DEPARTMENT J - ANIMAL SCIENCE EXHIBITS

*Denotes entries not eligible for State Fair

4-H members may enter static exhibit(s) related to any animal science project.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Pay Category #5

Division 901 – Beef                                                     

Division 902 – Sheep                                      

Division 903 – Swine                                                  

Division 904 – Dairy                                       

Division 905 – Goats                                      

Division 906 – Horse                                                  

Division 907 – Poultry

Division 908 – Rabbit

Division 909 – Cat 

Division 910 – Dog

Division 911 – Small Animal

*Class 1           Watering/Feeding Device

*Class 2           Cage/Pen

*Class 3           Equipment used by the animal

*Class 4           Equipment used by the handler/showman

*Class 5           Notebook– Include an animal project record book, 3 of the 5 topics listed below, and at least 3 pictures related to the project. a) Knowledge learned about proper feeding and watering and proper safety precautions for your animal; b) Knowledge gained relating to your animal’s health: diseases, parasites, signs of illness, etc.); c) Experience gained in training or handling your animal; d) Breeds and their characteristics; e) How you developed leadership, initiative, sportsmanship, and other traits through your animal science project.

*Class 6           Other– Any item that is made by the 4-H member and relates to the project. 

ANIMALS

4-H and FFA

IAFE (International Association of Fairs and Expositions) National Code of Show Ring Ethics
The following code of ethics is a summary of what has been adopted by fairs and livestock shows across the country. Please read these before bringing livestock to the fair. Complete code may be found in the Nebraska State Fair Book.

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 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 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 shall 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 Seward County Fair. 

The following is a list of guidelines for all exhibitors and all livestock in competitive events: 

1) All exhibitors shall 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) Exhibitors are expected to care for and groom their animals while at the Seward County Fair. 

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 Seward County Fair for violation of this Code of Show Ring Ethics and any other rules of competition of the fair without recourse against the Seward County Fair. 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 Expos and any special notices to members. 

11) The act of entering of an animal in the Seward County Fair is the giving of verification by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person that he or she has read the IAFE 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.

Exhibitor Ethics Statement
The following has been agreed upon by the Seward County 4-H Council and Ag Society and deemed policy for the Seward County Fair:

1. The right to interpret rules in the best interest of 4-H/FFA work is reserved for the Superintendent and/or 4-H staff, whose decision will be final.

2. Exhibitors and parents will be expected to abide by the Code of Conduct that was submitted at time of enrollment.

3. Any exhibitor who inhumanely abuses or alters an animal’s appearance through unnatural actions or procedures will forfeit any premium, ribbon or prize won, during the fair at which the abuse(s) or alternation(s) took place.

4. Removal of animals from stalling/penning area and/or Livestock Center for the purpose of fitting is prohibited. Animals are to be fitted in the area in which they are housed, not at trailer area.  All tack and feed in the livestock and horse barns shall be kept in tack/stall area.  This rule will be strictly enforced.

1. The Seward County 4-H Council and Ag Society have agreed that abuse or alteration of appearance will be defined as the following actions which have occurred or were attempted on/to an animal present at the Seward County Fair. 

   The following definitions of abuse and/or alteration apply to all livestock shown at the Seward County Fair:

• Forced consumption of water, or any substance, in an attempt to increase the weight of an animal.  This includes stomach pumping, drench tubes, or any other method per esophagus.

• The use of unnatural means, such as drugs, to reduce the weight of an animal.

• The use of a compound(s) or drug(s) on a species other than the species it was approved for by the FDA.

• The use of a drug or compound outside the specified withdrawal requirements of the FDA.

• The use of air or any other artificial method of altering the body shape of an animal.

• Beating, slapping, using an electric prod or physically forcing a lamb into a solid object in an attempt to make the animal brace more firmly.

• The use of cold water, wraps, or ice in or on the body of an animal in an attempt to make the animal brace more firmly; all lambs shall be shown with all four legs firmly planted on the ground.

• Any action the superintendent feels is inappropriate or abusive treatment of an animal.

6. In cases that are not specifically addressed, one warning will be issued by the Superintendent and/or 4-H staff before action is taken in accordance with the policy stated above in item #3.

7. Any animal entered in the Seward County Fair is subject to both urine and blood testing at the discretion of the Superintendent. If blood and/or urine testing is requested, the cost of the test(s) will be incurred by the exhibitor of the animal, if the results of the test(s) indicate a Seward County Fair Drug Use rule has been violated. If the results indicate that no Seward County Fair Drug Use rule has been violated, the cost of the test(s) will be incurred by the Seward County Fair.

General Health Requirements for all Animals
All animals exhibited will be healthy and free of any known disease. Under no circumstances may animals under quarantine be exhibited. Only animals not showing signs of infectious or contagious diseases will be allowed to show. Health papers will not be required of any livestock. Poultry are inspected during the fair. Sheep and goats will be inspected at time of weigh/check-in.

Certification of Drug Use & Withdrawal
Livestock and horse exhibitors may be asked to submit a signed affidavit certifying correct use and/or withdrawal from all legal drugs, vaccines or other substances. They will also certify that their entries have not received any non-approved drugs. Affidavits would then be presented to the Department Superintendent prior to or at the time of animal weighing/check-in.

Drugs may be administered to animals for medicinal purposes only, and shall be reported to the department superintendent and/or 4-H staff stating what the drug is and why it is being used.  If a controlled substance, shall have written use by a veterinarian.
Policy on Ringworm, Warts, and Abscesses
Animals that have active ringworm, visible warts, or abscesses, will not be allowed entry in the Seward County Fair for exhibition. The inspecting veterinarian may judge the ringworm to be inactive if the lesion area is not encrusted and hair has begun regrowth in the area.

Animals with warts that are visible by a hands-off inspection 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. If any animal is found to be affected with the above, it shall be removed immediately to a place of quarantine as ordered and directed by a veterinarian. 

Ownership of Animals & Poultry
All animals and poultry in a 4-H/FFA show shall be owned by the exhibitor who entered it or their immediate family. Ownership of horse, beef, sheep, swine, dairy, and dairy goats shall be identified on appropriate affidavits in the Extension Office by the designated deadline dates. When borrowed animals are allowed, requirements specific to project area shall be met.

NOTE: The following species will be shown as a youth show with both 4-H and FFA members: Beef, Dairy, Dairy Goats, Sheep, Swine, Poultry, Rabbits and Market Goats. Indicate if 4-H or FFA animal on the I.D. sheet.

Eligibility of Animals
No 4-H or FFA animal may be exhibited by more than one family or at more than one county fair. 

An animal that becomes wild and uncontrollable during the show may be declared ineligible by the department superintendent.

Livestock Identification Information

2026 Seward County Fair 4-H and FFA Livestock Identification Guidelines 

All livestock and horses must be properly identified according to the Seward County 4-H guidelines.  See 2026 Animal Identification guidelines at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/seward/4-h-resources/  or at the Seward County Extension Office.  Proper identification of animals is due to the Extension Office by June 15^th.

NOTE:
Livestock Premise I.D.— All Livestock exhibitors shall have a Premise ID on record at the Extension Office.  All 4-H & FFA livestock shall come from a registered premise. You will be asked for a premise ID number on your animal ID sheet. To register your premise, or for more information, visit www.nda.nebraska.gov/adt/premises or the Extension Office.

County Fair Entries                                                                 

All livestock shall be pre-entered by July 1st. 

All animals will remain on exhibit throughout the fair.

All animals will be assigned stalls/pens.  Livestock and horse exhibitors shall clean out their stalls/pens and move the bedding to the dump area at release time on Sunday, or forfeit their premium. 

Registration of Livestock
A breeding animal to be eligible for show in a registered (purebred) class shall be owned by the exhibitor by June 15 of the current year and be registered by the official breed association. The registration certificate shall show:

1) The name of the exhibitor or 

2) a co-owner who is an immediate member of the exhibitor’s family.

Registration shall be completed by June 15th. Copies of registration papers shall be presented to the specific 4-H livestock department superintendent on the entry day of the fair. Animals will show in purebred classes only if registration papers have been checked prior to the show. Animals without papers will show in crossbred or commercial classes. The registration number of the animal shall appear on the ID sheet and entry form.

Females may ID both as a market and breeding project, however the exhibitor shall declare at pre-fair entry how the exhibit will be shown.  No animal may show in both market and breeding classes.

Back Tags
Each 4-H exhibitor will have their own unique number which they will write on a back tag. Exhibitors shall have this number on their back while exhibiting animals. Exhibitor number harnesses are not to be worn.

