Mississippi State hosts national poultry judging contest, showcasing industry-ready talent
Author: Mary Katheryn Kight
Cade Davis holds his numerous trophies from the 2024 USPOULTRY Foundation Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest (Photo by Submitted)
Mississippi State University recently hosted the 76th USPOULTRY Foundation Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest, offering students a unique opportunity to showcase their skills and connect with industry leaders. This marked the first time the event was held on MSU's campus.
"Our industry is important not only for our state but also nationwide," said Jessica Wells, assistant teaching professor in MSU's Department of Poultry Science and coordinator of the competition. "This competition allows students to meet future employers, connect with their peers and gain knowledge they will apply in the field after graduation."
The two-day competition tested participants' ability to judge live birds, evaluate market products such as eggs and meat, and apply USDA grading standards. Companies such as Tyson Foods, Cal-Maine, Mar-Jac, Amick Farms and Pilgrim's Pride attended the competition at MSU to engage with students, offering insights and potential career opportunities.
"We very much enjoyed interacting with the students and coaches from so many different schools," said Scott McKinion, senior live production manager with Tyson Foods. "It's always great to visit with the MSU poultry science staff. As industry, we really appreciate MSU hosting the contest and look forward to attending more in the future."
Preparing for the competition is no small feat. Many students have been building their skills for years through organizations like FFA and 4-H and specialized college courses. At MSU, students enroll in a three-credit-hour course dedicated to poultry judging. The top four students in the class earn the opportunity to represent MSU at the national contest.
Cade Davis, a senior majoring in Poultry Science at MSU, was named the overall winner of the 2024 competition. A Texas native, Davis said he chose to attend MSU for its nationally recognized poultry science program. MSU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers one of only six poultry granting degrees in the country.
"This department is producing high-quality graduates and professionals in the industry, and I wanted to go somewhere where feeding the world was a priority. At Mississippi State, we do a lot of research, a lot of things that I wanted to be a part of," said Davis.
Poultry is a cornerstone of Mississippi's economy, ranking as the state's top commodity with a $3.8 billion value of production in 2024.
"I was fortunate to work with Dr. Kelly Wamsley as an undergrad on a company-sponsored research trial. It's a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and understand how the industry works. By the time you're ready to graduate, you have a list of contacts to help you find a job that's the right fit for you," said Davis.
Next month, Davis will graduate from MSU and has already secured a job in Mississippi with Peco Foods, an industry-leading poultry supplier.
"Mississippi State has done more than enough to prepare me for a successful career, and I'm looking forward to continuing to make an impact on the poultry industry," said Davis.
Date: 2025-04-15
