Showmanship & Herdsmanship

DEPARTMENT G LIVESTOCK SHOWMANSHIP
Showmanship (all species)           Pay Category J

List the appropriate showmanship class number for your species on your entry form.

GENERAL RULES - SHOWMANSHIP

1. See General Rules and General Livestock Rules and Regulations.
2. All 4-H members, who are exhibiting their own animals, in dairy, goats, beef, sheep, swine, horse, dog, cat, rabbit, and poultry divisions, are required to participate in the Showmanship Contest and need to enter themselves in Showmanship on their GREEN Entry Sheet (available at the Extension Office or online) OR online at https://nemaha.fairwire.com. Entries are due by June 15th. Youth who do not participate will forfeit that species premium money and will not be eligible to participate in the remainder of the show.
3. ELIGIBILITY - All exhibitors must show their own animals to be considered participants in the Showmanship Contest. The same animal may not be used by more than one member of the same family.
4. DIVISIONS - 4-Hers will be divided into 3 groups according to their age on December 31st of the previous year.

5. Winners from these divisions will not compete against one another for selection of an overall showman.
6. BASIS FOR JUDGING - Showmanship judging is based on the 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.
7. EXHIBITOR NUMBERS - All exhibitor numbers shall be visible on the back of the exhibitor in the area of the shoulder blades.
8. DISQUALIFICATION - The division superintendents may disqualify any exhibitor from showmanship for any violations of rules or unsportsmanlike conduct at the County Fair.

DEPARTMENT G - DIVISION 9 - LIVESTOCK HERDSMANSHIP
Herdsmanship (club premium)                              Pay Category E

GENERAL RULES - HERDSMANSHIP

Livestock exhibitors are expected to keep their pens and exhibit area as clean, neat, and attractive as possible. The entire area in the case of club exhibits must also be clean and always presented in an attractive manner to the spectators and public.

1. See General Rules and General Livestock Rules and Regulations.
2. HERDSMANSHIP RESPONSIBILITY - Herdsmanship duties are the responsibility of the 4-H members, not the leader and parents.
3. WHEN HERDSMANSHIP 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.
4. 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 and scheduled maintenance of the designated commons area. The 4-H members shall show proper courtesy and conduct at all times. All birds and rabbits require food and water at all times.
5. RELEASE 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.
6. HERDSMANSHIP JUDGING TIMES - County livestock exhibits may be judged for herdsmanship at any time between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
7. JUDGING OF DIVISIONS - Each livestock division (beef, sheep, dairy, goats, swine, horse, rabbit, and poultry) will be judged separately.
8. 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 designated exercise periods. All pens and stalls should be clearly identified with the club and exhibitor’s name.
9. CLEANING STALLS AND PENS - All stalls and pens should be thoroughly cleaned before 8:00 a.m. Soiled bedding should be cleaned up on a needed basis throughout the day.
10. CLUB SIGNS - Club signs will be permitted. No other signs will be permitted in the barns. No displays will be allowed.
11. RESULTS - Ratings for herdsmanship judging will be posted. Ratings will be made on a club basis in the divisions stated above. Each club / independent member will be awarded one award for the overall club herdsmanship score.
12. BASIS OF RATING HERDSMANSHIP - Herdsmanship judges will use the following scoring guide in judging county exhibits for herdsmanship:

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