National Poultry Show cancelled

Jun 02, 2022

Organizers cancelled the show because of the avian flu situation in Ontario

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

A national show for the poultry industry will not happen in 2022.

The Poultry Industry Council (PIC) and Western Fair Association decided to cancel the National Poultry Show, originally scheduled for June 22 and 23 in London, Ont.

The decision comes due to the avian influenza situation in Ontario. The 2022 show will not be rescheduled.

“We are so very disappointed to cancel this event for the third year in a row, however the safety of the industry is paramount,” Ashley Honsberger, executive director of the PIC, said in a statement. “We appreciate the ongoing feedback and candor of our show exhibitors, customers and sponsors as we navigate the circumstance of waiting another year for the show once again.”

Bird flu also cancelled the show in 2015.

Organizers cancelled the show in 2020 because of COVID-19 and switched to a virtual format in 2021.

Ontario has recorded 26 incidents of avian influenza as of May 18, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says.

Alberta has 29, Manitoba has one and Saskatchewan has 13.

Organizers will announce plans for the 2023 show in the coming months.

Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.