Livestock/Animal General Rules, Herdsmanship, Showmanship, and Round Robin

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DRESS CODE: Exhibitors showing beef, dairy, sheep, goats, swine, cats, dogs, poultry, pets, and rabbits may wear a long-sleeved white shirt, white T-shirt (NO CLUB NAMES), or the official Knox County T-shirt (either the green or the white T-shirt) and blue or dark jeans are preferred. NO NECK TIES, HATS, CAPS, OR OTHER TYPE OF HEADGEAR ARE TO BE WORN IN THE SHOW RING. Hard soled shoes or boots are recommended. Horse Show Exhibitors will find dress code regulations in the Horse Division.

STALLING OF ANIMALS: Stalling assignments will be on a rotation basis each year.

MAY 4-H LIVESTOCK BE SHOWN IN OTHER CLASSES? 4-H livestock may not be shown in other classes; this includes Open Class and FFA.

4-H/FFA EXHIBITS: Training offered by agricultural education/FFA and extension/4-H contributes to youth’s preparation for a future in agricultural production, agribusiness, and other areas. Simultaneous participation in both programs is acceptable and encouraged, if youth choose to do so.

For purposes of exhibition, an animal can be nominated for both organizations. Exhibitors who participate in both organizations must decide at the time of submitting fair entry forms which organization they are exhibiting their animal(s). 

OWNERSHIP OF ANIMALS: All animals entered in the 4-H show must be owned and identified by the livestock exhibitor on or before June 15. Ownership must be verified by the appropriate identification form and due to the extension office by the June 15 deadline.  Animals with "lost" tags will need to be retagged and the new tag reported to the County Extension Office prior to the County Fair.

WHO IS ALLOWED TO SHOW LIVESTOCK? Only 4-H project owners may exhibit their animals unless excused by the Superintendent and Extension Educator. Excuses, when granted, are only for military service, sickness or when the owner has a conflict with another county fair activity. If the 4-Her has several 4-H fair activities scheduled at the same time, the show WILL NOT be held up for the exhibitor. The 4-H member may have another 4-H member, who is eligible and exhibiting at the fair, show their livestock (NO Clover Kids). However, no substitute showman will be allowed in either showmanship or performance classes. 

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 following apply to the county fair on registration of animals:

  • Grade and crossbred animals will be shown together with purebred animals in the breeding sheep, breeding does, breeding swine, and dairy classes.  Therefore, no registration papers will be required on any of these breeding animals.
  • Breeding beef are required to have registration papers submitted by entry deadline (with pre-entries) to be eligible to show in the registered (purebred) class. All non-registered breeding beef will be shown in the commercial class. Tattoos and registration papers will be verified at check-in.
  • County officescan accept paper ID sheetsfor their own record keepingbut these will not be acceptedas a form of identification for State Fair. 
  • Fall Feeder Calf,Cow/Calf, Bucket Calf, 2nd Year Bucket Calf, Bottle Lamb, Companion Goat and DairyGoat projects do not have a class option at the NebraskaState Fair. 
  • There are State Fair entry limits for each of the individual species. Exhibitors cannot exhibit more than the following for each species to State Fair: Beef (5), Swine (6), Sheep (4), Goat (4), Poultry (6), Rabbit (6).
  • Review individual fairbooks for registered animal requirements as there are additional items required to be exhibited in a breed class at State Fair, but not to be nominated.
  • The Nomination Deadline is when all tagging is to be finished, animal information should be submitted online via the Show Stock Manage database, DNA collected, and complete DNA Envelopes should be in the possession of the County Extension Office.
  • Registered heifer identification must correspond with the registration paper.

Family Responsibilities:

  1. Exhibitors will be required to enroll in 4-H by the June 15 statewide enrollment deadline.
  2. Exhibitors will review their species fairbooks. 
  3. Exhibitors showing market and/or breeding beef, feeder calves, market and/or breeding swine, market and/or breeding sheep or market and/or breeding goats at State Fair must have a signed and sealed official DNA envelope with hair samples for DNA verification. Every animal nomination (this includes all breeding animals and feeder calves) will require a DNA submission. DNA must be turned into their county office and have completed the online nomination with payment in Show Stock Manager by June 15. Any animal carrying an 840 EID tag will require the exhibitor to obtain a Premises ID. Contact the local Extension Office for details. (It is recommended that you make a copy or a photo image of the completed envelope you turn into your county.) 
  4. Exhibitors will be required to complete Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certificate by August 10.
  5. Exhibitors will confirm that the ear tattoo and/or identification tag matches the animal nomination submitted by June 15 for confirmation of legibility and/or accuracy. 
  6. Exhibitors will notify the County Extension Staff of any retags that may occur up to time of check-in at the State Fair. 
  7. Exhibitors will select which animal nominations they have chosen to show at State Fair on the State Fair entry website by August 10. All nominated and validated animals will be automatically listed as a choice option for entry registration.
  8. Exhibitors will be required to bring the breed registration association paperwork to check-in at State Fair for animals wanting to show in a breed class. The registration papers must show the exhibitor’s name or a co-owner who is an immediate member of the exhibitor’s family and is listed with the online nomination in Show Stock Manager. Family farm or ranch names will not be accepted.

