Recognizing Achievement, Building Community
By: Catherine Bolze, BARNSC Secretary
If you love the American rabbit, there’s no better way to support the breed and connect with others who share your passion than by joining the Breeders of the American Rabbit National Specialty Club (BARNSC). Whether you’re a long-time exhibitor, a new breeder, or just getting started with your first pair, membership offers real benefits that go beyond the show table.
You can show your American rabbits at ARBA-sanctioned events without being a club member, but you can’t earn sweepstakes points unless you belong to BARNSC. Sweepstakes points matter because they’re more than just numbers. They reflect consistent success, hard work, and dedication to the breed. They also make it easy for others to see who’s producing top-quality stock across the country. Even if you win Best in Show, you won’t receive national recognition for it unless you’re a member of the specialty club. BARNSC keeps the official records and honors the breeders who are actively contributing to the breed’s excellence year after year. In short: ARBA gives you the legs, and BARNSC gives you the legacy.
Raising American rabbits can feel like a solo effort, but you’re not alone. Members of BARNSC get access to a private Facebook group exclusively for club members. This group is where friendships form, questions get answered, and information gets shared first. It’s also where you’ll find updates on club news, national shows, and opportunities you won’t see anywhere else.
Whether you’re troubleshooting a breeding challenge, looking for new stock, or celebrating a show win, this group gives you a direct line to people who truly understand your goals.
Members receive a club-exclusive newsletter packed with valuable and enjoyable content. Each issue includes:
* Updates on what’s happening within the club
* Officer and regional Director reports
* Sweepstakes standings and show highlights
* National and ARBA Convention results
* Helpful husbandry and breeding articles
* Recipes from fellow members
* Guest articles
The newsletter keeps you informed, inspired, and connected; it’s one of the best ways to stay engaged with the community between shows.
Membership also opens the door to youth scholarships and rabbitry improvement funds. These programs exist to encourage growth, both in the next generation of breeders and in the quality of American rabbit herds across the country.
Whether you’re a young exhibitor hoping to further your education or a breeder planning a facility upgrade, BARNSC provides opportunities to earn recognition and financial support for your dedication.
With any organization, there’s an opportunity for members to give back. We are always searching for leaders who are willing to step up and tackle a position on the Board or a committee. Our members come from all walks of life – graphic design, nuclear engineering, military service, law, carpentry, medical, teaching, agriculture, and veterinary science are just a few professions of our members and Board. There’s something for everyone to do, including you!
At the heart of it all, BARNSC is about friendship. The club brings together people who share the same enthusiasm, pride, and respect for the American rabbit. Members celebrate each other’s wins, exchange advice, and lend a helping hand when challenges arise. Some of the best friendships in the rabbit world start in this club, and they often last a lifetime.
Becoming a member of the Breeders of the American Rabbit National Specialty Club means joining a community that values integrity, education, and the preservation of one of America’s great heritage breeds. If you’re serious about showing, improving, or simply enjoying your American rabbits, this is where you belong. Join BARNSC today. Earn recognition, connect with fellow breeders, and be part of the future of the American rabbit.