General Livestock Rules
- Market cattle must be tagged with a 4-H identification ear tag by April 1 of the current year to be eligible for the Scotts Bluff County Fair. Market cattle must be tagged and weighed on the same scale by April 1 of the current year to be eligible for the Scotts Bluff County Data Contest or larger shows.
- All market species must come to tag-in or weigh-in on specified dates to qualify for county fair. State Fair only animals must be tagged and/or inspected by approved volunteer, a superintendent, or Extension Staff by June 15.
- If a 4-H member shows a 4-H market animal in another county, they are ineligible to show a 4-H market animal in Scotts Bluff County.
- The county swine, meat goat and lamb identification ear tags must be in the ear by June 1. The Extension Educator/Assistant will have the authority to approve a 15-day grace period. All market animals including FFA and stocker feeders must be tagged. All breeding beef, breeding sheep, breeding swine, horse, rabbits must have some type of identification and I.D. papers turned in to the Extension Office by June 1.
- All animals entered in the livestock department must have been owned by the exhibitor, beef - by tagging date; swine, sheep and meat goat - by June 1, and all exhibitors making such entries must show, on request, a certificate showing said animal(s) have been owned by him by the required time.
- All livestock exhibits must be pre-entered at the Extension Office on or before July 1. No ear tag numbers on exhibited market animals will be required until weigh-in time. Entry fees are $10.00 per head for market beef, $7.00 per head for market swine, market sheep, meat/dairy goats and fiber animals, $2.00 per animal for poultry and rabbits. These fees are non-refundable and are for animals.
- The Extension Office recognizes joint ownership of livestock - for example: father and son or daughter; two or more brothers and sisters. At fair time, only one partner’s name may be used as owner.
- Each 4-H member can tag 5 market lambs, 5 market meat goats, 5 market dairy goats, 5 market swine, 5 market beef and 5 stocker feeders. Each 4-H member can exhibit not over 4 market lambs (between 4-H & FFA), 4 market meat goats (between 4-H & FFA), 4 market dairy goats-does or wethers (between 4-H & FFA), 4 market swine (between 4-H & FFA), 4 market beef (between 4-H & FFA), and 4 stocker feeders (between 4-H & FFA), . No limit is set on breeding animals, but they are not to exceed two per class.
- No animals allowed on the fairgrounds prior to 1 day before weigh-in at the county fair (Saturday).
- There shall be a minimum of two (2) head of livestock to have a breed class, otherwise the animals will be shown in the Other Breeds Class.
- The assignment of stalls and pens will be made by the Stalling committee (Extension staff, Barn Boss, area superintendents, FFA advisors). Clubs will be grouped together as much as possible. Maximum number of sheep per stall is 3. Swine will be stalled two (2) per pen.
- Advertisements with company name and information will not be allowed on pens or handed out.
- Individual livestock entries can only show in one class except showmanship classes. For example, a heifer may show in breeding or market, but not both.
- All livestock exhibitors must show their own livestock. Each showman must show an animal that is entered for fair in their own name as a 4-H project. If a member is sick or injured or has two animals showing in the same class, a substitute showman may show their animal if approved by the species superintendents, or Extension Staff. If approved, any 4-H member may show for the exhibitor.
- Exhibitors must show the same animal through all portions of the showmanship classes and drives.
- Once an animal is entered into competition; either in the judging class or showmanship class, and is picked for competition in the championship classes, the animal must show and cannot be withdrawn from the respective classes.
- Each leader will be responsible for seeing that the club’s pens and alleys are kept clean by exhibitors. The stalls, pens and exhibition places must be cleaned before 9:00 a.m. each day and all refuse matters disposed of as the Superintendent of the division may direct.
- If any animal is found to be affected with an infectious, contagious, or otherwise transmittable disease, or is suspected of being so affected, it will be removed immediately to a place of quarantine as ordered by a licensed veterinarian. A veterinarian will be at all livestock weigh-ins. The quarters, including all places and materials which may have become contaminated by such animal(s), will be promptly cleaned and disinfected by the owner.
- Any animal deemed as dangerous to others or the fairgrounds will be removed at the discretion of the superintendents of the division.
- All livestock may be tested for illegal residues. The exhibitor will stand the loss if any illegal residue is found in the carcass.
- It is recommended by the 4-H that: 4-H members in beef, sheep, meat goat and swine (including market and breeding classes) should wear blue or dark jeans, county issued fair shirt, and appropriate hard soled shoes. No open toed shoes will be allowed. No sleeveless shirts will be allowed. 4-H members in dairy goat should wear white pants, white shirt and appropriate hard soled shoes.
- Each market livestock exhibitor will 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 non-approved drugs. This affidavit will be presented to the livestock superintendent at animal check-in before the animal crosses the scale.
- Animals are required to be on the premises for the entire fair. Animals will need to be on premises until Sunday.
- All market livestock must meet specific weights to be eligible to show in the market and showmanship classes and participate at the County Premium Sale. Animals not meeting the minimum market weight will be removed from the fairgrounds immediately following weigh-in. Re-weighs are not allowed. Livestock superintendents are willing to meet with clubs and families to help animals make the minimum weights.