Substitute Showmen
An animal shall be shown by the 4-H or FFA exhibitor who entered it unless the exhibitor is excused by the department superintendent because of serious illness, disability due to an injury (e.g. broken arm or leg), or conflict with other classes in a 4-H or FFA show. An exhibitor who has more than one animal in a class need not secure approval for another 4-H member to show the additional animal in the class. Substitute showmen shall be a 4-H or FFA member exhibiting livestock at the current Seward County Fair. All substitute showmen should wear an exhibitor number identifying him/her as a substitute showman.

Dress Code
No individual club shirts, no hats, caps, or other types of headgear are to be worn in the show ring.
Hard-soled boots or shoes are recommended for all exhibitors.
All animal exhibitors are required to wear a white shirt with the official 4-H chevron or FFA emblem attached and dark blue jeans, or an official Seward County 4-H/FFA t-shirt with dark blue jeans. Dairy exhibitors may wear dark blue jeans or white pants.

Fan Operation
Portable generators will not be allowed in or around 4-H livestock buildings. Free standing fans will not be allowed in or around the livestock barns. Hanging fans will only be allowed when attached to the tie rails or to supports located at the front of the animals. No fans will be allowed to blow from behind cattle regardless of attachment or location. Fan blades shall be completely enclosed and deemed “safe” by the superintendent in that department. No belt driven fans will be allowed.

YQCA Training
All 4-H and FFA exhibitors in beef, dairy cattle, goats, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, and 4-H Partners shall have completed an approved quality assurance training program. Exhibitors shall have received Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Certification through a University of Nebraska Extension approved program prior to June 15. YQCA certificate of completion shall be turned in to the Extension Office by June 15.

Livestock Grooming Rules

Preparation and grooming of an animal are the primary responsibility of the exhibitor. Some assistance may be provided by another current exhibitor, family member, or another person acting in a mentoring and teaching capacity.  Any grooming done by any other than listed will be considered illegal and the exhibitor will be disqualified from competition and any premiums or awards will be forfeited.

Grooming is considered as the following but not limited to washing, brushing, clipping, trimming, applying any grooming product, or blocking of any beef, dairy, horse, swine, or sheep.

All beef, sheep, goat, swine, dairy cattle, and dairy goat shows including showmanship are blow and go. These rules apply as follows:

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 are prohibited. Any substance that changes or alters the color anywhere on the animal’s body, head, legs, or hooves is not permitted. 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. These compounds/products are permitted: alcohol, water, oil, foam, or any water or alcohol based products with no adhesive or glue qualities, or artificial colorings.  These products include conditioners and commonly used sprays such as Kleen Sheen, Revive, Final Bloom Pink Oil, white show foam, Freshen Up, Silk, and Sudden Impact.
4. Any material, synthetic or natural that extends the body shape beyond normal limits is prohibited.
5. All livestock will be subject to visual inspection and toweling (before and/or after entering the show ring) for the presence of adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products.  Toweling of the animal may include, but is not limited to: the topline, legs, chest, belly, flank, and cod/udder areas.  If, after inspection, the animal is found to have adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products applied, it will be disqualified from the competition.  Any premiums will be forfeited.
6. Hogs
   1. Short clipping of hair is not permitted.
   2. Hogs are shown without hairdressing compounds.  This includes oil, powder, or any other coat dressing compounds.
   3. Water is permitted.
7. Lambs
   1. All market lambs shall be completely slick shorn, including belly, to within ¼” before arrival of show.
   2. Wool may be left on the legs only below the knees and hocks.

   3. Market hair lambs show in fleece, blow and go rules.

      Any animals found to have prohibited products applied will be disqualified from competition and any premiums/awards will be forfeited.

**Please review any additional grooming rules that will be included under specific species**

SHOWMANSHIP                                             Pay Category #9 – no premium awarded
Eligibility 

All 4-H and FFA animal exhibitors are eligible to compete in showmanship classes. Exhibitors shall show an animal identified on their own I.D. affidavit to be considered as participants in the contest. 

Procedures 

Showmanship contests in all classes of livestock will be held at the beginning of the show. Animals will show only once in showmanship and shall be entered in another show class. No animal may be shown by two or more family members. Contestants shall show their own animals. 4-H Partners and Clover Kid exhibitors ONLY may show their mentor’s or another 4-H exhibitor’s showmanship animal in their showmanship class.

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 skills of the showman in presenting the animal before the judge that counts, while individual excellence of the animal does not.

Clover Kid Showmanship Class
Pre-fair entry is required. Each member may bring one animal (or use another 4-H/FFA member’s animal if animal is ID’d in Seward County) in this division to the county fair.  The animal may be stalled during the fair or be brought the day of the show. If exhibiting their own animal, a stall will be needed and shall be indicated on 4-H’ers entry form. The animal needs to be an animal the youth cared for as a result of this 4-H project. An adult is required to be with the Clover Kid when working with or showing their animal. The Clover Kid will lead the animal in the show ring or be placed in a holding pen (according to the superintendent’s discretion). The youth will discuss their knowledge of care and raising of the animal with the official. Temperament of the animal project shall be appropriate for the exhibitor’s age and size. Examples of appropriate animals for clover kid livestock showmanship:  bucket calf, sheep, swine, goat.

Rules that shall be followed include:
1. Animal shall be ID’d on proper documentation as a Seward County 4-H/FFA project (own or borrowed)

2. The show will be non-competitive. All youth will receive participation ribbons (no ranking or placing). 

3. There will be one adult/teen volunteer per Clover Kid assisting when the animal is being handled. 

4. The animal shall be less than 350 pounds the day of the show.

OVERALL 4-H & FFA SHOWMANSHIP CONTEST

in memory of Jeff Vollstedt

4-H age rules will be followed. Those participating in the Overall 4-H Showmanship Contest will include the Champion Senior Showman from the following areas: beef, sheep, swine, meat goat, dairy goat, and dairy cattle. If the Champion showman declines competing, the Reserve Champion will compete. Exhibitors shall have shown a 4-H or FFA identified animal. If qualified for more than one specie, that exhibitor shall choose which one of the species they will compete in the contest with. The Reserve Champion will then be eligible to show the specie not chosen. Awards will be presented to exhibitors from the Vollstedt family and Circle G Livestock 4-H Club.

Herdsmanship

All livestock & Horse exhibitors are required to maintain their quarters as orderly as possible and shall keep the part of the building they occupy neat and attractive. All clubs/chapters will compete in the herdsmanship contest.

1. Responsibility— Herdsmanship duties are the responsibility of exhibitors rather than leaders, advisors, and parents.

2. Judging— A committee will be chosen to judge herdsmanship.  There will be separate divisions for beef, sheep, swine, dairy, dairy goats, horse, and poultry & rabbits.

• Times of Judging— Herdsmanship will be checked twice daily for the duration of the fair, except the time of the show (i.e. dairy herdsmanship will not be judged during the dairy show.)
• Basis of Ratings— Herdsmanship judges will use the following scoring guide in judging herdsmanship.

Animals:  clean at all times with proper grooming, feeding, bedding, and care apparent.

Stalls/Pens:  clean and neat; bedding clean and fresh; feed and feed pans and buckets 

clean and in place.  Club and exhibitor signs identifying area clearly in place.  Club signs 

should be appropriate for the exhibit. 

Tack and feed area:  kept clean and neatly arranged. 

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

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.

Pre-fair and post-fair cleanup participation.

Added attractiveness of display due to nonessential equipment or material in excess of needs for the show period is permissible (if complying with general show rules).

ANIMAL SCIENCE
Carefully read "General Rules for Livestock" and the “Code of Show Ring Ethics”.

Department J – 4-H Partners Program

Identification of the animal being used for the 4-H Partners project shall be turned in to the Extension Office by June 15th. Exhibitors will utilize the appropriate 4-H identification sheet for the animal being used for the project.

4-H Partner animals may be stalled for the duration of the fair or brought for exhibit on day of show. This needs to be indicated on your Pre-fair Entry form. 

The Participant will receive 2 ribbons. One ribbon on their evaluation of completed journal and member’s knowledge in the interview. And the second ribbon on evidence of training and showing of the animal in their respective showmanship class. 

