Black Cochins no more

Well today is the last day that the Rusty Pumpkin will have black cochins. We will be switching to the partridge cochin wich is a better looking and quality line than the blacks that we had. Our new line will show this blood line at our next coming show.Out with the old and in with the new.

Ever Seen a $190 Cherry Pie?

Well, I didn’t get my hands on one of the home baked pies, but this little auction raised nearly $1,000 for the 4-H Junior Leaders group. I’ve drawn an arrow to point at the $190 pie. I think the least amount one of these goodies fetched was $35.

The Pie Auction took place inside the show arena. You can see here, where all the animals big or small are put on display for the judges.

And here you see Miss Presley taking her place on the front page of our local paper. This isn’t Holly, the overall show winner, but it is the one that caught the reporters eye.

We’re starting to wind down the fair now. Tonight is the Farmer Olympics. During this competition, the kids are placed into teams. Each team runs through a series of tasks and relays that are similar to a farmer’s day. From getting up and eating breakfast, to dressing, carrying feed buckets over fences and hauling wheel barrel loads of stuff to be dumped.

It should be fun and comical to say the least. Expect photos from the Farmer Olympics tomorrow.

Our Two Biggest Winners

Near the end of the show, this little lady was head-to-head with one other bird to take the title of Best in All Show. She didn’t get to claim that prize, but Presley did. We were so glad it went to our second favorite family at the show

She does hold the title of Grand Champion Large Fowl and Grand Champion Hen

This big guy looks awfully proud, doesn’t he? He should be! He was named Grand Champion Rooster and Reserve Champion Large Fowl.

When the Son Shines!

Talk about a proud Mommy Moment. Coty won showmanship for his division. He worked and studied so hard for this day.

He looks drained, doesn’t he?

Interviewing with the local paper. Next stop, Hollywood!

The Ultimate Challenge of Knowledge

Shane, Trey, Coty, Denton and Presley prepare to put their knowledge of poultry and their own birds to the test!

Denton with is sidekick Cornie

Trey with his sidekick RJ

This is Trey with Shane and Presley’s mom. She’s also on the Poultry Board for our area.

What Does a Chicken Show and Judging Look Like?

Looks exciting, doesn’t it?

The tension mounds. Coty is sweating bullets! Bandit is about to be judged.

Bandit didn’t do so well. Speedy will have to save this day!

Poultry People Rock!

This is Shane. Shane’s mom first introduced us to showing birds and I do have to say, she’s created a monstor - or 6.

This is Shane and his sister Presley primping their birds. Their mom and dad gave me special permission to share these good friends with all of you

This is my son Coty with his best friend Shane. There is NEVER a dull moment when Shane is around

Primping Prior to Judging

Sharon (Ozzy had to stay home) gets a quick shampoo and set before dress rehearsal

Bet’cha didn’t know Hen’s wore hair spray!

A little slicking back action. RJ hates that wind blown look

Coty practicing his best poker face with Bandit

Preparing for Show Time

Coty and Denton getting things neat and clean before departure

Denton with his Dark Cornish Bantam

Denton and Rusty crating everyone up

Say G’nite Irene… we’ll see you at the fair…

Coty’s White Leghorns opted for the first class seating

Passengers, buckle your seat belts, we’re preparing for departure.

A Successful Day at the Fair

The most valued prize of the day was won by my son Coty. He’s worked and studied so hard to learn his project and his birds in hopes of taking home the award for Showmanship. He accomplished his goal and has a beautiful plaque as a constant reminder of his hard work.

Aside from the plaque, the awards the three boys won are:

1 Grand Champion Overall Large Fowl (Denton with Faverolle Hen)

1 Reserve Grand Champion Overall Large Fowl (Trey with Black Chochin Rooster)

2 Grand Champions Overall Breed

3 Reserve Grand Champions Overall Breed

8 1st Place Blue Ribbons

3 2nd Place Red Ribbons

and

2 3rd Place White Ribbons

Plenty more photos to come…