Columbia FFA Member Sweeps State Fair Poultry Contest

Hayden Duncan of the Columbia FFA chapter (right) holds his Grand Champion ribbon and trophy with market poultry judge Will Bryles, after Duncan won top honors Tuesday, Aug. 10th at the 119th Missouri State Fair’s market poultry show. (Photo by Kyle Hill, Alpha Ag Network)

The first two major prizes of the 119th Missouri State Fair have gone to an incoming freshman with the Columbia FFA chapter. Hayden Duncan will return to the Sale of Champions with both the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion pen of market poultry. Duncan tells Regional Radio he was able to lock in his pens’ uniformity, particularly their weight.

Central MO Info · 21 0811 Hayden Duncan Grand Champion Poultry cut 1.MP3

Duncan explains how he selected which among his 35 birds would compete this week.

Central MO Info · 21 0811 Hayden Duncan Grand Champion Poultry cut 2.MP3

This is Hayden Duncan’s second Grand Champion award, having claimed the top prize in 2016. Duncan’s grand champion pen averaged just over seven pounds, while his reserve pen averaged six pounds, 11.4 ounces.

The next major prizes for 4-H and FFA exhibitors will be sought at the Sheep Pavilion the next two days, as the wether goat show gets underway Wednesday afternoon at one, followed by the market lamb show Thursday.