Cornish Crosses From Cairo Claim Grand Champion Ribbon

Three of the four Cornish Cross birds exhibited by Blake Gates of Cairo, winner of the 2022 Missouri State Fair Grand Champion Live Market Pen of Poultry. (Photo by Kyle Hill, Alpha Ag Network)

The move to the Cornish Cross breed paid off for Blake Gates of Cairo. The Neighborly Communities 4-H member earned his first trip to the Sale of Champions on Tuesday morning, when his pen of four birds weighing just over six pounds each won Grand Champion honors in the first major contest at the 120th Missouri State Fair. Gates said he was surprised to win the top prize.

Central MO Info · 22 0809 Blake Gates reacts to his birds winning Grand Champion honors

Gates has raised other poultry breeds since he was three, but received his first Cornish Cross hens to raise about two months ago. He adds that his success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of his family and many community members.

Central MO Info · 22 0809 Blake Gates gives thanks for those who supported his Grand Champion Poultry Pen

Reserve Grand Champion honors went to Porter Kruse of the County Line 4-H club in Newton County. Two pens brought by last year’s grand champion exhibitor, Hayden Duncan of the Columbia FFA Chapter, finished third and fourth.

While the official start of the Missouri State Fair is Thursday, contests will take place Wednesday, including the 4-H and FFA Wether Goat Show at 1 p.m., while showmanship contests are set for swine and market lamb exhibitors. Regional Radio’s Kyle Hill will have reports from the fairgrounds beginning Thursday.