08/26/21
RABBIT PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES

There is no State Validation for rabbits - exhibitors must look for breeding dates and tattoo requirements in the rules of the shows in which they want to participate
If you are purchasing rabbits from a breeder, plan to reach out to your breeder 2-3 months before the breeding date listed by the show to reserve your spot(s).
There are a few good showmanship resources:
- The 2021-2025 ARBA Standard of Perfection - has the specific breed information for the recognized breeds of rabbits that will be asked at showmanship competitions. The County Extension Office has 2 copies of the book; exhibitors are welcome to request copies of certain breed information or other pages.
- The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) website has a showmanship website with several good resources: https://arba.net/showmanship/
- We will be having 1-2 showmanship clinics for rabbits later this year, we are working on confirming dates and locations
Other resources and information can also be found on the Texas 4-H Rabbit Project Page

The 2022 Rules have been posted online at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/bals/
Download the rulebook as of 08/24/21 here
Youth need to be reaching out to their breeders as soon as possible. They will need to breed around Thanksgiving time in order to be able to provide rabbits for these show dates.
There are TWO (2) Dates that rabbit exhibitors MUST pay attention to and participate in to be able to show:
- Saturday, December 4, 2021 - Entries are due (carbon copy form (no payment) is due and can either be hand delivered to the show barn OR postmarked by this date)
- Thursday, February 3, 2022 - Payment is collected and rabbits are physically validated on this evening at the show barn - you MUST have submitted your entry form in order to be able to validate your rabbits

Is currently working on updating their rulebook, we're expecting to be able to share it around the first part of September; they will be emailed out and posted online at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/livestock/#Bastrop-County-Shows
The breeding date for this show will typically be in early January
Youth need to be reaching out to their breeders as soon as possible. They will need to breed around Thanksgiving time in order to be able to provide rabbits for these show dates.
There are TWO (2) Dates that rabbit exhibitors MUST pay attention to and participate in to be able to show:
- November 2021 - Entries are due to the Show Board; entries must be hand-delivered only
- March 2022 - Rabbits are physically validated; you must have submitted an entry to be able to validate

There are a couple of major livestock shows that also include Rabbit Shows:
- San Angelo Livestock Show
- Houston Livestock Show
The Major Livestock Shows will release their information around the first week of October, so we will know more about the opportunities available at that time.

Please join us for the 2021 Texas 4-H Rabbit Extravaganza in Belton on Saturday, September 18th!
Registration will be open August 30th - September 14th in 4-H Online
Download the 2021 Rulebook Here

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

Other opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 512-581-7186

That's all for now! Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu