Nuckolls County-Animal Information

1. Enroll in 4‑H (Due June 15th)
2. Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Certification  YQCA (Due June 15th)
3. Hand in ID Sheet using Correct Method of Identification (Due June 15th)
4. Complete Pre-Entry Forms 
   1. (Green Sheets) by July 13th Nuckolls County
   2. on FairWire (Due by July 19th @ 11:59pm) Thayer County

State Fair Rules & Check List

Livestock Rules & Regulations & State Fair Swine Book

• Enroll in 4‑H (Due June 15th)
• Hand in ID Sheet & DNA to the Extension Office (Due June 15th)
• Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Certification (YQCA) (Due June 15th)
• Nominate animals on show stock manager (Due June 15th)
  • State Fair Nomination/Identification requirements
  • Step by Step Nomination Instructions
  • Swine Hair Sample Collection Instructions
• Sign up to show nominated animals on Nebraska State Fair FairWire (Due August 10th)
• Premises ID
  • Contact Britney Hagood at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture
    • Phone: 402-471-6865
    • Email: britney.hagood@nebraska.gov
    • Premise ID Registration Form

International Association of Fair and Expositions

(IAFE)

National Code of Show Ring Ethics

Exhibitors of animals at livestock shows shall at all times conduct themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their conduct in this competitive environment shall always reflect the highest standards of honor and dignity to promote the advancement of agricultural education. This code applies to junior as well as open class exhibitors who compete in structured classes of competition. This code applies to all livestock offered in any event at a livestock show. In addition to the "IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics," fairs and livestock shows may have rules and regulations which they impose on the local, county, state, provincial and national levels.

      All youth leaders working with junior exhibitors are under an affirmative responsibility to do more than avoid improper conduct or questionable acts. Their moral values must be so certain and positive that those younger and more pliable will be influenced by their fine example. Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers, and absolutely responsible persons who violate the code of ethics will forfeit premiums, awards and auction proceeds and shall be prohibited from future exhibition in accordance with the rules adopted by the respective fairs and livestock shows. Exhibitors who violate this code of ethics demean the integrity of all livestock exhibitors and should be prohibited from competition at all livestock shows in the United States and Canada.

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

1.   All exhibitors must present, upon request of fair and livestock show officials, proof of ownership, length of ownership and age of all animals entered. Misrepresentation of ownership, age, or any facts relating thereto is prohibited.

2.   Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers, or absolutely responsible persons shall provide animal health certificates from licensed veterinarians upon request by fair or livestock show officials.

3.   Junior exhibitors are expected to care for and groom their animals while at fairs or livestock shows.

4.   Animals shall be presented to show events where they will enter the food chain free of violative drug residues. The act of entering an animal in a livestock show is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer and/or absolutely responsible person for show management to obtain any specimens of urine, saliva, blood, or other substances from the animal to be used in testing. Animals not entered in an event which culminates with the animal entering the food chain shall not be administered drugs other than in accordance with applicable federal, state, and provincial statutes, regulations, and rules. Livestock shall not be exhibited if the drugs administered in accordance with federal, state, and provincial statutes, regulations and rules affect the animal's performance or appearance at the event.  If the laboratory report on the analysis of saliva, urine, blood, or other sample taken from livestock indicates the presence of forbidden drugs or medication, this shall be prima facie evidence such substance has been administered to the animal either internally or externally. It is presumed that the sample of urine, saliva, blood, or other substance tested by the laboratory to which it is sent is the one taken from the animal in question, its integrity is preserved and all procedures of said collection and preservation, transfer to the laboratory and analysis of the sample are correct and accurate and the report received from the laboratory pertains to the sample taken from the animal in question and correctly reflects the condition of the animal at the time the sample was taken, with the burden on the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to prove otherwise. At any time after an animal arrives on the fair or livestock show premises, all treatments involving the use of drugs and/or medications for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian.

5.   Any surgical procedure or injection of any foreign substance or drug or the external application of any substance (irritant, counterirritant, or similar substance) which could affect the animal's performance or alter its natural contour, conformation, 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 an individual to disciplinary action.

