COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – A year after bird flu forced fairs across Iowa to cancel poultry shows, the competitions are returning this summer. The Daily Nonpareil reports the 4-H members who raise chickens are glad they should have a chance to show them at this year’s fairs. Organizers banned live poultry at fairs a year ago because of the bird flu outbreak that ravaged the industry. Both Iowa and Nebraska lifted their ban on poultry shows this year.

Kerri Wede with the East Pottawattamie County Extension office says the ban was “heartbreaking for the kids.” But they adapted. Last year, some fairs held egg judging contests and some had students give presentations about their chickens. Organizers are looking forward to returning to normal this year.