131. Building the Future of Pigeon Racing with Youth 4-H Programs with Mike Netzky

How do you introduce a new generation to pigeon racing?In this episode of the All About Pigeons podcast, Phillip Fry sits down with Mike Netzky to talk about how he built a youth pigeon racing program through 4-H in northern Michigan. What started as a childhood fascination with pigeons eventually turned into a club with more than fifty young participants learning how to care for, train, and race homing pigeons.Mike explains how he launched the program from scratch, how loaner lofts and starter birds help families get involved, and why making the hobby accessible to kids and parents is the key to growing the sport. He also shares stories about youth races, traveling pigeon lofts, county fairs, and creative ways the club raises money while teaching people about messenger pigeons.This conversation is packed with practical ideas for anyone interested in introducing youth to pigeons, starting a club, or promoting the hobby in their community.https://americanracingpigeonunion.blogspot.com/2018/04/more-than-just-birds.htmlhttps://petoskeyarea.com/events/4-h-flying-clovers-homing-pigeons/https://data.charlevoixlibrary.org/event/rain-location-flying-clovers-4-h-club-12311www.pigeonpod.com#AllAboutPigeons#PigeonRacing#HomingPigeons#PigeonHobby#4H#YouthInAgriculture#PigeonFanciers#BirdKeeping#PigeonPodcast#RacingPigeons#PigeonCommunity