9.   The application of this code of ethics provides for absolute responsibility for an animal's condition by an owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or participant whether or not he or she was actually instrumental in or had actual knowledge of the treatment of the animal in contravention of this code of ethics.

10. The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to have disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show for violation of this Code of Show Ring Ethics and any other rules of competition of the fair or livestock show without recourse against the fair or livestock show. The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent that any proceedings or disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show may be published with the name of the violator or violators in any publication of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, including Fairs and Expos and any special notices to members.

11. The act of entering an animal in a fair or livestock show is the giving of verification by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person that he or she has read the IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics and understands the consequences of and penalties provided for actions prohibited by the code. It is further a consent that any action which contravenes these rules and is also in violation of federal, state, or provincial statutes, regulations, or rules may be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over such infractions.

GENERAL RULES

Southern Plains Extension Unit County Fairs

ALL DEADLINES WILL BE ENFORCED.

      The shows and events of the Nuckolls & Thayer County Fairs will be under the direction of the designated Extension staff and superintendents. The Extension staff and superintendents will make all on-the-spot decisions necessary for the operation of the shows. In case of a complaint or a disagreement with the show, the exhibitor should discuss it with the Extension staff and the superintendent within one hour after the show.  If an agreement cannot be reached, then the exhibitor and/or the Extension staff and superintendent should request a grievance committee meeting. Grievance must be submitted in writing. The grievance committee will consist of two 4‑H Council members, two Fairboard members and one neutral superintendent. The decision reached by this committee is final. 

Rules: 

1. Eligibility Requirements- Competition in the county 4‑H Fair is open to youth who are enrolled in Nuckolls or Thayer County 4‑H projects in which he/she is exhibiting. The youth must be 8 years old on January 1 of the current calendar year and under the age of 19 years of age on January 1 of the current calendar year. CloverKid members are 5-7 years old on January 1 of the current calendar year.

2.  Pre-Entry- Pre-entries are required for ALL fair exhibits.

PRE-ENTRY DEADLINES:

Nuckolls – Paper Entries Only – July 11^th - 4:00 PM

Thayer – Online Entries Only- July 17^{th –} Midnight 

        Absolutely NO late entries accepted!

*Subject to the 4‑H Council policy committee.

3. Number of Entries Allowed.

    Nuckolls County ONLY- Unlimited entries per class numbermay be made per exhibitor with the exception of a limit of two entries per class in Horticulture. 

    Thayer County ONLY- Limit of two entries per class.

    See General Animal Rules for livestock entries.

4. Entry Tags- Exhibits other than livestock contest must have entry tags attached to the exhibit at the time of entry. Tags are printed through your local Extension office.

5. Exhibits Released-See fair schedule. All fair exhibits are expected to be at the fair during scheduled times. Premium and support/booster payments will be forfeited for early removal of show animals with the exception of animals released for the animal’s welfare by written approval from a veterinarian or for legitimate reason with written approval from the species’ superintendent and a representative of the 4‑H council livestock committee. In case of emergencies, contact the office staff. The Extension staff is not responsible for items left at the fairgrounds after scheduled times.

6. Exhibit Space- Space will be assigned by the department superintendent(s). All possible care will be used to prevent loss or injury to articles or animals exhibited, but fair management will in no way be responsible should loss or injury occur. 

7. Disclaimer of Responsibility- All persons participating in the Thayer or Nuckolls County Fairs, either as exhibitors or as spectators, agree to make no claim against said Thayer or Nuckolls County Fair Association/Board, its officers, employees, volunteers, or any other exhibitors for any loss or damage to persons or property in connection with the activities of the Thayer or Nuckolls County Fair and said participants agree to hold said Association and persons harmless from any such claims. Individuals will be held personally responsible for his or her actions and the Fair Association will not be accountable or responsible for any injury. Exhibitors are responsible for the health of their animals.