CHECK-IN and WEIGHING OF ANIMALS: After the vet has inspected the animals, all animals must be checked-in and weighed by the appropriate superintendents at the following times:

  • Swine - 7:30 am to 9:00 am on Thursday
  • Beef Animals - 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday (this includes market, breeding, second-year bucket calves, fall feeder calves, & bucket calves) 
  • Sheep - 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday (this includes market, breeding & bottle lambs)
  • Goats – 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday (this includes dairy, meat & companion goats)
  • Dairy – 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday 
  • Feeder Calves & Cow/Calf Pairs - 8:30 am to 9:30 am on Friday

CHECK-IN OF SMALL ANIMALS: Small animals must check-in with the appropriate superintendent at the following times:

  • Rabbits & Poultry – 9:00 am to 11 am on Thursday
  • Cats – By 1:45 pm on Thursday (show starts at 2:00 pm)
  • Dogs – By 2:45 pm on Thursday (show starts at 3:00 pm)
  • Pets – 7:45 am on Sunday (show starts at 8:00 am)

YOUTH FOR THE QUALITY CARE OF ANIMALS (YQCA): All exhibitors in beef, dairy cattle, dairy goats, meat goats, poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine must have completed annual quality assurance training through Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA). 

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR ANIMALS EXHIBITED AT THE KNOX COUNTY FAIR: A veterinarian has been assigned as official veterinarian for the Knox County Fair and will inspect all livestock before unloading.  Any animal showing evidence of infectious, contagious or communicable diseases will not be allowed to unload. No health certificates are required on livestock. 

GENERAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL ANIMALS:
• UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY ANIMALS UNDER QUARANTINE BE EXHIBITED.
• Only animals not showing signs of infectious or contagious diseases will be allowed to show.
• Animals that have active sore mouth, ringworm, lesions, visible warts, dermatitis, or abscesses will not be allowed entry into the fair for exhibition.
• The inspecting veterinarian may judge the ringworm to be inactive, if the lesion is not encrusted and hair/wool has begun regrowth in the area.
• Animals with sore mouth, ringworm or warts that are visible by a hands-on inspection will not be allowed to remain on the premises.

● BEEF AND DAIRY CATTLE - (Nebraska Origin)

  1. Tuberculosis - no test required to exhibit. Must be from a herd not under quarantine.
  2. Brucellosis - no test required to exhibit. Must be from a herd not under quarantine.
  3. Trichomoniasis - no test required for animals originating from within Nebraska.
  4. Bovine Virus Diarrhea (BVD-pi) –No testing required for county fair. 

● SHEEP AND GOATS 

  1. All sheep and meat goats exhibited (except breeding sheep shown “in the wool”) must be shorn prior to being inspected by the veterinarian. Wool may be left on the legs ONLY below the knees and hocks.
  2. Under no circumstances may sheep and goats be exhibited which originate from scrapie-source flocks or scrapie-infected flocks.

● SWINE

  1. All classes are non-terminal for market and breeding swine. 
  2. After exhibition of non-terminal swine, it is strongly recommended that swine should be kept separate and apart from all other swine and tested negative for PRV and Brucellosis in not less than 30 days following last exhibition or shipped directly to slaughter. 

● HORSE - NO health certificates are needed. It should be brought to the attention of the horse superintendents as soon as possible of any potentially ill horses. There may be an option for the veterinarian to inspect potentially ill horses if requested by the superintendents the day of the show.

● POULTRY - No additional testing required for Nebraska Origin poultry. Any bird showing signs of illness or parasites will not be allowed to show. The State Bureau of Animal Industry may test birds if deemed necessary to monitor for the presence of pullorum and typhoid.  There are testing exclusions for NE birds coming from NPIP flocks or birds that have been tested within 90 days.  All poultry from Out-of-State must come from U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean or equivalent flocks or have had a negative pullorum-typhoid test within 90 days of being exhibited. 

