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RabbitCon VIII 2016
Come and discover how the industry’s premiere educational symposium
can help you run your rabbitry without boundaries.
Choose from a wide variety of sessions on health, nutrition, event planning, culling, airline travel, and show software. You’ll learn how to break
the boundaries to raising and showing the rabbits you’ve always wanted.
Join hundreds of other rabbit enthusiasts, both beginners and seasoned
veterans in San Diego, California and achieve your rabbit education goals.
RabbitCon Conference Sessions
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RabbitCon VIII Faculty
Come learn from the industry’s top experts in their specialties. Many of
our presenters are perennial favorites.
Cole Rupprecht, MN Bryant Miller, OH
Dr. Myriam Pasternak, CA
Dr. Scott A. Williamson, CA Robert Laughlin, CA Melissa Magee, CA
Jared Smith, TX
Adam Schuller, OH
Chris Zemny, CA
Don Havlicek, MI
David
Moll,
OH
Josh Humphries, TN
Alan Finch-Mortenson, OR
Bryan
Shirk,
MI
Leslie & Courtney Bond, MI
Don
Sheets,
VA
Jason & Heather Coin, CO
What Others are Saying
“I learned more in Dr. Williamson’s 2 hour conference than I have learned
in 11 years of raising rabbits.”
—G.M. Spring, TX
The Rabbitcon Conference was an inspirational, educational and motivating event that I received valuable expert advice and ideas on making my
show stock better, and I enjoy the professional and welcoming environment. I am looking forward to next years event already!
—L.N.
“Everything was great! This was without a doubt the best class I have ever
taken... I can’t wait to go back and try Sandra’s tips to make my rabbitry
website look more professional”
—T.J. Lakeside, CA
“Dr. Hreiz took a complex subject and patiently unraveled it before my
eyes. His session alone was worth the price of admission”
—B.L. Port Charlotte, FL
“Dr. Cheeke’s workshop not only met, but exceeded all of my expectations. The amount and quality of information that I gained will irrefutably
make us better rabbit raisers. Dr Cheeke obviously has devoted his life to
rabbit nutrition. His gentle style really made a difference in my ability to
comprehend the material. He was always open to questions and he kept
us all on task to gain the most from the workshop as possible.
—H.R. Olathe, KS
What a great event, to be with so many industry leaders and experts who
are so generous with their time, talents, and expertise - and who are just
plain good teachers! I believe I can now prevent or treat most illness in
my rabbitry with confidence.
—D.L. Jacumba, CA
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Rabbitcon Schedule
All Rabbitcon Sessions are held at the 93rd ARBA Convention and Show
in San Diego, CA.
Friday Sessions
October 7, 2016
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday Sessions
October 8, 2016
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
A full conference schedule is available online at fibbercupinvitational.com
RabbitCon Registration
Early Bird Rate*
Expires 9/6/16
Advance Rate
Expires 10/10/16
Deluxe
Pass
Full access to all conference sessions,
refreshments, tote bag, plus thumb
drive with conference proceedings
$119
$139
Standard
Pass
Full access to all conference sessions,
refreshments, tote bag.
$109
$119
Deluxe
Pass
Full access to all conference sessions,
refreshments, tote bag, plus thumb
drive with conference proceedings
$99
$119
Standard
Pass
Full access to all conference sessions,
refreshments, tote bag.
$79
$99
Deluxe
Pass
Full access to all conference sessions,
refreshments, tote bag, plus thumb
drive with conference proceedings
$55
$65
Standard
Pass
Full access to all conference sessions,
refreshments, tote bag.
$45
$55
Groups
ARBA Youth
Non Member
What’s Included
ARBA Member
Registration
Package
Prepay for 4 conference registrations and get the 5th registration of equal or lesser value
for free.
Contact helpdesk@showprogram.com for more information.
* Early Bird Rate:
To receive Rabbitcon Early Bird rates, registrations must be prepaid and mailed, payable to:
“California Rabbit and Cavy Shows, Inc”
ShowPro Entry Department
20708 McHenry
Escalon, CA 95320
Use U.S. Postal Service only
Note: Rabbitcon passes are for entrance to educational conferences and are not required to view
rabbits exhibits at the ARBA Convention. Online entries are subject to a $10 ARBA Registration Fee.
