The University of Arkansas Department of Poultry Science was the host of the National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest on Nov. 5-7.

During the contest, nine collegiate teams from around the county traveled to the U of A campus to compete in the two-day contest.

"We are honored to host the national contest on our campus each fall," said David Caldwell, department head for poultry science and director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. "In total, we had 39 students and 20 coaches participate in the contest this year. Seeing this many college students excited about poultry science and this contest is always very rewarding."

The colleges that participated were Auburn University, Kansas State University, Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Texas A&M University, University of Arkansas, University of North Georgia and University of Wisconsin - River Falls.

The top-placing teams were:

• First place: Texas A&M University
• Second place: University of Arkansas
• Third place: Auburn University
• Fourth place: Ohio State University
• Fifth place: Mississippi State University

The U of A poultry judging team placed second overall, second in Division One and second in Division Two. Members of the team include Delaney Roberts, Crystal Velazquez, McKayla Williams and Cayla Wilson, along with Coach Dennis Mason.

Roberts, a sophomore studying poultry science, placed third overall and second in Division Two. She is from Keller, Texas, and says the poultry judging team was a way for her to become involved in the department.

"Poultry judging is an opportunity for me to become more active in the department, and to continue to pursue a competitive activity that I enjoyed in high school," Roberts said.

While the team can be fun, it is also hard work.

"Getting second as a team was very rewarding because we all worked extremely hard to raise our scores and perform to the best of our abilities," Roberts said.

Williams is a junior studying poultry science, and she is from Fayetteville, Arkansas. She placed seventh overall and fifth in Division Two. Her favorite part of the judging team experience was learning about the quality of poultry products.

"I love learning about the small details of poultry and eggs that most people overlook but make a difference in quality to the industry and consumers," Williams said.

Wilson, a senior poultry science major, is from San Antonio, Texas. She placed ninth overall in the contest. She had been competing on the team for three semesters.

"Competing on the poultry judging team for the past year and a half has been the most rewarding experience ever," Wilson said. "I have learned so much from Mr. Mason and grown as a judge and person by being on this team. It has added value to my skillset, and I know it has helped me in the interview process for jobs."

Velazquez is a senior poultry science major from Springdale, Arkansas.