Poultry Science Extension
Poultry Science Extension Resources offer valuable and comprehensive information to poultry farmers, enthusiasts, and researchers alike. These resources serve as a vital bridge between academic knowledge and practical applications in the poultry industry. Through workshops, webinars, publications, and expert consultations, individuals can access the latest advancements, best practices, and evidence-based strategies for optimal poultry management, disease control, nutrition, and welfare. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the field, Poultry Science Extension provides the necessary guidance and support to enhance productivity, sustainability, and overall success in poultry farming endeavors.
Poultry Science Extension Workshops and Symposia
Backyard Flock Workshops and Resources
Egg Grader Training for Small Flock Producers
This virtual training series will be offered on April 22-25, 11am-12pm. It is comprised of 4 modules; one module will be covered on each day. Additional trainings will be offered throughout the year.
Register for Egg Grader Training HERE
Please refer to the USDA Grading Manual for assistance.
This workshop teaches producers to grade eggs for sale according to USDA standards for shell eggs. Additional information discussed in the workshop includes egg composition and structure, factors affecting quality, and egg washing, handling, and storage to preserve quality and safety.
Purchase the manual on AgriLife Learn
Other useful information:
Egg Grades and Standards
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Gregory S. Archer
gregory.archer@ag.tamu.edu
Egg to Chick Workshop
This workshop provides an excellent opportunity to learn about incubating chicken eggs and how that can be used as a science educational opportunity in the classroom. Educational activities include in-depth discussion on: egg formation, embryology, incubation, classroom experiments, and there will be a question and answer session. The workshop will also include “hands on” practice in candling, embryo breakouts, incubator operation and equipment.
No current dates planned for workshop stay tuned…
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Klein
Stephanie.klein@ag.tamu.edu
Virtual Backyard Chicken Seminar Series- Open to the Public
This free virtual series is composed of two separate educational training workshops- Chicken Basics and Egg Grader Training. Each workshop is comprised of 4 modules, with one module being covered each day. This series is offered multiple times a year, free and open to the public.
NOW HOSTING SRPING 2025 DATES!
Chicken Basics Workshop
This weeklong workshop teaches individuals about management, breeds, nutrition, and health of laying hens. It also will focus on chickens in relation to the environment and gardening.
Dates: March 31 – April 4, 2025
Time: 11am-12pm
Register for the Chicken Basics Workshop
September 2023 Chicken Basics Workshop Recordings are available on YouTube
Egg Grader Training Certification
Dates: April 22-25, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Register for Egg Grader Training
Contact Gregory.Archer@ag.tamu.edu with questions
Industry Resources
Nuisance Odor Prevention Training for Poultry Producers
This workshop provides growers with information regarding the prevention of nuisance odor problems from poultry farms. This training fulfills the educational requirements under state law for poultry producers constructing new farms or expanding current farm capacity.
Visit AgriLife Learn to access the Nuisance Odor Prevention Training for Poultry Producers online training session.
Texas Commercial Egg Clinic
Date: May 16th, 2024
Location: College Station, Tx
The Texas Commercial Egg Clinic is an educational seminar designed for those engaged in the commercial production, marketing, or distribution of eggs, or for those individuals or companies who provide products and services to the commercial egg industry.
This event is intended for:
– Poultry industry representatives from the layer industry
– Pullet, Layer, Hatchery, and Feedmill
– Allied industries
– Extension employees wishing to gain more knowledge of commercial poultry management.
Registration: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/posc-ev-002
Sponsors are welcome!
Available Sponsorship packages:
– Platinum – Vendor table, up to 3 representatives, and special recognition. $1000.00
– Gold – Vendor table, up to 3 representatives $800.00
– Silver – Vendor table, up to 2 representatives $600.00
– Bronze – Vendor table, 1 representative $400.00
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Gregory S. Archer
gregory.archer@ag.tamu.edu
Texas Broiler Symposium
Date: Mid September 2024
Location: TBD
The Texas Broiler Symposium is an educational seminar designed for those engaged in the commercial production and management of broilers and breeders; or for those individuals or companies who provide products and services to the commercial poultry meat production industry. The latest in poultry science and production is discussed by topic experts at this event.
This event is intended for:
– Poultry industry representatives from the broiler
– Broiler breeder
– Hatchery sectors
– Allied industries
– Extension employees wishing to gain more knowledge of commercial poultry management.
Registration: Check Back Soon
Sponsors are welcome!
Available Sponsorship packages:
– Platinum – Vendor table, up to 3 representatives, and special recognition. $1000.00
– Gold – Vendor table, up to 3 representatives $800.00
– Silver – Vendor table, up to 2 representatives $600.00
– Bronze – Vendor table, 1 representative $400.00
Poultry Educator Training – for Extension Agents, 4-H Agents, & Teachers
This series of four models is for County and 4-H Extension Agents in Texas. It will go over market poultry, egg to chick, backyard poultry, and the commercial poultry industry of Texas. It is meant as a training program that can result in certificates for different levels of completion by agents. This program and related materials will allow agents to increase their poultry knowledge which will better serve their local stakeholders.