All Market livestock must meet minimum weights to be eligible to show at the Scotts Bluff Co. Fair and at the County Premium Sale.
Market Heifers Minimum -1,050 lbs No Max
Market Steers Minimum -1,150 lbs No Max
Market Lambs Minimum -100 lbs No Max
Market Meat Goats Minimum 50 lbs (Pygmy-min 30 lbs)
Market Dairy Goats Minimum 30 lbs
Market Swine Minimum - 230 lbs No Max
There is no maximum weight for market classes or the sale, but maximum pay weight is as follows:
Sheep – 160 lbs
Beef – 1500 lbs
Swine – 300 lbs
Goats – 120 lbs - Underweight animals in showmanship are only allowed if this is your only animal project in that organization (FFA/4-H) and species. These approved animals are only kept on the fairgrounds until immediately after the showmanship class. Example A- member has a 4-H breeding sheep and a 4-H market sheep that does not make weight and no other animals. Example B- member has a 4-H breeding sheep and market swine that does not make weight and no other animals. In both examples, the breeding sheep will be the animal they show in showmanship.
- 4-H Herdsmanship – Herdsmanship, which ensures a safe and healthy environment for livestock projects, is an important part of the Scotts Bluff County Fair experience. Although maintaining the environment may take some work, it is worth the effort. It demonstrates the exhibitor’s dedication to his or her livestock and represents a positive image of the livestock industry to the public. Herdsmanship duties are the responsibility of the exhibitors rather than leaders and parents. Leaders and parents are more than welcome to help teach and guide the 4-Hers, especially the younger members, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the exhibitors to maintain the club areas during fair week.
For the continued safety and enjoyment of everyone at the Scotts Bluff County Fair and for the humane treatment of the livestock being exhibited, any 4-Her that is found to be in violation of the listed herdsmanship responsibilities will be issued a written and verbal warning by a livestock or herdsmanship superintendent. The exhibitor must correct the violation immediately.
NOTE:
Barn superintendent will have the authority to ask clubs to move tack boxes, chairs, etc. out of the aisles in barns, if they pose a safety risk such as congestion in or blockage of the aisles.
Guidelines for selecting a herdsmanship winner include:
• Animal clean at all times with grooming apparent.
• Animals adequately cared for with proper feeding, water, clean and proper amount of bedding and adequate equipment and stalls.
• Tack and feed area clean and neatly arranged. Fork handles and similar equipment kept in a secure and safe manner.
• Proper courtesy and conduct shown by exhibitors at all times and at all places. All exhibitors are expected to participate in herdsmanship.
• Exhibitor’s share of alley area kept clean. Wheelbarrows, large show boxes and equipment are to be kept from aisle. The Livestock Committee recommends most items be stored in your trailer.
• An educational poster may be added (optional for extra points) to the exhibitor’s stall area to inform the public about their livestock project, vaccinations, nutrition...anything that might share your knowledge with the public. Due to space requirements, posters should be no larger than 14’ X 22”.
A volunteer will serve as a superintendent for Herdsmanship and they will schedule volunteers to judge the barns. A score sheet will be provided to each of the volunteer judges. - It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to take proper care of their animal including feed, water, clean bedding through the entire week of fair until the animal leaves the premise. This includes animals that have gone through the sale and are still on the fairgrounds Sunday.
- All stalled beef must be in the barn by 9:00 am. The animal may be taken to tie outs any time after 5:00 pm.
- Only swine weighing 230 lbs or above will be allowed on the Extra Truck.
Policy on Ringworm, Warts, Abscesses and Open Wounds
Animals that have active ringworm, visible warts, or abscesses will not be allowed entry into the Scotts Bluff County Fair for exhibition. The inspecting veterinarian may judge the ringworm to be inactive if the lesion is not encrusted and hair has begun regrowth in the area and is so stated on a letter/health certificate from inspecting veterinarian. Animals with warts that are visible by a hands off inspection will not be allowed to exhibit and will not be allowed to remain on the premises. Animals that have visible abscesses will not be allowed to exhibit and will not be allowed to remain on the premises. Animals that have visible signs of open wounds that do not appear to be healing will not be allowed to exhibit and will not be allowed to remain on the premises. Animals that are injured or lame upon check-in/weigh-in will not be permitted to exhibit and will not be allowed to remain on the premises. The superintendents reserve the right to have animal(s) remain on the trailer, until a veterinarian arrives to examine said animal(s). The superintendents reserve the right to have an animal removed from the fairgrounds if said animal is determined to be a safety or health risk to the public, exhibitors, other animals, or itself. It shall be the consensus of the superintendents on removing such an animal. If said animal is dismissed because of a health risk, it shall be supported by a veterinarian opinion. Please refer to General Health Requirements for additional information on dismissal of livestock because of health reasons.
