The Regional Chicken Project is an opportunity for youth in FFA and 4-H in the Southeastern Region to learn more about the livestock industry. Through this project, youth will get to choose hens or broiler chicks to purchase at a discounted rate. The birds will be raised and youth will complete a Project Record Book to chronicle their care and knowledge learned about chickens. In May, the youth will participate in the Southeastern Chicken Show, where they will demonstrate to the judge their knowledge of the bird. Training for this will be provided through workshops. At the end of the project, the youth will have the opportunity to donate their broilers to process for local food pantries. The hens can be kept to lay eggs for a potential egg business, sold for profit, or they can be used in future 4-H programs.

Registration deadline: January 5, 2023 - Layers 
                                     February 1, 2023 - Broilers
Chick delivery: February 2023
Show: April 25, 2023
**All dates are tentative as plans are still being finalized**

For  more information call Liz Joseph 914-489-5330.

There are several programs that will be happening in early 2023.

Click on the title of the event for more program and registration information.

What: Leap Into Sheep Program
When: Applications due December 15 (Pick up lambs January 14)
Who: This program is designed for youth that have never shown lambs before and would like to get involved in showing livestock.  The top 10 applicants will be selected and receive a lamb for $50.  Each youth will be set up with a mentor to assist them with the learning process.  Age requirements are 8 -19.  
Where: Please see attachment below for counties of participation.

What: Nance Family Meat Goat Leadership Institute
When: February 4, 2023, applications are due January 13
Who: Youth ages 10-19.  This program is designed to assist youth that have a strong interest in meat goats to enhance their leadership skills.  Topics in the past have included visiting other farms, learning about general health of goats, meat processing, cheese making, and traditional leadership topics.  
Where: E. Carroll Joyner Beef Educational Unit, Raleigh

What: Perry & Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute
When: February 24-26, applications are due January 13
Who: Youth currently in high school ages 14-19.  This event is designed for youth that have a strong interest in the beef industry and would like to enhance their leadership skills. The top 20 youth from across North Carolina will be selected to participate.  
Where: Hickory, NC in conjunction with the NC Cattlemen's Conference

What: Youth Livestock agent & Volunteer Leader Training
When: Date changed to **March 14-15 **
Who: This is open to agents or volunteers that would like to learn more about the youth livestock program.  Topics include showing livestock, basic nutrition, animal health, training skillathon, judging, and quiz bowl teams.  More information on topics and the schedule will be released shortly.
Where: E. Carroll Joyner Beef Educational Unit, Raleigh

Come celebrate Friendsgiving with other 4-H'ers. This event will be a district wide program for teens (13-18) that will include a service project and giving back to the community. Teens will be able to meet and connect with other 4-H'ers from across the district.

Lunch will be included. Transportation will be provided for the first five to sign up. Registration due no later that Monday, November 28.

Cost: $10.00 (have cash with you to pay at event)
Location: Rowan County Extension office
Time: Leave office at 7:30 a.m. Return at 5:30 p.m.

Call Jessica at 910-321-6867 or Jeanie at 910-321-6864 to register.