Stanton County Fair General Rules / Herdsmanship

GENERAL RULES

**NEW TIME** Exhibits that you do not plan to interview on can be entered Monday, July 27^th from 4:30 – 5:30 pm or Tuesday, July 28^th starting from 8:30 to 9:30. Interview exhibits may be brought with you to your interview; however, all materials must be submitted by 11 am. Judging of indoor exhibits will start 9:15 am. Exhibits will be closed to the public during judging. The judge’s decision will be final in all cases. Superintendents will be in charge of everything in their respective departments and will have the authority to make decisions. Entries with an asterisk are eligible for State Fair Competition. No duplicates, means do not make two items alike. Items not appropriate for project in with they are enrolled will be lowered on ribbon placing. 

American Income Life Special Risk Insurance – All Stanton County 4-H Members and leaders are covered by Blanket Accident Insurance provided by the Stanton County 4-H Council. Members and leaders are covered while participating in or attending regularly approved and adult sponsored group activities that are sponsored by 4-H/Extension. Coverage includes travel directly to and from the member’s home and the meeting place for the purpose of participating in a scheduled group activity. Contact the Extension Office for more information. 

NO FIREARMS, ITEMS WITH A BLADE (broadheads, knives, saws, etc.) Or related items of any other kinds, may be exhibited. This applies to actual items, replicated items and item parts. Shooting sports accessories are permissible as described in the Conservation, Wildlife, and Shooting Sports Fair Book. 

USE OF COPYWRITTEN IMAGES – Copyrighted writing, artwork, videos, and images may be used in 4-H educational exhibits under Fair Use for educational purposes of Copyright Law. To qualify for Fair Use, 4-H’ers must: 1) only use a small amount of the copy-written work, 2) add new meaning to the work to make it original, 3) rework it and use it in a totally different way, and 4) use it for nonprofit purposes (not to make money). Giving credit to the original creator is also recommended. 

Interview Judging – Limit 3 items per area. 

Awards, Fashion Show, and 4-H Auction – 4-H’ers will be recognized, awards announced, Fashion Show, and the 4-H Auction will be together on Saturday, August 1^st at 3 pm.

Fair Schedule (SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE)

Entry Times:

                    Indoor Exhibits – 

             Non-Interview Judged - Monday, July 27^th from 4:30 – 5:30 pm & Tuesday, July 28^th from 8:30 to 9:30

             Interview Judged – Tuesday, July 28^th from 9:15 – 11 am

                    Sheep – Wednesday, July 29^th from 4 – 5 pm

                    Goat – Wednesday, July 29^th from 4 – 5 pm

                    Swine – Wednesday, July 29^th from 4 – 5 pm 

                    Poultry – Wednesday, July 29^th from 4 – 5 pm

                    Rabbits – Wednesday, July 29^th from 4 – 5 pm

Horse – Wednesday, July 29^th from 5 – 6 pm

                    Beef – can arrive Wednesday but check-in will be Thursday from 7 - 8:30 am Trailor Check-In Schedule Coming 

Show Times:

                    Beef Show – Following the Bucket Calf Show 

Bucket Calf Show – Following the Dairy Show 

Cat Show – Friday, July 24^th from 1 pm

Companion Animal – Following the Cat Show

Dog Show – Friday, July 24^th from 9 am

Dairy Cow Show – Friday, July 31^st at 10 am 

Exotics – Following the Poultry Show 

**Goat Show – Thursday, July 30^th from 3:30 pm 

Horse Show – Thursday, July 30^th from 8 am

                    Livestock Judging Contest – Saturday, August 1^st from 10 am 

**Poultry Show – Thursday, July 30^th from 1 pm

**Rabbit Show – Thursday, July 30^th from 8:30 am 

**Sheep Show – Thursday, July 30^th from 5 pm

                    **Swine Show – Friday, July 31^st from 2 pm

Awards/Fashion Show/4-H Auction – Saturday, August 1^st from 3 – 4:30 pm

Check out time for Large and Small Animals – Sunday, August 2^nd at 3 pm.

Special release only through notification to the Extension Office. 

Set up day for the fair will be Saturday, July 25^th at 9 am. 

Clean-up day after the fair will be Saturday, August 8^th at 9 am.

DRESS CODE

Dress code for 4-H & FFA Members exhibiting animals: Exhibitors showing beef, dairy, goats, dogs, cats, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, companion animals, and exotics are required to wear the official 4-H t-shirt, or a plain white t-shirt, shirt, or blouse with the 4-H chevron attached or any FFA t-shirt. Shirt must be tucked in. Dark blue jeans are required for all species. Hard soled shoes, NOT tennis shoes, horses, beef, dairy, sheep, swine, and goats. Horse exhibitors – western white long-sleeved shirt, 4-H or FFA armband, western hat or approved riding safety helmet, western boots, belt. No hear gear for any other species. Show sticks are acceptable for all beef classes. Exhibitor numbers must be worn on the back. They are available at the Stanton County Extension Office. 4-H & FFA members not following the dress code will be lowered one ribbon placing on showmanship. Exceptions under specific situations must be cleared with Superintendent.

CONCESSIONS AND PRIVILEGES

Write the Fair Board Secretary for all details concerning concessions and privileges. 

While the greatest possible care will be taken by the management to protect patrons of the Stanton County Fair, everyone will be held personally responsible for his or her own actions, and the management will not be responsible for any injury. 

The Fair Board will carefully guard against extortion in any form practiced on the patrons of the fair. A violation of this rule will cause the forfeiture of contract, money paid, and expulsion from the grounds as the board may direct. The Fair Board authorizes only the letting of such privileges as are required to supply the necessary wants of the people, or that may add to their comfort, convenience, and pleasure. Under no circumstances will privileges of a questionable nature or a demoralizing tendency be allowed, or in any manner tolerated, upon the ground or in the buildings. No privileges will be sold or permitted where the business is conducted in other than legitimate and trade-like manner. 

The promiscuous distribution of hand bills or other advertising matter is strictly prohibited and no tacking or posting of advertising bills, cards, etc. will be permitted or any building or elsewhere. Exhibitors may advertise at and distribute from the places of exhibit only. 

All vehicles will be required to park in places designated by those in charge of the department, but the fair management assumes no obligation and no liability for any theft or damage that may occur. 

                   STALLS, PENS, HAY, AND BEDDING

All stalls and pens are free to exhibitors.

Exhibitors will provide their own feeding and watering equipment and bedding. 

Bedding must be removed from stalls before premiums will be paid. 

ENTRIES

All animals must be exhibited at such time and placed as the superintendent of the class may direct and in accordance with the official program. 

All exhibits entered for exhibition WILL NOT be allowed to be removed from the grounds before Sunday, August 2^nd at 3 pm.

All exhibitors need to be present during the judging of the show. 4-H Exhibitor will be responsible for the care of their animal. 

CLOVERBUD Bucket calves will be stalled during the Fair.

 A member cannot enroll in the same 4-H project area in more than one county in the same year. (Example: Beef [Bucket calf, Feeder calf, Market beef, and breeding beef are among those listed within the beef project area], clothing, horse, foods, etc.)

All exhibits entered at the exhibitor’s risk. The Fair Board Association will do all it can to protect and care for exhibits, but in no case will it be responsible for any loss or damage that may occur. 

LIVESTOCK RELEASE AND CLEAN-UP

LIVESTOCK RELEASE AND CLEAN-UP. SPECIAL RELEASE ONLY THROUGH NOTIFICATION TO THE EXTENSION OFFICE. AN EMERGENCY DISMISSAL ANIMAL RELEASE FORM MUST BE FILLED OUT. IF YOU NEED SPECIAL CONSIDERATION WITH YOUR PROJECT PLEASE COME TO THE EXTENSION OFFICE AND WE WILL NOTIFY THE FAIRBOARD.

All Livestock Exhibits will be dismissed Sunday, August 2^nd at 3 pm. 

