Minnesota Ag Connection - Weckwerth, Lindgren Crowned Minnesota Poultry Royalty

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Weckwerth, Lindgren Crowned Minnesota Poultry Royalty
Minnesota Ag Connection - 08/30/2016

Nathan Weckwerth, a 17-year-old native of Dassel in Meeker County and Molly Lindgren, a 16-year-old from Staples in Wadena County, were granted Gold'n opportunities on Sunday, August 28, after being crowned as the seventh-annual Poultry Prince and Princess. The scholarship program of Minnesota 4-H and Gold'n Plump recognizes the industry knowledge, leadership and skills of Minnesota's up-and-coming poultry experts by awarding two teenagers with poultry ambassador titles and $1,000 academic scholarships.

From Aug. 25 through 28, eligible Minnesota State Fair 4-H poultry participants competed in the contest at the State Fairgrounds. Molly and Nathan stood out among the contestants, claiming the title after ranking highly in the qualifying rounds of the 4-H Poultry Interview, Quiz and Showmanship competition; the 4-H Chicken BBQ Contest; and the Q&A and Stage Presence final round. Runners up included:

-- Charles Miller of Kasson of Dodge County

-- Wyatt Tesch of Mayer of Carver County

-- Mariah Huberty of Harris of Chisago County

-- Eleanor Weckwerth of Dassel of Meeker County

"The Poultry Prince and Princess scholarship program provides 4-H youth from around the state the opportunity to convene at the 'Great Minnesota Get-Together,'" said Rory Bidinger, brand manager for GNP Company, the company behind the Gold'n Plump brand. "Within the walls of the poultry barn, youth engage in friendly competition with their peers while nurturing their passion for the Minnesota poultry industry."

Sunday's finals required the top six contestants to showcase their poultry knowledge with strong stage presence and personality, answering questions such as "How often do most hens lay eggs?" and "How do you protect your chickens from Minnesota's heat in the summer and cold in the winter?" Last year's winners, Nathan Vonderharr and Katie Benson, were in attendance to pass on feathered crowns and royal capes.

Along with $1,000 scholarships, the Poultry Prince and Princess will have the opportunity to expand their speaking, interview and presentation skills through industry and publicity appearances during their year-long term and will receive royal portraits created by the official State Fair artist, Michael Sweere. They also had the chance to participate in the State Fair parade on Sunday.

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