IAFE (INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS) NATIONAL CODE OF SHOW RING ETHICS
Exhibitors of animals at livestock shows shall at all times deport themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their conduct in this competitive environment shall always reflect the highest standards of honor and dignity to promote the advancement of agricultural education. This code applies to junior as well as open class exhibitors who compete in structured classes of competition. This code applies to all livestock offered in any event at a livestock show. In addition to the IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics, fairs and livestock shows may have rules and regulations which they impose on the local, county, state, provincial and national levels.
All youth leaders working with junior exhibitors are under an affirmative responsibility to do more than avoid improper conduct or questionable acts. Their moral values must be so certain and positive that those younger and more pliable will be influenced by their fine example. Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers and absolutely responsible persons who violate the code of ethics will forfeit premiums, awards and auction proceeds and shall be prohibited from future exhibition in accordance with the rules adopted by the respective fairs and livestock shows. Exhibitors who violate this code of ethics demean the integrity of all livestock exhibitors and should be prohibited from competition at all livestock shows in the United States and Canada.
The following is a list of guidelines for all exhibitors and all livestock in competitive events:
1. All exhibitors must present, upon request of fair and livestock show officials, proof of ownership, length of ownership and age of all animals entered. Misrepresentation of ownership, age, or any facts relating thereto is prohibited.
2. Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers or absolutely responsible persons shall provide animal health certificates from licensed veterinarians upon request by fair or livestock show officials.
3. Junior exhibitors are expected to care for and groom their animals while at fairs or livestock shows.
4. Animals shall be presented to show events where they will enter the food chain free of volatile drug residues. The act of entering an animal in a livestock show is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer and/or absolutely responsible person for show management to obtain any specimens of urine, saliva, blood, or other substances from the animal to be used in testing. Animals not entered in an event which culminates with the animal entering the food chain shall not be administered drugs other than in accordance with applicable federal, state and provincial statues, regulations and rules. Livestock shall not be exhibited if the drugs administered in accordance with federal, state and provincial statutes, regulations and rules affect the animal’s performance or appearance at the event.
If the laboratory report on the analysis of saliva, urine, blood, or other sample taken from livestock indicates the presence of forbidden drugs or medication, this shall be prima facie evidence such substance has been administered to the animal either internally or externally. It is presumed that the sample of urine, saliva, blood, or other substance tested by the laboratory to which it is sent is the one taken from the animal in question; its integrity is preserved and all procedures of said collection and preservation, transfer to the laboratory and analysis of the sample are correct and accurate and the report received from the laboratory pertains to the sample taken from the animal in question and correctly reflects the condition of the animal at the time the sample was taken, with the burden on the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to prove otherwise.
At any time after an animal arrives on the fair or livestock show premises, all treatments involving the use of drugs and/or medications for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
5. Any surgical procedure or injection of any foreign substance or drug or the external application of any substance (irritant, counterirritant, or similar substance) which could affect the animal’s performance or alter its natural contour, confirmation, or appearance, except external applications of substances to the hoofs or horns of animals which affect appearance only and except for surgical procedures performed by a duly licensed veterinarian for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal, is prohibited.
6. The use of showing and/or handling practices or devices such as striking animals to cause swelling, using electrical contrivance, or other similar practices are not acceptable and are prohibited.
7. Direct criticism or interference with the judge, fair or livestock show management, other exhibitors, breed representatives, or show officials before, during, or after the competitive event is prohibited. In the furtherance of their official duty, all judges, fair and livestock show management, or other show officials shall be treated with courtesy, cooperation and respect and no person shall direct abusive or threatening conduct toward them.
8. No owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person shall conspire with another person or persons to intentionally violate this code of ethics or knowingly contribute or cooperate another person or persons either by affirmative action or inaction to violate this code of ethics. Violation of this rule shall subject such individual to disciplinary action.
9. The application of this code of ethics provides for absolute responsibility for an animal’s condition by an owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or participant whether or not he or she was actually instrumental in or had actual knowledge of the treatment of the animal in contravention of this code of ethics.