YOUTH SHALL ENTER IN BOTH DIVISION 25 AND THE CORRECT SHOWMANSHIP DIVISION
Division 25 – 4-H Partners Record Book & Interview                       Pay Category #3 

Class 1             Beef Partners                          

Class 2             Sheep Partners                       

Class 3             Goat Partners                         

Class 4             Dairy Partners 

Class 5             Horse Partners

Class 6             Swine Partners

Class 7             Poultry Partners

4-H Partners Showmanship Divisions (non-competitive)                Pay Category #2

Division 8        Class 4             Beef Partners 

Division 30      Class 4             Sheep Partners

Division 34      Class 4             Swine Partners

Division 40      Class 4             Dairy Partners

Division 48      Class 4             Dairy Goat Partners 

Division 56      Class 4             Meat Goat Partners

Division 60      Class 4             Horse Partners

Division 69      Class 4             Poultry Partners 

Department J – BEEF

4-H and FFA

All beef animals shall be in place by 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 22. 

For Beef check-in, the cattle’s ears must be clean and tattoos visible.
Make sure to read general rules for livestock, the National Code of Show Ring Ethics, and Livestock Grooming Rules at the beginning of the Department J - Animal Science section. All animals will remain on exhibit throughout the fair unless otherwise noted.

General Health Requirements 

Read the rules about General Health Requirement at the beginning of the Department J - Animal Science section.

Dress Code 

Follow rules outlined in the General Livestock Rules section of the fair book plus, beef exhibitors are not permitted to wear number harnesses.

Division 7 - Beef Production                                                              Pay Category #1 

The Beef Production division is open to breeding beef animals previously enrolled as 4-H and/or FFA project animals. Animals may be shown as individuals in other established classes as well as a pair in the production class. (Ex. A breeding heifer calf or feeder calf can show as an individual and show again as a cow and calf pair). Animals may be registered or grade. An exhibitor is limited to one entry. The entry may consist of: Bred Heifer, Cow-Calf, or any combination. 
Exhibitors shall pick up a Beef Production record book from the Extension Office as soon as possible. Record books for beef production animals shall be turned in to the Extension Office by 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 1. A personal interview will be scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at the Seward County Extension Office. 
Beef Production displays will be exhibited on the 4-H member’s assigned pen at the fair. The instructions for this display are in the 4-H Beef Production record book.

Class 1             Beef Production Class

Division 8 - Beef Showmanship                     Pay Category #9 – no premium awarded

Class 1             Senior (ages 14-18) 

Class 2             Intermediate (ages 11-13) 

Class 3             Junior (ages 8-10) 

Class 4             Beef Partners (non-competitive) — youth shall also register for division 25 

Class 5             Clover Kids (non-competitive)     *See Clover Kid class rules*

Division 9 - Bucket Calves                                                                         Pay Category #2
The Bucket Calf project is a beginning project for youth ages 8-12.  Record books may be picked up at the Extension Office or downloaded from the Seward County website.

Turn in bucket calf record books at the Extension Office by, 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 1. A personal interview will be scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at the Seward County Extension Office.

The Bucket Calf project is designed to teach proper health care and nutritional requirements of young cattle. It also teaches basic beef management skills without a large investment, and basic record keeping skills. Emphasis in judging will be on knowledge rather than calf quality. Showmanship is a part of the bucket calf entry. Bucket calves are not eligible to exhibit in another showmanship class.

Bucket calf entries are open to any calves dropped between January 1 and June 15 of the current year, that were raised as a bucket or bottle calf, without a mother cow. These bucket calves can be either a bull or steer dairy calf; a dairy/beef cross bull, steer or heifer calf; or a beef bull, steer, or heifer calf (feedlot calves are eligible). All bucket calves shall be ear tagged with an EID tag and identified on ID affidavits by June 15. All bucket calves will remain on exhibit during the fair.

Class 1             Bucket Calf (exhibitor 8-9 years old)

Class 2             Bucket Calf (exhibitor 10-12 years old)

Bucket Calf Come-back classes

Calves shall have been bucket calves shown in the year prior. These calves cannot show in the market or breeding class in addition to the Bucket Calf Come-back class, but will be eligible to show for Champion and Reserve Champion in the overall show.  Calves shall be shown by the same exhibitor from the previous year.

The calves shown in the Bucket Calf Come-back class are eligible to show in the showmanship class in the respective age division of the 4-H exhibitor.

Class 3             Bucket Calf Come-Back – Heifer – Animal shall have been shown as a bucket calf in the year prior

Class 4             Bucket Calf Come-Back – Steer – Animal shall have been shown as a bucket calf in the year prior

Division 10 — Feeder Calves                                                             Pay Category #2 

Feeder calf entries are open to any calves dropped between January 1 and June 15 of current year. Calves shall be identified on appropriate ID affidavits and ear tagged with an EID tag by June 15. 

All feeder calf exhibitors ARE REQUIRED to verbally check-in their entry with beef superintendents at check-in on Thursday, July 23. A physical check-in of animals will take place one hour prior to the show. 

On the Pre-Fair Entry Forms, exhibitors shall designate if their feeder calf will be stalled for the entire fair or if the animal will leave after the show. If calf is weaned, it will stay. Unweaned feeder calves will be released after the Beef Show. The exhibitor shall notify the Beef superintendent or Extension staff prior to removing them from the fairgrounds.
Feeder calf exhibitors shall be:  a) in a Stocker-Feeder Project, or, b) the result of a 4-H or FFA Breeding Project where dam is identified by June 15.

Class 1             Feeder Heifer

Class 2             Feeder Steer or Bull Calf

Division 11 – Market Beef                                                                           Pay Category #1

No animal may show in both market and breeding classes.

Entry will be shown in respective classes of steers and heifers. 

Shall be born after January of previous year.  Cannot be 2 years old or older.

A market beef animal may have the two center temporary teeth replaced by permanent incisors. The remaining six temporary incisors shall be in place and there be no evidence of eruption of any permanent incisors other than the centers. Market animals failing to meet the above requirements will be ineligible for the live show championship. 

Market Bred & Owned

1. Exhibitor shall be the breeder and owner on registration papers or proof of breeder and owner if commercial.
2. The cow shall be bred and owned by the exhibitor.
3. Exhibitor shall show proof of cow ownership at the time the calf is born.
4. Exhibitor shall turn in Home Grown Market Livestock Verification Form by June 15^th.
5. Forms may be picked up at the Extension Office or downloaded from the Seward County website.

Class 1             Market Heifer

Class 2             Market Steer

Class 3             Market Bred and Owned Heifer

Class 4             Market Bred and Owned Steer

RATE OF GAIN                                                                                                 Sponsored Class/No Premium   

Market animals shall participate in the initial weigh-in date scheduled prior to the fair. Animals will be weighed again at fair. The animal with the highest Rate of Gain will win this title. Only Champion and Reserve Champion Heifer and Steer will receive award money.

Divisions 12-23 — Beef Breeding Heifers                                         Pay Category #1 

No animal may be shown in both market and breeding classes.

Animals without registration papers will show in the commercial class only. A calfhood vaccination tattoo is not considered an official identification tattoo.

Breeding beef animals will be shown by breed and age classes. Champions and Reserve Champions will compete for Supreme and Reserve Supreme Breeding Heifer.

All exotic breeds shall be at least 3/4 of the breed and be registered or else be shown in the commercial class.                     

Division 12      Angus

Division 13      Charolais

Division 14      Chianina

Division 15      Commercial

Division 16      Gelbvieh

Division 17      Hereford & Polled Hereford

Division 18      Limousin

Division 19      Maine Anjou

Division 20      Red Angus

Division 21      Shorthorn

Division 22      Simmental

Division 23      Breeds not listed (Indicate breed on entry. Must be 3/4 blood.)

Each breed will be broken down into the following classes, but classes may be combined for the show depending on number of entries:

Heifers: (born in 2025 unless otherwise noted)

Class 1             Calved January 1 - February 28

Class 2             Calved March 1 - April 30

Class 3             Calved May 1 - June 30

Class 4             Calved July 1 - August 31

Class 5             Calved Septemer 1 - October 31

Class 6             Calved November 1 - December 31

Class 7             Calved January 1, 2026 - June 15, 2026

Bulls: (born in 2025 unless otherwise noted)

Class 8             Calved January 1 - February 28

Class 9             Calved March 1 - April 30

Class 10           Calved May 1 - June 30

Class 11           Calved July 1 - August 31

Class 12           Calved September 1 - October 31

Class 13           Calved November 1 - December 31

Class 14           Calved January 1, 2026- June 15, 2026

NOTE: Classes 7 & 14 enable exhibitors with breeding heifer and bull calves to show their animals as breeding animals rather than feeder calves if animals are intended as future breeding stock.  If calf is weaned it will stay.  Unweaned calves will be released after the beef show.  

Department J – SHEEP

4-H and FFA

All sheep shall be in place by 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.

