Stockbridge Jr/Sr High School FFA Participates in Broiler Contest

by Elizabeth Vliet and Bob Richards

This year the Stockbridge High School Agriculture classes and FFA Chapter participated in the Michigan FFA Broiler Contest raising three pens of twenty five meat chickens.

The primary goal of the Michigan FFA Broiler Project Program is to enhance students’ knowledge in animal husbandry, science, mathematics, English, and other academic subjects. Moreover, in this academic achievement endeavor, students participate in real world experiences by raising the biggest birds possible in the shortest period of time using safe and ethical industry recommendations. Agriscience and natural resources education programs throughout Michigan have found that this innovative and creative educational thrust adds enormous value to FFA chapter program of activities. The Michigan FFA Broiler Project Program has been a hallmark and signature thrust in Michigan because it has assisted students in developing skill sets in problem-solving, working in teams, managing time, and other personal development areas. “I learned about all the work that goes into taking care of the chickens like different feed ratios and types of feed to use,” senior Gaven Numinen said.

The two high school classes and one middle school class received day old chicks on September 20th and spent the next 5 weeks caring for the chicks with the goal of having the largest birds possible for the contest on October 26th. On October 26 eleven students delivered fifteen chickens to Munsell’s Poultry Processing in Fowlerville for the final competition. “Getting the overall experience of the butchering process was probably my favorite part,” freshman Laura Humrich said.

FFA members are now selling the freshly frozen broiler chickens for $20 each. If you would like to purchase them please contact Mr. Richards or any FFA member. All proceeds will go towards purchasing FFA jackets for our new members and travel to the State FFA Convention in February.

For more information about the Stockbridge FFA contact Bob Richards, the Stockbridge FFA Advisor and Agriculture teacher, at richardsr@panthernet.net or (517) 851-7770 ext. 6204.

Just a quick update to this story.  It was announced that our high school 1st hour team and our Middle School team each received a Silver Award for their broiler chicken project. 

Contest participants left to right: Daulton Diffenbaugh, Jacob Lester, Jonny Hayes, Shane Dishneau, Valeria Morales, Emma Monghan, Laura Humrich, Brooke Kunzelman, Michaela Hill, Savanna Bennett, Elizabeth Vliet, and Klara Hayes.

When the chicks first arrived.

Our Broiler pen at the school