LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Being in front of a judge can be a scary experience for kids just getting into 4-H, but older students are ready to help them improve each year.
When participants bring a specific breed of chicken, duck or goose to be judged at the Allen County Fair, they are not competing against other participants. Instead, the birds are judged on how closely they meet the standards of perfection for their specific breed.
The feedback a judge provides could help participants not only become better exhibitors, but also prepare for life.
“This is an adult you have never talked to, but you got to remember they are a person too. So, it just prepares you for real life conversations that you have every day,” says Adrianna Ellinger, Allen Co. Poultry Queen.
“Being in front of the judge can be very nerve-wracking, but I think it's a very cool experience for people to experience in their life and not a lot of kids get to do that around here and I think it's really cool that I have the experience to do that and got to grow up like that,” says Emma Haehn, Allen Co. Poultry Princess.
This is the seventh year Haehn has shown poultry, and she values the advice she receives from judges.
“I like to know what my judge has to say about my bird and I think it's very breathtaking for me just because I want to know what I can improve on and I can give the advice to younger kids that look up to me,” adds Haehn.
This is Ellinger's fourth year of showing, and she says showing chickens is different from most other livestock projects because of how fragile they are.
“So, you got to pay more attention, especially with their wings. There is many different parts of the wing, so you have to be able to watch and care for those. But just like all other animals, you got to always pay attention,” adds Ellinger.
The poultry royality also have some advice for young participants who may be nervous about showing their animals.
“Take a breath. You are okay out here, even though this is maybe your first year. Adults can be scary. They're people. Just talk to them. Relax. You're going to do great,” says Ellinger.
“Just be confident in yourself and try your hardest and it's never bad to just try your best and as long as you go out for it, you succeeded even if you don't get first place,“ says Haehn.