● SMALL ANIMALS: No health certificates are required, BUT proof of current vaccination records and rabies certificates are required at fair check-in for Cat, Dog, and Ferrets. See the divisions for more details. 

GROOMING OF LIVESTOCK FOR SHOWMANSHIP:

Preparation and grooming of an animal should be the primary responsibility of the 4-H exhibitor, however assistance may be provided by other 4-H or FFA exhibitors, immediate family members or another person acting in a mentoring and teaching capacity. The intent of this policy is to promote and foster positive youth development and a high-quality learning experience with the core values of 4-H.   

All livestock shows, including showmanship, will be “Blow and Show”; animals may be clipped, blown and brushed or combed to enhance their appearance. Guidelines for the Blow and Show are:
1. All animals will be shown free of any adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products. 
2. Any compounds that have adhesive qualities that when applied cannot be combed or brushed through or alter the color of the animal are forbidden. These products include but are not limited to commonly used adhesives and colorants such as Prime Time, EZ Comb, Tail Adhesive, Natural Hold, Ultra White Touch-Up, Black Touch-Up, Black Finisher, black show foam, and baby powder. 
3. Alcohol, water, oil, foam or any water or alcohol-based products with no adhesive or glue qualities or artificial colorings are permitted. These products include conditioners and commonly used sprays such a Kleen Sheen, Revive, Final Bloom, Pink Oil, white show foam, Freshen Up, Silk, and Sudden Impact. Paint will be allowed on the hooves and dewclaws only. 
4. Any animal found to have prohibited products applied (adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products) will be docked a ribbon placing.            

Pigs must be shown without oil, powder or any other coat dressing compounds considered objectionable by the packer. Pigs found in violation will be disqualified from the live show. They will also be subject to all price discounts imposed by the packer for such compounds.

Exhibitors shall not add materials, natural or synthetic, which extend body shapes beyond normal limits.

Upon violation of above rules, the exhibitor's animal involved may be lowered one or two ribbon placing(s) or may be disqualified from the show.

BLOCKING OR TRIMMING CHUTES: There will be a limit of three (3) blocking or trimming chutes per club or other similar equipment allowed on the fairgrounds.

DOLLAR SUPPORT FOR GAIN CONTESTS: Farm Credit Services of America donates dollars for the support of the Gain Contests. An exhibitor can receive up to two premiums in each contest. These funds, if available, go to the following:

  • Market Beef/Second Year Bucket Calf Gain Contest
  • Swine Gain Contest

LIVESTOCK HERDSMANSHIP

PREMIUMS: Purple, $10.00; Blue, $8.00; Red, $6.00; and White, $4.00.
LIVESTOCK HERDSMANSHIP CLASSES

  • Large Group Herdsmanship (4-H Clubs)
  • Small Group Herdsmanship (Independent Families)

HERDSMANSHIP RULES:

  • Herdsmanship Responsibility - Herdsmanship duties are the responsibility of exhibitors rather than leaders and parents.
  • When Herdsmanship Begins and Stops - Herdsmanship begins at the time the division of livestock (beef, sheep, swine, dairy and goat) is to be in place and ends on the day livestock exhibits are released.
  • When Herdsmanship Is Judged - County livestock exhibits may be judged for herdsmanship at any time between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. 
  • Divisions Judged Separately -There will be two (2) divisions, 4-H Clubs and Independent Families.
  • Display of Animals - All animals shall be in their stalls or pens between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. except for weighing, washing and showing. All pens and stalls should be clearly identified with the exhibitor’s name.
  • Results - Results will be posted in the 4-H Office daily.
  • 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 proper grooming, feeding, bedding, and care apparent.

2.         Stalls: clean and neat; bedding clean and fresh; feed and feed pans and buckets clean and in place. Exhibitor stall cards clearly in place.

3.         Tack and feed area: kept clean and neatly arranged.

4.         Alleys: exhibitor’s share of alley area kept clean; kept free of equipment; dust kept under control with proper sweeping and/or sprinkling.

5.         Exhibitors: proper courtesy and conduct shown by exhibitors at all times including with the public and other exhibitors. Evidence that exhibitors are doing the herdsmanship.

LIVESTOCK SHOWMANSHIP

ELIGIBILITY - All 4-H livestock exhibitors must show their own animals to be considered as participants in the Showmanship Contest. 

