Mhar Delaben: You’ve long been admired by breeders worldwide. What drives your continuous pursuit of improvement?
Bobby Fairchild: I always pay close attention to detail and never allow myself to be complacent. I constantly look for ways to improve what I have and to ensure that my friends and customers are happy with the breeds they get from me. I’ve never been fully satisfied — progress is a lifelong process.
Mhar Delaben: What distinguishes Bobby Fairchild from the rest?
Bobby Fairchild: I believe it’s the determination to never stop trying and to never give up. That mindset applies not only to me but also to the fowls we’ve bred — they represent perseverance and hard work.
Mhar Delaben: Can you share one of your proudest moments as a breeder?
Bobby Fairchild: One of my most memorable achievements was during a major poultry breeding event in 2003 held at the Sunset Recreation Club in Paris. It was a large-scale competition among breeders from different parts of the world, and it became one of the most unforgettable moments of my career.
Mhar Delaben: How did you start in this field?
Bobby Fairchild: I grew up around animals. My father was a breeder of hounds and horses, and he influenced me deeply. Later, I was introduced to gamefowls by family friends in Cherokee County, Oklahoma. That’s when my passion began. I started with a few birds, learned through experience, and built on that foundation.
Mhar Delaben: What principles helped shape your success?
Bobby Fairchild: I don’t think of myself as a legend. I simply work hard toward the goals I’ve set. Dedication, faith, and perseverance — those are what matter most. I owe everything to my family, friends, and above all, to God.
Mhar Delaben: Tell us about the creation of your famous Fairchild Greys.
Bobby Fairchild: When I was young, my friends and I developed a remarkable Grey family of fowls, which later became known as the Fairchild Greys. Over time, this bloodline proved its consistency and quality, producing top-performing birds for breeders worldwide.
Mhar Delaben: Who were your biggest influences in breeding?
Bobby Fairchild: Gary Gilliam, a respected breeder from Eastern Oklahoma, had a huge influence on me. He shared valuable lessons that I still apply today.
Mhar Delaben: What gave you confidence in your breeding program?
Bobby Fairchild: Spending time with great mentors like Dink Fair and Johnny Jumper. They taught me techniques that refined my understanding of genetics and breeding. Over time, the results spoke for themselves.
Mhar Delaben: What keeps the Fairchild Greys consistent and strong?
Bobby Fairchild: We keep one main family with a few select lines. We apply strict standards and only continue lines that show vigor, health, and performance.
Mhar Delaben: Which lines blend best with your Greys?
Bobby Fairchild: They have worked well with various families — including Hatch, Roundhead, Kelso, and Sweater lines. Many breeders find them to be strong genetic enhancers in their breeding programs.
Mhar Delaben: What makes your Greys highly regarded in the Philippines?
Bobby Fairchild: Their intelligence and adaptability. Filipino breeders appreciate their competitive spirit and stable performance across generations.
Mhar Delaben: How do you manage your farm effectively?
Bobby Fairchild: It’s a 24/7 commitment. I love what I do, and I’m surrounded by a hardworking family and team who share the same passion. My wife, Melinda, my children, and my team — especially Josh Brock here in Kentucky — are all instrumental to our success.
Mhar Delaben: How do you maintain your reputation worldwide?
Bobby Fairchild: By never taking anything for granted. We continuously improve through careful breeding, maintaining genetic integrity, and listening to customer feedback. Our focus is always on producing healthy, high-quality poultry for breeding purposes.
Mhar Delaben: Have you collaborated with Filipino breeders?
Bobby Fairchild: Yes, I’ve had the privilege of working with several respected Filipino breeders, such as Jessery Palmaris, Lancey Dela Torre, and Jun “The Attorney” Mendoza. Their professionalism and passion inspire me.
Mhar Delaben: What’s your most proven bloodline to date?
Bobby Fairchild: The Fairchild Greys remain the most consistent and proven line I’ve developed. They’ve established a reputation for quality and reliability across many breeding programs worldwide.
Mhar Delaben: For those who wish to acquire breeding materials, how can they connect with you?
Bobby Fairchild: They can reach me through Facebook at Clear Creek – Bobby Fairchild or contact me directly at +1-918-772-0556 for inquiries about breeding materials and updates.
Mhar Delaben: What are your selection criteria for broodstock?
Bobby Fairchild: I look for strong genetic history and ideal physical confirmation — from structure and balance to overall health. Most importantly, performance and consistency are key.
Mhar Delaben: How do you define a “pure” bird?
Bobby Fairchild: Purity, for me, means consistency. When a family reproduces uniform traits over generations, that’s when it becomes truly “pure.” I respect the pioneers who named their lines, but I also believe breeders should continue to innovate responsibly.
Mhar Delaben: What’s your breeding method for maintaining quality?
Bobby Fairchild: Controlled linebreeding — uncles to nieces, aunts to nephews, sometimes siblings in moderation. It’s about balancing genetic preservation with diversity.
Mhar Delaben: What advice would you give to aspiring breeders?
Bobby Fairchild: Take it seriously — breeding is a lifelong journey, not a quick venture. Surround yourself with experienced mentors, learn continuously, and always maintain integrity. As my friend Terry Don West once said, “If you want to be a champion, learn from champions.”
Mhar Delaben: How do you see the role of Purebred Warrior Magazine in this industry?
Bobby Fairchild: It’s a wonderful initiative. A publication like Purebred Warrior connects breeders, shares valuable knowledge, and inspires continuous improvement. I wish you success in your mission.
Mhar Delaben: Our Breeders with a Big Heart program supports marginalized communities in partnership with public servants like Cong. Sonny Lagon. Would you be open to supporting such initiatives?
Bobby Fairchild: Absolutely. I’ve known Sonny Lagon for many years — a man of integrity and respect. Any effort that helps uplift people and gives back to the community is something I fully support.
Exclusive Interview with Bobby Fairchild
By Mhar Delaben, Purebred Warrior Magazine
