DEPARTMENT ANIMALS
IAFE NATIONAL CODE OF SHOW RING ETHICS
(INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS)
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 violative 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 statutes, 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 with 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 which 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
A. RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENTRY-The responsibility for making proper entry rests with the exhibitors and their club leader(s). It is the responsibility of the 4-H exhibitor to make sure that each horse, beef, sheep, swine, dairy, dairy goat, meat goat, or rabbit entry that he/she submits was properly identified on an appropriate ownership affidavit. The exhibitors of all animals shall conduct themselves with honesty, good sportsmanship, and support all rules and regulations of the Custer County 4-H program and the Custer County Fair.
B. OWNERSHIP OF ANIMALS & POULTRY- All animals and poultry in the 4-H Show(s) must be owned by the exhibitor(s) who entered it. Ownership must be certified where required on the appropriate forms due in the Extension Office on or before June 15. (Exception: 4-H Horse I.D.'s due May 29.) NO FRESH TAGS will be accepted at weigh-in time. When there is joint ownership of an animal, the exhibitor who shows the animal must be named.
C. ELIGIBILITY OF ANIMALS - Livestock going on to State shows or any other shows are not permitted to go through the auction. An animal that becomes wild and uncontrollable during the show may be declared ineligible by the Division Superintendent. An animal (beef, sheep, swine, meat goat, dairy, dairy goat, or rabbit) may be identified in only one county. An animal (beef, sheep, swine, meat goat, dairy, dairy goat, rabbit, poultry, dog, or cat) cannot be shown in more than one county fair.
All Market Beef animals must be weighed-in at the Custer County weigh-in in February to be eligible for the beef rate-of-gain and/or the beef carcass contest.
D. ANIMAL TESTING AND EXAMINATION - Any animal entered in 4-H classes is subject to any type testing at the discretion of either the superintendent or official show veterinarian. 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 by the Division Superintendent. Swine (market or breeding) that have been exhibited at any county fair, regardless of division or classification, are not eligible for entry or exhibition in the Custer County 4-H Swine Show.
E. CERTIFICATION OF DRUG USE AND WITHDRAWAL FOR MARKET SWINE, BEEF, GOATS, AND SHEEP - Each exhibitor will be asked to submit a signed affidavit certifying correct withdrawal from legal drugs, vaccines, or other substances. They will also certify that their entries have not received any nonapproved drugs. Affidavits 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. Affidavits will be presented to department superintendent or at the time of animal weighing and check-in.
F. QUALITY ASSURANCE TRAINING: All exhibitors in beef, dairy cattle, goats, sheep, swine, poultry, and rabbits must have received Quality Assurance training by June 15.
G. 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 (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 CHECK-IN ON SUNDAY.) Immediate family is defined as members of a household, including parents, brothers and sisters, and youth in care of the head of the household. Applications for registration will not be accepted. Original registration papers or certificates must be presented at check-in.
H. A Champion and Reserve Champion Rosette will be awarded to the following: market lamb, breeding sheep, market swine, breeding swine, market steer, market heifer, breeding heifer by breed, dairy, dairy goat, meat goat, dairy goat, poultry, rabbit, all horse classes, and stocker-feeder. Top individuals in each class will be called back for judging of the champions. Animal must be of blue ribbon quality to receive rosette.
I. SUBSTITUTE SHOWMAN - An animal must be shown by the 4-H owner who entered it unless the exhibitor is excused by the Division Superintendent because of serious illness, disability due to an injury (e.g. broken arm or leg) or conflict with other livestock classes in the 4-H show. An exhibitor who has more than one animal in a class need not secure approval for another 4-H member, eligible to exhibit livestock, to show the additional animal in the class. Substitute showmen must be a 4-H member exhibiting at the current 4-H livestock show. All substitute showmen should wear an exhibitor number identifying him/her as a substitute showman.
J. AUTHORITY - Each Division Superintendent (for example, Beef Superintendent) shall have the authority to make all decisions within their respective Divisions in accordance with rules and regulations set forth in this premium list.
K. DRESS CODE - Exhibitors showing beef, dairy, goats, small animals, sheep, swine, poultry, pigeons, and rabbits are required to wear the official 4-H attire; Custer County 4-H T-shirt or a white shirt and chevron/armband, blue jeans, and footwear. Hard-soled shoes/boots are recommended when showing larger animals. Dark blue jeans are preferred. No hats, caps, or other types of headgear are to be worn in the show ring. Exhibitors showing horses should refer to the Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide (4-H 373) for proper dress code.
- No animals shall be stalled on the fairgrounds before 8:00 a.m. on Sunday.
- No livestock will be removed from fairgrounds until after 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, except stocker-feeder calves, a third animal of a Jr. Herd, a dairy cow 2 years of age and older, and/or Clover Kids bucket calves. HORSE RELEASE - See horse section.
- A club member is limited to exhibiting:
3 Market Beef (1 or 2 at Carcass Contest and 1 or 2 at County Fair)
2 Breeding Heifers
1 Beef Herd
2 Stocker-Feeders plus 3rd Stocker-Feeder for Best Group of 3 Stocker-Feeders
1 Bucket Calf
3 Dairy Animals
4 Swine - 4-H’ers will be eligible to bring a combination of 4 total swine to county fair with a maximum of 3 market swine. Gilts
exhibited in a breeding gilt class cannot be shown in a market swine class.
