4-H members gain research insight as ‘Poultry Pioneers’ at Auburn

The Alabama 4-H Poultry Pioneers presented their research findings at the 2026 Poultry Science Association annual meeting in Toronto, Canada. With a new, one-of-a-kind program called Poultry Pioneers, four Alabama 4-H members have taken a crack at undergraduate-level research. “They have read and critiqued research journal articles, conducted their research projects and organized and presented their findings in a scientific presentation.” When forming this first flock of pioneers, McCrea selected the group based on their past successes in 4-H poultry projects and dedication to their own backyard flocks. “The 4-H Poultry Pioneers program reflects Extension’s mission to extend knowledge to communities,” McCrea said.