Herdsmanship
Livestock exhibitors are expected to keep their pens and exhibit area clean, neat, and as attractive as possible. The entire area in the case of club exhibits must also be clean and presented in an attractive manner to the spectators and public at all times.
A. HERDSMANSHIP RESPONSIBILITY – Herdsmanship duties are the responsibility of the 4-H members, not leaders and parents.
B. WHEN HERDSMANDHIP BEGINS AND STOPS – Herdsmanship begins at the time a division of livestock is to be in place and ends when the exhibits are released at the close of the fair.
C. CLUB RESPONSIBILITY – It is the 4-H member’s responsibility to assist his or her club with feeding and general care of animals, cleaning of pens and walkways and presenting their 4-H exhibit to the public. The 4-H members shall show proper courtesy and conduct at all times. All poultry and rabbits require food and water at all times. The 4-H member or a member of his/her club is responsible for their care. If this rule is neglected, the superintendent has the right to release the 4-H member’s exhibit.
D. RELEASE OF EXHIBITS –The superintendent of each area reserves the right to release 4-H exhibits that are not properly cared for or have not followed herdsmanship rules.
E. HERDSMANSHIP JUDGING TIMES – County livestock exhibits may be judged for herdsmanship beginning on Friday and continue through Sunday.
F. JUDGING OF DIVISIONS – Each livestock division: beef, sheep, dairy, goats, swine, horse, rabbit and poultry will be judged separately. Awards will be given to Clubs and Independents (families).
G. DISPLAY OF ANIMALS – All animals should be in their stalls or pens between 8:00 a.m and 8:00 p.m. except for weighing, washing, showing and exercise periods. All pens and stalls should be clearly identified with club and exhibitor’s name.
H. CLEANING STALLS AND PENS – All stalls and pens should be thoroughly cleaned before 8:00 a.m. Manure and wet bedding should be collected on the need basis throughout the day.
I. CLUB SIGNS – Uniform club signs will be permitted. Stall decorating will be allowed.
J. RESULTS – Ratings will be made on club basis in the division stated above. Results will be announced in newsletter.
K. BASIS OF RATING HERDSMANSHIP – All pens need to be cleaned immediately after the livestock is removed on Sunday afternoon. Uncleaned stalls after exhibits has been removed will disqualify clubs/individuals from winning herdsmanship premium or recognition. This will be determined by the respective superintendent.
Herdsmanship judges will use the following scoring guide in judging club exhibits for herdsmanship.
Categories
- Cleanliness of Alleys and Stalls or Pens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 points
Criteria
A. Bedding adequate, reasonably clean and kept in place.
B. Feed boxes in front of animals only at feeding time.
C. Manure hauled out/trays emptied and deposited in proper places
D. Alleys are to be free from obstructions and clutter, clean, debris free, dust controlled, inviting and accessible to all fair patrons.
E. Watering points and drains kept clean.
II. Arrangement of Exhibit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 point
Criteria
A. Exhibits lined up in attractive manner.
B. Tack and feed clean and neatly arranged.
III. Appearance of Animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 points
Criteria
A. Animals clean with grooming apparent.
B. Animals in stalls or pens at all times, except for weighing, showing and washing.
C. Animals securely tied or penned.
IV. Courtesy and Conduct of Exhibitors & Stall Card Displayed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 point _________
10 points possible
Bonus Points
Each club will be awarded bonus points according to how many different barns are being used by the club. Barns are listed as cow/calf, horse, beef/dairy, goats/bucket calf, swine and sheep. Bonus points will be added to clubs final score.
Stall Decorating
Stall decorating allows each club/family/independent the opportunity to decorate livestock building areas to enhance the visual appeal of the barns and to make 4-H more visible on the grounds. You are welcome to decorate stalls but there will be no contest.