BASIS FOR JUDGING - Showmanship judging is based on preparation of animals for show, their apparent training, and the appearance and behavior of the showman. Minor technical points are not to be over-emphasized, nor do minor infractions disqualify. Primarily in showmanship it is the skill of the showman in presenting the animal before the judge that counts, while individual excellence of the animal does not. Information relative to the basis for judging dairy showmanship is found in A Guide for Judging 4-H Dairy Fitting and Showmanship Contests.  Information on livestock showmanship contests is found in 4H357, Guide for Evaluating Livestock Showmanship Contests, available from the Extension Office.

EXHIBITOR DRESS CODE - Exhibitors showing beef, dairy, sheep, goats, swine, cats, dogs, poultry, pets, and rabbits may wear a long-sleeve white shirt, white T-shirt (NO CLUB NAMES), or the official Knox County T-Shirt (either the green or the white T-shirt) and blue or dark jeans are preferred. NO NECK TIES, HATS, CAPS, OR OTHER TYPE OF HEADGEAR ARE TO BE WORN IN THE SHOW RING. Hard soled shoes or boots are recommended. Horse Show Exhibitors will find dress code regulations in the Horse Division.

QUESTIONS FOR FINALISTS - Each showmanship judge may or may not ask oral questions in the finals.

LIVESTOCK GROOMING RULE - See Livestock/Animal General Rules

EXHIBITOR NUMBERS - To allow for easy and rapid identification, all exhibitor numbers shall be pinned on the back of the exhibitor in the area of the shoulder blades.

AWARDS - Purple, Blue, Red and White ribbons will be awarded to all participants. Banners will be awarded to the first and second place purple in each division except in Dairy. These may be combined into one group depending on the number of participants. 

AGE CLASSES FOR SHOWMANSHIP - Ages are as of December 31 of the previous year. 

  • Senior (14 & over)         Junior (11-12-13)            Novice (8-9-10)
    Showmanship Order for all Divisions: Senior, Junior, Novice. 

PREMIUMS: Purple, $8.00; Blue, $6.00; Red, $4.00; White, $2.00

  • LARGE BEEF SHOWMANSHIP (includes Fall Feeder Calf, Second-Year Bucket Calf, Breeding Heifer or Market Beef)
  • FEEDER CALF SHOWMANSHIP (feeder calves only-NO bucket calves)
  • SHEEP SHOWMANSHIP (includes Bottle Lamb, Breeding Sheep or Market Lamb)
  • SWINE SHOWMANSHIP
  • MEAT GOAT SHOWMANSHIP 
  • DAIRY SHOWMANSHIP (Depending on number of participants, there may only be one division of all ages.) 
  • DAIRY GOAT SHOWMANSHIP (Depending on number of participants, there may only be one division of all ages.) (Clipping: entire body if weather has permitted, showing allowance to get a neat coat of hair by show time, neatly trimmed tail and ears (see EC24179 Your Dairy Goat). 

 

4-H ROUND ROBIN SHOWMANSHIP CONTEST

  1.          The Round Robin Showmanship Contest provides an opportunity for the Champion and Reserve Champion Showman of the Senior and Junior 4-H Divisions to compete for best all-around honors at the fair. The champion and reserve champion showman from both divisions in sheep, meat goat, swine, large beef, feeder calf and horse are eligible to participate. It is very possible that one of the reserve showmen could be named as Champion Round Robin Showman. 
  2.          In the event that a person wins the showmanship contest in more than one species in a given year, they will be entered into the Round Robin Contest in the first species that they qualified in.
  3.          Eligible contestants will take a test in the 4-H office on the fairgrounds prior to the live showmanship. Test scores will be ranked with the best score receiving 1 point, the 2nd best test score receiving 2 points and so on.
  4.          The live showmanship will be conducted following the last show on Sunday of the fair. 4-H Dress Code is required. 
  5.          There will only be 4 species for the live showmanship: sheep, meat goat, swine and large beef. 
  6.          For the live showmanship, 2 arenas will be used with 2 classes being shown at the same time. There will be the same number of animals in the ring for the number of eligible contestants. The judge will rank the contestants from 1 (being the best) and up. For example, if there are 10 contestants in the senior showman class, the contestants will be ranked from 1 (being the best) up to 10. 
  7.          After the class has been ranked, the contestants will then switch arenas. After both groups have been judged in both species, the animals will be released, and the next 2 species will be brought into the arenas. 
  8.           Contestants may bring the animal they qualified with back in for the Round Robin Contest.
  9.          The contestants in the senior division and the contestants in the junior division receiving the lowest scores will be announced as the Champion and Reserve Champion of the Round Robin Contest.

Knox County Fairbook