4-H rabbits: Mini Rex 'Best of Show'

Francis did win the ?

By Larry Kershner

Josh Francis thought that if he had a chance to win the top award at the 4-H rabbit show this week, it would be with his "broken" mini-Rex. But the judge disagreed.

Francis did win the big prize, but with his tiny white, mini-Rex.

"When he's set," Josh explained of the winning white. "He looks like a ball. You can see his back just keeps on curving [downward]."

This is Josh's third year in the rabbit show. His white also netted Best Fancy Rabbit honors. He took five other blue ribbons home as well as intermediate showmanship.

There are many 4-Hers who would like to trade him results.

Josh plans to take his rabbits home, breed them and sell the young as pets or as show animals.

Overall rabbit results

Overall results for the rabbit show are as follows (no red ribbons noted):

Best Commercial Rabbit: Jami Johnson, Tessa Frazer with reserve.

Best Fancy Rabbit: Josh Francis, Jami Johnson with reserve.

Best Fur: Kari McArtor, Tessa Frazer, with reserve.

Best of Show: Josh Francis.

Best Opposite Rabbit: Jami Johnson.

Best home-born and raised: Ashley Loving, Heather Duncan with reserve.

Showmanship: Kari McArtor, junior; Josh Francis, intermediate; and Jami Johnson, senior; Jessica Gerling, supershowmanship.

Blue ribbons: Ashley Loving (1), Tessa Frazer (2), Jami Johnson (3), Hanna Duncan (2), Josh Francis (5), Maddie Lance (2), Jason Francis (2), Heather Duncan (2), Jessica Gerling (1), Emma Ludwig (1), Kari McArtor (2), Morgan Hotop (1).