The Spring 2026 Virtual Backyard Chicken Seminar Series is a free educational event open to the public. It consists of two distinct workshops: Chicken Basics and Egg Grader Training.

This series is available multiple times throughout the year at no cost to participants.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Gregory Archer at [email protected]

Chicken Basics Workshop

Dates: March 2-6, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

This weeklong workshop teaches individuals about management, breeds, nutrition, and health of laying hens.  It also will focus on chickens in relation to the environment and gardening. This workshop includes 5 modules, one module covered each day.

Schedule:
March 2 - Intro, Housing, Lighting
March 3 -Breeds and Nutrition
March 4 - Selling Eggs and Poultry, Food Safety
March 5 - Health and Disease
March 6 - Chickens, Your Garden, and the Environment

Register for Chicken Basics Workshop

Egg Grader Training

Dates: March 24-27, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

This workshop teaches producers to grade eggs for sale according to USDA standards for shell eggs. Additional information discussed in the workshop includes egg composition and structure, factors affecting quality, and egg washing, handling, and storage to preserve quality and safety.
Please refer to the USDA Grading Manual for assistance. Purchase the USDA manual on AgriLife Learn. This workshop includes 4 modules, one module covered each day.

Schedule:
March 24 - Egg Composition and Biology
March 25 - Egg Microbiology and Food Safety
March 26 - Interior Egg Quality and Defects
March 27 - USDA Grading Standards

Register for Egg Grader Training