10. The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to have disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show for violation of this Code of Show Ring Ethics and any other rules of competition of the fair or livestock show without recourse against the fair or livestock show. The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent that any proceedings or disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show may be published with the name of the violator or violators in any publication of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, including Fairs and Expositions and any special notices to members.
11. The act of entering of an animal in a fair or livestock show is the giving of verification by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person that he or she has read the IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics and understands the consequences of and penalties provided for actions prohibited by the code. It is further a consent that any action that contravenes these rules and is also in violation of federal, state, or provincial statutes, regulations, or rules may be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over such infractions.
GENERAL LIVESTOCK RULES
RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENTRY: The responsibility for making proper entry rests with the 4-H exhibitor. Each exhibitor will be required to show satisfactory evidence of ownership before he or she is allowed to exhibit. The exhibitors of all animals shall conduct themselves with honesty, good sportsmanship, and support all rules and regulations of the Nebraska 4-H program and the Buffalo County Fair. All livestock entries which are on the fairgrounds and have been checked-in must compete fully through the entire fair and must remain in designated areas after being entered until released, with these exceptions: cats, dogs, small animals, stocker-feeder calves, Jr bulls, horses, milking dairy animals and clover kid bucket calves, clover kid sheep, and clover kid goats are required only during the day shown. Animals cannot be withdrawn for any reason other than medical emergency as stated by a veterinarian. Exhibitors who have removed their animals from the fairgrounds prior to the designated release time without written notification from a veterinarian, superintendent and Extension staff approval could be subject to loss of premium, forfeiture of awards, elimination from the livestock auction or other such penalties as determined by the grievance committee. Exhibitors may also forfeit their good standing with the Buffalo County Fair and may also forfeit participation at the Nebraska State Fair.
4-H members showing cattle at the fair must bring their brand inspection certificates with them on entry day, regardless of whether they plan to sell the animal or not. If the 4-H’er’s animal is bearing a brand belonging to his parents, he will need to have them sign a Disclaimer of Interest. All brand releases will be satisfied by 6 p.m. on entry day of the fair or cattle will not be allowed to show.
CERTIFICATION OF DRUG USE AND WITHDRAWAL: Each exhibitor will be asked to submit a signed affidavit certifying correct withdrawals from legal drugs, vaccines or other substances. They will also certify that their entries have not received any non-approved drugs such as tranquilizers: acepromazine (ace), chlorpromazine (thorazine), etc. In addition, the affidavit for beef and sheep will also state that animals have not been fed any “prohibited” mammalian derived protein (i.e. ruminant meat and bone meal) while under the care of the exhibitor. All affidavits will be turned in at the scale on Thursday during the animal’s designated weigh-in time.
ADDITIONAL BAGS OF WOOD CHIPS: Additional bedding will be available on the fairgrounds at the exhibitor’s expense. Failure to keep stalls well bedded may cause animals to become ineligible for awards.
DRESS CODE: Exhibitors showing beef, dairy, dogs, cats, pets, market goats, sheep, swine, poultry and rabbits are required to wear the official Buffalo County 4-H T-shirt. Dark blue jeans are required for beef, dog, cat, sheep, swine, poultry, and rabbit exhibitors. Dairy and dairy goat exhibitors may wear dark blue jeans or white pants. Long jeans/pants are required for cat exhibitors. No hat, caps or other type of headgear are to be worn in the show ring. Exhibitors shall not display local club, commercial or other identification while showing their animals — except official 4-H and such identification the show ring may require. In addition, beef, sheep, goat, dairy and swine exhibitors are required to wear hard-soled shoes or boots, and a belt. (See horse division for horse member dress code.)
SUBSTITUTE SHOWMAN: The care, fitting and showing of an animal are the exhibitor’s responsibility and crucial to the 4-H experience. An animal must be shown by the 4-H owner who entered it unless excused by the Division Superintendent because of serious illness, disability due to an injury, conflict with other fair-related 4-H activities or other unavoidable conflicts. Requests for the allowance of a substitute showman shall be made in writing and submitted in advance for consideration by the superintendent. Request forms will be available at the 4-H office. An exhibitor who has more than one animal in a class need not secure approval for a substitute showman to show the additional animal in the class. A substitute showman must be another 4-H member exhibiting livestock at the Buffalo County Fair. All substitute showmen must wear the number of the exhibitor for whom they are showing and identifying him/her as a substitute showman.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR ANIMALS EXHIBITED AT THE BUFFALO COUNTY FAIR: Under no circumstances may animal under quarantine be exhibited. Only animals not showing signs of infectious or contagious diseases will be allowed to show.