Make sure to read general rules for livestock, the National Code of Show Ring Ethics, and Livestock Grooming Rules at the beginning of the Department J - Animal Science section.

All animals will remain on exhibit throughout the fair unless otherwise noted.

All sheep will be inspected by a veterinarian at check-in. 

Under no circumstances may sheep be exhibited which originate from scrapie-source flocks or scrapie-infected flocks.

All animals will remain on exhibit throughout the fair.

Division 30 – Showmanship                           Pay Category #9 – no premium awarded

Class 1              Senior (ages 14-18) 
Class 2              Intermediate (ages 11-13) 
Class 3              Junior (ages 8-10) 
Class 4              4-H Partners (non-competitive) – youth shall also register for division 25
Class 5             Clover Kids (non-competitive)

Division 31 – Market Sheep                                                                        Pay Category #2 
Market lambs may be wether or ewe lambs born after January 1 of the current year, and will be shown by weight divisions.  There are no weight limits.  Lambs will be divided into divisions following weigh-in.  

No re-weighs will be allowed. Market lambs should be dry, have all covers removed, and have been shorn within the previous 10 days.

Market hair lambs show in fleece, blow and go.
Division Champions and Reserve Champions will compete for an overall Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb. Wethers and ewes will be shown together. Classes are only needed for ID purposes.

Market Sheep Bred and Owned

1. Exhibitor shall be the breeder and owner on registration papers or proof of breeder and owner if commercial.
2. The ewe shall be bred and owned by the exhibitor.
3. Ewes and wethers will be shown together.

Class 1             Market Ewe Lamb (all breeds)

Class 2             Market Wether Lamb (all breeds)

Class 3             Market Home Grown Lamb (all breeds)

Class 4             Market Hair Lamb (all breeds)

Division 32 – Breeding Ewes                                                                      Pay Category #2 

Breeding ewes will be shown by breeds and age classes as listed. 

Ewes shown in breed classes shall be registered with the breed association by entry date. 

All "meat breed" breeding sheep and all commercial breeding sheep shall be slick shorn including belly, to within 1/4" PRIOR to arrival at show. Wool may be left on the legs ONLY below the knees and hocks. All registered and commercial "wool breed" sheep may be shown in the fleece.  Meat breeds include Suffolk, Hampshire, Dorset, Shropshire, Southdown, Montedale, and crosses of one or more of these breeds. Commercial ewes of meat breed origin shall also be slick shorn within ten days of the show.

Class 1             Commercial/Crossbred Yearling Ewe

Class 2             Commercial/Crossbred Ewe Lamb

Class 3             Hampshire Yearling Ewe 

Class 4             Hampshire Ewe Lamb 

Class 5             Suffolk Yearling Ewe 

Class 6             Suffolk Ewe Lamb 

Class 7             Dorset Yearling Ewe 

Class 8             Dorset Ewe Lamb 

Class 9             Shropshire Yearling Ewe 

Class 10           Shropshire Ewe Lamb

Class 11           Southdown Yearling Ewe

Class 12           Southdown Ewe lamb

Class 13           Other Registered Yearling Ewe

Class 14           Other Registered Ewe Lamb  

Department J – MEAT GOATS

4-H and FFA

All goats shall be in place by 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. 
Make sure to read general rules for livestock, the National Code of Show Ring Ethics, and Grooming of Livestock rules at the beginning of the Department J – Animal Science section. 
Number of Exhibits

A member is eligible to show up to a maximum of:

• 4 market meat goats
• 4 breeding meat goats
• 2 pygmy goats

No Bucks or Billies allowed.

All animals will remain on exhibit throughout the fair.

All goats will be examined by a veterinarian at check-in.

Under no circumstances may goats be exhibited which originate from scrapie-source flocks or scrapie infected flocks.

Horns— All meat goats shall have horns blunted. Dehorning is acceptable and preferred.

Age

Goats are to have milk teeth (no evidence of breaking of the skin or eruption of the two permanent front teeth. Market goats shall be uniformly slick shorn with 1/4 inch of hair or less from the knee and hock up. Breeding goats will be allowed to be unshorn.
Meat goats may be does or wether kids. Short scrotum, cryptochrid, and buck kids are not eligible. All meat goats will be weighed and divided into classes based on total numbers and weight range. Does and wethers will show together. Meat goats shall weigh a minimum of 50 pounds at check-in. Goats under 50 lbs. will be allowed to check-in, but not eligible for purple ribbons. No re-weighs will be allowed. Division Champions and Reserve Champions will compete for an overall Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat.

Market Goat County Bred and Fed

1. The goat must have been bred/AI in Seward County
2. The goat must be born, fed, and raised in Seward County
3. The goat shall be identified on a proper Meat Goat County Bred and Fed Identification Form by June 15
4. Does and wethers will be shown together
5. This entry counts towards the total number of goats allowed per exhibitor

6. May not cross-enter into any other class (except showmanship)

   All other rules for exhibiting Meat Goats will apply

   Division 56 – Showmanship                          Pay Category # 9 – no premium awarded

Class 1             Senior (ages 14-18)

Class 2             Intermediate (ages 11-13) 

Class 3             Junior (ages 8-10)

Class 4             4-H Partners (non-competitive) — youth shall also register for division 25

Class 5             Clover Kids (non-competitive)

Division 57 – Market Goats                                                                      Pay Category #2

Class 1             Market Goat

Class 2             Market Bred and Fed in Seward County

Division 59 — Breeding Meat Goats                                                        Pay Category #2

Class 1             Junior Doe — 3-12 months

Class 2             Yearling Doe — 13-24 months

Class 3             Senior Doe — 25 months and over

Division 56 B — Companion Goats                                                          Pay Category #2

This could include Pygmy, Fainting and other companion goats. Wethers and Does will be shown together. Bucks are not eligible.

Class 1             Pygmy Goats — Wethers and Does only

Class 2             Fainting Goats — Wethers and Does only

Class 3             Other — Wethers and Does only 

Department J – HOGS

4-H and FFA

All hogs shall be in place by 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. 

Make sure to read general rules for livestock, the National Code of Show Ring Ethics, and Livestock Grooming Rules at the beginning of the Department J – Animal Science section.

Number of Exhibits – Exhibitors may enter up to a total of six hogs. 

All animals will remain on exhibit throughout the fair.

Health Requirements— Swine to be exhibited shall originate directly from a herd not under quarantine for pseudo rabies. Swine not meeting health requirements will be immediately removed from the grounds by the owner. See “General Health Requirements for all Animals”.

Pen Assignments— A minimum of two pigs per pen unless there is only one entry by an exhibitor. Pen Assignments are subject to change the day of arrival, or as needed. Readjustment of pens will be assigned by the hog superintendent and/or 4-H Staff. 

Entries— All hogs will be entered on pre-fair entries designating barrow or gilt.  Animals will be exhibited by weight and sex. 

*Gilts cannot exhibit in both breeding and market.  Decide at time of pre-fair entries.

Home Grown Hogs— Sows and gilts shall have been bred and raised on 4-H member’s farm. Each exhibitor will be allowed to exhibit one pig, of the six maximum animals allowed, in the Home Grown Hog show. Pigs shall be identified immediately after weigh-in and one gilt or barrow per exhibitor will be marked as Home Grown. 

Market Classes— There is no weight limit.  Market hogs will be weighed and separated into weight divisions of gilts and barrows.  Several divisions in each class will be determined based on the number of entries and weights of hogs. Division Champions will show for Champion and Reserve Champion in each class. Class breakdowns will be determined by the hog superintendent.

The Market Hog show is a NON-TERMINAL SHOW. All exhibitors are required to take their hogs home.

Breeding Gilt Class—There will be 2 classes of Breeding Gilts, see ID requirements.  Winner of each class will show for champion and reserve champion breeding gilt.

Division 34 – Showmanship                          Pay Category #9 – no premium awarded

Class 1             Senior (ages 14-18) 

Class 2             Intermediate (ages 11-13) 

Class 3             Junior (ages 8-10)

Class 4             4-H Partners — youth shall also register for division 25

Class 5             Clover Kids (non-competitive)

Division 35 – Market                                                                               Pay Category #2

Class 1             Gilts 

Class 2             Barrows

Division 36 – Home Grown                                                                       Pay Category #9

Class 1             Gilts

Class 2             Barrows

Division 38 — Breeding Gilts                                                                     Pay Category #2

Class 1             Registered Breeding Gilts

Class 2             Crossbred Breeding Gilts  

Department J – DAIRY

4-H and FFA
All dairy shall be in place by 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. 

