Franco Moolman, Mauritz Moolman and Jackson Barber collected a number of awards.
The Corowa Show’s Poultry Pavilion was a resounding success this year, drawing praise from participants and spectators alike.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Poultry Steward Greg Vonarx, a seasoned poultry enthusiast, lauded the quality of entries in this year’s competition and expressed his delight at the growing number of young participants.
Mr Vonarx, hailing from Boorhaman, recently tasted success at the 2023 Melbourne Royal Show. In Corowa, his prize-winning turkey, aptly named “Big Boy,” clinched the title of Best Turkey and Reserve Champion Bird of Show.
Seasoned poultry enthusiast Greg Vonarx with his prize-winning turkey.
“I won my first ribbon at Wangaratta in 1990, and it’s just gone on from there,” he said.
“It’s been a great lifelong passion,” he said.
“I really love country shows, the atmosphere and meeting people. It’s always a great day out.”
What truly warmed Mr Vonarx’s heart was the opportunity to share his love for feathered animals with young children at the Corowa Show.
“We had eight novice entries which is fantastic,” he said.
Charlie King was a winner in the poultry pavilion with two of her chickens.
“It’s always great to encourage kids with a new hands-on hobby. They learn a bit of responsibility and it’s great fun.”
His journey into poultry breeding began while he was working as part of the Wangaratta Council’s parks and gardens staff, where he was introduced to preparations for the poultry display at the show. Since then, his knowledge and passion for breeding ducks, chooks, and turkeys have grown, and he has been showcasing his turkeys for the past five years.
The spotlight at this year’s Poultry Pavilion wasn’t just reserved for seasoned enthusiasts. Fourteen-year-old Ben Fennell from Rutherglen made a remarkable entry into the world of poultry exhibitions, capturing eight Champion titles and the prestigious Champion Bird of Show award with his Bantam Dark Plymouth Rock.
In his first exhibition at the Corowa Show, Rutherglen’s Ben Fennell collected eight Champions and Champion Bird of Show.
What makes Ben’s story truly inspiring is his resilience and determination. After undergoing brain surgery in June 2022, he decided to establish his own business, Benshaw Poultry, as a means of regaining his sense of self. The preceding years had seen him battling a tumour and epilepsy seizures, which caused him to withdraw from his regular life, including school and social activities.
For two challenging years, Ben struggled with daily seizures, missed school, and gradually lost his vivacious spirit. However, he successfully overcame the difficulties posed by surgeries, medications, and tests and emerged drug-free and seizure-free, with a newfound passion for poultry.
8°C