Contact Gregory.Archer@ag.tamu.edu with questions
Youth Programs
Market Poultry Workshop
Date: May 18th, 2024
Location: Louis Pearce Pavilion, 555 George Bush Dr W, College Station, TX
Time: Check In 8-8:30 AM, Presentations 9 AM – 2 PM
Lunch provided
This workshop provides an excellent opportunity to “hear the experts” and work alongside Texas’ major poultry judges. It is normally held annually in May in College Station, TX.
Educational activities include in-depth discussion on:brooding, management, sanitation and feeding programs and selection and processing methods for broilers, turkeys and roasters. Also “hands-on” practice in culling and selecting, handling your birds during the show and “putting together” show pens.
Registration for Participants: tx.ag/MPW2024
- The base registration cost is $60 per individual.
- Families are welcome to attend this event and each additional family member adds $10 to the family’s registration cost to cover the meal(s).
- Extension Agents and Ag Science Teachers can register at a discounted rate of $35 per individual.
Registration for Sponsors: tx.ag/MPW2024
A virtual Market Poultry Workshop is available year-round on AgriLife Learn.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Klein
Stephanie.klein@ag.tamu.edu
Virtual Market Poultry Workshop
Virtual educational activity which includes an in-depth discussion on:
brooding, management, sanitation and feeding programs and selection and processing methods for broilers, turkeys and roasters. Also “hands-on” practice in early culling and selecting, handling your birds during the show and “putting together” show pens.
A virtual Market Poultry Workshop is available year-round on AgriLife Learn. Register via link.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Gregory S. Archer
gregory.archer@ag.tamu.edu
Poultry Judging Fall Workshop
Our goal is to provide a workshop for students, coaches, and leaders to learn more about poultry judging no matter their experience level. We are welcoming anyone from beginner to experienced with an interest in Poultry Judging to join us for this inclusive workshop! The clinic will provide onsite training for all 10 classes from TAMU Poultry Judging Officials.
– $15 registration fee per person
– Everyone in attendance will need to register including coaches and leaders
When: Mid October, 2024 exact date is TBD
Where: 1202 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. S. College Station, TX 77840
Time: 8 AM
Registration: All participants can register through Judging Card.
Classes Include:
- Market Broilers
- Laying Hens
- Carcass Grading
- Interior Eggs
- Exterior Eggs
- Boneless Products
- Bone-In Products
- Parts Identification
- Test
For more information, contact:
Ally Spears at allyson.spears@ag.tamu.edu or 979.847.7341
or
Brett Meisinger at brett.meisinger@ag.tamu.edu or 979.847.7338
Poultry Judging Camps and Summer Workshop
Get ready for an egg-citing summer! The Department of Poultry Science is offering three action-packed poultry judging camp sessions, tailored to different experience levels and groups. Each session is filled with hands-on learning, giving participants the skills, knowledge, and confidence to dominate 4-H and FFA poultry judging contests. Don’t miss this chance to level up your expertise and have a blast while doing it!
Each camp will immerse participants in the different classes of a poultry judging contest, building their skills step by step with guidance from the nationally ranked Texas A&M Collegiate Poultry Judging Team. Once participants have mastered their newly gained skills, they’ll compete in a contest for top honors, high-quality awards, and championship banners!
Please be sure to select the appropriate session based on age.
NOTE: If for some reason you need to cancel your participation, please email Ally Spears a week before your selected camp start date, you will only be eligible for a 50% refund. Any cancellations made on or after the start date will not receive a refund.
Registration for 2025 camps is now closed!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ally Spears at allyson.spears@ag.tamu.edu
Session 1: Ages 9 – 13
June 10 – 11, 2025
Cost: $150
Fee includes lunch, evening activity/dinner, a camp manual, and a t-shirt. Lodging will not be provided.
Session 2: Ages 14 – 18
June 11 – 13, 2025
Cost: $300
Fee includes lodging, meals, camp manual, evening activities, transportation, and a t-shirt.
Session 3: Coaches and Ag Teachers
June 16 – 17, 2025
Cost: $150
Fee includes lunch, evening activity/dinner, a camp manual, and a t-shirt. Lodging will not be provided.
Poultry Judging Tutorial Videos
The Department of Poultry Science is excited to offer Poultry Judging Tutorial Videos. This series will take you through each class involved in the Poultry Judging Contest and explain how to evaluate for accuracy. The videos are free of charge for Ag Teachers and Coaches to utilize as a learning tool for Poultry teams.
We hope these videos are helpful, if you have any questions please contact Allyson Spears at allyson.spears@tamu.edu.
A playlist of these videos can be found on the Department of Poultry Science Youtube channel.
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