Final clean-up begins on Saturday, August 8^th at 9 a.m. We need the following assistance: 

• Clean and move bedding into the alleys
• Clean up manure around the wash rack areas
• Scoop all bedding out in the alleys
• Clean up needs to be completed by Saturday after the fair…. This will take about two hours on Saturday morning

HERDSMANSHIP

Purpose

To present animal exhibits to the public in a neat and attractive manner. The exhibit should put our best foot forward for 4-H and FFA. We hope that this will help club members, and adults all work together as a team to care for their animals and equipment to the best of their ability at the county fair. 

Members should do these things every day:

• Keep stalls and cages clean: clean up manure and check them several times a day
•  Keep sufficient amount of water available for the animal
• Keep aisles clean by your stalls or cages
• Make sure all animals are neat in appearance, keep them clean
• Keep animals comfortable in hot weather
• Keep litter picked up on all areas of the fairgrounds
• Keep forks, rakes, and shovels out of the aisles
• Be considerate of your neighbors in the barns and others at the fair 
• Make sure animals are secure, check tie ups, check latches on stalls and cages
• Wheelbarrows should be emptied immediately upon use and manure etc. should not be left sitting in the wheelbarrows

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUPERINTENDENTS

Procedures will be reviewed on entry day with educator.

AGE REQUIREMENTS (4-H and FFA)

NOTE: Age Rule – 4-H members may exhibit in standard 4-H projects if they are at least 8 years of age before January 1 of current year. The last year of eligibility is the calendar year the member becomes 19. FFA members may exhibit if they will be enrolled in 7^th grade in the fall. FFA members are eligible to show up until their 4^th National Convention after high school graduation.

Clover Kids – Youth may join Clover Kids when they turn age 5-7 before January 1 of the current year. This program will assist youth in developing emotional, physical, intellectual, and social skills. Clover Kid’s programming is designed with activities and learning opportunities that are developmentally appropriate for youth of this age. Youth within this age are not yet ready for competition. Clover Kids may enter indoor items that can be interviewed but will not be judged. They will not be judged but will receive a participation ribbon. Exhibition only includes enrolled 4-H Club Members, 4-H does not sponsor or support pee-wee events or exhibition. Pee-wee refers to non 4-H Youth.

Age divisions are based on 4-H Age (4-H age is the age of the youth before January 1 of the current year.)

Junior Division: 8-10

Intermediate Division: 11-13

Senior Division: 14 & over

Only purple ribbon animals can take champion award. The judge will decide if the animal is worthy of a champion award. All indoor exhibits must have a purple ribbon at the county fair to show at the State Fair, NO EXCEPTIONS. All necessary precautions will be taken to sustain the health and sanitation of the livestock exhibited but the Fair Board will not be responsible for any losses incurred. Exhibitors of livestock must keep pens and stalls sanitary and clean to the satisfaction of the superintendents in charge, or any premium or premiums they may win or have won will be forfeited. 

All members must show their own livestock unless they have two in a class in which case, they may have another member show their extra project or else they will not be eligible for champion or reserve champion awards. 

All animals at check-in will be inspected for ringworm warts and contagious diseases before they get off the trailer. If found, you will be asked to take animal home. Animals that have active ringworms, or visible warts, will not be allowed entry into the Stanton County Fair. Ringworm will be judged to be inactive if the ringworm lesion area is not encrusted and hair has begun regrowth in the area. Animals with warts that are not visible by hands-off inspection will be allowed to remain on the premises and be exhibited. 

PREMIUMS

Premiums for 4-H and FFA will be the amount listed in the Fair Book. Purple – First, Blue – Second, Red – Third.

Unless otherwise noted, all premiums are Purple - $2, Blue - $1.50, and Red - $1. They are not listed with every project to save space. 

Champion Grand Swine will receive $10. Reserve Champion Swine will receive $6. Bonus Monday awarded only if swine is personally raised. 

DEADLINE TO PICK UP AWARDED FAIR PREMIUM MONEY AT THE EXTENSION OFFICE IS OCTOBER 31, 2026. MONEY CANNOT BE MAILED!

Code of Conduct

The primary goal of the 4‑H Program is to help youth develop competency in their projects, confidence in themselves and others, connections to their community, and sound character. Actions by persons (parents and 4‑H'ers) involved with the 4‑H Program will be consistent with the six core ethical values comprising good character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness, and citizenship. 

