Best In Show

American breeders have increasingly turned an eye to our roots across the Atlantic.  While many breeds are different, the UK Polish (Britannia Petite to the ARBA) breed is remarkably similar.  On the eve of his national specialty show, Phil Gould of Fortune Stud shares his experiences, dedication and philosophies about the breed, from his beginnings to a historic double Best in Show win at the prestigious Bradford show.  Also in this episode, a look back at 2015 in the ARBA, a tribute to Vern Palmblad, and a historic glance at the Britannia Petite breed.

Johnny Haussener joins us to outline how rabbit and cavy breeders can earn their elevated status as an ARBA Master Exhibitor or ARBA Master Breeder.  With rabbit and cavy shows back in gear and the 2021 ARBA Convention on the horizon, there’s no better time to get excited about the ARBA’s new Masters Program!  Also in this episode, a look back in time to the ARBA in 2011 and an educational segment dedicated to tips on handling rabbits and making a thorough and safe showmanship routine. 

ARBA District 9 Director, Johnny Haussener, shares insight from his personal research of over 100 years of history behind the ARBA Registration system.  Did the registration process begin during the “Belgian Hare Boom” to give a sense of quality assurance to buyers of sight unseen rabbits?  As more and more rabbits are purchased through social media photos, the registration system just might have more value to your program than you first thought!  Also in this episode, Briony and Allen discuss their favorite cross-country interstates, pay homage to Oren Reynolds, and learn about medical dosages from Dr. Jay Hreiz.

For many of us, rabbits are a multigenerational hobby.  2008 ARBA Queen Chelsea (Tucker) Landzettel describes the impact that the ARBA youth program made on her life and shares her excitement at introducing her sons to the hobby, including the life lessons it offers.  Listen for a special cameo appearance by first-time Lord contestant, Jake!  Also in this episode, Briony and Allen offer insider tips on creating a winning application for ARBA youth contests.

Both Briony and Allen are quick to boast that without having a local fair as an introduction to rabbits, neither of them would be here today.  The same is true for many others.  In this episode, Dr. Kim Miller and Nik Kieler, from the Orange County Fair, describe their role as livestock supervisors in one of the fastest urban-growing environments in the United States.  They share the challenges and solutions they have developed to encourage exhibitors each year at the OC Fair, while being located in a demographic that is made up of anything but the like-minded farmer.  

All ARBA members will agree that receiving the latest issue of Domestic Rabbits magazine is like a Christmas morning.  In this podcast, the creative and intuitive mastermind behind our treasured magazine, Sandra Wight, shares what took her from a love of rabbits to an industry revolution.  Also in this episode, a genetics lesson on Blue-Eyed Whites, reflection on apron fashion, virtual livestock auctions, and group CODs for new breeds and varieties.

Whether you show rabbits or cavies, you know that some varieties are thought of as unthinkable when it comes to taking home the biggest national awards.  For Steve and Margie Lussier in June 2021, that unthinkable became reality.  Listen to their pathway to winning Best of Breed American Cavy with a roan sow at the 2021 ACBA Specialty, as well as their insider breeder tips on how to achieve such major milestones, no matter what you choose to specialize in.  Also in this episode, a flashback to ARBA in the 1970s, as well as a scientific study on polygamy in wild cavies.