CLIFTON FLOYD PARRISH

Clifton Floyd "Chick" Parrish was born October 25, 1901 in Washington County, Florida. When "Chick" was a young lad, his family moved to Guilford County, North Carolina. Mr._ Parrish has been a dedicated pioneer leader and promoter of the poultry industry since 1925. 1

Mr. Parrish graduated from Pleasant Garden High School in 1921, received a B.S. degree in Agriculture from N.C. State College in 1925, and completed 16 hours of graduate work in Poultry Science. "Chick" began his poultry career as Extension Poultryman on July l, 1925 and was placed in charge of Poultry Extension on September 1, 1928. He retired December 31, 1963. "Chick" continued to serve the poultry industry after retirement as Secretary-Treasurer of the N.C. State Mutual Hatchery Association until December 31, 1975. 

Mr. Parrish played a prime role in developing the commercial poultry industry in North Carolina. He helped organize the N. C. State Mutual Hatchery Association, N.C. Record of Performance Association, N. C. Poultry Council, and the N. C. Poultry Processors.  In his 38 1/2 years in Poultry Extension work at N. C State, he originated the monthly “Poultry Pointers" publication, organized the first 4-H Pullet Chain, served as superintendent of the poultry section of the State Fair, and worked actively with the US World’s Poultry Congress. In addition, "Chick" wrote the poultry section in the Progressive Farmer Magazine for over 12 years and was the author of 37 poultry bulletins and publications.

Mr. Parrish has been a true pioneer and leader in the North Carolina poultry industry, and the North Carolina Poultry Federation is pleased to honor him as a member of the North Carolina Poultry Hall of Fame.