What the State 4-H Avian Bowl Is
The Alabama 4-H Avian Bowl is a double-elimination, knowledge-bowl contest for teams of young poultry fans. Questions cover poultry species, food safety, physiology, nutrition, eggs and related subjects. The state contest was held July 24, 2026, in Auburn. It is meant to expand avian knowledge, build poultry management skills, offer career guidance, promote the poultry industry and make learning fun, and it comes with an award and a state competition trip for the winners.
Who Can Enter
- Juniors: ages 9 to 13. Seniors: ages 14 to 18.
- All members of a team must be in the same division.
- A team is 2 to 4 members.
How It Works
- Register through 4-H Online.
- Before the matches, each contestant takes a 25-question written exam. The top three individual scores are averaged into a team score used for seeding.
- Teams play double-elimination matches. When the number of teams is odd, a bye is awarded so every team gets to compete.
- Questions come in short answer (fill in the blank), multiple choice and spelling formats, with regular, bonus and tie-breaker questions.
Scoring
| Result | Points |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +5 |
| Incorrect answer | -5 |
| Acknowledgement penalty | -5 |
| Bonus question | +10, earned when a team answers four questions correctly with all members taking part |
Study Materials
The National 4-H Avian Bowl Manual holds the full rules and the study material, and the state page says to read it before attending a contest. It is free as a PDF from the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference website, and county Extension offices keep copies. A printed copy costs $15 through the Clemson University Marketplace; checks are not accepted.
Awards and What You Get
The winning Senior team represents Alabama at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference. Those team members must also attend three weekends of training at Auburn University before nationals, on top of coach-led training. Dates are posted on 4-H Online at registration, and entering the state contest means you agree to attend. The 2025 state champions were Sophia Gibbs and Ava Mullins of St. Clair County in the Senior division, and Elizabeth and Alaina Knight of Lamar County in the Junior division.
Where and When
Auburn, Alabama, on July 24, 2026 (the most recent edition). Check with your county 4-H agent for the exact venue and the registration deadline for the next contest.
Questions
Can I compete alone?
No. A team has 2 to 4 members.
Do I have to buy the manual?
No. The PDF is free; the printed copy is optional at $15.
Is the trip to nationals guaranteed for any winner?
Only the winning Senior team goes, and the team must agree to the three Auburn training weekends.
Who do I ask?
Your county 4-H agent, who can review the rules and study sections with you. Offices are listed at www.aces.edu/directory.
Official Links
Alabama Cooperative Extension System: The Essentials
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System carries out the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, in cooperation with Tuskegee University, and lists 67 county offices, per its A Ready Partner flyer.
What it covers
Program areas include agriculture, forestry, wildlife and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, community development, 4-H and urban affairs. The state office is at Duncan Hall, Auburn University, phone (334) 844-4444.
Soil tests and 4-H
Soil sample boxes come from your county office or a garden center, per Auburn's sampling guide. Alabama 4-H is open to ages 9 to 18, with Cloverbuds at 5 to 8, per the eligibility page.
Next steps
Call your county office before you visit, and ask which agent covers your question. The Master Gardener Helpline is 1-877-252-4769.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- State 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl and Skillathon
Held each year in Auburn for 4-H livestock exhibitors; the most recent dates were January 23 and 24, 2026.
- State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
Held each year in Auburn for Alabama 4-H livestock judging teams; the most recent date was June 16, 2026.
- National Peanut Festival
Held each year in Dothan and tracked on the Alabama Farmers Federation calendar; the most recent dates were November 6 to 15, 2026.
- Alabama Farmers Federation Annual Meeting
Annual meeting of the Alabama Farmers Federation, held in Montgomery on the organization's events calendar for December 6-7, 2026.
- Gulf States Horticulture Expo
Horticulture trade expo in Mobile for Gulf Coast growers, shown on the Alabama Farmers Federation events calendar for January 6-8, 2027.
Mobile, AL | Organizer: Alabama Farmers Federation Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.