Dr. Bradley announces that there will be no 2020 Avian Bowl State Qualifier

Nor 4-H National Poultry and Egg Conference

       The National Poultry Specialist Committee held a Zoom meeting to decide the future of this year’s 4-H National Poultry and Egg Conference.   For all the reasons listed in the press release below (plus many more), it was decided that the National event could not go on.   Given there will be no National Contest this year and for the same myriad of reasons, I am cancelling the already postponed California State Avian Bowl Qualifier.

    The Avian Bowl Study sections listed for 2020, will be carried through to 2021.   So Avian Bowlers who have been studying, you have a jump start.   Please keep learning the material and practicing the best biosecurity for your family and your birds.   Let’s look forward to a  2021 with no vND Quarantine, shows and fairs operating, and a great season of Avian Bowl Competitions.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

THE 2020 NATIONAL 4-H POULTRY AND EGG CONFERENCE

The National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference is held every year in Louisville, KY. This annual event brings 4-Hers from around the country to compete in five separate competitive events that help them learn to make and defend decisions, speak publicly, and gain poultry-related skills. This year, however, it has been decided that the national conference will not be held due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. This was not an easy decision to make, especially considering seniors aging out of the system and not able to compete next year. The opportunity to compete at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference is highly anticipated by many 4-Hers. We also decided it would be best to make this decision now so individuals can plan accordingly verse wondering if or when an announcement will be made. We hope that 4-H youth concentrate on the educational aspect of their project work and find ways to make the “Best Better” through these unusual times.

While all states have started some form of re-opening, states vary considerably in the degree and speed to which they are performing this. Many states are not able to hold contests to select national participants. There is concern on how those selected could travel to Louisville, KY safely and how social distancing could be achieved during the event. The tours, get acquainted party, and banquet, so popular at nationals, would also be greatly affected.

Next year’s National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference will be held November 17-18, 2021 in Louisville, KY. The competitive events to be held include the national poultry judging, avian bowl, egg preparation demonstration, chicken barbecue and turkey barbecue contests.