Floyd County 4-H Rabbit Club Participants Place at National Convention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Floyd County 4-H Rabbit Club Participants Place at National Convention

Rome, GA – November 11, 2025 — Floyd County 4-H members delivered an impressive showing at the 102nd American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) National Convention, held this past weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana. The event—often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Rabbit Shows”—brought together more than 26,000 animals and thousands of exhibitors, making it one of the largest rabbit and cavy competitions in the world.

Representing Floyd County were youth exhibitors: Joel and Lilliayn Adams, Rosamarie Brown, Myles and Paige Frick, Briella Renzi, Mara Jade Salmon, and Maisie Smith. All participating students placed in their respective divisions, a notable achievement given the scale and competitiveness of the convention.

Mara Jade Salmon earned a division win, distinguishing herself among hundreds of youth exhibitors from across the United States as a standout poet. Fellow competitor Briella Renzi’s doe rabbit “Ring-O-Fire” rose to the top of a highly competitive field earning a Best Opposite of Variety win.

Beyond judging and exhibitions, the ARBA Convention provides educational workshops, breed seminars, youth activities, and hands-on learning opportunities designed to strengthen animal-science knowledge among young participants. For many 4-H members, the convention also serves as a chance to meet breeders and experts, observe rare breeds, and gain insight into responsible animal care.

Abbie Salmon, Floyd County 4-H Agent noted that the experience offered far more than ribbons and awards. “Events like this build confidence, teach real-world responsibility, and help students form connections with peers and mentors who share their interests,” she said. “We’re incredibly proud of how they represented Floyd County.”

Founded in 1921, the American Rabbit Breeders Association is a nonprofit organization devoted to the improvement, promotion, and ethical stewardship of domestic rabbits and cavies. With nearly 20,000 members across the U.S., Canada, and several other countries, ARBA supports everyone from first-time pet owners to large-scale breeders. Its annual convention is widely regarded as the premier national event for rabbit and cavy enthusiasts.

Floyd County 4-H’s participants include:

• Joel Adams: 2^nd Place - Single Photograph, Color, Junior Division
• Lilliayn Adams: 2^nd place – Education Display, Junior division
• Rosamarie Brown: 2^nd. Place – Educational Display, Junior division
• Myles Frick: 3^rd place – Education Display, Junior division
• Paige Frick 2^nd place – Education Display, Junior division
• Mara Jade Salmon: Division Winner, 1^st. place – Poem, Junior division
• Maisie Smith: 2^nd place – Education Display, Junior division

For more information about Floyd County 4-H, please contact: 706-295-6210 or asalmon3@uga.edu

Photos:
Briella Renzi with her rabbit “Ring-O-Fire” who won “Best Senior Lilac” and “Best Opposite of Variety Lilac”
Mara Salmon’s Divisional Win award with her poem titled “Rabbit Friends”