Policy on Ringworm, Warts, and Abscesses: Animals that have active ringworm, visible warts or abscesses will not be allowed entry into the Buffalo County Fair for exhibition. The inspecting veterinarian may judge the ringworm to be inactive if the lesion is not encrusted and hair has begun regrowth in the area. Animals with warts that are visible by a hands-off inspection will not be allowed to remain on the premises. Animals that have visible abscesses will not be allowed to exhibit and will not be allowed to remain on the premises.
All sheep and goats being exhibited, except wethers, need to be individually identified with USDA official ID.
All swine to be exhibited shall originate directly from a herd not under quarantine for pseudorabies.
FANS:
Exhibitors will be allowed to use fans to provide adequate air movement. Fans need to be from the side and facing the same direction in each aisle. Fans will not be allowed directly behind cattle or be allowed in the aisles. Water evaporator coolers will not be allowed.
GROOMING OF LIVESTOCK:
1. The only people allowed to clip, groom, brush and comb 4-H cattle, hogs, goats, and sheep at the Buffalo County Fair are Buffalo County 4-H livestock exhibitors and exhibitors’ family.
2. All cattle will be clipped, washed and blown dry. No glue, adhesives, paint or any compounds normally applied to hooves and/or natural or synthetic fiber or any other items that would change the natural appearance of the animal will be allowed. This grooming rule includes the market, feeder calf and breeding beef shows. All cattle will be subject to inspection before entering the ring. Any animal found to have adhesives, artificial color, glue, compound applied to hooves, synthetic fiber or any other item that would change the appearance of the animal will have the option of not entering the show ring or be lowered one ribbon placing.
3. Pigs must be shown without hairdressing compounds. This includes oil, powder or any other coat dressing compounds. Only unadulterated water is permitted. Any animal found in violation of said rule will be lowered one ribbon placing.
4. After an animal arrives on the fairgrounds, any treatments involving the use of drugs and or medications for the sole purposes of protecting the health of the animal shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
5. All animals must remain in designated areas (i.e. stalling, tie-outs, grooming) after entry until released.
6. The first violation will result in the reduction of one ribbon placing for the exhibitor’s animal involved. The second violation of any of the above mentioned will result in disqualification for the show in that species.
7. The judge has the right to notify show management of any violation of said rules, therefore qualifying the animal to be lowered one ribbon placing.
8. Exhibitors will be asked to submit a signed affidavit certifying they know and understand these rules.
ANIMAL WELL BEING: All animals will be treated with dignity and respect. In cases of severe weather show schedules and release times may be altered as determined by superintendents and show officials. Riding of any animal other than horses or ponies is prohibited. Mistreatment of any animal could result in forfeiture of all awards, premiums, elimination from the livestock auction or other such penalties as determined by the grievance committee. Exhibitors may also forfeit their good standing with the Buffalo County Fair and may also forfeit participation at the Nebraska State Fair.
ANIMAL TESTING AND EXAMINATION: Any animal entered in 4-H classes is subject to any type of testing at the discretion of the superintendent. 4-H members who compete in the Buffalo County Fair agree to abide by this decision. If the results of testing indicate the possible use of compounds or drugs not approved for use in that species, by FDA or compounds or drugs used outside the specified withdrawal requirements of FDA, these animals will be declared ineligible for competition and awards. In the case of market animals, show management will determine the appropriate disposal of the animal(s). An animal that is tampered with by unusual means to change appearance or weight may be declared ineligible by the Department Superintendent.
QUALITY ASSURANCE TRAINING: Exhibitors in beef, dairy cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and market poultry (including production turkeys) must have received YQCA (Youth for Quality Care of Animals) training or testing through a UNL Extension program by the date set by the Extension Office. Anyone not completing the YQCA training will be ineligible to exhibit at the Buffalo County Fair. Completion of training will be certified by a Buffalo County Extension Educator.
