ENTRIES were down but quality was up at Bathurst and District Poultry Society’s annual show held at the showground yesterday.
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Show secretary Clayton Kirkham said the event had been held for 12 years.
He said this year’s entries of 450 were down about 10 per cent on 2014, something he put down to a number of factors.
“It could be the costs associated with showing. The cost of fuel has risen, so it’s more expensive [for people who travel] to get the animals to the show,” he said.
“Still, we had 450 entries and they came from all over western NSW.”
Mr Kirkham said judges for the event came from Colo Vale, Exeter, Scone, East Seaham and Harden and, by all accounts, were impressed with what they saw.
“It’s been great. We’re very happy with things. Our entries have covered everything from soft feather large down to water fowl,” he said.
Sam, 7, and Josh Lane, 12, took the opportunity to showcase some of their hens and ducks, many of which took home prizes.
Josh’s hen, one of seven he exhibited in the show, won soft feather junior.
He said he has about 25 in total.
“I started breeding hens about three years ago. My pop had hens, that’s why I was interested in them,” he said.
“I’ve got all types of different breeds at home.”
His brother Sam entered three waterfowl, all of which were successful in the show. Kev was named junior champion waterfowl, Donald was named junior reserve champion and Freya was placed second.
Mr Kirkham said Sam and Josh’s success was a perfect example of why poultry is popular, especially with young families.
He said the club was very active, holding two to three auctions a year as an outlet for breeders to sell surplus birds and get ready for the breeding season.
“New members are always welcome,” he said.
For more information about the Bathurst and District Poultry Society, call Mr Kirkham on 0412 635 827.