LOCAL GIRL WINS BIG

Whitney Briggs of Willits attended the Humboldt Poultry Fanciers Association's 50th Anniversary Winter Show on February 13th and 14th. The show was held at the Redwood Acres Fairgrounds in Eureka, California.Also, in attendance was Lance Burgess of the Willits 4-H club. Whitney received several Champion and Reserve Champion awards at this show.

Over the last four years, Whitney has been helping 4-H and FFA members in the Willits and Ukiah area, teaching them the joy of raising chickens, how to prepare show birds and poultry showmanship. She was a Junior and Teen Leader in the Willits 4-H Club, as well as assisting Willits FFA adviser, Becky Bowlds, in developing a poultry unit at the Willits High Ag farm.

Whitney started in 4-H eleven years ago, with a few Bantam Cochin chickens. Since then, she has modified her interests to Standard (Large) Breed chickens, now raising and showing Buff Orpingtons, Cubalayas, and Langshans.

The competition was fierce, with over 350 chickens, ducks, geese and pigeons competing for top honors. There were also classes for Turkeys and Guinea Hens. The 18 and under members compete in both 4-H and Open Youth shows, while competitors over 18 years old compete in the Open Division. Birds came from all over California, as well as, Oregon and Washington.

Whitney received awards for the Champion and Reserve Champion Asiatic by a 4-Her, Best Asiatic and Reserve Asiatic by a Junior, and Reserve Asiatic Open with her Langshan chickens. Best AOSB (All Other Standard Breed) and Reserve Best AOSB by a junior with her Cubalaya. Champion and Reserve Champion English by a 4-Her, Best English and Reserve Best English by a Youth with her Buff Orpingtions. She was also awarded plaques for the Champion Large Chicken by a Youth, Reserve Champion Large Chicken and Reserve Champion Chicken by a youth. In all, she brought home 14 top awards.

This show was Whitney's last Open Show as a youth. She looks forward to competing in the Open Division next year