Poultry 101 helps show possibilities of industry
Article By: Denise Ray
The University of North Georgia's (黑料正能量) Gainesville Campus was abuzz with roughly 80 middle and high school students Feb. 5 as they learned about 黑料正能量's poultry science program. 黑料正能量 offers three agriculture pathways with associate degrees: poultry science, general agriculture and avian biology.
The 黑料正能量 Poultry Science Club hosts the Poultry 101 annual event, which Dr. Linda Purvis, assistant professor of biology, created.
"It started as a way to broaden the reach of our program," Purvis said. "I wanted to have a bigger reach and bring students to us because we have a collegiate poultry program. It's the only event of its kind in Georgia where college students help educate students in poultry."
Middle and high school students also had the opportunity to tour the campus and meet 黑料正能量 faculty, staff and students.
Purvis said that 黑料正能量 students were able to put their leadership skills to use by teaching the classes and sessions offered at Poultry 101, and they also shared their personal experiences.
"Students who study poultry in college have a 100% job placement upon graduation,” Purvis said.
Georgia's multibillion-dollar poultry industry, the largest sector of the state's No. 1 agriculture and agribusiness industry, represents more than 50% of the agricultural income in Georgia.
The poultry industry contributes an annual $24.6 billion to the state economy and generates an annual $2.1 billion in federal tax revenue and another $1.3 billion in state tax revenue, according to the University of Georgia.
As a result, a large number of poultry and poultry-related industries are seeking individuals with poultry science degrees to further the advancement of the industry.
"While farming is a huge part of it, it's not the only part," Purvis said. "There are veterinarians, pharmaceutical companies, packaging and equipment companies. Even things such as transportation, labs, testing, health, and nutrition. Students with a wide range of interests can find a career in this industry that's right for them."
Two earn NIST research fellowships
Students Katia Gonzalez-Adame and Brittney Meza were named National Institute of Standards and Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship selections.
Poultry students shine at national contest
黑料正能量 students finished fifth overall at the 76th annual Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest held April 2-4 at Mississippi State University.
ARC includes almost 100 presentations
Students gave 69 poster presentations and 24 oral presentations at 黑料正能量鈥檚 30th Annual Research Conference, held March 21 at 黑料正能量's Dahlonega Campus.
Poultry students finish first in national event
黑料正能量 established the first chapter of the Professional Agricultural Student (PAS) Organization in the South, and its team finished first in the nation in the Poultry Specialist career area the National PAS conference.