8. Ribbons & Premiums Awarded- All exhibits will be divided into groups according to merit. 

Purple…………… Excellent             Blue……………………...…Good

Red……………….Fair                     White………Needs Improvement          Rainbow……..Non-Competition

Equal exhibits will be given ribbons of the same color in each class. Only worthy exhibits will be awarded ribbons and/or premium money. Trophies/banners/medals will only be awarded to purple & blue-ribbon exhibits. NO red or white ribbon entries will earn trophies. Unused trophies will be recycled.  In case there are insufficient funds to pay premiums in full, they will be prorated and paid accordingly. 

9. State Fair Eligibility-An exhibitor must be a 4‑H member enrolled in the county which she/he represents and must be 8 years old by January 1, with the exception of program specific age requirements for Shooting Sports and First Lego League. 

10. State Fair Exhibits- The Extension staff deliver many exhibits to the State Fair as a courtesy to exhibitors. However, exhibitors may be asked to arrange transportation of some articles that are large or heavy.

11.  State Fair Rules will apply when County Fair Rules are not adequate.  In case the general rules conflict with department rules, the department rules govern.                      

12. Interview Judging- Clothing Judging- See interview information involving Clothing and Fashion included with the Clothing & Fashion show rules. Static Exhibit-Interview judging is encouraged but not required for all other static exhibits. 4‑Hers can interview once per project for a total of 5 interviews. Sign up for interview judging will occur at exhibit check in, in each of the project areas. Interviews will be scheduled according to the project and class. If the 4‑Her can’t make a certain time, we will try to work with them, but we cannot guarantee that they will get to interview with all the projects they want.   

13. Exhibits entered by 4‑H members with special needs will be marked for the judge’s information only. Families will provide this information.

14. Identification- In addition to entry tag, a label with the exhibitor’s name, item’s department, division, and class should be attached to each separate piece of the exhibit.

15. Scoresheets- Scoresheets used for classes in divisions are listed by the corresponding division or class. PLEASE NOTE: County Fair scoresheets are denoted with CF numbers whereas State Fair scoresheets are denoted with SF numbers. Many county classes will use state fair scoresheets. For example: Heritage scoresheets begin with letters SF therefore will be found on the scoresheet website listed above. If any entire division uses the same scoresheet, the scoresheet number will be listed under the division title.

16.* Classes- All classes with a star (*) after the class number are not eligible for state fair competition.

ANIMAL SCIENCE

GENERAL ANIMAL RULES

All shows and events will be under the direction of the designated area superintendent(s). The superintendent(s) will make all on-the-spot decisions necessary for the operation of the shows. In case of a complaint or a disagreement with the show, see the procedure listed under “General Rules.” 

NON-EXHIBIT ANIMAL RULE

Due to animal health concerns and to best protect the safety of animals, exhibitors, family members and guests, socialization of animals not formally entered in the 4-H/FFA shows will not be allowed before, during and after shows. No non-exhibit animals are allowed in the show arena, barns or show vicinity. Animals must be exercised/walked in designated warm up area near that specie’s show area. Animals that are not stalled at the fair are considered non-exhibit animals at the conclusion of their show and must leave the fairgrounds. All animals must be properly restrained. Special circumstances must be approved by 4-H Council executive committee before non-exhibit animals are brought to fairgrounds. Service animals are exempt from this non-exhibit animal rule.

An executive committee for non-exhibit animal rule will include 1 show superintendent, 2 4-H Council members, and 1 educator.

STRIKE ONE: Written warning by livestock committee and/or extension staff. STRIKE TWO: Ribbon premiums withheld. STRIKE THREE: Offending livestock/animal owner is asked to leave the fairgrounds with the species being shown at that particular show. PROBATION: After a third strike, animal owner is on “probation.” Probation status means that other offenses with different species will result in an immediate “second strike” for that species. 

LIVESTOCK SHOW RULES

1.YQCA TESTING: Exhibitor Responsibility- Exhibitors ages 8-18 who are enrolled in a livestock project (beef, dairy cattle, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and hog), are required to complete the YQCA testing EITHER as a Face to Face Training ($3 fee) OR the web based course available online ($12 fee) by June 15 of the current year in order to complete that year's YQCA requirements. All above fees must be paid online at time of registry.

There are test-out options online for Intermediate and Senior aged youth. Exhibitors must take and pass all tests available for their age division. Intermediates (4-H Ages 11-13) are required to take a series of tests at a fee of $36. Seniors (4-H Ages 14+) are required to take a series of tests at a fee of $48. 

