By Jordan Studer
jstuder@wbcowqel.com
An out-of-the-ordinary poultry showmanship occurred on Monday morning at the Crawford County Fair, even without the birds.
Although this year poultry was not allowed at the fair due to a statewide ban as a precaution against avian flu, kids were still judged on their projects. Instead of being filled with the birds, cages were filled with eye-catching posters and displays that exhibitors put together about their project.
Despite the minor setback of not having the birds physically there, that didn’t stop the exhibitors from showing off their skills and knowledge of their project.
The champion of the Senior Showmanship Division was none other than the Crawford County Fair Princess herself, Annika Gerlach of the Wynford FFA Chapter.
When asked if she felt any disappointment when finding out that the birds could not be brought to the fair Gerlach said, “There wasn’t too much disappointment there because then I could have my chickens slaughtered, the majority of them, before the fair. That way I didn’t have to run back and forth between the fair and my house. But, I kind of miss them because the showmanship this year was a lot different and I like handling of the birds, but it is what it is and you learn something new every year.”
Champion of the Intermediate division, Darren Wurm, had a different view of not having the birds.
“I looked forward to just handling it during showmanship.” He was very proud to say that his biggest accomplishment this year was just being able to keep all twenty of his chickens alive and well.
Taking home the Junior Showmanship first place award was Bryce Tieben, of Dairy Maids and Gents 4-H Club.
“This is my fourth year doing poultry,” Tieben said. He also mentioned how he also thought that not being able to bring his birds to the fair since it, “takes away a lot of the fun, but I still had fun.”
Results of the Poultry Showmanship:
Senior Showmanship:
1.Annika Gerlach
2.Emma Studer
3.Quinton Hiler
4.Hannah Underwood
5. Douglas Reer
Intermediate Showmanship:
1.Darren Wurm
2. Steven Leopard
3. Zac Hiler
4. Victoria Thimmes
5. Nathaniel Bishop
Junior Showmanship:
1.Bryce Tieben
2.Matthew Schiefer
3. Onalee Riedle
4. Kennedy Pine
5. Tie between: Megan Sharp and Katelyn Heinlen