Wings and nuggets and a passion for helping others

Madison Perkins ’27 has been passionate about poultry since the third grade, but it wasn’t until attending the Texas A&M Department of Poultry Science judging camp in 2021 that she began to view poultry science as a potential career.

The 19-year-old Gilmer native and Aggie freshman’s love for the industry started with raising birds to show at her local county fair. During her freshman year of high school, poultry judging piqued her interest, and she began competing in contests through FFA.

It was no surprise, then, that Perkins jumped at the opportunity to attend a poultry camp offered by the Department of Poultry Science the following summer. She had already engaged in science fairs and FFA projects related to poultry research, so she was excited to deepen her knowledge at camp.

Little did she know that experience would ultimately shape her future in poultry science.

Poultry science judging camp

The Department of Poultry Science hosts three immersive poultry judging camps over the summer, each tailored to different age groups and experience levels. The camps, which span two to three days, provide a comprehensive experience that combines hands-on learning and real-world application.

After experiencing the camp herself, Perkins became a session leader and played a pivotal role in guiding participants through the complexities of poultry judging.

“It was really cool to be able to pour back what I’ve learned into this next group of competitors,” she said.

Each camp is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in 4-H and FFA judging competitions. Through interactive sessions, participants delve into the various classes, honing their abilities in a supportive, education environment. The culmination of the camp was a contest, where participants put their newly acquired skills to the test, ensuring they left with both confidence and competence in poultry judging.

“The first camp I attended was an early version of what the Texas A&M poultry camp has grown into today,” she said. “I enjoyed that first camp so much, that I knew I wanted to come back.”

From camper to leader

Even after attending just a one-day camp, Perkins noticed her scores began to climb. When the Department of Poultry Science expanded the camp into a multi-day event two years later, Perkins found herself in her element, thriving in the immersive experience. It was such a transformative experience for her that when the chance arose, she eagerly returned to serve as a session leader.

“I absolutely loved poultry judging camp – as a camper and as a leader,” Perkins said.

Perkins’ impact as a leader did not go unnoticed. Brett Meisinger, a department lecturer and the team’s judging coach, noted her exceptional ability to mentor younger poultry enthusiasts.

“Madison taught our products session at the 2024 camp and did a wonderful job being interactive with students and increasing their understanding of the contest’s material,” Meisinger said.

Perkins’ session’s focus was on evaluating nuggets and wings.

“I know that sounds like I made it up, but that’s really what I did,” she chuckled. “We evaluated all types and brands of products — even chicken nuggets shaped like dinosaurs.”

Poultry judging hopes at the collegiate level

Perkins has her sights set on joining the Texas A&M Poultry Judging Team, which secured two national titles during the 2023-2024 season. The team emerged as champions at both the 75th U.S. Poultry and Egg Association Foundation Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest and the 57th Annual National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest.

To try out for the much-lauded team, Perkins must first complete the POSC-304 course. This class trains students in selection and grading standards for eggs and live birds, and ready-to-cook poultry, as well as organization and management of poultry shows.

The skills gained from this course can pave the way for future careers in quality assurance, welfare, research and development, and even roles as 4-H and FFA poultry specialists.

“That is my goal – to make the team when I am eligible so I can compete alongside the country’s best collegiate judges,” she said.

The top five students from the class are selected for the traveling team, with only the top four competing in contests. At contests, the top three scores contribute to the team’s total.

Future plans

Although Perkins didn’t originally envision herself studying poultry science, she is thrilled that her FFA experiences and the summer poultry camp led her down this path. She has realized she can combine her passion for poultry with her calling to serve others.

Poultry are relatively inexpensive to grow, she said, making them a reliable protein source for the world’s growing population, especially in developing countries. Perkins is not sure what her career path will be with a degree in poultry science but she knows the importance of the field and that Texas A&M is the place to become a leader in it.

“I think one potential way I can serve is by educating and aiding others with what I learn here at Texas A&M about the care, raising and processing of poultry. Being able to help people feed their families and increase their quality of life would be a fulfilling future.”