The CDFA has not lifted the ban on poultry shows due to the avian flu outbreak. To be compliant with the CDFA ruling and still allow our Turkey and Meat Bird exhibitors to have an option to show and sell their birds, we will be conducting a modified show in the form of a carcass contest for the market bird show and an educational panel for showmanship. To participate in the contests, exhibitors must enter the market turkey/meat bird pen and showmanship classes like they would normally do in Blue Ribbon (up to two market birds). There will be no Poultry breeding show this year, and no master showmanship option for market poultry exhibitors.
For the carcass contest – on June 11th at 9:30 AM, exhibitors will bring their birds to Riello for processing. For those with two market turkeys or meat bird pens entered, AgFest will cover the cost of processing one entry…the exhibitor will be responsible for the cost of processing for the 2nd entry. Exhibitors will claim the carcasses after harvest. The carcass(es) will be banded with an AgFest leg or wingtip band and weighed for the judge and buyers. Carcasses will be sorted into classes by weight and the exhibitor will present their carcass(es) in their assigned class to the judge. The judge will evaluate the carcasses and place the birds. Birds will then be moved into refrigeration trucks. The following day birds will be bagged and labeled in preparation for auction. To maintain food safety, the actual carcasses will not be carried through the sale ring, but the exhibitors will be encouraged to bring a blown up photo of their turkey or meat bird pen to display for buyers. Exhibitors will be responsible for delivery of the birds to their buyers following the auction.
For the showmanship contest – Exhibitors will prepare an educational display board providing education to the public about avian flu and safe bio security practices. The poultry judge will judge and place the boards.
REMINDER ABOUT ONLINE ENTRIES – Online entries close Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 AT 11:59 PM (PDT). ENTRIES RECEIVED AFTER THIS DATE WILL BE CONSIDERED LATE AND SUBJECT TO A $100 LATE FEE. All late entries close without exception on April 27th, 2025, at 11:59 PM (PDT). NO ENTRIES AT ALL ACCEPTED AFTER APRIL 27TH, 2025 AT 11:59 PM (PDT).
Special thanks to Marlene Hepner for coming up with the concept for this show and working the details out. We appreciate you!