For Malaya Shelton of Christian County FFA, her Supervised Agricultural Experience combines a lifelong love of poultry with the challenge of breeding and showing competitive birds.

Shelton raises and shows breeds such as Mille Fleur, Sultans, black Silkies, and white Silkies. Careful management is key, from keeping her white birds spotless to ensuring they meet strict breed standards in the show ring. Judges evaluate birds on both looks and breed quality, while showmanship focuses on the exhibitor’s knowledge and presentation.

She has always had chickens growing up so, when her agriculture teacher asked her if she wanted to show Shelton said yes. At her very first show she won grand champion with her own ducks.

“I always had an interest for silkies,” Shelton said. When she found out it was a common show breed she decided she wanted to show them. 

With encouragement and guidance from an experienced breeder in Lexington, Shelton expanded her SAE into a small business. Today, she breeds and sells birds under the name Layla’s Sunshine Silkies. You can find her on Facebook. 

A junior now, Shelton began her FFA journey as a freshman and has steadily built her project. What started as a classroom opportunity has grown into a venture that blends her passion for poultry with entrepreneurship.

Listen to the full interview here: