Growing Through Responsibility: 2025 Northwest District 4-H Chick Chain Show Recap

Growing Through Responsibility: 2025 Northwest District 4-H Chick Chain Show Recap

On March 29, 2025, youth from across the Florida Panhandle came together to celebrate months of dedication, learning, and hands-on experience through the annual Northwest District 4-H Chick Chain Show hosted by UF/IFAS Extension. More than just a poultry show, this event reflects the core values of 4-H—Head, Heart, Hands, and Health—in every pen, project book, and presentation.

Head: Learning by Doing

The 4-H Chick Chain Project begins months before the show, with youth receiving baby chicks in the fall. From day one, they commit to learning everything they can about poultry breeds, nutrition, safe handling, biosecurity, and daily care. Through record books and activities like the Skill-a-Thon and Avian Adventures, 4-H’ers apply critical thinking and build knowledge in animal science and agriculture.

Skill-a-Thon Winners:
Junior: 1st – Julia N. (Calhoun), 2nd – Issac M. (Holmes), 3rd – Henry F. (Jefferson)
Intermediate: 1st – Sawyer K. (Gadsden), 2nd – Edward S. (Jefferson), 3rd – Kiera B. (Calhoun)
Senior: 1st – Cayman B. (Calhoun)

Avian Adventures Winners:
Junior: 1st – Lilah H. (Gadsden), 2nd – Collin O. (Washington), 3rd – Aubrey M. (Washington)
Intermediate: 1st – Brylee H. (Gadsden), 2nd – Tate C. (Jackson), 3rd – Julia M. (Santa Rosa)
Senior: 1st – Andrew M. (Santa Rosa), 2nd – Emmit A. (Holmes), 3rd – Felicity M. (Calhoun)

❤️ Heart: Confidence and Compassion

At the heart of 4-H is youth development—teaching young people to care for something beyond themselves and to take pride in their accomplishments. Showmanship is where this shines the brightest. Youth not only present their birds, but also demonstrate patience, sportsmanship, and pride in their work. They cheer for each other, encourage their peers, and grow in confidence with every word.

Showmanship Winners:
Junior: 1st – Saylor W. (Washington), 2nd – Kara O. (Gadsden), 3rd – Julia N. (Calhoun)
Intermediate: 1st – Kaydence A. (Holmes), 2nd – Julia M. (Santa Rosa), 3rd – Landon B. (Calhoun)
Senior: 1st – Andrew M. (Santa Rosa), 2nd – Felicity M. (Calhoun), 3rd – Emmit A. (Holmes)

Hands: Practical Skills for a Lifetime

From building coops to managing a feeding schedule, 4-H Chick Chain participants gain real-world experience and valuable life skills. They also have the chance to learn about entrepreneurship and animal husbandry through competitions like Best of Breed and Production classes.

Best of Breed:
Australorp – Remington G. (Holmes)
Brahma – Lucas S. (Washington)
Cochin – Rowan C. (Gulf)
Maran – Cannon B. (Washington)
Orpington – Blake M. (Washington)
Plymouth Rock – Joseph B. (Gadsden)
Rhode Island – Jud P. (Holmes)
Sussex – Aubrey M. (Washington)
Wyandotte – Jackson J. (Washington)
All Other Breeds – Felicity M. (Calhoun)

Production Champions:
Grand Champion – Emma W. (Washington)
Reserve Champion – Easton S. (Calhoun)

Health: Building a Better You and a Better World

The Chick Chain experience promotes responsibility, goal-setting, and personal growth. Caring for animals daily encourages healthy routines, attention to detail, and a deeper understanding of how humans and animals thrive together. It also promotes community involvement, connecting youth with agriculture and food systems in meaningful ways.

Overall Champions:
Reserve Champion – Caroline F. (Wakulla)
Grand Champion – Felicity M. (Calhoun)

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As this year’s Chick Chain season wraps up, we’re reminded that 4-H is more than ribbons and rankings—it’s a journey of personal growth, skill-building, and connection to the world around us.

Interested in being part of the next Chick Chain project? Enrollment for the 2025-2026 4-H year begins in September 2025! Reach out to your local 4-H agent to learn how to get involved and start your own poultry adventure.

#4HGrowsHere #ChickChain #4HFlorida #HeadHeartHandsHealth #PoultryProud #YouthInAg

To view or download photos provided by Chris Lauen, Holmes County 4-H Agent, and the Northwest District 4-H Chick Chain Commitee, view the online photo gallery by clicking the following website link: 2025 NWD 4-H Chick Chain.