It was a great day for rabbit exhibitors and breeders at the SEMO District Fair as there were many prizes awarded at the Livestock Competitions and Judging event Thursday, Sept. 12.

Exhibitors and breeders were able to enter their rabbits into the competition for an entry and feeding fee of $1.50. All entries were held at the Poultry and Rabbit Barn tent where volunteers and superintendents took care of the animals to be judged.

Volunteer of the Poultry and Rabbit Barn tent Susan Duvall shared some of the precautions exhibitors and breeders take when bringing their animals to the fair for judging.

“Exhibitors bring in their rabbits and provide water cups and cans with food, then we take care of them while they’re here,” Duvall said.

The hot weather did not stop the entries for judging as exhibitors were well prepared with ice packs and fans for their prized mammals. Duvall said some of the exhibitors even have rooms in their homes and trailers specifically for the rabbits.

Between poultry and rabbits, there were approximately 700 entries for the competition.

Rabbits, in particular, were placed in categories of small, medium or large breeds and were judged based on size, ear length and conformation which is their posture in a sitting position.

Montgomery Bank sponsored cash rewards for first second and third place rabbit winners, while Peach Tree Inn of Cape Girardeau sponsored a trophy for the overall Grand Champion Rabbit.

Afterward, all award-winning rabbits were placed on display where some of the exhibitors put their rabbits up for sale.

In addition to competition rabbits, there were baby rabbits for sale in the running pen, bred by volunteers.

Duvall explained competitions like these serve as stepping stones for rabbits and their exhibitors. Some compete in a national competition hosted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, with thousands of rabbits in attendance.