HARRISBURG, Pa. — After a year-long hiatus, poultry exhibitors have returned to the 2017 Pennsylvania Farm Show with their birds in tow. A 2015 suspension of avian activities at Pennsylvania’s county and community fairs also applied to the 2016 PA Farm Show, all as a preventative measure against the threat of an avian influenza outbreak that was occurring in other states.
This year, a total of 639 chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys were judged in their new locations within the Farm Show Complex. Poultry were located in Exhibition Halls B and C and remained in the building until Monday, leaving earlier than previous years in an effort to improve biosecurity practices and “leave a smaller footprint,” according to poultry show chairman Phillip Clauer.
The Supreme Champion of Show was awarded to the black Ameraucana owned by Hunter Reed of Lewistown, Mifflin County, and the Reserve Supreme Champion of Show was awarded to the black Modern Game Bantam owned by Johanna Kiska of Ashley, Luzerne County.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the nation’s largest indoor agricultural event, featuring 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs January 7-13 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and January 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and parking is $15 in Farm Show lots. The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center is easily accessible from nearby Interstate 81.
