MSRBA Spring Convention and MAC Results

This weekend we attended the Michigan State Rabbit Breeders Convention held at the university’s pavilion in East Lansing.  This was the first show I have been able to attend and participate in in quite a while.  While I didn’t show any rabbits, I did bring two skeins of handspun yarn to show at the Michigan Angora Club’s Wool/Skein/Garment contest.  This is an opportunity I try to partake in every year as it gives me a chance to not only see how my handspuns compete but also to view other fellow angora owner’s workmanships. 

The contest was well represented with over 40 entries – the most they have ever had.  There was a nice array of colors and textures throughout the display.  

I entered two skeins of fine, single ply angora.  The first skein is from my smoke pearl French Angora.  This was drop spindle spun and weighs approximately one ounce.  It received Best in Show skein as well as a blue ribbon. 

The second skein is from a chocolate agouti rabbit and weighs approximately 1.25 ounces.  This skein was drop spindle spun as well.  I actually completed this one around August and exhibited it at the county fair where it received a blue ribbon and Best in Show.  At this contest it received reserve in show and placed second (to my smoke pearl skein).  I was very happy with the achievements and look forward to participating in the club’s contest next year. 

 

 

As for rabbits, we exhibited some Lionheads.  On Show A Blossom Acres’ Midnight Blizzard received Best of Breed and Best of Variety, taking a grand champion leg award with him.  Blossom Acres' Cornelius and Elizabeth's Edgar also received Best of Variety in their colors.   Show B Blossom Acres’ Avalanche took Best of Breed and Best of Variety, while Show C he received Best Opposite of Breed and Best Opposite of Variety.  He now has 2 GC Legs in his name.  In both Show B & C Blossom Acres' Cornelius received Best of Variety as well. 

I acquired two beautiful rabbits for my breeding programs.  The first is a lovely chestnut agouti doe with high rufus modifiers.  She just turned 6 months old and already weighs in at 8 pounds.  This young girl has some filling in to do yet but is nice in the body and wool now, so I have great expectations for her. 

 

I also was able to acquire a stunning New Zealand White buck for my lone doe.  He is built like a rock – so solid, and so typey.  He just turned an intermediate and weighs in at 9 pounds so I have no worries that he isn’t going to be on the bigger end, which is one of the goals I was trying to maintain in my herd. 

I plan on breeding my French Angoras – Galaxy (a REW) and Mouse (a chestnut agouti) this week.  If my New Zealand buck displays breeding interest he will be mating to my doe.  These babies should be available in June. 

Hope everyone else is faring well in this bitter weather!  Spring is around the corner so I have hopes for warmer weather.