Without question, the membership of the American Rabbit Breeders Association is as diverse as it is vast. During my many years as a licensed Rabbit Judge, I have had the distinct privilege of traveling around the country, witnessing the commitment of thousands of people to our hobby and association.  Even after all of my travels, I sincerely uphold the utmost respect and admiration of the breeders in District 2, my home. Nationally competitive animals, ambitiously dedicated breeders, and an immense group of talented youth, District 2 brings an immeasurable amount of personal pride.  Embracing my admiration for the ARBA membership of District 2, I whole heartedly represent you as your new ARBA Director.

More than twenty years ago, I became involved in the rabbit hobby, the   hobby that is an integral part of my life.  My first rabbits were Flemish Giants, and I showed extreme devotion to the breed for many years.  An incredible highlight in my rabbit career was the achievement of Best in Show at the 1987 ARBA Convention in Portland, Oregon with one of my Flemish Giants.  Unquestionably, the sensation of this great accomplishment will be forever remembered. 

Only five years after attaining my first rabbits, I received my Judge's license.  Many of you are familiar faces because one of my favorite activities is judging rabbits all over our District.  Traveling and viewing the outstanding rabbits cross my judging table is not only exciting, but truly rewarding.  At each ARBA Convention it is obvious year after year that the quality of rabbits and cavies in District 2 is some of the strongest in the nation.  Most judges do not have the honor of handling such quality weekend after weekend.  I am sincerely aware of this fact, and again feel more strongly about our region of the country.

I am proud to say that I judge from Arizona, through all of California, Utah, and Nevada.  Passionately, I travel hundreds of miles each weekend to support our hobby and our association, and visit with our breeders.  As your District 2 Director, I promise not only to be a familiar face, but a very accessible face, listening to the needs and concerns of our membership.  At the same time, while traveling, I pledge to keep you informed of the current topics in the ARBA membership.  I recently ended a two year term as the President of the National Mini Rex Rabbit Club.  As one of the largest specialty clubs in the country, you can imagine that there is always a surplus of topics discussed on the Board regarding our club.  If you have watched me judge Mini Rex, I make it a point during the selection of Best of Breed to inform the breeders of the latest issues in our club.  As your District 2 Director, I will serve as your bridge to the entire association and from the association back to you.

Though my years as a rabbit breeder date back many years, my involvement in rabbit’s spans more than breeding Flemish Giants.  From the first years involved in our hobby, I understood the importance of involvement.  In the late 1980's, I served on the California State Rabbit Breeders Association Board.  Not too long after this service, I was elected the President of the Southern Area region of California State Rabbit Breeders Association.  Subsequently, I then served as President of the California State Rabbit Breeders Association.  When my interest in Mini Rex grew, I served as District 2 Director for the National Mini Rex Rabbit Club prior to being elected President.  

Preserving the interest in our youth is a very important measure. Certainly, commitment to our youth shall be one of the foremost goals of any ARBA Director.  When my own daughter, Joanne, was a youth, she raised Rex.  Both Joanne and I would travel to shows, strengthening our bond as father and daughter.  This vitally important relationship is true for countless parents and youth breeders in the ARBA.  In support of his or her child's hobby, many parents become active in 4-H.  While Joanne was a youth breeder and 4-H member, I served as co-leader of her 4-H club.  Though my daughter has grown, I understand the impact of 4-H events.  Each year, my wife and I host an educational day at our home for 4-H rabbit breeders.  This event is held prior to convention; we spend the day evaluating rabbits, reviewing the Standard of Perfection, and mastering concepts and essential ideas.  Our goal is to better prepare the youth for the upcoming Royalty and Youth Convention Contests.  Recently, my wife and I were honored for our commitment by Jennifer Munoz, 4-H leader and mom, who awarded us with a 4-H Honorary Achievement plaque.  We are grateful for the appreciation, but even more uplifted to witness the positive influence our time has on our youth breeders.

Most of you are aware that a dedicated group of individuals is working towards bringing a future Convention to our District.  Undeniably, our District deserves a Convention, considering its strength in quality animals, breeders, and youth participants.  After personally serving as the General Chairman of the 1991 Convention Pomona, California, I assure you the task of organizing an entire Convention is rewarding, yet intense.  At current, I am active also in coordinating the upcoming Convention in California.  As your District 2 Director, I promise to continue my dedication to a Convention in our area, as well as insisting in quality conventions nationwide.

On a personal note, I have been married to my wife, active rabbit breeder and Registrar, Doreen for thirteen wonderful years.  Doreen and I travel to most shows together, an enjoy our time visiting with breeders, appreciating rabbits, and advocating our hobby.  Doreen is also very active in the ARBA, serving as a newly appointed Director for the California State Rabbit Breeders Association.  I am proud father of five, as well as grandfather of five.  For most of my life, I have lived in the San Diego, California area.  Today, my wife and I own a home and rabbitry in Oak Hills, California.  We raise Mini Rex, and are working on the development of the new silver marten variety in the breed.  Doreen serves as an exhibits coordinator at the Los Angeles County Fair, and I serve as the superintendent of the animal shows and events during the fair as well.

As your fellow breeder, Judge, and friend, I promise to serve ambitiously and honestly as your District 2 Director.  I hold our association in high regard, and promise to strengthen it with my service and commitment.  I am an e-mail, phone call, or "hello" away at many rabbit shows.  Please take time to introduce yourself, share your concerns and comments, and work with me in the progression and growth of the American Rabbit Breeders Association.

My report in each Domestic Rabbits magazine will be a compilation of events, news, and information important to District 2. Many thanks to Elizabeth Bell for her hard work in creating the website!  This website will be a very current, active area for ARBA members in District 2 to turn to.  Best in Show results, outstanding youth, judge and registrar listing, contact for state representatives, links to breeder sites, and upcoming district events will find place on this website. Best in Show results will not be printed in my Domestic Rabbits report, allowing room only for pertinent information in our district.  This column is a great avenue of information, and I plan to use its space wisely in my communication to you.  Please e-mail Best in Show results, pictures, and website material to webmaster Elizabeth at elizabethbell_86@yahoo.com As well, e-mail me with your news and district happenings for publication!

                       Sincerely Yours,

       Joey Shults

Contact Me:

JOEYDIST2@MSN.COM