To register or take online tests, you will need your login and password from previous years or establish one for first year enrollees.

The online course, located at https://yqcaprogram.org/, has been divided into age levels specified on the website. Upon completion of each module, youth will be able to print a certificate of completion. Youth will need to deliver this certificate of completion to their local Extension Office on or before published due dates to receive full credit for completion.  For more information call the Extension office.

2. Health Requirements: All livestock must be in a healthy condition. They must be free of and not exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. All livestock may be inspected by a veterinarian upon arrival at the fairgrounds. Any livestock exhibiting signs or symptoms of contagious disease or illness must be removed at once. If any exhibitor wishes to remove an animal for health reasons without a signed early exhibit release form (ask office for form), they must present a signed statement from a veterinarian stating the reason for the release. Any animal entered in 4-H classes is subject to both urine and blood testing at the discretion of either the superintendent(s) or official show veterinarian. If the results of testing indicate the possible use of compounds or drugs not approved for use in that species by FDA or compounds or drugs used outside the specified withdrawal requirements of FDA, these animals will be declared ineligible for competition and awards. In this case, market animal show management will determine the appropriate disposal of the animals. An animal that is tampered with by unusual means to change appearance of weight may be declared ineligible by the show superintendent(s). 

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

All animal shows are considered “blow & go” shows. Animals may be clipped, blown, brushed, or combed to enhance their appearance.  Guidelines for the “Blow & Go” Show:

a.   All animals will be shown free of any adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products.

b.  Any compounds that have adhesive qualities that when applied cannot be combed or brushed through or alter the color of the animal are forbidden. These products include but are not limited to commonly used adhesives and colorants such as Prime Time, EZ Comb, Tail Adhesive, Natural Hold, Ultra White Touch-Up, Black Touch Up, Black Finisher, black show foam, and baby powder.

c.  Alcohol, water, oil, foam or any water or alcohol-based products with no adhesives or glue qualities, or artificial coloring are permitted.  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.

d.  Any animal found to have prohibited products applied (adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products) will be disqualified from competition. Any premiums (physical or monetary) will be forfeited, and no refunds will be made.

e. We reserve the right to conduct a visual inspection and toweling (before and/or after entering the show ring) using disposable blue shop towels 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 competition. Any premiums (physical or monetary) will be forfeited. 

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

4.   Livestock Entries: must be made at the designated times. See Schedule. Animals may be ID’ed by only one 4-Her or 4-H family and shown by those 4-Hers listed on the identification sheet. 

5.   Age Divisions: Junior (ages 12 & under) and Senior (ages 13 & over). Intermediate Showmanship Trigger Rule: Intermediate Livestock Showmanship classes will be added if enough showmen register to allow 2 or more showmen in each showmanship class upon splitting out the Senior and Junior Classes. Ages used when Trigger rule applies is Junior – ages 8-10; Intermediate – ages 11-13; Senior – ages 14 & up. EXCEPTIONS: (Horse and Companion Animals.) See applicable division.

6.   Substitute Showman: An animal must be shown by the 4-H owner who entered it unless the exhibitor is excused by the superintendent because of military service, serious illness/injury, or disability. An exhibitor who has more than one animal in a class needs to secure approval for another county 4-H member to show the additional animal in the class. Substitute showmen MUST be in official dress.

7. Showmanship:All 4-H members showing livestock may enter and be rated on showmanship. Each competitor must show his/her own animal, as designated at check-in under that exhibitor’s name. This animal must also be shown in another class by the same competitor. Items that the judge may consider are the member’s skill in handling the animal, grooming, raising, training of the animal, and general knowledge of the animal. This individual excellence of the animal will not be judged. Members will also be rated on appropriate dress.

8.  Weight Group Change Options: If an exhibitor has two animals in the same group, one animal may be moved to the next heavier group. This change should be arranged with the superintendent as soon as possible so show order changes can be reflected on the officials’ programs and so the ring stewards are prepared. Only one move per exhibitor per species will be allowed. 

