Question: I am on a governing board for a Jr fair and a question came up regarding poultry that I need help with. The existing guideline states that a bird that is under 2 1/2 pounds cannot be shown and a bird that is over 10 pounds can be shown but is not eligible for the grand and reserve drive. Is it logical to allow an overweight bird to show and sell but not an under weight bird (these are sent back home). We want to do justice to the jr showman but do not have a lot of guidance in our area. Thanks for your help and have a great day.

Answer: Bonita,

You raise a great question about weight limits and what should be allowed to show and compete for champion drive! However before I can provide you a direct answer, I have to ask a few questions:

1) Are you making this inquiry on behalf of a marke broiler show (meat birds)?
2) When the youth exhibitors receive their birds, are they all sourced from the same hatchery?
3) Are all the birds for this show hatched on the same date?

All of these factors will affect my answer. For example, if you answer yes to all the above questions, then I would not allow 2.5 pound birds to enter a show when the potential is up to 10 lbs. I prefer not to have a top end weight for a market broiler show (as long as you answered yes to the above three questions). The birds should be allowed to grow as big as they can as fast as they can. I would not penalize the youth that are good managers / feeders by not allowing the 10+ lb birds to compete for Champion Drive.

If you answer no to any of the questions above, then obviously the dynamics of the show change as does my advise for you and the show regulations.

Feel free to contact me directly (number listed below) to discuss the specific details about your show. I will be glad to visit and provide you with options that will enhance the quality of your show.

Thanks,

Keith Staggs
Honor Show Chow Ambassador
Market Poultry
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed