GENERAL LIVESTOCK RULES & INFORMATION

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Livestock Resources: https://shop4-h.org/collections/animal-agricultural-science-curriculum

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 all livestock offered in any event at a livestock show. All adults and mentors working with 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. Animals exhibiting symptoms of contagious, infectious, or communicable disease, including visible ringworm (club lamb fungus in sheep) warts and/or abscesses may be asked to be removed from the exhibition grounds. Under no circumstances may animals under quarantine be exhibited. 

 

IMPORTANT DEADLINES 

JUNE 15

  • Enroll in 4-H at v2.4honline.com  
  • Youth Quality Assurance (YQCA) Training must be completed, and a copy of the certificate provided to the Extension Office. No YQCA certificates dated after June 15 will be accepted. YQCA TRAINING is required for all LIVESTOCK, DAIRY, POULTRY EXHIBITORS, and MEAT RABBIT for county and state fair. The online course is at yqcaprogram.org. 

JULY 1

  • FAIR ENTRIES DUE. 4-Her is limited to two entries per class. Any entries submitted July 2-5 by 12PM CT will pay a $10 late entry fee per animal, and no entries will be accepted after 12PM Ct. Entry forms and ID Sheets are available by request or at either office. 
  • Livestock ID’s DUE. Any ID’s submitted between July 2-5 by 12PM CT will pay a $10 late fee per animal, and no Livestock ID’s will be accepted after 12PM CT.

LIVESTOCK SHOWMANSHIP DIVISIONS (4-H AGE): 

Junior: 8-10 years 

Intermediates: 11-13 years 

Seniors: 14-18 years 

GENERAL LIVESTOCK RULES 

  1. STATE FAIR DNA: All market animals (beef, sheep, swine & meat goats) must have a hair sample for DNA testing on file at Ak-Sar-Ben by the appropriate dates (April 15 for beef, June 15 for all other species) to exhibit at the State Fair. 
  2. Exhibitors in the livestock project cannot exhibit the same project animals in BOTH FFA AND 4-H. 
  3. For the safety of exhibitors and spectators: An animal that becomes wild and uncontrollable during the show may be declared ineligible by the Superintendent, Extension Staff, and Livestock Judge. No muzzles or similar devices will be allowed on 4-H animals. 
  4. ANIMAL TESTING AND EXAMINATION - Any animal entered in 4-H classes is subject to both urine and blood testing. 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 animals. An animal that is tampered with by unusual means to change appearance or weight may be declared ineligible. 
  5. ONLY PURPLES CAN BE CHAMPIONS - Any beef, dairy, goat, sheep, swine, dog, poultry or rabbit entry must be awarded a first or second purple ribbon in a class for some counties to be eligible to compete for champion or reserve champion. 
  6. GROOMING OF LIVESTOCK - Preparation and grooming of animal should be the primary responsibility of the Fair exhibitor, however, assistance may be provided by immediate family members including brothers, sisters, and/or parents/legal guardian of the exhibitor and 4-H members. Clipping & grooming of Bucket Calves is NOT required. Washing and combing IS allowed. 
  7. BLOW AND GO - Livestock will be Blow and Go; animals are clipped, blown, and brushed or combed to enhance their appearance. 
    1. 4-H beef animals will be shown free of any compounds that are applied by aerosol propellants. 
    2. Alcohol, water, or any water- or alcohol-based products with no adhesive qualities are permitted. 
    3. Any compounds that have adhesive qualities or alter the color of the animal are forbidden. 
  8. SUBSTITUTE SHOWMAN - An animal must be shown by the 4-H owner who entered it unless the exhibitor is excused because of serious illness, disability due to an injury (e.g., broken arm or leg), or conflict with other livestock classes in a 4-H show. An exhibitor who has more than one animal in a class may use a substitute showman. Substitute showman must be a 4-H member exhibiting at the current county fair. 
  9. DRESS CODE - Exhibitors showing livestock are required to wear the official County Fair 4-H T-shirt. If there is no official County Fair 4-H T-shirt, exhibitors are required to wear a plain white shirt (or blouse) with the official 4-H armband or chevron attached. Dark blue jeans and hard-soled shoes or boots are required for livestock exhibitors. Dairy exhibitors may wear dark blue jeans or white pants. No hats, caps or other types of headgear are to be worn in the show ring. Exhibitors shall not display local, county, commercial or other identification while showing their animals-except official 4-H. 
  10. Rams, bulls and bucks must be brought to the ground immediately preceding the show and taken home following the conclusion of their show. Exception, bull calf shown as cow/calf pair
  11. All market livestock will be weighed at check in to be eligible for Rate of Gain or the Livestock Auction.
  12. LIVESTOCK SALE-GRANT and HOOKER COUNTY ONLY AUCTION RULES
    1. Exhibitors will be able to sell 1 market beef, 1 market swine, 1 market goat, 1 market lamb, 1 lot (3) market broilers.
    2. Market livestock must meet the following MINIMUM weight requirements to be eligible for sale. No maximum weight requirements. 
      1. Market Steer:  1,000 lbs.
      2. Market Heifer:  900 lbs.
      3. Market Swine:  210 lbs.
      4. Market Goat:  50 lbs.
      5. Market Lamb:  100 lbs.
      6. Market Broiler Lot:  4 lbs. each

Livestock failing to meet the weight requirement may show but will be ineligible for championship awards and the livestock sale. **All livestock selling in the sale must have a butcher date booked by the exhibitor.

LIVESTOCK SALE - The Extension office, by UNL mandate, cannot handle any monetary transactions. Sales must be managed by the county 4-H council or any outside group of their choosing.

The same beef animal cannot be shown in both breeding and market classes in the same year.

 

General Animal Classes: (All Counties – All Species)

(Not Eligible for State Fair)

G090100L   Educational Display – 4-H’ers are invited to create a poster highlighting an educational 

aspect of their animal project. The Poster could focus on a current livestock issue, animal   industry career, animal care or health, economic impacts of the livestock industry, within the species of dairy, beef, sheep, swine, goat, poultry, and rabbit.

G01390L       Accessory/Item –Designed/Created by the 4-H’er. Any medium can be used. Ex. Braided    halter, show stick, blanket, leatherwork, etc. Item must be checked in on static judging day for evaluation and must include a description of how item was made.