9. Ownership Requirements: A beef, dairy, dairy goat, horse, sheep, or hog project may be owned:

         A)   Solely by the 4-H exhibitor, or

         B)   in partnership by the 4-H exhibitor and/or other members of his or her immediate family. Only the name of the showman can be on the show entry.

         C)   Immediate family is defined as a member of a household including parents, brother, sisters, and youth in the care of the head of the household.

         D)  When 4-H exhibitor(s) and parent(s) sign an ownership affidavit, indicating the exhibitor(s) will feed and care for the animals, it is expected that the exhibitor(s) will have primary responsibility for the animals. In cases where the exhibitors may not have primary responsibility for the duration of the project (i.e. separation of parents and more than one residence), it is recommended the exhibitors request an exception from the local 4-H Council. The time the exhibitors will be able to care for the animals should be clearly defined in the request.

10. An exhibitor in a 4-H show of a horse, a dairy animal, or dairy goat, may show an animal owned by someone outside of the immediate family provided:

A) He or she manages (cares for, feeds, trains, grooms, etc.) and has use of the animal as a 4-H project animal at least 75% of the time during the project year; and

B) Permission for use of the animal is certified by the owner on the 4-H member’s ID sheet (ownership affidavit)       

11. Entry Forms: See County schedule for pre-entry due date. All animals MUST be pre-entered so that stall assignments can be done.

12. Livestock Entries & Arrival: See appropriate schedule for times and dates.

13. Official Dress for Showman: 

      NUCKOLLS COUNTY ONLY: (See Horse Rules for specific dress code)- All 4-H exhibitors are required to wear a white shirt/blouse/T-shirt with the official 4-H Chevron attached or an official 4-H T-shirt and dark blue jeans while participating in any 4-H livestock shows and contests. Hats shall not be worn in the show ring. Shoes should be closed-toed and appropriate for the activity. No sandals allowed.  Shorts will not be permitted.  Nuckolls FFA members may wear the official FFA shirt and blue jeans. 

   THAYER COUNTY ONLY : (See Horse Rules for specific dress code)- All 4-H exhibitors are required to wear a white shirt/blouse with the official 4-H Chevron attached or the most current official 4-H T-shirt and dark blue jeans while participating in any 4-H livestock shows and contests. Hats shall not be worn in the show ring. Shoes should be closed toed and appropriate for the activity. No sandals allowed. Shorts will not be permitted.

14. Exhibit Release: See general rules. Premium and support/booster payments will be forfeited for early removal of show animals with the exception of animals released for the animal’s welfare by written approval from a veterinarian or for legitimate reason with written approval from the species’ superintendent and a representative of the 4-H council livestock committee. Ask office for early release request form. 

15. State Fair Rules Apply When County Fair Rules are Not   Adequate.

16. Cloverkid Shows: Cloverkids cannot house an animal but may borrow one from a 4-Her or bring one from home on the show day. Weight requirement of animal less than 350 pounds is enforced.

17. Unruly Animal: An animal that becomes wild and uncontrollable during the show may be declared ineligible by the superintendent and/or staff.

18. Identification: All Animal ID’s are due in the Extension Office by June 15 with the exception of Horses entered in the State Horse Show. See pre-fair events calendar for dates.   

19. Exhibitors are NOT allowed to change livestock classes post-check-in. 

HERDSMANSHIP

Department: G500

Attention-Livestock Exhibitors

Premium Code: CONTESTS

      Herdsmanship is a club entry and will be judged on a club basis. Independent 4-Hers will all be judged together as a club. Premiums will be paid per club NOT exhibitor. Each club, FFA chapter, or independent member will be subject to herdsmanship requirements. Herdsmanship will be checked by a committee of adult leaders, parents, senior 4-H member or Livestock Association members during the fair. Top club winner in each herdsman-ship species may select their choice of stalls for the next year’s fair. 

Guidelines:

1.   Animal Care- This is the highest priority and should be maintained all year long, not just at and before the county fair time. Proper care including fresh water, a well-balanced diet, protection from the environment and a good healthy program will ensure that an animal will be ready at fair time.

