Rebecca I have received copies of the two history articles that Mike Gilbert, who graciously went through and updated his, and the one that the late Richard Orr updated for the 2018 Ameraucana Handbook. I also received one from John Blehm discussing chick phenotype that was also published in the 2018 Ameraucana Handbook. Which some of these articles can only be found in our Ameraucana Handbooks, through becoming a member or purchasing them through our Alliance. Which I believe is a true asset to our Ameraucana Alliance, that we need to protect and keep for years to come. No other club has the claim of having a first hand account, of not only our Ameraucana recognition process and those involved, but also how our Ameraucana Alliance was formed.
I have not received any new material to date and welcome anyone to send me something in word format, preferably, by August 1. Since the Ameraucana handbook is geared as an introductory informational booklet that every first time member receives free with their membership, I still think it is wise that submitted articles be informational and not dated material that might change before they are handed out. We have handed out and sold 700 from 2016 thru 2024, with 500 of them printed in 2018. Just to give everyone a rough time line I expect them to last for.
Once I receive all the articles, and know how many we have, then I figured I would bring them to the board for approval and ask for suggestions etc.I believe we have room to include several other articles and hope we receive some. I am personally writing an article to discuss how I condition, and prepare birds for exhibition. I don’t know it all but it was a topic I am comfortable in discussing and one the good Lord has blessed me in, probably more than I possibly deserve? I feel that was a good topic for an article that new members, and anyone new to exhibiting poultry might find helpful?
I appreciate your question as it also brought up the need to remind our members to get any articles submitted to me as well by August 1 for our consideration.
Oh and I also will be sending out soliciting emails hopefully this weekend. I actually sent an email out earlier today to Michael and Yourself discussing this and including a list of members with interest as of now.
Thank you for asking and reminding me to mention the opportunity for our members to submit articles. I am hoping to have the 2024 Ameraucana Handbook printed and in hand by September 1, 2024. It is truly appreciated and welcomed.