Johan Govaerts (Olmen) wins 1st Provincial Argenton II with old birds

On the national race from Argenton II, Johan Govaerts from Olmen delivered an outstanding performance. With his blue hen BE22-6051328, he secured 1st provincial prize in Antwerp against 684 old birds. Moreover, his hen was also the fastest of the entire Antwerp contingent, including 1903 old and yearling birds combined. On the national level, this resulted in a remarkable 18th place against 4758 old birds.

Origin and system

The winning hen, BE22-6051328, is raced on total widowhood. She is a granddaughter of “676/08”, a pigeon that once placed 8th national Bourges against 15,508 birds. Care is given in a calculated way: starting the week with Gerry Plus and finishing with Champion Plus and high-energy Versele-Laga mixtures. After every training, she is rewarded with a pinch of candy seeds.

Strong record

The victory in Argenton II is the highlight of an already impressive season for the blue 328. Here are some of her top performances in 2024:
05/04 Momignies: 196th against 2,068 b.
12/04 Momignies: 153rd against 2,713 b.
19/04 Soissons: 67th against 1,173 b.
17/05 Vierzon Interprov.: 10th against 7,626 b. = 5° Prov. /2488 b
24/05 Bourges Nat.: 169th against 18,634 b. = 45° Prov. /2813 b
08/06 Argenton Nat.: 269th against 11,557 b. = 59° Prov. /1597 b
22/07 Argenton Nat.: 18th against 4,758 b. = 1° Prov. /684 b

She also made her mark in 2023:
25/05 Bourges Nat.: 56th against 24,006 b.
23/06 Sancoins Nat.: 92nd against 9,753 b.
28/07 Bourges Nat.: 328th against 6,713 b.
24/08 Argenton Nat.: 87th against 3,375 b.

Strong loft

The performance of BE22-6051328 is no coincidence. Johan Govaerts manages a strong and consistent loft that scores well week after week. Some recent highlights:
Momignies (423 b.): 1, 16, 21, 46, 87, 94 (6/7)
Momignies young (1751 b.): 1, 2, 3, 4, 37, 37, 40, 42 ... (31/65)
Melun (295 b.): 1, 3, 11, 12, 60, 66, 96 (7/20)
Momignies (2083 b.): 23, 24, 50, 52, 54, 66, 85, 90 ... (28/46)
Soissons (1173 b.): 11, 14, 23, 48, 67, 158, 187, 217 ... (11/12)
Soissons (1428 b.): 18, 24, 79, 118, 148, 191, 311, 312 ... (9/12)

Top Season 2023

This Provincial victory is no mere coincidence as Johan took home not one but 2 Provincial victories in 2023, from Bourges

With this victory, Johan Govaerts confirms his status as a top fancier in the Antwerp province. His hen BE22-6051328 shines with consistency and has grown into one of the most remarkable racing hens of the 2025 season in Johan's loft.

Maarten Herbots