2.   Exhibitor will be responsible for feed & bedding unless sand or appropriate bedding is in the stall area. Livestock exhibitors must keep pens, stalls, and alleys clean to the satisfaction of the superintendent(s). Pens and stalls must be cleaned for Herdsmanship and after check-out at the end of the fair. 

3.   Fair Time- Good herdsmanship and animal care is the key.  Well-groomed and cared for animals are healthier and show better, thus resulting in higher placing for the 4-Her.

4.   Score sheets are available at the office for review.

5.   Hogs are NOT to be fed in the wash racks. Anyone caught feeding in the wash rack will have their club penalized 20 points in herdsmanship for that half day.

6.   It is preferred that beef be housed in the barn between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. as much as possible so visitors may be able to view the animals. Beef may be fed and watered in the barns. 

7.   Fans-

      Nuckolls County Only: Hanging fans will only be allowed when attached to the tie rails or to supports attached to the tie rails, or otherwise properly supported.

      Thayer County Only: Free standing fans will not be allowed.  Hanging fans will only be allowed when attached to the tie rails or to supports attached to the tie rails. All fans must be hung above the stalling area.

8.   Bucket calf exhibitors are expected to follow Herdsmanship

  requirements, (i.e., exercising calf, cleaning, & feeding calf, cleaning stalls & tack areas).

9.   Herdsmanship Awards:

Nuckolls County- The club with the highest overall final score will have their name engraved on a plaque displayed in the extension office.

Thayer County- The Leonard Johnsen Memorial Herdsmanship Award will be displayed in the Extension Office showing the overall herdsmanship winner of the current year’s fair. The club and/or chapter with the overall combined highest herdsmanship score will receive the award.

LARGE ANIMAL ROUND ROBIN SHOWMANSHIP

NUCKOLLS COUNTY RULES

 The Round Robin Showmanship contest gives an opportunity for the Champion and Reserve Champion Senior Showman winners in each species of large animals to compete head-to-head for Best All-Around Senior Showman Honors. Intermediate then Junior showmen that have received purple showmanship ribbons will be eligible to compete if no First, Second or Third place Senior showmen are able to compete. ALL contestants will wear a 4-H T-Shirt.

Contestants will rotate from station to station, while being judged on their showmanship skills with each species of animal (Beef, Goat, Swine, Sheep and Horse). The judge will use a numerical scoring system to grade each individual at each station, with the winner determined by the total score over all species.

There is no limit on how many times a person may qualify to compete in the Round Robin Contest over their career.  Even if a person has won the contest in a previous year, if they qualify again, they may compete again. In the event a person wins the Senior Showmanship contest in more than one species of animal in a given year, they will be entered in Round Robin in the first species that they qualified in that year. In the event that the second-place person has already qualified, the third-place person in that contest will then be eligible to enter the Round Robin. If the Champion, Reserve and third place individuals have previously qualified, then the next highest-ranking individual will be entered in the Round Robin, etc.

      Contestants will draw numbers to determine what animal they will show. 5 animals must be used for each species competition, (5 horses, 5 beef, 5 swine, 5 sheep, & 5 goats), for Large Animal Round Robin. The contest superintendent and/or species superintendent(s) will select animals to be used in the contest with all, or most, of the showmen showing the same species in the ring at the same time. Animals used in the contest will be selected for their disposition and showing ability. The judge may ask to rotate animals shown by exhibitors at least once in each species to help even out differences between animals. Prizes will be awarded, but no premium will be paid. 

THAYER COUNTY RULES

    The Round Robin Showmanship contest gives an opportunity for 4-H Champion Senior Showman & FFA Champion overall Showman Winners in each species of large animals to compete head-to-head for Best All Around Showman Honors. 

    Contestants will be judged on their showmanship skills with each species of animal (Beef, Goat, Swine, Sheep and Horse). The judge will use a numerical scoring system to grade each individual with each species, the winner determined by the total score over all species. There is no limit on how many times a person may compete in the Round Robin     Contest over their career. Even if a person has won the contest in a previous year, if they qualify again, they may compete again. 

In the event a person wins the 4-H Senior or FFA Overall Showmanship contest in more than one species of animal in a given year they will represent in Round Robin with the first animal that they received champion honors with that year. 

