The Williamson County 4-H Chick Chain celebrated a strong year of hands-on learning, poultry care and youth achievement on Thursday afternoon, August 20, 2026. Young exhibitors returned with five of their best hens to compete for ribbons, trophies and prize money before a huge turnout at the public Chick Chain auction. Students were also recognized for their hard work in Poultry Skillathon, during the Chick Chain auction.
Chick Chain gives students a unique opportunity to raise their own flock at home while learning through real responsibility. From the mandatory training seminar through show day, participants build skills in poultry care, financial management, record keeping, communication and marketing. At the end of the project, the auction completes the “chain”: proceeds help pay for chicks for next year’s participants.
This year’s exhibitors showcased pullets across five breeds and varieties, reflecting the care and commitment they put into raising their birds.
2026 Chick Chain Top Honors
- Grand Champion: Aria B. – Black Australorp Pullets
- Reserve Grand Champion: Hatcher Y. – Production Red Pullets
- Black Australorp Breed Champion: Kayla H.
- Blue Rock Breed Champion: Emery S.
- Olive Egger Breed Champion: Leahness D.
- Production Red Breed Champion: Julia Claire D.
Congratulations to every exhibitor who brought birds to the show and represented the hard work of Williamson County 4-H Chick Chain participants.
Poultry Skillathon
Poultry Skillathon is a fun, quiz-based competition that gives students an opportunity to exercise their skills and knowledge in poultry science. Participants learn about the poultry industry, judging and USDA grading standards, breed identification, nutrition, anatomy, physiology and flock management.
Skillathon helps youth build confidence while applying what they have learned about raising and evaluating poultry. Congratulations to all students who participated!
2026 Poultry Skillathon Top Overall Scores
- Leahness D.
- Aria B.
- McKenzy P.
2026 Poultry Skillathon Division Champions
- Senior High Champion: Aria B.
- Junior High Champion: Leahness D.
- Junior Champion: Milo P.
- Explorer Champion: Eliza C.
2026 Williamson County 4-H Chick Chain Show Results
4-H Chick Chain show judging places birds against their breed standard – not against each other. A “Blue Ribbon” pen is one that exceeds average standards and meets all or most criteria with minor flaws. A “Red Ribbon” pen is one that is good work, which meets minimum standards and requirements. A “White Ribbon” pen is one that does not meet minimum standards.
Gold Sex Link Pullets
| Exhibitor | Place |
|---|---|
| Sadie A. | Red |
| Asher A. | Blue |
| Tembele B. | Blue |
| Adam T. | Blue |
| Cassie B. | Blue |
| Tucker C. | Blue |
| Eliza C. | Blue |
| Bennet D. | Blue |
| Forrest G. | Blue |
| Lucy H. | Blue |
| Easton O. | Blue |
| Olivia P. | Blue |
| Bode P. | Blue |
| Fred P. | Red |
| Graylee R. | Blue |
| Daniel R. | Red |
| Celeste R. | Blue |
| Preston R. | Blue |
| Caroline S. | Blue |
| Bradley T. | Blue |
| Rivers W. | Blue |
| Griffin W. | Blue |
Black Australorp Pullets
| Exhibitor | Place |
|---|---|
| Aria B. | Blue; Grand Champion |
| Sydney C. | White |
| Kayla H. | Blue; Breed Champion |
| McKenzy P. | Red |
| Ben P. | White |
| Kerrigan R. | Blue |
| Nathan R. | White |
Blue Rock Pullets
| Exhibitor | Place |
|---|---|
| Jack G. | Blue |
| Graham G. | Red |
| Levi O. | Blue |
| Milo P. | Blue |
| Zaidyn P. | White |
| Emery S. | Blue; Breed Champion |
| Alessandra T. | Red |
| Will Z. | Blue |
Olive Egger Pullets
| Exhibitor | Place |
|---|---|
| Jace C. | Red |
| Hattie Jane C. | Red |
| Leahness D. | Blue; Breed Champion |
| Fletcher G. | White |
| Jonny P. | White |
| Mason R. | Red |
| Logan R. | Blue |
| Joan R. | Red |
| Brandon T. | Blue |
Production Red Pullets
| Exhibitor | Place |
|---|---|
| Julia Claire D. | Blue; Breed Champion |
| Clayton G. | Blue |
| Charlotte H. | Blue |
| Austin H. | Blue |
| Isaac M. | Blue |
| Dax P. | White |
| Benjamin T. | Blue |
| Hatcher Y. | Blue; Reserve Grand Champion |
| Ashlynn Z. | Blue |
The Chick Chain Comes Full Circle
The public auction that followed the show was an exciting finish to this year’s Chick Chain project, with a huge turnout in support of the exhibitors. Auction proceeds are an important part of the program because they help purchase chicks for the next group of participants. That continuing investment is what makes Chick Chain more than just a poultry project! It is a tradition of learning, leadership and community support that grows from one year to the next.
Congratulations again to the 2026 exhibitors, families, buyers, volunteers and supporters who made the Williamson County 4-H Chick Chain show and auction a success.
What is 4-H?
4-H is a youth development organization that empowers young people to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults. With a focus on hands-on learning, 4-H helps youth develop skills in leadership, citizenship, and vital life skills. Through clubs, camps, and educational programs, 4-H encourages young people to explore their passions and make a positive impact in their communities. Supported by dedicated volunteers and leaders, 4-H is all about inspiring the next generation of thinkers and doers. 🌟