Learn more about poultry at June 25 workshop

Monday, June 11, 2018

Poultry has been around for millions of years and has become important in our everyday life. There are approximately 19 billion chickens currently on the planet. The United States is the world’s largest producer in the poultry industry.

The term poultry refers to domestic fowl, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Poultry provides us food and fiber. We can eat meat from the poultry and also the eggs they lay. We typically eat the meat and eggs for the protein they provide. Poultry provides us with fiber through their feathers. These feathers can be made into paper and even plastic.

Out of the four types of poultry, chickens are the most commonly eaten in the world. Americans consume more chicken than any other country. Chickens that are raised for meat are called broilers.

In 2017, around nine billion broiler chickens were produced. Chickens produce both white and dark meat. Dark meat is made dark by two proteins involved in the converting of fat into energy for the muscles. Dark meat is found in the thighs and drumsticks. White meat is found in the breast tenderloin and breast.

Indiana ranks third in the nation in egg production and currently has 26.6 million layers. Indiana ranks first in duck production, producing 73 percent of United States ducks. Not only is this industry helping feed the world, it also had a tremendous impact on economy. The poultry industry has a contributed more than $4.25 billion annually to Indiana’s economy.

If you would like to learn about raising poultry, consider signing up and attending the Poultry Workshop scheduled for June 25. The workshop is free and will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Putnam County Fairgrounds in Harris Hall.

Dr. Darrin Karcher, assistant professor of animal sciences at Purdue University will be discussing best management practices and current poultry topics. Although this workshop is free, interested parties are encouraged to register for the workshop in advance by calling 653-8411, emailing smith535@purdue.edu or going online to https://bit.ly/2rXAzEi.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming events

June 14 – Electricity 4-H workshop, 9 a.m.-noon, Harris Hall Fairgrounds.

June 14 – Woodworking 4-H workshop, 6-8 p.m., Steve Lien Shop.

June 18 – Poster Making 4-H workshop, 6-8 p.m., Harris Hall Fairgrounds.

June 20 – YQCA cert program, Fairgrounds, 10 a.m., RSVP online.

June 20 – YQCA cert program, Fairgrounds, 1 p.m., RSVP online.

June 25 – Poultry workshop, Harris Hall, 6:30 p.m., RSVP 653-8411.

June 26 – Mini-Day Camp, Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., $10. Register 653-8411.

June 27 – Fashion Revue/Modeling 4-H workshop, 6-7 pm, Community Building, Fairgrounds

June 27 – Fine Arts 4-H workshop, 9-10 a.m., Extension Office.

June 27 – Public Speaking/Demonstration 4-H workshop, 10-11 a.m., Extension Office.

July 6 – Mini-Day Camp, Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., $10. Register 653-8411.

Aug. 15 – My Record of Achievement 4-H workshop, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Extension Office.

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