This is a little off topic (okay it's a lot off topic
), but this Sunday Oct. 16 is the fundraiser auction for the Essex Aggie FFA kids. Rain or shine in the poultry barn at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, Rt. 1 (Boston St.) in Topsfield, Mass. 12 noon until the last "barnyard" rooster and "one-litter-too-many" bunny is sold.
If you have birds to sell (chickens, pheasants, guineas, peafowl, turkeys, gamebirds), they have to be bloodtested and you have to have your "clean flock" certificate or card to show. Waterfowl, pigeons-doves and cagebirds are exempt from bloodtests but should of course be in good health. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals and livestock are also okay as long as they are crated or caged properly. All birds and animals should be securely caged or boxed with good ventilation and some bedding, maybe some fruit and veggies and feed to nibble on to stay fed and hydrated.
You can also sell small farm/poultry equipment, crafts, homemade baked goods, good-quality garden/house plants, etc. at the auction. Nesting boxes sold like hotcakes at past auctions, so if you have any to get rid of, if they're in good condition and clean that would be a great place to unload them.
The FFA kids get 25% of the sale $. It goes toward their attendence at the annual FFA convention. They're great kids and it's a great cause to support. You can also donate birds and items so the FFA kids get all of the proceeds of the sale.
P.S. If you're going to bid on stuff, you need to go to the table up front and get a bidding number to hold up for identification while bidding. If you're going to sell, get there between 11am and 11:45am so you can fill out the form and show your certificate (if needed), and the kids can put your items with the rest of the auction goods.
