Names: Elissa and Matthew Branum
Parents: Russ and Marilyn Branum, siblings: Emily, Olivia and Ivelynn Branum
How did you get started raising rabbits and pullets?
The Branum kids say they got started with pullets through the 4-H poultry project. Through the project, they get 25 chicks for $20 and raise them to show at the Sebastian County Fair. They also started early on with rabbits because rabbits are small and easy to take care of, especially for kids. “It blew up in a hurry,” said Elissa, age 15. “Right now, we’ve got about 75 chickens and 30 rabbits.”
What’s the best and worst parts of raising animals?
“It’s a really good learning experience,” said Elissa. “It’s a good chance to learn responsibility by taking care of an animal every day.” Her 13-year-old brother Matthew also likes the responsibility of taking care of animals, and likes the rewards at the Sebastian County Fair. “It’s fun to take them to auction and see people bid on them,” said Matthew. At the Fair this year, Elissa says she made $125 per bird on her prize-winning chickens and Matthew made $100 per bird. The Branum kids pooled their winnings and split it up amongst themselves. “Taking care of them during the winter is the toughest part,” said Elissa. “Their water ices up and we have to carry in hot water to keep it thawed.” Matthew thinks that choosing quality animals to show is another tough part. “It’s hard to pick out the best,” said Matthew.
How much is the rest of your family involved?
All the Branum kids show animals at the Sebastian County Fair. Emily, age 10, Olivia, age 8, and Ivelynn, age 6, all show pullets and rabbits. Their dad, Russ, raises Irish Dexter cattle on the family farm in Washburn, east of Greenwood, Ark. Besides rabbits and pullets, Elissa and Matthew also raise Boer goats, and are active in 4-H, American Rabbit Breeders, the American Quarter Horse Association and the Junior American Boer Goats Association.
By Roy Hill