Register online at fibbercupinvitational.com (after 9/5/2016)
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RabbitCon Schedule
Friday Evening Session | October 7, 2016
Presenter
Don
Havlicek
MI
Adam
Schuller
OH
Course Description
An Introduction to Czech Frosties
Room Time
1
5:00 PM
2
5:00 PM
1
6:00 PM
Basics of Rabbit Nutrition &
Digestive Physiology
2
6:00 PM
Youth Track:
Youth Clubs, 4-H, FFA: How to do it all
and still have time to breathe.
2
7:30 PM
1
7:30 PM
Their massive heads, thick and furry ears, and one-of-a-kind
color make them irresistible – no wonder the Czech Frosty has
ARBA by storm! Hear about their history, current path to ARBA
recognition, temperament, breeding, and just how you too
could raise this trendy rabbit.
Youth Track:
Pick Me! Pick Me!
10 Ways to Score Big on
Your Royalty Contest Interview
The early “buzz” at every ARBA royalty competition centers
around just one question, “Did you get called back for an
interview?” Former ARBA King, Adam Schuller, shares his tips on
showing yourself off with professionalism, positivity, a goalseeking attitude, and of course, modesty. This course is not to
miss for 2016 ARBA royalty contestants!
Demystifying Rabbit
Cole
Rupprecht Reproductive Biology
The reproductive system in rabbits is quite unique and unlike
ND
other livestock species. Learn the core basics of rabbit reproduction to increase efficiency in your barn by graduate student and
rabbit breeder, Cole Rupprecht.
Dr. Peter
Cheeke
OR
David
Moll
OH
Bryant
Miller
OH
This venerable author and professor will discuss the nature
of the rabbit digestive tract — considering both the positive
aspects as well as diet-related disorders, fur chewing, hypercalcemia, will be discussed. Do not miss out on learning from one
of the pioneers in rabbit nutrition!
There are so many options for youth to be involved in rabbits
or cavies. Unfortunately, the major organizations sometime
seem overwhelming in their demands. Learn how kids, parents,
and leaders can maximize their time and make them all work
together!
Crossbreeding:
Are you daring enough to venture
into the taboo?
We’ve heard the rumors, but can a rabbit or cavy with more than
one breed on its pedigree actually show, or even… win Best of
Breed at a Convention? Some call it taboo while others call it
ingenious. It’s time to hear just how an ARBA judge and breeder
has practiced this method in his own barn.
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RabbitCon Schedule
Saturday Morning Session | October 8, 2016
Presenter
Course Description
Room
Time
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Secrets from a Breeder’s Experience
1
9:00 AM
Tiny Rabbitries: Doing More With Less
2
9:00 AM
Dr. Scott
Why Do We Stay In This Hobby?
Williamson Drama, gossip, and now Facebook: who hasn’t had those days
when you ask yourself, “Why the heck am I still doing this?”
CA
2
10:00 AM
1
11:15 AM
Josh
“I’ve Always Thought of Raising…”
Humprhies Picking Your Second Breed
TN
You know you’re a rabbit or cavy breeder when you find yourself
Don Sheets doodling exaggerated toplines and perfectly crowned heads of
VA
“one-day breeds” on the backs of napkins while you wait for an
2
11:00 AM
Dr. Myriam Ending Enteritis Before it Ends Your Herd
Pasternak Jelly poop, potty bellies, lethargy, and death: if you’re a rabbit
breeder, you know the signs in young rabbits. Worse, you fear
CA
1
12:45 PM
Chris
Zemny
CA
Bryan
Shirk
MI
Going to the feed store to buy medicine just for rabbits is an impossible task. After thirty years as a rabbit breeder and a professional in pharmaceuticals, Chris Zemny has amassed information
on how to read labels, calculate dosages, and treat a wide range
of problems such as digestive, respiratory, reproductive, and
parasitic with drugs meant for other species, including humans.
A must-see course for any rabbit breeder!
