We are lucky to live in an area where there are quite a few Ameraucana breeders. We live in the northeastern part of Texas. People ask us how and why we show in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Remember that Texas is a big state. Sometimes it is closer for us to show in another state than it is for us to show at a show in Texas. We can be in parts of Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas or Mississippi in less time than it would take us to get to shows in many parts of Texas.
We breed and exhibit other breeds of chickens. We make decisions as to what we will be hauling to different shows based on what meets are scheduled for that show. If there is an Ameraucana Meet scheduled, we haul more Ameraucanas. If there is a Marans Meet scheduled, we haul more Marans. If there is a Sussex Meet scheduled, we haul more Speckled Sussex.
I feel that it is important to have meets at shows not only for the points, but to make sure that there is a good representation of Ameraucanas at the shows. Some shows have more "walk through" visitors than others. Some shows are mainly breeders and exhibitors. I feel that the more exposure the breed gets, the better. We are also seeing exhibitors who have Ameraucanas start showing them due to the fact that they can join the ABC and participate in our Awards Program.
I understand needing to have meets where there should potentially be three or more exhibitors, but the person who requests the meet can only speculate on how many exhibitors will show up at any show. I also feel that in order to develop and cultivate the interest that may be in an area, we should provide an opportunity for the breeders that are there to participate in our Point System.
Maybe there is a way that we can address that requirement and allow for more ABC Meets in those areas with fewer breeders to create and cultivate an interest in our club and our breed.
Be Blessed,
Ernie Haire
Poultry 2XL
Arp, Texas