As a 4‑H Youth Participant/Parent/Guardian I will:

• Treat all people and property with respect, courtesy, consideration, and compassion. Avoid and prevent putdowns, insults, name calling, swearing, and other language or nonverbal conduct likely to offend, hurt, or set a bad example.
• Keep informed about 4‑H program policies and projects and read materials pertaining to the county 4‑H program.
• Teach and model kindness and compassion for others. Recognize that all people have skills and talents which can be used to help others and improve the community. Teach and foster teamwork and discourage selfishness.
• Practice fair-mindedness by being open to ideas, suggestions, and opinions of others. Make all reasonable efforts to assure access to participation for all youth and adults. Decisions will be made fairly and treat all individuals and families with impartiality.
• Obey laws and rules as an obligation of being a good citizen. Accept responsibility for the proper treatment and care for other youth and adults, the program facilities and/or equipment.
• Demonstrate the responsible treatment of animals and stewardship of the environment.
• Not use alcohol or illegal substances (or be under the influence) while working with or participating in any part of the 4‑H Program.
• Provide a safe environment for all parties involved in 4‑H. Protect those involved from sexual harassment, physical force, verbal or mental abuse, neglect, or other harmful behaviors.

Youth Participants/Parents/Guardians who do not abide by the above Code of Conduct will be subject to the following consequences:

• Be asked to explain actions to the 4‑H Educator.
• Be dismissed from an event at own expense.
• Further disciplinary action determined in cooperation with the local Extension Educator, the District 4‑H Coordinator, the State 4‑H Program Administrator, and as warranted, the Dean of Extension and IANR Administration. Disciplinary action may include: 
  • becoming ineligible to participate in specific 4‑H activities.
  • becoming ineligible to participate in the Nebraska 4‑H program.
• Reimburse the proper entity for any property damage or for liability resulting from inappropriate actions. In the case of vandalism, guilty party may be required to reimburse 4‑H and/or the facility.
• Multiple violations of the code of conduct may result in:
• Suspension for a period of time.
• Becoming ineligible for 4‑H participation in their county.
• Parent/Guardian violations may also result in:
• Restriction from contacting 4‑H families, volunteers, donors, and/or sponsors pertaining to any 4‑H matter.

Set-Up Day

All 4-H families are expected to help prepare the fairgrounds and exhibit hall for the fair. Fair Set-Up Day will be Saturday, July 25^th at 9 am. During this time, we will set up the exhibit hall, and livestock exhibitors will have the opportunity to choose their pends and spaces for the fair. Your participation is important – thank you for helping make the fair a success! 

GRIEVANCE PROCESS

1. The area superintendents at county fair have the authority to make the initial decisions based on the County Fair Premium Book. If there is a dispute, follow the recommendations listed below. Complaints should be submitted within 24 hours of the contest.
2. A committee shall be appointed to serve as a protest group. They will meet as needed to act upon concerns – all protests must be submitted in writing and signed. 
3. Written protests must be submitted to the County Extension Educator Unit Leader. The Educator Unit Leader will convene the committee for their deliberation. 
4. Written protest must include:
   1. Names of person(s) involved
   2. Description of the concern
   3. Situation and documentation
   4. Recommendation of correction
   5. Specific action rule, etc. in question
   6. Additional person(s) the committee may contact for clarification
   7. Procedures and/or steps carried out by the person involved prior to the submission to the Extension Education Unit Leader
5. The Committee will review the written protest. They may discuss the situation with the affected person including the County Fair Superintendent. The committee will recommend appropriate action to the Extension Educator in writing. The recommendation or decision will be followed and communicated both verbally and in writing to the group or individual affected
6. When involved in a protest, the exhibitor may be allowed to show, but results of showing will be subject to change based on the outcome of the protest process. This facilitates smooth operation of the show and facilitates appropriate processing. 
7. The show management reserves the right to withhold premium and/or award. The exhibitor may also be excluded from the show if action warrants.
8. The appeals process is limited to the 4-H/FFA exhibitor, parent, or volunteer leader. 

See printed Fairbook for Line of Authority diagram.