Who has room for 200 rabbits or cavies? As more and more
breeders raise rabbits and cavies in their garage or backyard
shed, the task to be successful seems impossible compared to
breeders with unlimited space. Top breeder and judge Bryan
Shirk says, “It can be done!” Learn how to remain focused yet
prolific and successful with just 25 holes or less.
Lifetime ARBA judge and professor of Animal Sciences shares
his family and professional story and brings a philosophical and
inspiring lecture to help reenergize you from the core. There’s
no better way to start your convention!
Jared
Smith
TX
Shh! Rabbits Are Trying To Multiply!
Rabbit Productivity in Relation
to Environmental Factors.
This course is based on his cutting edge study conducted at
the rabbit research lab at Texas A&M University. Feed, climate,
ventilation, stress and even noise can greatly affect a rabbit’s
productivity. Listen to graduate student Jared’s lecture and
identify what you can change in your barn to increase output.
appointment or daydream through algebra class. Face it, we’ve
all thought about or even tried a second or third breed. Listen
to what our ARBA President and top judges have to say about
picking and successfully taking on another breed.
the typical fatal outcome for the sick young rabbit. Commercial
rabbitry manager and veterinarian Dr. Pasternak shares how she
has ended enteritis in her barn and ultimately increased productivity.
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RabbitCon Schedule
Saturday Afternoon Session | October 8, 2016
Presenter
Robert
Laughlin
CA
Course Description
Bon Appetite! Cooking Homegrown
Rabbit Like A Chef.
Room
Time
2
12:00 PM
Rabbitcon Chef, Robert, will demonstrate healthy basics in cooking rabbit meat with plenty of hands-on learning. He will share
some favorite recipes and make you a diehard connoisseur of
rabbit meat. Bring your appetite because fresh samples will be
served. His demonstration will change your way of cooking!
Leslie &
Courtney
Bond
MI
Feeding Your Rabbits for Breeding:
Conception, Litters, and Herd Bucks
1
1:45 PM
Jason &
Heather
Coin
CO
I Want to Win Best In Show:
How to Plan Your Winning Strategy
2
1:15 PM
Melissa
Magee
CA
How to Judge Rabbit
and Cavy Showmanship
2
2:15 PM
Leslie &
Courtney
Bond
MI
Feeding Your Way to the Top: Show
Rabbit Nutrition
1
3:15PM
Dr. Myriam
Pasternak
CA
Rabbits in Haiti are Changing Lives —
Even Yours!
2
3:15 PM
Breeding feed formulas, show feed formulas, water additives,
apple cider vinegar, and magic potions… what does it really
take to feed your rabbits for optimum production? Find out
from the feeding and breeding masters how to properly feed
your does, litters, and even your fossilized, rather lazy but very
valuable herd bucks!
Rome wasn’t built in a day and certainly not without a blueprint.
Top breeders Jason and Heather Coin agree that planning is the
crucial step in making your mark on the show table. Learn how
to set goals, measure your strengths and weaknesses, and finally
propel yourself to the Best In Show league!
There has long been courses on how to judge showmanship.
Whether you are an ARBA judge, 4-H leader, FFA teacher, parent,
or former participant yourself, you’ve probably been asked to
judge showmanship at a fair or show. You know it’s not an easy
task! Melissa takes the edge off and shares her tips for consistently and accurately judging these tough and brilliant kids!
You’ve invested in the best breeding stock, have a good eye for
quality, and are pretty good at keeping the nestboxes full. The
next step is nutrition and understanding the essential components to feeding a show rabbit. The Bonds, the highly respected
and successful show family, share their secrets.
Rabbits are often underestimated in their potential impact on
some of the biggest crises in the world, such as hunger. As
one of the most prolific food animal species, rabbits have been
farmed throughout the developing world. Dr. Myriam Pasternak
serves as a pioneer in Haiti, teaching through the USAID funded
Farmer-to-Farmer program. Learn how you too can become
involved in changing lives through our amazing species.
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2016 Faculty
Learn from our industry experts!
