It can be heartbreaking. I poulled my boy from his first year of mini 4H. He is over it but then again he did not have a lot fully invested yet. FOr a child that might have won for year after year and it is their last year, I can see some devastation. Maybe a video entry could be offered up instead. If the fair board could be talked into it, it would be fun for fair attenders too.I don't know if anyone can get this large enough to read but thought I'd share it. For those that aren't able to read it well it seems the West Virginia Depr of Ag has just put a quash on poultry exhibits at our State Fairs this year. They say though there've not been any reports of outbreak in WV they want everyone to keep their birds home and are recommending that they not be free ranged in order that they not be exposed to wild birds of any kind.
I understand precautionary measures but to me (at this point in time) their precautions are a little extreme. Can you imagine all the 4Hers and FFA kids that are going to not only be disappointed but devastated that they put so much work into their project birds for nothing.
ETA: this article only mentions two fairs but the extension offices have sent letters to the fair boards recommending similar actions for the county fairs as well.
I plan to take him to see 1 county fair but it is far enough away that we will stop for a sandwich or something on the way home and get all cleaned up miles from the house.