REGISTRATION OF LIVESTOCK: A breeding animal to be eligible for show in a registered (purebred) class must be owned by the exhibitor by June 15 of the current year and be registered by the official breed association. The registration certificate must indicate one of the following: 1. the name of the exhibitor, or 2. the name of the exhibitor and/or a co-owner who is an immediate member of the exhibitor’s family, or 3. the family or ranch name or parent’s name. REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY FAIR DATE. Immediate family is defined as members of a household, including parents, brothers and sisters, and youth in care of the head of the household. Copies of the registration paper or certificate must be submitted with pre-fair entries. Original registration papers or certificates must be presented at the County Fair check-in.
OWNERSHIP OF ANIMALS AND POULTRY: All animals and poultry in the 4-H Show must be owned by the exhibitor who entered them. Ownership of beef, sheep, swine, dairy, dairy goats, market goats, rabbits and poultry must be certified where required on the appropriate forms in the Extension Office.
AUTHORITY: Each department superintendent (for example, Beef Superintendent) shall have the authority to make all decisions within the respective department, in accordance with rules and regulations set forth in this premium book.
An animal that becomes wild or uncontrollable during the show may be declared ineligible by the department superintendent.
ONLY PURPLES CAN BE CHAMPIONS.
ROUND ROBIN SHOWMANSHIP — Round Robin Showmanship is a competition offered to Senior Showman (ages 14-18) who have competed in Dairy, Market Goat, Beef, Sheep, and Swine Showmanship.
To be eligible the exhibitor needs to have been selected as Champion or Reserve Champion Showman of that specie. The winners in each specie will have the first opportunity to accept or decline the offer to participate. In the event one of them would have already been selected as a Round Robin Showmanship Champion or would decline the offer to participate, the opportunity would be given to the third-place showman and on down the line of purple ribbon winners until each species has two representatives. All showmen competing in Round Robin will demonstrate their mastery of showmanship skills and industry knowledge in each area. Animals being shown will not be those owned by the exhibitors participating. Exhibitors who have been previously selected as Round Robin Showmanship Champion are no longer eligible to compete in Round Robin.
BUFFALO COUNTY 4-H MARKET LIVESTOCK PREMIUM ONLY AUCTION POLICY
PURPOSE: The Buffalo County 4-H Market Livestock Premium Only Auction’s primary function is to support and contribute to the marketing experience of all 4-H livestock exhibitors participating in the Buffalo County Fair. In turn, the supporters of Buffalo County 4-H Market Livestock Premium Only Auction are committed to providing or supporting 4-H learning experiences in all areas of the Buffalo County 4-H program. The auction will also provide public awareness of the Buffalo County 4-H program and offer participating youth an opportunity to complete their 4-H projects.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE? To be eligible to participate in the Buffalo County 4-H Market Livestock Premium Only Auction, the youth must be an enrolled 4-H member of Buffalo County. The 4-H member must be 8 years of age by January 1 but not more than 18 years of age by January 1 of the current calendar year. The 4-H member must be enrolled in the 4-H project areas eligible for the auction and have met all ownership, identification, and entry deadlines. The 4-H’er must also be an exhibitor at the Buffalo County Fair in the project area being sold for premium during the auction. In addition, an animal must be entered by the 4-H owner who exhibited it unless excused by the division superintendent because of serious illness, disability due to an injury, conflict with other 4-H activities or other unavoidable conflicts. Requests for the allowance of a substitute exhibitor shall be made in writing and submitted in advance for consideration by the superintendent/sale committee. Request forms will be available at the 4-H office. Buffalo County Market Livestock Premium Only Auction participants are limited to participation in only one 4-H County Fair Auction or County Fair special premiums program per year.
WHAT 4-H PROJECTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE BUFFALO COUNTY FAIR 4-H MARKET LIVESTOCK PREMIUM ONLY AUCTION? Market beef, market lambs, market swine, and market goats are eligible to participate in the Buffalo County 4-H Premium Only Auction if they meet all requirements mentioned under the animal’s lot. All animals eligible to participate in the Buffalo County Market Livestock Premium Only Auction must be presented the same as for show. Free of all paint, glitter, and adhesives.