Make sure to read general rules for livestock, the National Code of Show Ring Ethics, and Livestock Grooming Rules at the beginning of the Department J - Animal Science section.

Number of Exhibits - Exhibitors may enter up to a total of six dairy animals.

Dairy animals will be shown by breed and age classes as listed. Registered and grades will show together.

All milking dairy cows may be brought to the fairgrounds the day of the show and may be removed after the show. Champions and Reserve Champions of each breed should remain on exhibit if possible.

Crossbred animals that have the same physical traits as purebreds can show in a breed class, or be shown as a crossbred. Refer to your national dairy associations for help identifying breed traits.

Division 40 – Showmanship                           Pay Category #9– no premium awarded

Class 1             Senior (ages 14-18) 

Class 2             Intermediate (ages 11-13) 

Class 3             Junior (ages 8-10) 

Class 4             4-H Partners (non-competitive) – youth shall also register for division 25

Class 5             Clover Kids (non-competitive)

Dairy Breeds                                                                                                Pay Category #1

Division 41      Ayrshire

Division 42      Brown Swiss

Division 43      Guernsey

Division 44      Holstein

Division 45      Jersey

Division 46      Milking Shorthorn

Division 47      Other Breeds/Crossbred

Each breed will be broken down into the following classes:

Class 1             Spring Heifer Calves (March - April 1, 2026)

Class 2             Winter Heifer Calves (December 2025 - February 2026)

Class 3             Fall Heifer Calves (September 2025 - November 2025)

Class 4             Summer Yearling (June 2025 - August 2025)

Class 5             Spring Yearling (March 2025 - May 2025)

Class 6             Winter Yearling (December 2024 - February 2025)

Class 7             Fall Yearling (September 2024 - November, 2024)
Selection of Supreme and Reserve Supreme Heifer – shall have received a purple ribbon in their respective classes. Note: Judge designates two best heifers in each breed class.

Class 8             Dry Cow (any age)

Class 9             Two-Year Old (September, 2023 - August, 2024)

Class 10           Three-Year Old (September, 2022 - August, 2023)

Class 11           Four-Year Old (September, 2021 - August, 2022)

Class 12           Five Years and Up (prior to September, 2021)

Class 13           Jr. Bull Calves (March - April, 2026)

Class 14           Int. Bull Calves (December, 2025 - February, 2026)

Class 15           Junior Dairy Herd three females, at least one of the three shall be a cow that has freshened (two years or older) and completed a 305 day record and at least one of the three shall be bred by exhibitor. A record book showing milk and butterfat production on producing cows shall be available when the herd is shown. Dairy herd may be either grade or registered. A mixed herd is considered a grade herd.

Selection of Supreme and Reserve Supreme Cow shall have received a purple ribbon in their respective classes. 

Department J – DAIRY GOATS

4-H and FFA

All dairy goats shall be in place by 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.

Dairy goats will be checked in at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.

Make sure to read general rules for livestock, the National Code of Show Ring Ethics, and Livestock Grooming Rules at the beginning of the Department J - Animal Science section. 

Number of Exhibits – A member is eligible to show up to a maximum of:

• 4 Junior Does
• 4 Senior Does

No Bucks allowed.

All dairy goats shall have horns blunted, dehorning is acceptable and preferred.  No exceptions.

Age 

Dairy goats are to have milk teeth (no evidence of breaking of the skin or eruption of the two permanent front teeth).

Dairy Herds consist of: 

• 3 animals
• One shall be bred by the exhibitor and one shall be in milk

All animals shall remain on exhibit throughout the fair 

All milking dairy goats may be brought to the fairgrounds the day of the show and may be removed after the show.  The exhibitor shall notify the Dairy Goat Superintendent or Extension Staff prior to removing them from the fairgrounds.

Champions and Reserve Champions of each breed should remain on exhibit if possible.

Any Dairy goat that does not meet the breed standard for a dairy goat or meet the fair book exhibit rules, will be shown in the Companion Goats Division Class 3   Other—Wethers and Does Only, of the Meat Goat Show.

Division 48 – Dairy Goat Showmanship        Pay Category #9 – no premium awarded

Class 1             Senior (ages 14-18) 

Class 2             Intermediate (ages 11-13) 

Class 3             Junior (ages 8-10) 

Class 4             4-H Partners (non-competitive)–youth shall also register for division 25

Class 5             Clover Kids (non-competitive)

Dairy Goat Breeds                                                                                     Pay Category #2

Division 49      LaMancha

Division 50      Nubian 

Division 51      AOP (All other purebreds) 

Division 52      Saanens

Division 53      Toggenburg

Each breed will be broken down into the following classes, but classes may be combined for the show depending upon number of entries:
Non-Milking Junior Classes 

Class 1             Up to 8 months

Class 2             9 months to 12 months

Class 3             13 months to 24 months 

Milking Senior Classes

Class 4             Up to 24 months 

Class 5             2 and 3 year olds

Class 6             4 years and older

Class 7             Herd 

Department J – HORSE
Make sure to read general rules for livestock and the National Code of Show Ring Ethics at the beginning of the Department J – Animal Science section.

Level Testing

All exhibitors, excluding walk-trot, shall pass Horsemanship Level 1 by July 1st, to be eligible to show.

General Rules
Entry Guidelines – All 4-H project horses shall be identified on appropriate ID affidavits by June 15. 

All horses assigned to the horse barn are released after 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 26.

Premium money will be awarded in up to six class entries only, regardless of how may classes a 4-H’er exhibits.

Class Eligibility – A single horse may not be entered or ridden in a class or event by more than one person, even though the horse is jointly owned by two or more members of the same family.

In performance classes (except for Walk-Trot), exhibitors may show no more than one horse per class.

In halter classes, exhibitors may show up to three horses.
Rule Book – 4H373 Current Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide will be used.

Western Attire – Exhibitors are required to wear a long or short sleeve white shirt/blouse, 4-H armband on the left arm, dark blue jeans, hard-sole boots, and a western hat. See attire rule in the 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide. Exception for the Seward County Fair Speed Events—a county fair 4-H exhibitor t-shirt may be worn in place of the white western shirt. 

English Attire – In English events, exhibitors are required to wear shirt or blouse with a ratchet collar, traditional hunter seat style coat, breeches (or Jodhpurs) of traditional color, English boots or paddock boots, safety helmet with a harness. See attire rule in the 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide (page 23). Exception: For the Seward County Fair, exhibitors may show in approved western attire. Helmet and English tack are required.

Walk-Trot Exhibitors – Walk-Trot (WT) classes are for youth who are not ready to enter classes requiring or assuming a lope. Only WT exhibitors may enter WT classes, halter, and showmanship.  WT exhibitors may exhibit as a WT exhibitor for two consecutive years only.  WT exhibitors do not have to pass Horsemanship Level 1 to be eligible to exhibit.

Pony Halter– Mares and Geldings will show together.  Ponies cannot cross-enter into any other halter class.  Champions and Reserve Champions from each class will compete for Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Halter Pony.  The Grand Champion and the Reserve Grand Champion Pony will be required to stall in the horse barn for the duration of the fair.

Horse Barn Rules

Stalls – The Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Mare and Gelding and the Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Pony are REQUIRED to stall in the Horse Barn for exhibition during the fair. No substitution of horses for Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Mare and Gelding will be allowed.  The Grand and Reserve Grand Champion monetary award is forfeited if awarded horses are not stalled during the fair.

The remaining stalls will be assigned to 4-H clubs. All stalls assigned shall be filled. Only horses that have been properly ID’d may be stalled as a 4-H project. 

Stalls should always be kept clean.  Stalls shall be completely cleaned out at release time for premium to be awarded.  All horses assigned to the Horse Barn are released after 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 26. 

Horses may be fed in the stalls or outside the barn, but not in camp ground or with crowds of people. 

Exercising – Horses and ponies may be removed from stalls during the day to be exercised. Riding is not permitted in the livestock building complex area or camping areas. Riding will be permitted in the horse arena and warm-up area when available. 