Presenter
Dr. Peter Cheeke, OR
Dr. Peter Cheeke is a Professor Emeritus of Animal Science at Oregon State University. As well, he is the former Director of Research of OSU Rabbit Research Center,
and Editor of the Journal of Applied Rabbit Research. He co-authored “Rabbit
Production”. Other notable works by Dr. Cheeke include “Rabbit Feeding and Nutrition,” “Applied Animal Nutrition: Feeds and Feeding,” and “Comparative Animal
Nutrition and Metabolism" (in press). He is also a Scientific Advisor to Desert King
International. His study of our species is profound.
Dr. Scott Williamson, CA
is a Professor of Animal Science at California State University, Fresno. Dr. Williamson earned a B.S. in Animal Science from Purdue University, and went on to gain a
Ph.D. in Meat Sciences from the University of Illinois. For over twenty years he has
been a professor of Animal Science at Fresno State University. As one of the leading experts on rabbit husbandry, one step into his classroom and his inspirational
power as an educator is certain. He’s been winning for over forty years ever since
showing rabbits as a boy with his dad.
Josh Humphries, TN
ARBA President Josh Humphries has worn many hats in his years in rabbits,
including Standards Committee Member, ARBA Director, and frequent speaker.
Whether it's across North America or Asia, Josh judges rabbits almost every
weekend, making him one of the most contemporary and popular judges in the
hobby. Josh has had the honor of picking Best of Group, and Best in Show at
several past ARBA Conventions. On a professional level, he is the hospital
manager at a small animal veterinary practice in Tennessee.
Chris Zemny, CA
There is no surprise why Chris Zemny has been hailed the “Holland Lop Diva.”
Since the natal years of the Holland Lop in the United States, Chris Zemny has
helped make it the powerhouse breed that it is today. During her thirty years in
the rabbit industry, Chris has made her mark and is one of the most respected
judges at home and throughout Asia. She is the current editor of the “Hollander”
magazine and creator of latest guidebook for the Holland Lop Rabbit Specialty
Club. On a professional level, Chris worked in the pharmaceutical and medical
industry.
Dr. Myriam Pasternak, CA
In the 1980s, Dr. Pasternak served as a Peace Corps volunteer and began her
lifelong commitment to helping others. After graduating vet school at UC Davis
and starting a rabbitry, she became devoted to a program known as Farmer-toFarmer, teaching Haitians how to raise, process, and market rabbit meat. In 2010,
she experienced the major earthquake there. She says, “Farming is not easy but it
can put the power of development back into the hands of the village people.”
Robert Laughlin, CA
Louisiana-born, the kitchen has been a focal point in Robert’s life since he was
a child. Having moved around the country, he’s acquired and melded his tastes
into some unmatched dishes. Ask anyone who has been to Robert and his wife’s
home and they will remember the eating delight. An avid rabbit breeder, Robert
loves to combine rabbit meat in his favorite creations.
Heather & Jason Coin, CO
For most of their lives, Jason and Heather have been devoted to rabbits. Their
undying passion for breeding top show rabbits, in a multitude of breeds, is
unmatched. Their success is a tribute to their planning and hard work including
an unprecedented number of major wins with Netherland Dwarfs. In fact, Jason
has twice won a Best Group for Best In Show at an ARBA Convention. Aside from
rabbits, they raise and manage an acclaimed Boer Goat farm..
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2016 Faculty
Learn from our industry experts!
Presenter
Adam Schuller, OH
Former ARBA King Adam Schuller raises Lilacs, English and Giant Angoras in his
home state of Ohio. A college sophomore at the University of Akron, he is studying Biochemistry with aspirations to one day become a research pharmacist. His
successes in youth royalty span from local to national, including his 2014 title as
ARBA King. Adam accredits the ARBA and OSRBA youth programs for teaching
him lifelong skills. He is a newly licensed ARBA registrar.
David Moll, OH
For over 20 years, David has devoted himself to the rabbit and cavy hobby. He is
the creator and author of the acclaimed Rabbit Tutor, a computer based program
which helps to educate breeders young and old on the subjects of breeding,
ARBA breed study, management skills, and science. He currently chairs the ARBA
Continuing Education Committee and moderates judge and registrar Facebook
page. He’s judged all over the United States and in Australia.
