March has come in like a "LION" here in Southern Ohio and many folks along the Ohio River in KY, IN & OH are cleaning up after devastating storms and tornados last week. Our prayers go out to those who have suffered loss or injury in this region. On a more positive note many Buckeye breeders have started hatching chicks to kick off the coming of spring! We hope everyone has a GREAT hatching season and don't forget to share your Buckeyes with 4H kids in your area.
ABC member Joe Shumaker and I have been working to put together our FIRST annual club meet and poultry show this coming June. Joe has put a lot of effort into this and created some fantastic advertising copy that will be published in a number of poultry publications in April and May. The big event will be held at the Buckeye Fancy Feather Poultry Show in Canfield, Ohio on June 9th. It is a one day show and we hope to get many of our members to come out for a "meet and greet" even if they don't intend to show their Buckeyes! We need Buckeye exhibitors as well and so far several have commited to attend and show their Buckeyes. Both Joe and I are anticipating a large Buckeye turn out, perhaps more Buckeyes than folks saw at the Ohio National or Cross Roads shows in 2011. In addition to the normal show trophys and ribbons, the ABC will be giving out special trophys for several classes and both members and non-members are eligible. We hope everyone will mark their calendars and plan to make the trip to the "Birthplace" of the Buckeye! Since the Canfield event is just minutes from the old Metcalf Farm location we are planning a trip to the "old farm" for ALL members who sign up at the show.
Finally, we need some volunteers to help work a small display table and pass out information about the Buckeye and the ABC. This will be the area to sign up for the "Birthplace" trip as well. Our goal is to head up to the Metcalf Farm around 6:00pm or following the final presentation of trophies. A trip like this will be one to remember and anyone interested in Buckeyes would surely enjoy visiting the very farm in which Nettie Metcalf gave them life!
Happy hatching and stay in touch,
Jeff Lay
Co-Founder
The American Buckeye Club