2 Breeding Sheep
3 Market Lambs - All three shown as individuals
3 Dairy Goats
3 Meat Goats
3 Horses (Mare & foal would be one unit of three horses allowed to exhibit. If the mare & foal were shown in separate classes, exhibitor would then be limited to one other horse.)
- No individual animal may be shown in both breeding and market classes. No individual animal may be shown in both 4-H and FFA. No individual animal may be shown in both Clover Kid shows (bucket calf and/or small animal) and the Bucket Calf and Small Animal Pet Shows for the older 4-H members.
- Any breed with less than five (5) entries may be transferred to crossbred or other classes, except registered breeding heifers.
- 4-H members are responsible for cleaning their animals’ stalls before leaving the fairgrounds...beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy, horse, rabbits, poultry, and pigeons.
- Exhibitors of 4-H beef, swine, sheep, and goats that carry an EID tag will be required to obtain a Premises ID number through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at no cost to the exhibitor. Exhibitors without a Premises Identification number will not be allowed to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair. The requirement for a Premises ID may not apply at this time to those solely exhibiting breeding animals, unless a producer’s EID tag is in the animal’s ear. Contact the County Extension Office with your Premises ID number.
HEALTH REGULATIONS
Any animal found to be affected with an infectious, contagious, or otherwise transmissible disease such as warts, ringworm, and pinkeye or is suspected of being so affected, shall be removed immediately to a place of quarantine as ordered and held until veterinary inspection. Livestock exhibitors should take into consideration possible disease risk in bringing their animals to the fair. Animals not being properly cared for by exhibitors will be excused from the fair.
Swine - Swine health papers are not required.
Sheep - All sheep exhibited at the Custer County Fair, MUST be tagged with an official USDA scrapie tag.
Goats - All goats (meat & dairy) exhibited at the Custer County Fair, MUST be tagged with an official USDA scrapie tag.
HERDSMANSHIP
Exhibitors are expected to keep their quarters orderly, neat, and attractive. The entire area will be inspected daily and each club will be rated on its herdsmanship. Barns may be inspected any time between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. All livestock exhibitors, except dairy cattle exhibitors, are required to use wood chips for bedding. (Straw is a fire hazard.) Straw may be used for dairy cattle. Place twine, wire, cans, and bottles in designated containers. Each livestock division will be rated separately. Herdsmanship begins at the time the class of livestock must be in place and ends when the livestock leave the premises. Results will be posted each evening. Clubs receiving first place in the horse, beef, dairy, dairy goat, sheep, swine, rabbits, and poultry & pigeon divisions will have their club name engraved on the respective plaque. All pens and stalls must be cleaned by the exhibitor prior to leaving the fairgrounds on Thursday, July 30.
BEEF, DAIRY, GOAT, AND HORSE HERDSMANSHIP SCORECARD
BASIS OF RATING HERDSMANSHIP-Herdsmanship judges will use the following scoring guide in judging county exhibits for herdsmanship.
1. Animals clean at all times with grooming apparent. (15)
2. Animals adequately cared for with proper feeding, clean and proper amount of bedding and adequate feeding equipment. Beef animals securely tied with 18-20 inches of lead. Animals MUST NOT be kept in outside tie space during the day between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Stalls and pens must be cleaned before 8:00 a.m. The barns may be inspected any time between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Final judging of herdsmanship to be made after clean-up on Thursday. In case of ties, a committee of superintendents will make the final decision. (25)
3. Trappings and feed area clean and neatly arranged. Grooming and tie out areas kept clean. Fork, rake, and similar equipment kept with points down and in place. (10)
4. Proper courtesy and conduct shown by exhibitors at all times and at all places. Exhibitors are expected to do the herdsmanship. HERDSMANSHIP DUTIES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXHIBITORS RATHER THAN LEADERS OR PARENTS. (25)
5. Exhibitors share of alley area kept clean. Loose dirt and dust kept under control by sprinkling. Manure carts/wheelbarrows kept outside. Alleys must be clean by 8:00 a.m. No blocking chutes permitted in barns without permission. Hold brooming to a minimum. More raking advisable. (25)
TOTAL POINTS (100)
SHEEP AND SWINE HERDSMANSHIP SCORECARD
BASIS OF RATING SWINE HERDSMANSHIP - Herdsmanship judges will use the following scoring guide in judging county exhibits for herdsmanship.
1. Animals are clean at all times with grooming apparent (15)
2. Animals are cared for with proper feeding and watering (20)
3. Pen area is free of manure and has fresh bedding (20)
4. Tack area is neat (15)
5. No feed pans in the pen once animal(s) have finished eating (15)
6. Alleys are clean and free of equipment (15)
TOTAL POINTS (100)
Possible Bonus Points: Courtesy and respect are demonstrated by the 4-H’er. The 4-H’er is able to answer questions about their project. (5)
RABBIT, POULTRY, AND PIGEON HERDSMANSHIP SCORECARD
BASIS OF RATING HERDSMANSHIP-Herdsmanship judges will use the following scoring guide in judging county exhibits for herdsmanship.
1. Animals kept healthy, clean, and groomed (15)
2. Adequate food and water available (25)
Adequate feeding and watering systems
Proper and clean bedding
3. Food storage area clean and arranged (10)
Equipment in place
4. Courtesy and good conduct demonstrated (25)
Exhibitors completing the cleaning/caring
5. Exhibitors share of alley kept clean (25)
TOTAL POINTS (100)