The first pure breed show organised by the recently formed Southern Riverina Poultry Club Inc was held at the Finley Showgrounds on Sunday with an amazing response from poultry lovers with entries coming from far and wide.
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Club members have been working industriously for weeks installing new pens in anticipation of a good response.
However, the more than 400 entries received within a short period of time following opening exceeded the number of pens available, resulting in 150 entries having to be declined.
Plans are already in place to expand the facilities in preparation for the next show.
The judges, who came from Nango in Queensland, were brothers Reg and Anthony ‘Midge’ Thompson - fifth generation of a well-known family of poultry judges.
They spoke highly of the initiative of the local club members and the quality of the entries, some of whom have won prestigious events throughout Australia.
They particularly expressed the importance of encouraging young people to participate.
There was $1600 in prizemoney and prizes to be won, encompassing many varieties and breeds of poultry for the exhibitors who travelled from Temora, Young, Swan Hill, Alexandra, Gundegi, Adelong, Wangaratta and Rand to name a few, and many from the surrounding area.
Reuben Sibraa took out the sash for Southern Riverina Poultry Club Inc 2026 Supreme Champion Bird of Show, and Dale Crowe was delighted to take out Reserve Champion Bird of Show.
Jonathon Hutton took home the Grand Champion Junior Bird in Show and Gabrielle Hoskin couldn’t wipe the smile from her face after learning she was the winner of Reserve Grand Champion Junior Bird in Show.
The sunny weather enticed a large number of families and members of the public to attend and inspect the high-quality poultry on show.
Sebastian and Malakai George were particularly enthralled with a very large turkey on display.
President Trevor Joyce would like to thank his hard-working club members, the public who attended and all who contributed in any way to making this first major event of the Southern Riverina Poultry Club such an outstanding success.
(Back, from left) Southern Riverina Poultry Club Inc Grand Champion winner Reuben Sibraa, Reserve Champion Dale Crowe, judges Anthony and Reg Thompson, club president Trevor Joyce; (front) Junior Reserve Champion winner Gabrielle Hoskin and Grand Champion winner Jonathon Hutton.
Judge Anthony Thompson starts to identify finalists and ribbon winners.
Sebastian and Malakai George checking out the turkey.
