Avian flu has forced the cancellation of all exhibitions, auctions and sales of live poultry at the Iowa State Fair and all of the county fairs throughout the state. Guthrie County Extension’s Youth Coordinator Mollie Clark says that while it’s disappointing that the poultry exhibitions are cancelled, it’s for the best. “It is a bummer, because it does affect a lot of exhibitors. Poultry is a rather inexpensive 4-H activity that’s great for beginners and doesn’t take a whole lot of extra money or time. To keep every bird safe, it’s the best thing to do right now, to cancel it. We have lots of other great exhibits at the County Fair. We have sheep, pigs, goats, usually some cow calves, which are fun.”

While local 4-Hers won’t be able to show their birds at Iowa’s fairs, they currently are still being allowed to exhibit poultry across the Missouri River. Aksarben Stock Show Director Bud Beedle says that their show is open to Iowa 4-Hers and as of now is allowing poultry shown from the Hawkeye State. “At this point, we’re just waiting to see if there’s any word from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. We’re still planning to offer our broilers and if we are alerted that we are not able to allow the birds at the show, then we’ll have the kids write a report and that will be the basis for their evaluation.”

The Guthrie County Fair will take place September 3rd-7th at the fairgrounds in Guthrie Center. The Aksarben Stock Show and Rodeo will take place September 24-27th at Omaha’s Centurylink Center.