ecology and conservation. On Saturday, April 26, five Forsyth County students competed in the Georgia 4-H State Wildlife Judging Contest held at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton. This year’s contest was the largest in state history, attracting 170 participants from 24 counties.
The competition challenges students to assess wildlife habitats, recommend appropriate management practices, and identify species and their food sources. One portion of the contest requires teams to analyze aerial photos and create a wildlife management plan designed to support a target species. Students then present their plan to judges, explaining their decisions and proposed strategies. Other sections of the competition include species identification, a written knowledge test, and habitat management scenarios.
Experts from the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources help make this event possible by developing the curriculum and supporting student training. Extension Wildlife Specialist Dr. Michael Kohl leads this initiative with help from graduate and undergraduate students. Some portions of the competition are also conducted in the Oconee National Forest, giving students the chance to apply their knowledge in a natural setting.
“This contest is a huge success because of all the groups working together to make it happen,” said Kasey Bozeman, Georgia 4-H Extension Specialist for STEM programs. “Connecting 4-H’ers with their environment and natural resources is invaluable as we mentor Georgia’s youth to be stewards of their world.”
The 2025 Forsyth County team included Isabella Bonogofsky, Inha Hwang, Katie Lowrey, Bethany Taylor, and Toby Wilcox. Coaches included Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Shannon Henderson, 4-H Educator MaKenzie Leatherwood, and Master Naturalist Extension Volunteers Winston Davis, Michele Murphy, and Zuly Rueda.
Bethany Taylor placed sixth overall in the senior division and also earned third place in both the Management Practice and Knowledge Test categories. Inha Hwang placed first in Management Practice at the junior level. The Junior Team finished in fourth place overall.
Looking Ahead to Forestry Judging
Youth who are interested in nature, science, or teamwork can look forward to the next judging opportunity: Forestry Judging. Registration opens in mid-June, and weekly practices will begin in July. The Area Forestry Judging Contest takes place in September and includes events like tree identification, map reading, pacing, and tool use. Students work in teams and learn about the vital role forests play in Georgia’s environment and economy.