Age groups when the class offers three age divisions:

            Senior (ages 14-18)

            Intermediate (ages 11-13)

            Junior (ages 8-10)

Age groups when the class offers two age divisions:

            Senior (ages 14-18)

            Junior (ages 8-13)

Division 60 – Showmanship                          Pay Category #9 – no premium awarded

Class 1             Senior (ages 14-18) 

Class 2             Intermediate (ages 11-13) 

Class 3             Junior (ages 8-10) 

Class 4             4-H Partners (non-competitive)-youth shall also register for division 25

Division 61 – Halter Ponies: Mares and Geldings                                       Pay Category #2

Class 1             Miniature– 38" and under

Class 2             Ponies– 38" - 14.2 hands

Division 61 – Halter: Fillies and Mares                                                        Pay Category #2

Class 3             Mares: Two Year Olds 

Class 4             Mares: Three Year Olds 

Class 5             Mares: Four to Ten Years Old 

Class 6             Mares: Eleven Years & Older 

Division 61 – Halter: Colts and Geldings                                                     Pay Category #2

Class 10           Gelding: Two Year Olds 

Class 11           Gelding: Three Year Olds

Class 12           Gelding: Four to Ten Year Olds 

Class 13           Gelding: Eleven Years & Older

Division 62 – English Performance Classes                                                 Pay Category #2

Class 1             English Pleasure (all ages)

Class 2             English Equitation (all ages) 

Division 64 – Performance Classes                                                              Pay Category #2

Division 65 – Roping Performance Classes

Ropers must catch their calf in Dummy Roping to receive a purple ribbon, Champion, or Reserve Champion.

Must pass Advanced Horsemanship Level 2 by July 10^th to be eligible to exhibit in dummy roping classes.  No horsemanship levels needed for the Gound Roping class.

Class 1             Dummy Roping (all ages)

Class 2             Ground Roping (Senior)

Class 3             Ground Roping (Junior)  

Department J – POULTRY

4-H & FFA

All poultry shall be checked in by 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. 

Make sure to read “General Rules for Livestock” and the National Code of Show Ring Ethics at the beginning of the Department J – Animal Science section.

Health Requirements – All poultry exhibits are inspected during the fair. If a problem is found, they shall be removed.

Number of Entries – 4-H & FFA member are limited to exhibiting five entries per poultry class with a maximum of 10 exhibits, excluding eggs. 

Breeds – To be eligible for breed exhibition poultry entries shall be fair representatives of one of the breeds listed in the American Standard of Perfection.

Minimum weights – The minimum weights for exhibition birds will be as stated in The American Standard of Perfection and the Bantam Standard.

Trio – A trio of exhibition birds shall consist of one male and two females. Birds entered singly are not eligible to be judged as part of a trio. Birds entered in a trio are not eligible to be judged in individual competition.

Pens – A pen of broilers shall consist of three male or three female birds 6-9 weeks of age. A pen of hybrids, crossbred or purebred egg production birds shall consist of three sexually mature females. Pen of broilers will be judged for production qualities only and need not necessarily conform to breed standards.

Rules for Bantam and Other Poultry – The rules for standard sized chickens apply equally to bantams, waterfowl, and turkeys where applicable.

Entries Shall Be 4-H Project Birds – All poultry exhibited shall be grown as a 4-H and/or FFA member’s project.

Cages – Cages will be provided in the Small Animal barn. All poultry shall remain on the grounds until released at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 26. At release, all cages, water, and feed containers SHALL be cleaned out by the exhibitor.

Judging – Exhibitors shall be present during judging to show exhibit to the judge. If the exhibitor is not present, exhibits will not be judged.

Feed and Water – Water and feed containers are available. Exhibitors need to ensure their birds are properly fed and watered even though club participant members are assigned times for herdsmanship.

Show – The poultry show will be held in the Small Animal Barn. Exhibitors are to provide portable cages for holding birds, if needed. 

Herdsmanship – All poultry and rabbit exhibitors will be assigned to care for the Small Animal Barn and animals.

Division 69 – Showmanship                                                               Pay Category #9 
Showmanship is based on grooming and training of the bird and the appearance and behavior of the exhibitor. The exhibitor shall vocally explain the steps in their routine and the merit of the bird. Primarily, showmanship is the skill of the exhibitor in presenting and explaining the bird before the judge. The excellence of the bird is not considered in scoring. The judge may or may not ask questions of the exhibitor at the close of the routine.
Any 4-H'er with a bird may enter the competition. The participant may use any bird they choose, so long as it was raised and trained by the 4-H or FFA member. 

Class 1             Senior (ages 14-18)

Class 2             Intermediate (ages 11-13)

Class 3             Junior (ages 8-10)

Class 4             4-H Partners (non-competitive)

Class 5             Clover Kids (non-competitive)

Division 70 – Eggs                                                                            Pay Category #4
Eggs will be judged according to uniformity of size, weight, and color as well as cleanliness. 4-H’ers may only exhibit one dozen of each color.

Class 1             White Eggs– one dozen

Class 2             Brown Eggs– one dozen

Class 3             Colored Eggs– one dozen

Class 4             Duck Eggs– one dozen

Division 71 – Pigeons                                                                      Pay Category #3

Class 1             Adult Cock 

Class 2             Adult Hen 

Class 3             Yearling Cock 

Class 4             Yearling Hen 

Class 5             Young Cock 

Class 6             Young Hen

Class 7             Breeding Pair with 2 young birds by this pair

Division 72 – Exotic Birds 
Peacocks, Pheasants (non-permit issued, example: Lady Amherst), Quail (non-permit issued, example: Mexican Snowflake), Waterfowl not recognized by American Standard of Perfection (example: Egyptian Geese, Mandarin Ducks)

Class 1             Male 

Class 2             Female

Division 73 – Guineas

Class 1             Old Male 

Class 2             Old Female 

Class 3             Young Male 

Class 4             Young Female

Division 74 – Turkeys (all weights)

Class 1             Old Tom

Class 2             Old Hen 

Class 3             Young Tom 

Class 4             Young Hen

Class 5             Breeding Trio

Division 76 – Geese (all weights)

Class 1             Old Gander 

Class 2             Old Goose 

Class 3             Young Gander 

Class 4             Young Goose

Division 77 – Ducks

Class 1             Heavy– Pekin, Rouen, Muscovy

Class 2             Medium– Swedish, Buff, Crested, Cayuga

Class 3             Light– Runner, Khaki

Class 4             Bantam– Call, Mallard, East Indie

Class 5             Breeding Trio

Division 78 – Large Fowl                                                                     

Class 1             American– Plymouth Rock, Jersey Giant, Wyandotte, New Hampshire Red, Rhode Island Red)

Class 2             Asiatic– Cochin, Brahmas, Langshan

Class 3             English– Cornish, Orpington, Australorps, Sussex, Dorkings

Class 4             Mediterranean– Leghorn, Buttercup, Minorca

Class 5             Continental– Polish, Hamburg, Campines, Faverolles, Houdan

Class 6             All Other Breeds– Naked Neck, Game, Sumatra, Araucanas, Ameracanas

Class 7             Breeding Trio

Class 8             Individual Broiler 

Class 9             Pen of Broilers 

Class 10           Pen of Pullets

Division 79 – Bantam Chickens

Class 1             Game Bantam– Modern and Old English

Class 2             Single Comb Clean Legged– Plymouth Rock, Leghorn, Japanese, Rhode Island Red, Orpingtons, New Hampshire

Class 3             Rose Comb Clean Legged– Rosecomb, Wyandotte, Sebright, Leghorn, Belgian Bearded D’Anver

Class 4             All Other Comb Clean Legged– Polish, Cornish, Houdan

Class 5             Feather Legged– Silkie, Cochin, Brahma, Belgian Bearded D’Uccle, Langshan

Class 6             Breeding Trio  

Department J – RABBITS

4-H & FFA 

All rabbits shall be checked in by 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.

Make sure to read “General Rules for Livestock” and the National Code of Show Ring Ethics at the beginning of the Department J - Animal Science section.

Ownership – All animals shall be owned by the exhibitor. Joint ownership is permissible for the purpose of owning, caring for, and keeping records on animals belonging to 4-H members within the immediate family.
 
If a rabbit is not tattooed, it will be shown in the Pet Division.

Number of Entries – A 4-H member may exhibit a maximum of six rabbit exhibits with no more than two in any class. (EXAMPLE: A doe and litter would be classified as one exhibit so an exhibitor could exhibit in excess of six rabbits with an exhibit possibly being more than one rabbit.)

Cages – Cages will be provided in the Poultry & Rabbit Barn. 

Judging—Exhibitors shall be present during judging to show exhibit to the judge.  If exhibitor is not present, exhibits will not be judged.  Exhibitor shall state breed shown.  Exhibitors are to provide a portable cage for holding rabbits. All rabbits shall remain on the grounds until released at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26.

Feed and Water – Water and feed containers are available. Exhibitors need to ensure their rabbit(s) are properly fed and watered.  

Herdsmanship – All poultry and rabbit exhibitors will be assigned to care for the Small Animal Barn and animals.

