Lorene
Blackwood of The Virginia State Fair
ShowBed used in September, 2005 for their arenas, bedding
for their petting area and cages for rabbits, pigeons, sheep,
goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys and several other animal
types.
Barry,
Thanks so much for allowing the State Fair of Virginia to be
one of the first fairs in the country to use ShowBed. Your
product greatly enhanced the appearance of the show rings and
the areas that were used for bedding. ShowBed was the topic of
conversation in every area were it was used. The winning
characteristics that we found highly desirable are: It is
virtually dust free and with the light green color, it
enhanced the appearance of the cattle ring. The
superintendents and judges liked it for those reasons and the
comfort factor. It was much more comfortable to stand on all
day than shaving or mulch. This I think would be an asset for
livestock as well.
The product makes removing waste quick and easy from show
rings as well as when it is used for bedding. One has far less
material to dispose of on a daily basis.
Historically we
have had an odor problem in our poultry area especially with
the ducks and geese. This product greatly reduced the odor and
made clean up much easier. We no longer had a muddy base for
the large fowl. We will need to have a lip on the base where
the pens sit because the chickens and rabbits scratched it
out.
The reduction of
odor in our Young MacDonalds Petting Barn was terrific. This
product did not cling to the wool of the sheep and they looked
so much better for the entire eleven days. The presentation
alone is terrific. It makes the animals look good and it is
less dusty and is cleaner.
The delivery system used with ShowBed is exceptionally neat
and clean. I had not anticipated the labor that was needed
upon delivery. We will schedule a team to spread the product
in the future.
ShowBed made the
show rings and all the areas in which they were used appear
clean, neat and made a positive impression on the guests as
well as the exhibitors. It gave the area a sharp, smart, crisp
appearance. We especially liked the spring green color.
One other
advantage that I see is that it requires far less footing for
the show rings and bedding than the traditional mulch and
straw. This makes this product for more environmentally
friendly. It appears less likely to be as combustible as
traditional bedding.
Barry, It has
been a pleasure getting to know you and work with you. I feel
that you cooperative attitude and attention to details and
excellent product will make ShowBed become a future staple in
the livestock world.
Please feel free
to use any of my comments and if I can be of help, please let
me know. Curry Roberts, our Fair President, will be at IAFE.
Be sure to look for him.
I look forward
to working with you next year.
Lorene
Blackwood
The Virginia State Fair
