All across the country, there has been a surge in interest in raising small flocks of poultry in the backyard. But for Norm and Rose Smith, Beaver Dam, that interest goes back nearly 80 years.
The 60th annual Beaver Pigeon and Bantam Club fall show on Saturday at the Dodge County Fairgrounds will be dedicated in honor of Norm and Rose Smith, Beaver Dam. The Smiths have been members of the club since 1961 and have participated in every show the club has held.
The Smiths will be recognized at the Beaver Pigeon and Bantam Club Fall Show to be held Saturday at the Dodge County Fairgrounds.
"My grandma gave me my first Rhode Island Reds when I was 7 years old," Norm said. "Over the years we have raised nearly 50 different breeds of chickens, ducks, geese and pigeons."
Rose said, "We weren't members of the club when it started, but we've been showing at every show since the first show that the club hosted in 1961. I won my first trophy at that show."
Norm and Rose have been active in the club ever since. Norm has been "president for as long as anyone can remember" and Rose has been a club director and in charge of the lunch stand at the show.
Dan Schwandt, Reeseville, show secretary, noted their commitment to youth and the advancement of fancy of purebred poultry raising.
"This year's show will feature over 1,000 birds of hundreds of breeds." Schwandt said. "Nearly100 exhibitors from Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota will bring their best show birds in hopes of winning the ‘Best in Show' honors.'"
The champion pigeon award is given in memory of Mike Smith and the champion poultry award is given in memory of Thane Earle, two members that passed away this year.
The show is free and open to the public to attend.
Judging begins at 9 a.m. and will conclude at about 4 p.m. with the naming of the champions. Judges Duane Urch of Minnesota, Jim Fegan of Michigan, and Brad Endl of Jefferson will evaluate each bird according to the Standard of Perfection for qualities such as color, body shape and feather condition.
Exhibitors select from their flocks their best and groom them for the show. This involves giving the birds a bath, oiling their face, beaks and combs, and trimming their toe nails.
"This is quite meticulous work that requires skill and a cooperative bird," Schwandt said. "A typical exhibitor will have 10-15 birds in their backyard flock. They live in towns, villages as well as the rural areas. Even large cities have made ordinance changes to allow people to enjoy their birds and fresh eggs."
Youth is an important part of the show.
"Over half of the exhibitors are youngsters just getting started. The Wisconsin Junior Poultry Association will meet during the show and will hold competitions for showmanship and various other events," Schwandt said.
Ron Kean, U.W. Poultry Extension Specialist will give an educational seminar at 10 a.m. on "Eggs 101." He will explain proper production and handling of eggs and the recall of eggs from a large farm in Iowa this summer.
A representative of Cargill Nutrena Feeds will be on hand to explain feeds and nutritional requirements of poultry.
"On Sunday, the fairgrounds turns into Wisconsin's largest bird and small animal swap meet," Schwandt said. "Breeders will return with rabbits, guinea pigs, pheasants, chickens, ducks and geese and many others to sell or trade with the public. There will also be cages, incubators and other equipment available."
The swap meet begins at 6 a.m. and will conclude about 11 a.m. A nominal admission fee of $2 per adult and $5 for each seller will be charged at the gate to cover costs. All animals must be accompanied with proper health papers and identification.
"And of course, Rose Smith's food stand will be open both days," Schwandt said.
Posted in Local on Monday, October 11, 2010 11:20 pm Updated: 11:31 pm.
