Advisory Board

• Yellow Rose Classic

Karen Richey's passion for poultry began innocently enough. She would often observe her neighbor's chickens and enjoy the fresh eggs they provided. But it wasn't long before she caught the bug herself, starting with a dozen red sex-link pullets in her backyard.

As her flock grew, so did her expertise. Karen began to expand into hatching for sale events, and eventually, she was tutored into exhibition poultry by Linda Peavy. It was a natural progression that led her from enthusiastic hobbyist to accomplished breeder and exhibitor.

But Karen's journey didn't stop there. She had a vision to create a platform where backyard enthusiasts and professionals could come together, connect, learn, and grow. And so, she founded the Texas Independent Flock Owners Association (TXIFOA).

The formation of TXIFOA caught the attention of industry leaders, including APA district director Howard Davenport. He was impressed by Karen's vision and leadership skills, and recommended her to committee chairman Phil Bartz for the American Poultry Association (APA) Legislative Committee. After being accepted into the committee, Karen quickly made a name for herself as a dedicated and effective advocate for poultry keepers in Texas.

Her success on the committee led to her being named Texas State Representative under Howard Davenport's guidance. In this new role, Karen continues to champion the interests of poultry keepers, using her platform to promote education, community building, and advocacy.

Karen's Philosophy

For Karen, it's not just about promoting poultry or advocating for the industry - it's about building a community of like-minded individuals who share her passion. She believes in empowering backyard enthusiasts with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed, and providing a platform for them to connect with others who share their interests.

The Future

As the leader of TXIFOA and Texas State Representative, Karen is committed to continuing this mission. She sees a bright future ahead, one where poultry enthusiasts across Texas can come together to learn, grow, and thrive. To further support this vision, Karen has created the Yellow Rose Classic, an annual exhibition event that brings together breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts from across the state for a fun-filled day of education, competition, and community building. With TXIFOA and the Yellow Rose Classic at the forefront, Karen is confident that the future of poultry in Texas will be brighter than ever.