Youth Contests

Pullet Surprise Writing Contest

For the Pullet Surprise, youth can write an original essay, poem, or other literary work on a poultry-related topic. The winner of each age category (Junior and Senior) receives a show quality pair of poultry, cages, feed, an incubator, an ABA Standard, and more–the makings for an excellent start in raising exhibition birds!

For details on the Pullet Surprise contest, see this download: Pullet Surprise Contest Information (PDF) . You can find the same PDF in the “Forms” section of this website.

Photography Contest

The WJPA photography contest is another fun competition for youth to participate in and an opportunity to win cash. Interested youth simply need to take nice photos of domestic poultry and send them in to be judged. The winning photos will be displayed as a cover photo for our Facebook group. 

The Photography Contest entry information and entry form can be found here. 

Egg Show

The Egg Show is a WJPA event held at the Wisconsin International Poultry Show. Possible entries include a dozen white, brown, or other naturally-colored (green, etc.) eggs, or a dozen decorated eggs. Any WJPA member 18 years old or younger can participate. Information on the Egg Show can be found here: WJPA Egg Show Entry Information (PDF).

Poultry Showmanship

Poultry showmanship is probably the most popular event that WJPA youth participate in throughout Wisconsin and other states. Showmanship offers exhibitors a chance to demonstrate their handling abilities and poultry knowledge (of both their own birds and others). In addition to helping youth improve their communication skills, showmanship can also be a quite enjoyable competition, for all ages of junior exhibitors.

Showmanship competitions are offered at basically every show in Wisconsin, including small fairs and larger open shows. All you need to do for showmanship is pick a show to attend, study hard, practice handling your bird, enter (usually at the show), and bring your well-conditioned bird up to the showmanship judge at the show. Tips for studying: Check out some of the links in the Helpful Links section of this website, search for extra information on the Internet, consider getting the American Standard of Perfection, and ask for help from knowledgeable poultry exhibitors/raisers if necessary.

Avian Quiz Bowl

Avian bowl is an opportunity to test your poultry knowledge against other competitors. Teams consist of 2-4 members (they must be 4-H members) and they are pitted against other teams in a buzzer quiz competitions. Questions can be answered by multiple choice, short answer, or spelling. Teams are either registered as Junior (under 14 years) or Senior (14-18 years). Material studied for the avian bowl comes from the 4-H Avian Bowl Manual. The winning senior team represents Wisconsin in the National Avian Bowl in Louisville, KY. The competition is held annually at the Wisconsin International show and registrations are due September 1st. More information about the Avian Bowl can be found here and the registration form can be found here.

Educational Poster Contest   

The WJPA educational poster contest started in 2014, but it has been a great success, with many youth entering informative and beautiful posters on poultry-related topics.  To enter, youth simply have to think of educational poultry topics (breeds, defects, health, etc.), assemble their poster displays, and attend the Beaver Bantam and Pigeon Show for judging. 

For more information and the entry form, check out the Youth Poultry Poster Contest File.

WJPA Speaking Contest  

All youth members are encouraged to participate in the WJPA Speaking Contest.  Participants may read a favorite story, recite a poem, do a speech to persuade others, or perform a demonstration.  You may write an original work or find a favorite by another author.  The only requirement is that your piece be about anything related to poultry and be appropriate for all audiences.  All participants will receive a prize. Special awards will be given to the top entries in each division.   Not an active contest in 2023.

High Point Exhibitor Contest

Each year, the WJPA selects a High Point Exhibitor from the youth who exhibit birds in Wisconsin. The High Point Exhibitor is the person who has shown the most birds successfully and accumulated the most points.  To enter, be sure to save your coop cards or otherwise record your birds’ winnings. At the end of the year, fill out the High Point Exhibitor Form (PDF) and send it to Mrs. Gromacki.  Remember to count your points from showmanship too. Not an active contest in 2023.

WJPA Youth Service Award

WJPA members can receive points throughout the year from completing community service activities. These activities include setting up for shows, sweeping aisles at fairs, presenting poultry seminars, and helping other poultry youth with their birds. Record your community service hours using the WJPA Youth Service Score sheet. The member (or members, if there is a tie) with the most points will receive the award. Like the High Point Exhibitor Award, the Youth Service Award is presented annually. Not an active contest in 2023.