Staff photo by Fritz Busch Milford 4-H Club member Amos Beranek, 11, holds “Georgia,” a Mini Rex rabbit named the Brown County Free Fair 4H Rabbit Show Overall Champion Thursday. Beranek also won the Four Class division.

NEW ULM — Amos Beranek of the Milford 4-H Club won the Brown County Fair rabbit show Overall 4-H Championship Thursday with his Mini Rex rabbit “Georgia.”

Beranek, 11, has been raising rabbits for about five years. He also received the Best of Breed and Four Class awards with the rabbit.

“I like working with and showing animals. Rabbits are my favorite. They’re the nicest and friendliest animals. I also like showing chickens. I’m too young to show at the Minnesota State Fair this year. I could do it next year,” he said.

Shelby Neudecker, 13, of the North-West Wildflowers 4-H Club, was Six Class Reserve Champion division with “Ash,” her 20-pound, Flemish Giant rabbit.

Flemish Giants are the largest breed of domestic rabbit, averaging 15 pounds but can weigh up to 49 pounds.

No longer used for their meat, due to their slow growth and very large bones, Flemish Giants are raised for rabbit shows.

She talked about why she likes rabbits.

“They’re beautiful animals. My neighbors always had rabbits. I went over there, helping them with chores. I saw one rabbit that was black and white, I wanted it and got it,” she said. “Ash is the biggest rabbit breed in the world. He’s almost like a dog. I take him on walks. When I first saw him, he came up to me and I decided he is the rabbit I want. He’s very relaxed usually.”

Neudecker said she will also compete in the Brown County Fair 4-H Horse Show Saturday.

Hunter Kohn of the Milford 4-H Club received the Six Class Overall Championship and was overall reserve champion with a Satin rabbit breed.

More county fair show results can be viewed at z.umn.edu/bcresults.