The Newport Plain Talk

The Cocke County A & I Fairgrounds "Something to Crow About" Poultry Show recently served as host for the 2008 Eastern National All-Cochin Show. Nearly 20 exhibitors entered 245 Cochins in 13 varieties.

Exhibitors and judges alike came from as far away as Binghampton, N.Y., to share the company of fellow Cochin breeders. In all, contestants from nine different states were present for the show.

Cochins International President Tom Roebuck of Unionville, Va., said, "Something to Crow About put in a good bid for the show. We have had a phenomenal turnout of birds. These are some of the best Cochins in the Country. This is the first all-Cochin show in the United States."

A & I Fairground Director Ruth Murchison said roughly $700 in prize money was awarded to breeders in classes of best varieties, best reserve varieties, etc. Murchison wanted to remind bird lovers that on May 3, "Something to Crow About" will host an all-breed show.

Cochins International is a club dedicated to the advancement of Cochins, both large and bantam, plus the overall improvement of the poultry hobby. Cochins International touts itself as, "A truly international organization with members in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Bermuda, Australia, Germany and Romania.

Cochins International holds three types of meets: regional, district and nationals. All poultry shows may request meets and all shows may have a regional meet. Only one district meet is allowed in a given district in a year and there are two nationals per year, one east of the Mississippi River and the other west of the Mississippi River. International sites are also included in these meets.

The "Something to Crow About" Poultry Show said a big "Thank you" to Cochins International and each of the exhibitors and judges who chose to participate in the first all-Cochin show in nearly 30-years.