YOUTH EXPO: DeRojas wins rabbit Grand Champion

By Michael Kormos

March 26, 2009 10:02 pm

— Entries were up this year in the breeding rabbit division according to chairman Rose Marie Goff. “We had 140 entries this year up from 95 last time. Participation seems to be growing,” she said.
Even though a broken rope caused a show coop to come crashing to the ground, no animals or people were harmed in this year’s breeding rabbit exhibition. Undeterred by a late start, long judging process and a few getaway rabbits, most who participated seemed to come away with a rewarding feeling from the past year’s hard work.
Lacie DeRojas, 13, of Dawson 4-H took overall Grand Champion, Best of Breed doe and Best in Show in Thursday’s breeding rabbits division. DeRojas who also raises swine, says she likes rabbits because they are “cute and easy to handle.” DeRojas, who won the buckle, purple ribbon and two stars said she couldn’t do it without the help and support of her stepdad, Mike Miller, and little brother, Will.
Ryan Dillman of Emhouse 4-H took Reserve Champion and Best of Breed with his mini rex junior buck.
Rice 4-H dominated the showmanship competition winning the top two banners in both the junior and senior divisions. Dave Clemons won Grand Champion in senior showmanship on the heels of Wednesday’s reserve grand champion win in the market rabbit division. James Cody Williams took home the senior showmanship Reserve Champion banner. In the junior showmanship class, Camey Metcalfe took Grand and Jacob Johnson got Reserve.
Presiding over the event was judge Ken McCracken of Cypress, who has been judging for around 30 years. However, this was his first year at the Navarro County Youth Exposition.
Look for complete results from the breeding rabbit competition in the Youth Expo Roundup special section of the April 5 Daily Sun.
—————
Click here to e-mail Michael Kormos.
Click here to Soundoff on this story.