Soaring Eagles

 Amador County Royalty - Lily Himmel

The studying and preparation began many months ago for the 2022 American Rabbit Breeders Association’s (ARBA) National Convention and Rabbit Royalty competition. Adult and youth exhibitors from every part of the United States and Canada convened this past week in Reno, Nevada to help showcase some 15,000 rabbits and cavies (guinea pigs), and attend conference sessions, visits a variety of booths to learn about breed clubs, equipment, and care products. During this week-long event there were ample opportunities to network with rabbit and cavy enthusiasts, learn from experts, and enjoy the company of friends from across the continent.

For the Youth Royalty contestants, the preparation began way back, in the heat of the summer months, with contestants submitting a detailed application explaining their involvement with, management of, and general knowledge of rabbits and/or cavies. During the week of convention, they each completed contests that involved breed identification and classification, skilled judging of classes of rabbits and cavies, a written knowledge exam, and finally a contestant interview. The points were tallied for each age group: Lord and Lady (5-8), Prince and Princess (9-11), Duke and Duchess (12-14), and King and Queen (15-18) and the winners were announced during the Youth Awards Banquet on November 1^st, 2022.

Amador County was very well represented in these competitions by 4-H youth members Scott Williams, Lexi Himmel, Lily Himmel, Jacie Bell, Kaya Bell, and Leah Bell. Lexi had placings in the top of the classes for her American cavies and was able to secure a new breeding pair of Netherland Dwarfs to expand her rabbit program. Lily and Jacie worked as part of the California team and won the Intermediate Breed Identification contest and placed as 1^st runner up team for the Intermediate Judging competition. Both Jacie and Kaya won their respective Achievement categories, Leah took 5^th place in the Lady Royalty category, and together the Bell sisters’ rabbits took many top placings in the Mini Rex and Thrianta breeds. Scott enjoyed big wins with his Rex rabbits earning two Best Opposite Sex of Variety placings.

Beating out all the other national competition in the Royalty Duchess category was Amador County’s own, Lily Himmel. Lily is a member of Blue Ribbon 4-H Club, a teen leader for the rabbit, poultry, and dairy goat projects, Teen Ambassador for Amador County 4-H, community volunteer, and a student at Mountain Oaks School. Earlier this year, Lily also represented Amador County very well at the California State Fair earning the title of top Rabbit Exhibitor in the state and placing 4^th overall in Small Animal Showmanship.

The teamwork, dedication, learning, and communication skills that these young people have demonstrated embody the values and goals of 4-H programs across the globe.

If you are interested in joining a 4-H project like this or others or if you are interested in volunteering to help the youth of Amador County grow and achieve please contact our local 4-H office at 209-223-6484 or visit https://ucanr.edu/sites/AC4H/ for more information.

Congratulations to everyone that worked so hard, made it to this competition, and represented the values of our community so well.

Congratulation Lily Himmel!