Whiddon explained, ”My involvement in FFA throughout my middle school and high school year shaped my career path in animal agricultural. After graduating from the University of Georgia, I worked for Perdue Farms before joining Georgia Poultry as an outside sales rep.”

Heath and kids examine 4-hole nest used in chapter project

Clifton Ridge Middle School in Macon, Georgia, recently started an FFA chapter and chose as their SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) a project involving laying hens. Local Perdue Farms Director of Operations, Wally Hunter, and Live Production Manager, Tim Little, alerted Whiddon about the project and joined with Georgia Poultry in supplying the school with a 4-hole and 10-hole nest.

FFA advisor, Rick Burrell looks on as Heath Whiddon highlights nest features.

Whiddon bought the nests to Clifton Ridge and met with the students and FFA advisor, Rick Burrell.

”I assembled the 4-hole to show the kids so they could build the 10-hole unit on their own," said Whiddon. ”I took a few minutes and explained how vertical integration worked and answered the questions from the kids. They were especially interested in how my FFA involvement helped my career in the poultry industry and wanted to know what farmers did with the chicken litter.”

Whiddon continued, “Getting kids involved is critical to the future of our industry. I was glad for the opportunity to help out, and hopefully, we see some of the kids enter the poultry business down the road.”

Clifton Ridge hens adapt to new nests

The project involves 12 laying hens of different breeds and students offer eggs for sale to the school faculty and district personnel.