FOR the first time in more than 10 years at the Moree Show, the poultry section was opened in its old spot next to the Hobson Pavilion – and organisers, led by steward Abbey Young, were astounded by the number of entries.

There were 220 chooks of all shapes, breeds and colours, preened and presented for judging by Phil Tisdell, from Dingo Valley Stud at Wherrol Flat in the Manning Valley.

“We had a great roll-up of birds, and it was amazing to watch our judge, Phil Tisdell, at work,” Ms Young said.

“My mum, Cathy, did so much work to the shed while I was away – I can’t thank her enough – and Josh Allport helped me run everything along with Julie and Zoe Mather.

“The show committee really got behind it as well, and we had a stack of sponsors,” she said.

Statewide Aviation, Shepherd Grain, McArthur Park Pony Stud, Grainland, Moree Ag Supplies, Girard Grader Hire, Tramby and Hanks, Peter Cleasby, Kev and Janice Allport, Lachie and Jess Biddle and Lester and Rita Rodgers got behind the poultry section in an eggsellent show of support.

The Allport family cleaned up in many sections, winning Champion Bird of Show, Champion Soft Feather Large, Reserve Bird of Show, Champion Hard Feather Large, Reserve Hard Feather Large, Champion Soft Feather Bantam, Champion Hard Feather Bantam, Reserve Hard Feather Bantam, Champion Water Fowl and Reserve Water Fowl.

Aaron Boon collected Reserve Champion Soft Feather Large, Reserve Soft Feather Bantam, Champion Hard Feather Large Pair and Champion Hard Feather Bantam Pair.

Champion Junior and Reserve Junior was won by Zac Read and Graeme Crisp took Champion Oxford and Reserve Oxford home to Inverell.

Moree’s Peter Cleasby plucked a ribbon for Soft Feather Bantam Pair.

Moree Show Society president, Brendan Munn, said the committee hopes to overhaul the building used for the poultry section.

“There were more than 200 chooks entered – it was unbelievable to have numbers like that after so many years since we held the last poultry competition,” Mr Munn said.

He said plans were now in place to brighten up the poultry section building

“Now that we have that building available to us again, we are looking at improving the lighting for next year,” he said.

“We might even be able to put a new roof on the building. At the moment it looks a bit rusty and sad, but being a steel structure means it’s easily fixable.”

(Images Supplied)