Sarasota County hosts poultry workshop at The Farm

It wasn't the first time that kids in Sarasota County 4-H have undertaken projects at The Farm, the agricultural facility at McIntosh Middle School, now in its second phase of construction.

Yet Megan O'Mahony, leader of 4-H Livestock Club, said poultry raising was one project the club hadn't engaged with at that location. 

A partnership between 4-H, the Sarasota County Agricultural Fair and Sarasota County Schools, the Sarasota County Poultry Seminar allowed kids to bring along their birds to learn about husbandry and showmanship techniques through a live demonstration. 

"I truly believe that poultry showmanship is a great place for kids to get into animals," O'Mahony said. "Poultry, rabbits, cavies (rodents) — because they're nice small animals that they can have pretty much anywhere, and they can even be housed here at The Farm."

The workshop also offered the benefit of its leader being Cindy Kinard, who judges many youth poultry shows statewide. 

"She is the chicken guru of the whole entire state," said Alasyn Hastings, a parent at the event who is involved in 4-H.

Courtesy image

"We're really excited that the school district has supported this facility, The Farm, and bringing opportunities for agriculture and for production agriculture for youth across the county," said Sarah Davis, a 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent.

Lindsey Mills, the small animal chair for the Sarasota County Fair, said it was also "super important" for kids to have the chance to attend the event to be prepared for the fair in March.

Animals are judged for the animal's weight and characteristics, and also the participant's ability to showcase the animal properly and answer questions about it. 

With The Farm now in Phase 2, work continues on its agricultural and livestock facility, which will include an additional barn, as well as a nearly complete teaching kitchen hosting farm-to-table foods.