248 o ddosbarthiadau a gwobrau arbennig yn Sioe Da Pluog y Ffair Aeaf
Visitors to the poultry show at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, when up to 1000 birds will be on view, may not be aware that the ancestry of many of the breeds originate from the pre-Christian era. Domestic poultry were common throughout the ancient world – a painting of a fowl was discovered in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamon – but documentary recording of the various types of poultry did not begin until the early 17th century by which time many countries had their own specialities.
In the nineteenth century more scientific breeding led to new types of poultry being introduced to Europe and America from India and the Far East and from these and older indigenous stock new breeds evolved.
In more recent times big international poultry companies have produced prolific hybrids to satisfy consumer demand for eggs or poultry meat. Older breeds, however, have been maintained by enthusiasts and fanciers, and it is thanks mainly to them that the varieties of poultry at the Winter Fair are still available for us to see and admire today. These birds represent a genetic bank which must always be safeguarded for future breeding needs.
The show is held under the rules of the Poultry Club of Great Britain which has established standards for the various breeds since it was formed in 1877 and the waterfowl section is organised in conjunction with the British Waterfowl Association. The comprehensive schedule has been collated to encourage a high standard of competition and the event offers an excellent platform for exhibitors to promote their stock. The Winter Fair poultry show has helped to ensure the survival of old breeds such as Brahma, once threatened with extinction, but which are now no longer classed as a rare breed due to fanciers keeping them for exhibition purposes.
There are 248 classes and special awards at this year’s poultry show which takes place on the Royal Welsh showground at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, on Tuesday December 2, the second day of the main two-day event.
A glance at the schedule of classes is sufficient to arouse interest in the poultry show. Exotically-named breeds such as Brahma, Cochin, Australorp, Barnvelder and Araucana, a breed of Chilean origin, to mention just a handful, as well as the traditional native British breeds catalogued, will surely attract the attention of even the least inquisitive visitor.
Geese, ducks and turkeys make up a substantial part of the poultry show and here again, in the waterfowl section, breeds like the Indian Runner, Silver Appleyard, the Cayuga and the Welsh Harlequin attract attention, although the latter is not a very old breed but one developed as recently as 1949 from the well-known Khaki Campbell. Another breed originating much closer to home and the location of the Winter Fair, is the Brecon Buff, a goose based on the traditional buff-coloured geese of central Wales.
The poultry show also has classes for eggs – there is even one for the best decorated egg – and competitions for junior exhibitors. Children under 11 years of age can show any variety of poultry or waterfowl in a junior handler competition, and competitors aged from 12 to 16 years will be able to show any variety of large or bantam breeds and waterfowl. Junior handlers will be judged on the quality of their exhibit, their knowledge of the exhibit, show preparation and handling technique.
The winner of the poultry show’s supreme championship will receive the coveted Championship Shield and section champions will be presented with a piece of Welsh Royal Crystal.