Final Major Market Contest Decided At Missouri State Fair

Pens of New Zealand rabbits prevailed among the 38 that competed Wednesday night in the final major market contest at the 121st Missouri State Fair. The Grand Champion pen was exhibited by Molly Strozewski of Lincoln, in her first year of exhibiting the breed after starting out with Mini Rex. Strozewski says her pen is continuing a family tradition at the fair.

Strozewski says she had eight rabbits to choose from, ultimately selecting her pen of three. She adds that she’s only showing rabbits, as she also competes on a traveling softball team. She tells Regional Radio that her time on the diamond has helped prepare her to show rabbits.

Molly Strozewski represented Benton County 4-H.

The Reserve Grand Champion pen was exhibited by Wren Coates of Braymer, who won both champion and reserve champion honors in the FFA division. The feat comes a year after her older brother Hadley claimed the top two spots in the FFA division, en route to grand champion. Taya Lenz of Gower was reserve in the 4-H Division.

The two pens of New Zealand rabbits complete the lots available at this year’s Sale of Champions, set for Saturday afternoon.

Full Interview with Molly Strozewski

Full interview with Wren Coates, Braymer