How did a patchwork of backyard flocks become one of the most sophisticated protein systems on the planet. In this episode, Unplucked looks backward to see forward as host Andy Vance sits down with historian Dr. Margaret Derry to trace the arc of modern poultry. They unpack the early days of organized breeding, the rise of performance testing and record keeping, and the split between egg and meat lines that redefined both genetics and management. Listeners get a clear story of how scientific curiosity, commercial incentives, and a growing network of land-grant institutions turned scattered innovations into a reliable industry.

The conversation steps out of the museum and into the barn with practical lessons for today. Dr. Derry explains how show rings and competitions shaped how people thought about type and function, why experiment stations and university labs accelerated progress, and how the first wave of industrial hatcheries forced a new level of standardization. Together, she and Andy frame the past as a toolbox for the present. When supply chains feel fragile or public trust wobbles, understanding where the industry came from can help leaders make decisions that keep both birds and businesses healthy.

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