MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A new event aimed at hobby farmers, breeders and rural enthusiasts is set to debut this weekend at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
The first-ever Hutchinson Poultry and Farm Sale will take place Saturday, offering a wide variety of animals, equipment and supplies in a single, climate-controlled location. Organizers say the event is designed to bring together both newcomers and experienced producers in a setting that encourages education, networking and commerce.
The sale will feature more than just poultry. Attendees can expect to find chickens, rabbits, waterfowl and game birds, along with farm-related items such as feeders, fencing, incubators and other equipment. Outdoor auction items will also be accepted, expanding the event beyond live animals.
Organizers say one of the key goals is to give people a chance to see different breeds and livestock up close—something that’s often limited to online photos or social media.
“There’s definitely so much to be seen,” one organizer said in a recent interview. “People don’t always realize the variety that’s out there until they experience it in person.”
The event also reflects a growing interest in hobby farming across the region, as more residents look to raise backyard chickens, rabbits or other small livestock. Organizers say the sale is intended to support that trend by creating a space where people can learn, ask questions and get started.
For those new to raising animals, organizers recommend starting small and building experience over time, noting that managing even a small flock or group of animals requires commitment and care.
The event will include opportunities to purchase live animals as well as hatching eggs, allowing participants to begin raising poultry from the earliest stages. A veterinarian will be on-site to check animals, and certain poultry will include certification showing they are free from disease.
Pre-check-in for sellers is scheduled for Friday evening, with additional check-in available Saturday morning. Auctions for outdoor items are set to begin at 11 a.m., followed by the sale of birds and other animals at noon.
Admission is free, and organizers say the event is family-friendly, with a food truck also expected on-site.
Gates will be open at multiple entrances around the fairgrounds, with signage directing visitors to the event location.