Annual 4-H pullet show and sale set for Aug. 25

— As the number of Benton County rural residents continues to grow, backyard poultry continues to be a common interest.

Country-fresh eggs are a popular item, but one problem is to locate poultry of the right breed, age and health status to achieve successful egg production. Poultry are also a verydrought tolerant animal and, in that regard, the timing couldn’t be better!

The 4-H pullet project, conducted under the auspices of the Benton County 4-H Foundation, began in April with day-old chicks. It provides a safe, educational method of introducing youth to animal science and management on a small scale.

This year’s 4-H Cinnamon Queen pullets, also referred to as Golden Comets, arered and buff feathered, calm, easy to handle and produce brown-shell eggs, a customer favorite. Raised under University of Arkansas poultry management guidelines, these pullets are already laying. Under good management, they will provide long-term egg production for any poultry enthusiast.

The project culminates with an annual 4-H pullet show and sale, which will be held on Saturday, Aug.25, at the Benton County Fairgrounds. The show will begin at 8:30 a.m., as U of A poultry specialist Susan Watkins selects and ranks the 40 pens of pullet entries.

The auction will be conducted at 9 a.m. by Jim Rieff of Rogers, a long-time friend of 4-H. All pullets will first be sold for premium and then resold to individuals who want them for home egg production.

The support of premium sponsors and take-homebuyers serves to provide funds, which are awarded to participating 4-H members.

Businesses or individuals interested in supporting in the 2012 premium auction at any level may contact Benton County extension agent Robert Seay at 271-1060 or at [email protected].

The Benton County 4-H Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax exempt.

To purchase 4-H pullets for home egg production,plan to take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity at the Benton County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 25.

4-H is a youth development program of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 19, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender or disability. For more information about 4-H, call the Benton County Extension Office at 271-1060.

Community, Pages 11 on 08/08/2012