WHAT MAY EACH 4-H MEMBER OFFER IN THE BUFFALO COUNTY 4-H MARKET LIVESTOCK PREMIUM ONLY AUCTION? Each 4-H member meeting eligibility standards and in good standing with the Buffalo County 4-H program may offer one market animal lot in the Buffalo County 4-H Market Livestock Premium Only Auction —for example, one market beef, or one market lamb, or one market hog, or one market goat. All lots will be premium only and will not have change of ownership. Following the Premium Only Auction the 4-H member will maintain ownership of the animal unless an agreement has been made between the owner and buyer outside of the premium only auction.
WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE BUFFALO COUNTY 4-H MARKET LIVESTOCK PREMIUM ONLY AUCTION? The Buffalo County 4-H Sale Committee under the direction of the Buffalo County Agricultural Society, oversees the organization and operation of the Buffalo County 4-H Market Livestock Premium Only Auction. The 4-H Sale Committee coordinates the planning, operation, and functions of the Buffalo County 4-H Market Livestock Premium Only Auction. The 4-H Sale Committee will provide auction support to the entire Buffalo County 4-H Market Livestock Premium Only Auction. To cover expenses in the normal operation and maintenance of the Buffalo County 4-H Market Livestock Premium Auction, the organizers will retain $10 per animal sold in the 4-H premium only auction.
HOW MAY A 4-H MEMBER ENROLL IN THE BUFFALO COUNTY 4-H MARKET LIVESTOCK PREMIUM ONLY AUCTION? All animal lots must be enrolled on a 4-H Club’s Auction Consignment Sheet to be eligible for the 4-H Premium Only Auction. Exhibitors will have one hour from the conclusion of the show in which the animals were involved to enroll their livestock in the 4-H Premium Only Auction. Each 4-H Livestock Club’s Auction Consignment Sheet will be available at the 4-H Office on the Fairgrounds prior to the conclusion of each show. 4-H livestock leaders are expected to pick up and complete each Auction Consignment Sheet and return it to the 4-H Office within an hour following the conclusion of each show. Auction consignment sheets will include the following information: Species, exhibitor/owner of the animal, animal identification, and live show weight, is the animal available for physical purchase and does the owner have a locker spot reserved. The animal selected for the premium only auction must be circled and clearly identified as the choice. Any change of animal ownership will be an agreement between the 4-H exhibitor and individual buyer following the Premium Only Auction.
WHAT IS THE 4-H MARKET LIVESTOCK PREMIUM ONLY AUCTION SALE ORDER? Species order is swine, goat, sheep, and beef. Award order is as follows: Champions (Grand Champions, Reserve Grand Champions and Division Champions) Purple Ribbon animals (highest to lowest) Blue Ribbon animals (highest to lowest) Red Ribbon animals (highest to lowest) White Ribbon animals (highest to lowest) Within the sale order of a species, an animal that has the highest ribbon ranking within the ribbon rating and heavier weights sell first.
SALE OF NON-AUCTION ANIMALS: Market livestock not eligible for the 4-H Auction (only extra sheep, goats, and beef) may be sold at a base bid price. This additional service is provided by the sale organizers to 4-H’ers wanting to complete their 4-H livestock project at the conclusion of the fair. To cover expenses in transporting and processing checks, the organizers will retain a fee per non-auction animal sold to the base bid. The Market Swine Show is a non-terminal show. Market lambs weighing 100 pounds and more and market goats weighing 45 pounds, and more are eligible to be sold to a competitive base bid. Market beef that are appropriately finished are eligible to be sold at a competitive base bid. Exhibitors who decide to sell their extra lambs, goats, and beef are expected to lead their market sheep, market goats, and market beef to a designated location on fairgrounds for loading (time and location to be announced). If sheep, goats, and beef are not delivered to the trailer it will be assumed they are being taken home. Once the trailer leaves the fairgrounds, all decisions are final.