    In the event that the second-place person has already qualified, the third-place person in that contest will then be eligible to enter the Round Robin if they have received a purple ribbon. If the Champion, Reserve and third place individuals have previously qualified, then there will be no entry in that species category. 

    4-H and FFA species representatives will bring back the first animal with which they won champion honors to be used in the round robin contest. All other contestants will draw for animals selected by the round robin and species superintendents with all, or most of the showmen showing the same species in the ring at the same time. 

Animals used in the contest will be selected for their disposition and showing ability. The judge will be asked to rotate animals shown by exhibitors at least once in each species.

All Round Robin participants will wear the most current “Official 4-H T-Shirt.”

SMALL ANIMAL ROUND ROBIN SHOWMANSHIP

NUCKOLLS COUNTY RULES

The Small Animal Round Robin Showmanship contest gives an opportunity for the Champion Senior Showman winners in each species of small animals to compete head-to-head for Best All-Around Senior Showman Honors.

Contestants will rotate from station to station, while being judged on their showmanship skills with each species of animal (Dog, Cat, Rabbit, and Poultry). The judge will use a numerical scoring system to grade each individual at each station, with the winner determined by the total score over all species.

There is no limit on how many times a person may qualify to compete in the Round Robin Contest over their career. Even if a person has won the contest in a previous year, if they qualify again, they may compete again. Intermediate then Junior showmen that have received purple showmanship ribbons will be eligible to compete if no First, Second or Third place Senior showmen are able to compete. In the event a person wins the Senior Showmanship contest in more than one species of animal in a given year, they will be entered in the Round Robin in the first species that they qualified in that year. In the event that the second-place person has already qualified, the third-place person in that contest will then be eligible to enter the Round Robin. If the Champion, Reserve and third place individuals have previously qualified, then the next highest-ranking individual will be entered in the Round Robin, etc. 

      Contestants will bring back the animal with which they qualified for the Round Robin contest. These animals will be used by all contestants as they rotate from species to species. Prizes will be awarded, but no premium will be paid.

THAYER COUNTY RULES

      The Small Animal Round Robin Showmanship contest gives an opportunity for the Champion 4-H Senior and FFA Overall Showman winners in each species of small animals to compete head-to-head for
Best All-Around Senior Showman Honors.
     Contestants will be judged on their showmanship skills with each species of animal (Dog, Companion Animal, Rabbit, and Poultry). The judge will use a numerical scoring system to grade each individual at
each station, with the winner determined by the total score over all species.
There is no limit on how many times a person may compete in the Round Robin Contest over their career. Even if a person has won the contest in a previous year, if they qualify again, they may compete again.
      In the event a person wins the 4-H Senior or FFA Overall Showmanship contest in more than one species of animal in a given year they will represent in Round Robin with the first animal that they received champion honors with that year.
     In the event that the second-place person has already qualified, the third-place person in that contest will then be eligible to enter the Round Robin if they have received a purple ribbon. If the Champion, Reserve and third place individuals have previously qualified, then there will be no entry in that species category.
     4-H and FFA species representatives will bring back the first animal with which they first won champion honors to be used in the round robin contest. All other contestants will draw to determine if they will show the 4-H or FFA representative’s animal in poultry and rabbit. An informational meeting will be held 1 hour following the conclusion of the poultry show on Thursday to draw and answer questions.
     Contestant show order will be rotated, when possible, for each species to help even out potential differences in animal performance. Prizes will be awarded, but no premium will be paid.
All round robin participants will wear the most current “official 4-H T-Shirt.”

Supreme Market Livestock Award

The Supreme Market Animal will be awarded to the animal that is the best all round market animal per species. Points will be awarded based on placing in Live Show, Ultrasound, and Rate of Gain where applicable. Ribbon placing will account for the following amounts:

The rate of gain contest is required for all market beef, sheep and goats who wish to be eligible for the supreme market contest.

In case of a tie, the ultrasound placing will break the tie.

Nuckolls County Only- Champion and Reserve Champion placings will receive additional points of 2 and 1 respectively for each category.