Grooming of Animals
- 4-H members are encouraged to wash, groom and fit their project animals by themselves, but other current Scotts Bluff Co. 4-H members, and leaders are permitted to help when needed along with the exhibitor actively participating.
- The management disapproves of any animal or animals that have been subject to artificial preparation for competition and has the right to take action. An animal(s) that is tampered with by unusual means to change appearance or weight will be declared ineligible for competition by show management (Livestock Committee, FFA Advisors and Extension Staff).
- Tranquilizers can only be used when prescribed by a veterinarian as an extra label drug. The reason for use, date of use, and withdrawal information should appear on exhibitors’ health paper. Any such animal cannot be used in showmanship.
- Any animal entered in youth livestock classes at the Scotts Bluff County Fair is subject to urine, blood and/or tissue testing at the discretion of the superintendents, official show veterinarian, or show management (Livestock Committee, FFA Advisors and Extension Staff). If the results of testing indicate the use of compounds or drugs used outside the specified withdrawal requirements of the FDA, or compounds or drugs not approved for use in that species by the FDA, unless prescribed by a licensed veterinarian, these animals will be declared ineligible for competition and awards. Animals and exhibitors in violation will forfeit award and sale premiums. Show management reserves the right to suspend violators for five years from the Scotts Bluff County Fair.
Junior Livestock Sale Regulations
Sale Chairpersons: Dustin and Kate Schmer
- The Scotts Bluff County Junior Livestock Sale Committee reserves the right to make or adjust any regulations as the need arises.
- All animals in market beef, market sheep, market goat and market swine must have attended and been ID verified at a Scotts Bluff County tag-in/weigh-in during the current calendar year of the Scotts Bluff County Fair in order to be eligible to sell at the Scotts Bluff County Junior Livestock Sale.
- Only one entry per exhibitor will be allowed at the sale, regardless of youth organization (4-H or FFA). All sale entries must have been shown in their respective market classes. All County Grand and Reserve Champions in lambs, swine, meat goat, and beef can sell. Exhibitors having more than one County Grand and/or Reserve Champion in the divisions of lambs, swine, meat goat, and beef have the option to sell one or both.
- All eligible sale animals must meet the following minimum weight requirements in order to qualify for the Scotts Bluff County Junior Livestock Sale:
Market Heifer 1050#
Market Steer 1150#
Market Swine 230#
Market Sheep 100#
Market Dairy Goat 30#
Market Pygmy Goat 30#
Market Meat Goat 50# - All sale exhibitors must present their own animal through the sale ring. If a member is sick or injured or other approved extenuating circumstances, a substitute showman may sell their animal if approved by the head species superintendent and Sale Committee Chairperson. If approved, any 4-H member may sell for the exhibitor.
- A premium sale offers an option to exhibitors in which ownership may be retained. The exhibitor must notify the sale committee of the intent to retain ownership before the sale list is compiled. The buyer therefore knows the ownership will remain with the exhibitor. The cost to the buyer becomes a premium paid to the exhibitor.
- To be eligible to sell livestock in the sale, market animals must meet the weight requirements listed in the General Livestock Rules. All sale weights on livestock are taken at the time of entry on entry day. All livestock entries not meeting the minimum weight requirements cannot show or sell. All animals must have a clearance on brands at the time they weigh in.
- There will be only the regular 4-H and FFA sale. All 4-H and FFA members must find their own transportation for all extra animals not in the regular sale. Once the animal has entered the sale ring, it must sell. It can be withdrawn any time prior to the beginning of the sale.
- There will be a 3% (on beef) and 4% (on all other animals) commission on total sale price.
- Exhibitors must have their picture taken with their sale animal by the official sale photographer. The Sale Photographer will be available throughout the week at posted times. Exhibitors who have not gotten their sale picture taken will forfeit their place in the sale and sold at the end of the sale order.
- All livestock sale forms are due to the Sale Committee 1 hour after the corresponding market show ends or end of the goat and sheep show. Failure to turn in sale forms within that hour will result in exhibitor moving to the end of the sale order, regardless of any ribbon placings. The sale list will be posted by 8a.m. on the day following each respective show. Exhibitors and their families have until NOON on the day following the show to make changes or corrections. It is the responsibility of the Exhibitor and their family to make sure that their animal is listed CORRECTLY & COMPLETELY on the posted sale list. NO CHANGES except deletions will be made after this time.
- “Thank You” notes to the buyers are a requirement. Before receiving your sale check, you must present your Buyer “Thank You” note to the Sale Committee Chairman.
- There will be no changes to the retainment of any sale animal after noon on Friday. Any animals designated for the extra truck cannot be removed after noon on Friday. Requests to change retainment or extra truck animals will not be honored.
- If a buy back bid is not secured for a species by the sale committee, it is the seller’s responsibility to remove their animals from the fairgrounds in accordance with standing rules and market them on their own. They may be sold through the sale but will only receive the premium value. Buy back bids will not be announced until the day of the sale.
There will be no Championship Row-Champion signs will be on animal’s pens. Exhibitors are responsible for putting signs up and returning. If not returned, will forfeit sale money.