By Andi Anderson
The Wright County Chick Hatching Program continues to inspire young people by combining agricultural education, hands-on learning, and community service. During the 2026 season, the program reached several classrooms and provided students with valuable opportunities to learn about poultry production, animal care, and leadership development.
Led by Wright County Extension and Outreach K-12 Program Coordinator Paige Roberts, the program engaged five first-grade classrooms, three sixth-grade classrooms, and one talented and gifted classroom. Over five weeks, students observed chicks hatching in incubators while studying embryology, life cycles, poultry care, and Iowa agriculture through interactive lessons and daily observations.
Learning extended beyond the classroom through a Poultry 101 Workshop. Families gained information about 4-H poultry projects and learned how to raise broiler chickens at home. Participants also had the opportunity to take home chicks hatched during the program, connecting classroom education with real-life agricultural experiences.
Throughout the summer, youth cared for their broilers and developed important life skills, including responsibility, decision-making, record-keeping, and animal husbandry. Their efforts were showcased at the Wright County Fair, where they exhibited broilers raised from chicks hatched in local schools.
Anthony Wubben of Eagle Grove, whose son Keegan participated in the program as a Wright County Clover Kids member, shared his experience. "All three of my children gained a greater understanding of caring for chickens while developing responsibility, confidence, and respect for animals. I highly recommend this program to any family considering it. We are fortunate to have such an outstanding opportunity in Wright County that not only teaches youth about agriculture but also helps build the future leaders of our community," said Wubben.
The program also celebrated impressive achievements at the fair. Emma Schreiber earned Grand Champion Pen of Three Broilers, while Avery Canon received Reserve Grand Champion Pen of Three Broilers. Their accomplishments reflected months of dedication and quality animal care.
Emma Schreiber, a second-year member of the Wright Warriors 4-H Club, credited the classroom program for sparking her interest in poultry. "My favorite part of the project was learning how to care for broilers and how to show chickens. Winning Grand Champion Pen of Three Broilers at the Wright County Fair made all of the hard work worth it. Raising broilers taught me a lot of responsibility because I had to make sure my chores were done every day, even when we got home late from ball games. Knowing that the broilers are donated to local food pantries after the fair makes the project even more meaningful because it feels good to know the work we put in is helping families in our community,” said Schreiber.
Community service remained a major focus of the initiative. This year, 42 broilers, totaling about 150 pounds of protein, were donated to Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond for its mobile food pantry. The donation helped support local families facing food insecurity and demonstrated how agriculture can benefit communities.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Paige Roberts of Wright County Extension and Outreach said, “Watching students transition from caring for chicks in the classroom, to raising and exhibiting broilers at the fair, and then seeing them give back through food donations—that truly captures everything this program is about.” She added, “Wright County 4-H offers so many programs like this to help youth build skills in leadership, communication, and citizenship.”
Supported by strong community partnerships, the program continues to strengthen agricultural literacy while helping young people learn, lead, and serve their communities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski
Categories: Iowa, Education