Poultry showing hopefully just around the corner

This week sees the return of the Balmoral Show at Balmoral Park, Maze, Lisburn, with all farm animals back with the exception of the poultry section, though there is a display of poultry belonging to one keeper.

This is such a pity as for generations this was the number one summer poultry show both at its previous home at the Harberton Hall at the King’s Hall, Belfast, and then at the Poultry marquee at the Balmoral Park.

Sadly, this poultry show was cancelled as although the poultry housing order was lifted on May 2, we are awaiting news that poultry gatherings can recommence with shows and sales able to start again.

We are hoping that the go-ahead for poultry gatherings will be in the next few weeks so my attention turns to the rest of the agricultural shows across the country.

Why not enter your birds in anticipation that these shows will get the green light.

Here is a list of the events that hold poultry shows:

n Saturday, June 4, Lurgan Agricultural Show;

n Saturday, June 4, Ballymoney Agricultural Show;

n Saturday, June 11, Armagh Agricultural Show;

n Saturday, June 18, Saintfield Agricultural Show;

n Saturday, June 18, Ballymena Agricultural Show;

n Saturday, July 2, Omagh Agricultural Show;

n Saturday, July 16, Castlewellan Agricultural Show;

n Tuesday and Wednesday, August 2-3, Fermanagh County Show.

This is a great range of shows across five counties and although two of the dates host two shows each, they are far enough apart to not impact too badly on each other.

The Lurgan and Ballymoney shows have been on the same date for years and I have even seen poultry fanciers showing at both on the same day.

The added advantage to showing poultry at agricultural events is that when judging is happening this gives the exhibitor the opportunity to have a meal and explore the other attractions at the show.

n So why not enter a few birds at your local agricultural show and make it a great day out.