Fancy rabbits – Are raised primarily for show and are judged by body type, size, and markings that are in accordance with breed standards. Breeds in this category include: English Angora, French Angora, Belgian Hare, Dutch, Standard Chinchilla, Netherland Dwarf, Rex, Silver, Tan, Britannia Petite, Dwarf Hotot, English Spot, Florida White, Fuzzy Lop, Harlequin, Havana, Himalayan, Jersey Woolie, Lilac, Holland Lop, Mini Lop, Mini Rex, Polish, Rhinelander, Sable, and Silver Marten.

Commercial rabbits – Are those breeds raised for meat and fur production. Some of the breeds in this category include: American, California, American Checkered Giant, Cinnamon, Flemish Giant, English Lop, French Lop, New Zealand, Satin, Beveren, Blanc De Hotot, Blue Vienna, Champagne D’Argent, American Chinchilla, Creme E’Argent, Giant Angora, Palomino, and Silver Fox.

Crossbred rabbits – May be entered in the pet division.

Division 80 – Showmanship                                                              Pay Category #9

Showmanship is based on grooming and training of the rabbit and the appearance and behavior of the exhibitor. The exhibitor shall vocally explain the steps in their routine and the merit of the rabbit. Primarily, showmanship is the skill of the exhibitor in presenting and explaining the rabbit before the judge. The excellence of the rabbit is not considered in scoring. The judge may or may not ask questions of the exhibitor at the close of the routine. Any 4-H'er with a rabbit may enter the competition. The participant may use any rabbit they choose, so long as it was raised and trained by the 4-H'er. 

Class 1             Senior (ages 14-18)

Class 2             Intermediate (ages 11-13)

Class 3             Junior (ages 8-10)

Class 5             Clover Kid (non-competitive)                                                                                                                  

Division 81 – Market                                          Pay Category #4

Class 1             Single Fryer (3½ to 5½ lbs/under 69 days) 

Class 2             Meat Pen (3½ to 5½ lbs/under 69 days/three rabbits of same breed) 

Class 3             Roaster (5½ - 9 lbs/under 6 months)

Class 4             Stewer (8 lb minimum/over 6 months)

Division 82 – Fancy Breed (purebred rabbits only) 

Class 1             Junior Doe– under 6 months 

Class 2             Junior Buck– under 6 months 

Class 5             Senior Doe– over 6 months 

Class 6             Senior Buck– over 6 months 

Class 7             Doe & Litter

Division 83 – Commercial Breeds

Class 1             Junior Doe– under 6 months 

Class 2             Junior Buck– under 6 months 

Class 3             Intermediate Doe– 6-8 months 

Class 4             Intermediate Buck– 6-8 months 

Class 5             Senior Doe– over 8 months 

Class 6             Senior Buck– over 8 months 

Class 7             Doe & Litter

Division 84 – Pet Division

Class 1             Junior Doe– under 6 months 

Class 2             Junior Buck– under 6 months 

Class 5             Senior Doe– over 6 months 

Class 6             Senior Buck– over 6 months 

Department J – CATS

4-H 

Cats are to be brought and taken home the day of the show. The 4-H Cat Show is not a sanctioned show. Cats are not judged according to breed standards.  Two cats per exhibitor may be shown. Cats and kittens will be shown together. Kittens shall be at least 4 months old.  A cat that becomes difficult to handle may be judged in the carrier at the judge’s discretion, and may affect it’s eligibility for top awards.
Housing – Exhibitors will furnish their own cage, food, water, litter, a cage bottom for the cat’s comfort, and a cage covering. This covering may be any form desired (i.e. towels, sheets, etc.). The cage covering should not be made of see-through material. The simplicity or ornateness of the covering WILL NOT add or cause a deduction in the points awarded. Cages will be judged for the availability of food, water, and litter as well as cage covering and neatness of the caging area. Exhibitors shall clean up their own exhibit area.

Health – Cats should be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, ring worms, other parasites and infectious diseases. Cats should be free of discharge from nose and eyes. Cats are required to have current rabies, distemper (feline enteritis), panleucopenia, feline leukemia, rhino tracheitis, and calici virus vaccinations. If the cat is not declawed, the claws shall be clipped. No expectant or nursing mother cats may enter. Any cat not meeting these health requirements will not be judged and will be asked to leave the show. Proof of immunization required at show check-in with veterinarian. This is a vetted show and all decisions by the veterinarian in charge of vet check will be final.

Division 1000 – Showmanship                                                          Pay Category #9 

Exhibitors are required to wear a white shirt or blouse with a 4-H chevron or official county fair t-shirt. Long pants are required. Exhibitors shall be prepared to answer questions from the “Your Cat and You” manual. 

Class 1             Senior (ages 14-18)

Class 2             Intermediate (ages 11-13)

Class 3             Junior (ages 8-10) 

Division 1001 – Cats and Kittens                                                       Pay Category #4

Class 20           Long Haired Cat or Kitten 

Class 30           Short Haired Cat or Kitten  

Department J – DOGS

4-H
Make sure to read the National Code of Show Ring Ethics at the beginning of the Department J – Animal Science section. This is an unbenched 4-H Dog Show and may not be consistent with all AKC rules.  
There is no limit to the number of years a dog may be shown. 

Procedure – Those procedures described in “Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rules” 4-H 421. It is the dog exhibitor’s responsibility to pick up after their dogs at all times. Dogs soiling in the show ring (during a class) will be lowered one ribbon placing. Dogs soiling anywhere on the show grounds with no pick up will be disqualified from all entered classes on that show day regardless of the person who is holding the dog leash.

Dog Eligibility – Exhibitor should provide primary care and training for the dog. The dog should reside with the exhibitor or be cared for by the exhibitor the majority of the year.

Vaccination – All dogs shall be immunized for distemper, hepatitis, parvo and rabies. A copy of vaccination records shall be turned in with the Seward County Fair Pre-Entry Form. The record shall document all vaccinations within 1 year or 3 years depending on the vaccine given. All required vaccinations shall be given within 1 to 3 years of the show date based on label guidelines. All vaccinations shall be in effect at the time of the Seward County Fair Dog Show. Explanation: Some vaccinations are viable for one year and some vaccinations are viable for three years but are specifically designed and administered according to their label. It is not acceptable nor allowed to vaccinate a dog with a one year vaccine and plan to have it in effect for 3 years. Proof of vaccinations shall be submitted for each dog according to the entry guidelines due date or will not be allowed to show.

Arrival Time – All exhibitors should first check in at the registration area 30 minutes prior to judging.

Number of Entries Per Exhibitor – An exhibitor may enter no more than two dogs. Only one of which may be entered in a showmanship class. 

Advancement in Obedience and Agility Classes - Follow rules in Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rules 4-H 421: http://go.unl.edu/4h421. A youth will move up to a ‘transition year’, after they receive two purples in a specific class at county or state level competition. Youth will finish their 4-H year at the same level if the second purple ribbon occurs in the middle of their 4-H year. Youth do not have to move up in the middle of a 4-H year. Youth will then have the option to stay in their current class for one additional year (after receiving two purple ribbons) called ‘transition year’. During the transition year, youth will practice the more advanced class (gaining skills such as off leash work) but may compete in their same level. Youth may advance up to the next level more quickly with advice/assistance from a leader and parent to help evaluate skill and readiness of youth and dog. This may especially occur if the youth has had previous dog handling experiences. 

The exhibitor may select the obedience class best suited for their dog. Experienced handlers are those showing for the second year or more at any dog show. Handlers and beginning dogs may show only one year in Division A. If continuing as a team, both shall advance to Division B. 
Each dog may only be shown by one exhibitor regardless of number of family members in the dog project.

Dog and handler in Division B or higher shall advance to the next obedience class upon receiving two purple ribbons or class awards.
There is no limit on the number of years a dog may be shown in the Utility class. 
Dogs with AKC degrees will show as follows: “CD” degree shall show in Graduate Novice (1^st year only) or higher; “CDX” or “UD” degree shall show in Open or Utility.

The dog will stay in its highest attained class. A ‘new’ handler will enter such class.
Advancement in Showmanship Classes 

Classes are divided into age divisions: Beginner 8-10, Intermediate 11-13, Senior 14-18. All 4-H dog exhibitors shall show their own animals to be considered as participants in the Showmanship Contest. Showmen will be allowed to compete in a division each year based on their age or until they win that particular age group. Winners shall advance to the next age group. 