Bryan Shirk, MI
For more than 12 years, Judge Bryan Shirk has successfully taken on breeds such
as Mini Lop, Palomino, Florida White, American Fuzzy Lop, Tan, Californian, and
Checkered Giant. Despite having a small rabbitry, his attention to detail and
success never faltered. His successes include winning BIS at the PaSRBA and
Michigan State Conventions and winning BOV Solid at the 2012 Mini Lop Nationals in Reno. Bryan is also an ARBA cavy registrar and professionally works as an
American Sign Language Interpreter in the Special Education setting.
Don Sheets, VA
Through three decades of breeding and virtually every breed of rabbit raised,
there are few who are as passionate about rabbits as ARBA judge Don Sheets.
He’s won BOBs at ARBA Conventions and national shows, and voluntarily served
rabbit clubs on many committees. Most recently, Don was the successful
presenter of one of ARBA’s newest varieties, the Broken Mini Satin. His latest
project includes the Dwarf Papillon, a breed he’s imported from continental
Europe.
Melissa Magee, CA
Growing up in the Bay Area of California, Melissa got an early start with rabbits
through 4-H and her county fair. She went on to earn an undergraduate in
agriculture at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Melissa raises Satins, Mini Satins and Himalayans, and is responsible for the recognition of the Copper Mini Satin variety.
She shares her hobby with her husband and kids, and enjoys judging around the
country. Their family farm grows and markets delicious peaches and nectarines.
Leslie and Courtney Bond, MI
Little argument is made when considering the Bond family on the top of the
ARBA show scene. They’ve been stamping out national and convention winners
for years, beginning with daughter, Courtney, in youth. The family team most recently won a Group for Best In Show at the 2015 Portland ARBA Convention with
a Netherland Dwarf. Consistent genetics and the ability to present a properly
fed, show-stopping animal anytime, anywhere is at the center of their reverence.
Jared Smith, TX
Jared got his start in rabbits during his younger years attracted to the inquisitive
nature of the Holland Lop and fascinated by the rarer varieties of the breed. His
rabbitry was known for chestnut, tri, lynx, and other “less than popular” colors.
Jared decided to fulfill a lifelong dream of pursuing graduate work with a focus
on rabbits under the guidance of world renown rabbit professor, Dr. Lukefahr, at
Texas A&M, with a focus on the genetics and preservation of heritage breeds.
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2016 Faculty
Learn from our industry experts!
Presenter
Don Havlicek, MI
Don became an ARBA judge in 1996 after many years as a rabbit breeder. To date,
he has judged in 37 US states and prides himself on judging a total of 11 state
fairs! With over 40 years as an educator in both mathematics and computer sciences, Don is now retired. His latest devotion is the development and anticipated
recognition of the Czech Frosty breed in the ARBA. He was the first to import
the Czech Frosty breed to the Western Hemisphere and has worked tirelessly to
spread the genetics throughout North America.
Cole Rupprecht, MN
Cole has a lifetime of experience raising, promoting and studying animals. He
holds an undergraduate degree in animal science from North Dakota State
University. His family owns a dairy and her personally has a herd of beef show
cattle. Additionally he is an ARBA judge and raises and shows top Netherland
Dwarfs. He has also raised Mini Rex, Holland Lops, Himalayans, and Rhinelanders.
Bryant Miller, OH
Bryant Miller got his start in rabbits as a youth and quickly became one of the top
youth in ARBA history. He is an ARBA judge, a former ARBA Duke and is the
winner of over 100 Best In Shows with his rabbits since 2014 alone, primarily with
his New Zealands. Commercial rabbits take up a lot of his interest, but he also
enjoys the challenge of improving heritage breeds.
2016 Rabbitcon Staff
Allen Mesick.................................................................................................. Rabbitcon Superintendent
Kevin Whaley............................................................................................ Rabbitcon Event Coordinator
Louis Potter.............................................................................................................. Registration Assistant
Kellyjo Younggreen & Kate Smith ............................................................... Registration Assistant
All classes, schedules, faculty and course descriptions were current at press time but are subject to
change. Any changes to the courses will be posted at the Rabbitcon entrance. Rabbitcon is a project
of the non-profit CRCS.
Register online at fibbercupinvitational.com
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