National Dutch Show 2006
by Brenda Reau

The National Dutch Show was an exciting weekend for many Michigan Dutch breeders. Everyone was taking notes on things to do to make the 2007 National Dutch Show in Michigan the best ever.

Several Michigan breeders exhibited some of the top rabbits in the National Dutch Show. Janet Bowers had the first place blue junior buck. The Michigan youth dominated in four out of the six fur varieties. Kristy Hume took first place in black and blue and Alexandra Reau took first in steel and gray. Alexandra’s steel won best fur overall out of 54 entries. Alexandra also exhibited the first place black senior doe and had best black display in the show.

Our Michigan youth also were honored with 2005 sweepstakes awards. Four of our Michigan youth placed in the top twenty and received recognition. They are third place – Alexandra Reau, fourth place – Kristy Hume, sixteenth place – Sarah and Erin Hage and twentieth place – Rebecca Nesbit.

One of the highlights of the weekend was to see our dear friend and fellow breeder Tom Dietriech inducted into the Dutch Hall of Fame. This is a tremendous honor only bestowed upon a few breeders and is a lifetime achievement. Tom has been raising Dutch since he was a kid and has raised some exceptional Dutch. His breeding is in demand across the country. He has helped many new breeders get started in Dutch as well as existing breeders to improve their herds. He is always willing to share his expertise with others.

Thank you to Megan Gottschalk for sharing her special talent in creating awards for the 2005 MDRC sweepstakes. The awards were presented at the meeting during the recent show in Charlotte and the winners were thrilled with the beautiful hand painted awards.