Disqualified dogs 

Females in season will not be permitted to show. Overly aggressive dogs may be disqualified at the discretion of the judge or superintendent. Lame or crippled dogs will not be permitted to show if it is determined by the superintendent that it is affecting the health of the dog. Also see: Procedure, for information about disqualification for dog soiling on show grounds. 

Age of Dog – A dog that is exhibited at the County Fair shall be six months or older. Agility dogs shall be 18 months or older to participate in competition.

Dress Code – Exhibitors are required to wear a white shirt with the official 4-H chevron attached or an official 4-H t-shirt. Solid blue jeans are required. No headgear is worn in the show ring. Exhibitors shall not display club, commercial, or other I.D. while showing. Closed-toed shoes with non-slip soles are required. No flip-flops or sandals are allowed.

Baiting – Baiting with food or a toy is not permitted and is cause for disqualification. Handlers may use baiting action without food or toys in showmanship. The judge or superintendent has the authority to disqualify violators.

Exhibitor Responsibility – Dogs are not allowed on the floor except while in the show ring. Clean-up shall be the exhibitor’s responsibility. This includes all areas while on the show site.
Non-entered dogs and puppies are not allowed in the grooming area, ring waiting area, public seating areas, or on the arena floor.

Only exhibitors are allowed to groom or work dogs at the show, both in and out of the ring.
Awards – Any award may be withheld if the exhibitor fails cleanup around their area. An entry shall earn a purple or blue ribbon placing to be eligible for an award.

Substitutions – A dog may be substituted for showmanship classes only if it is injured or dies following the entry deadline. Substitutions are generally not allowed in obedience and agility classes; however, substitutions may be considered at the discretion of the superintendent. A substitute can be selected from the exhibitor’s household family or from the household where the originally entered dog resides. Dog(s) may be substituted only if the superintendent is directly consulted prior to the show date.  A vaccination form shall be completed for all substitution dogs and received by the superintendent prior to the show date.

All dogs shall remain on a leash held by the exhibitor or a responsible adult at all times. Practicing patterns or other skills outside of the ring is not allowed.

Division 1100 – Showmanship                                                          Pay Category #9 

Each class is judged on handler’s appearance (10%), grooming and conditioning of dog (20%), coordination of the dog and handler (50%), and general knowledge (20%).  Classes are divided into age divisions.

Class 5             Junior Showmanship (8-10 year olds) 

Class 10           Intermediate Showmanship (11-13 year olds)

Class 20           Senior Showmanship (14-18 year olds)

Division 1101 – Obedience                                                                Pay Category #3 

Follow rules in “Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rules” 4-H 421 to determine class entry. 

Beginning Novice (1^st year only)– All exercises shall be performed on a six foot leash. Dogs shall heel including figure 8; stand for examination; come on recall; long sit for one minute; and long down for three minutes.

Class 10           Beginning Novice– Division A– Exhibitor and dog are in first year of competition (started Dog Project after October 1 of previous year). Exhibitors incorrectly entered will be moved to Beginning Novice Division B.

Class 20           Beginning Novice– Division B– Exhibitor or dog is beyond first year of competition. Beginning dogs with experienced handlers and dogs that have not earned a purple in Division A or B. Handlers may repeat this class until the dog has earned a purple ribbon or trophy.

Class 25           Beginning Novice– Division C– Exhibitor and dog are beyond first year of competition.

Class 30           Novice A– Dogs shall heel on leash including figure 8; stand for examination off leash, heel free; come on recall off leash; long sit for one minute off leash; and long down for three minutes off leash.

Class 35           Novice B– Exhibitor and dog are beyond first year of Novice Class competition.

Class 40           Graduate Novice– Dogs shall heel on leash; stand for examination off leash, heel free including figure 8; drop on recall; long sit for three minutes; and long down for five minutes both with handler out of sight.

Class 45           Advanced Graduate Novice– Dogs shall heel on leash and figure 8 (off leash), drop on recall, dumbbell recall, recall over high jump, recall over broad jump, and long down.

Class 50           Open– All exercises off leash. Heel free and figure 8; drop on recall; retrieve on flat; retrieve over high jump; broad jump; long sit for 3 minutes and long down for five minutes, both with handler out of sight.  Refer to "Guidelines for Nebraska 4-H Dog Shows" 4-H 421, for jump heights/distances.

Class 55           Graduate Open– Signal exercise, scent discrimination, directed retrieve, moving stand and examination, go out, and directed jumping.

Class 60           Utility– The dog will perform five exercises; the signal exercise; scent discrimination exercise with leather and metal objects; the directed retrieve; moving stand and examination; directed jumping. Exhibitors shall supply their own scent articles and gloves for the directed retrieve.

Division 1102 – Agility                                                                       Pay Category #3 
Procedure:  Exhibitors may enter one Agility class. Agility dogs shall be 18 months or older to participate in competition. Agility will follow those procedures and classes described in “Guidelines for Nebraska 4-H Dog Shows” 4-H 421. Refer to “Guidelines for Nebraska 4-H Dog Shows” 4-H 421 to determine class entry. If a youth has not had training or practiced on agility equipment, they may not enter a competition due to safety and training experience in agility. Wither heights of all agility dogs shall be included with advanced entries. Level 1 & 2 Agility classes are run on leash. Level 3, 4, and 5 are all run off leash. One of each obstacle noted in each level are mandatory and duplicate obstacles may be added to make up quantities of obstacles in each level. Obstacle equipment needing repair or deemed unsafe by judge will be excluded from the competition. Judges determine the arrangements of the obstacles on the course. Obstacles in course should be numbered to note the obstacle order for the course. Course maps will be made available and posted at time of show registration in designated area(s).
Level 5 – Youth may use additional equipment for competition that they have access to and can use in practice. Obstacles that are used for agility competition events may be included from (AKC, CPE, USDAA, NADAC, UKC, etc.).

Agility jump heights  – Measure dogs at withers to determine jump height:
Dogs 11 inches or less – 4 inches
Dogs over 11 inches up to and including 14 inches – 8 inches
Dogs over 14 inches up to and including 18 inches – 12 inches
Dogs over 18 inches – 16 inches

Class 10           Level 1– 6 obstacles - 3 bar jumps which have two bars each, short dog walk, pause box or table, and tunnel (open).

Class 20           Level 2– 10 obstacles - Several bar jumps which have two bars each, short dog walk, pause box or table, tunnel (open), chute (collapsed or closed tunnel), solid panel jump, and tire jump (hoop jump).

Class 30           Level 3– 10 obstacles - Same obstacles as Level 2 but dogs run off leash for Level 3.

Class 40           Level 4– 13 obstacles - Bar jump which has one bar each, bar jump which has two bars each, tall dog walk, pause box or table, tunnel (open), chute (collapsed or closed tunnel), solid panel jump, teeter totter (seesaw), weave poles (single set with 6 poles), and tire jump (hoop jump).

Class 50           Level 5– 15-20 of any of the following obstacles such as: bar jump which has one bar each; bar jump which has two bars each; tall dog walk; pause box or table; tunnel (open); chute (collapsed or closed tunnel); solid panel jump; A-frame tall, teeter totter (seesaw); weave poles (single set with 6 poles); weave poles (double set with 12 poles); and tire jump (hoop jump), broad jump, dump jump, triple bar jump, swing bridge, crawl, etc. Number of obstacles used for a course will depend on ring size and available equipment at show site. Course layout may include more advanced handling techniques.

Division 1103 – Rally 

Rally will follow those procedures and classes described in the Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines 4H421. 2. Refer to Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines to determine class entry for each level of competition.

Class 10           Beginning Rally– Dog is on leash and there are 5-10 stations

Class 20           Rally 1– Dog is on leash and there are 10-15 stations

Class 30           Rally 2– Dog is off leash and there are 12–17 stations

Class 40           Rally 3– Dog is off leash and there are 15–20 stations

Department J – SMALL ANIMALS

4-H
Small Animals are to be brought and taken home the day of the show.

Exhibits in this class shall be 4-H projects of the exhibiting 4-H member. A maximum of six small animals or an aquarium with any number of fish may be exhibited. Exhibitors shall be present during judging or exhibits will not be judged. Posters are allowed during showmanship class.

Division 1200 – Showmanship                          Pay Category #9 – no premium awarded

Class 1             Senior (ages 12-18)

Class 2             Junior (ages 8-11)

Division 1201 – Small Animals                                                                   Pay Category #4

Please note on your pre-fair entry form, the animal species. (ex. Beta Fish)

Class 1             Hamsters, Gerbils, Guinea Pigs, and other Mammals

Class 2             Fish, Reptiles, and Amphibians

Class 3             Birds (house pets)

Class 4             Other