MEIGS COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

BASIC LIVESTOCK RULES

Approved by the Meigs County Agricultural Society (Senior Fair Board 01/06/2020)

The Meigs County Agricultural Society reserves the right, the final and absolute right, to interpret these rules and regulations, to settle and determine all matters and questions.  It further reserves the right to determine unforeseen matters not covered by these rules and to withdraw all premium offerings in all departments should an emergency exist and circumstances demand it.  The Meigs County Agricultural Society will have the final say. To change the rules and regulations, the proposal shall be presented to the Meigs County Agricultural Society - Senior Fair Board, by the committee of that species, for the Senior Fair Board to vote on.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section I, Page 2:Pre Fair Rules and Guidelines  

Section II, Page 3   Fair and Livestock Sale Rules and Guidelines

Section III, Page 5Specie Specific Guidelines

Section IV, Page 9Meigs County Agricultural Society Horse & Barn Rules

Section V, Page 9   4-H Horse Project Information and Program Guidelines

Section VI, Page 10Meigs County Guideline Rules for 4-H Horse Shows

Dates - (all to be held at the Meigs County Fairgrounds)

Market Steers (Beef and Dairy) December 14, 2019 from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Turkey Orders Due                                March 2, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Commercial Feeder, Dairy Feeder, Market Lambs, Market Hogs, Market Goats and Market Turkeys                            May 9, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Market Chicken orders and money are to be turned in     May 9, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Declaration Forms Due                           July 7, 2020 (Horse due June 1, 2019)

Rabbits and Chicken Tag-in                    July 18, 2020 from 8 am to 10:00 am

Barn Meeting (required attendance)         Sunday, August 16 @ 2pm

@ the Ridenour Family Livestock Arena

 Contact Information:

Junior Fair Coordinator:   Jenna Meeks

740-590-4242 or jenna.meeks@southernlocal.net

1.         Youth must be enrolled in the 4-H or FFA species projects they are tagging in by April 1, 2020. 4-H members can add market livestock projects until the May tag in date. Eligibility for participation in 4-H projects and competitive events begins when a child is age 8 and in third grade.  Any youth age 9 or above is eligible for project membership, regardless of grade level. Youth eligibility ends December 31 the year he or she turns 19.

2.         Any member of a Meigs County 4-H Club or FFA Chapter, including Alexander FFA members who are Meigs County Residents, are eligible to participate in the market livestock programs if they abide by the Junior Fair regulations and the Meigs County Agricultural Society’s rules.

3.         Members must be a fulltime resident of Meigs County at the time of enrollment. If there is a question of status, it will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Meigs County Agricultural Society Livestock Committee and a recommendation will be made to the board.  The member must also then complete all appropriate paperwork with OSU Extension, Meigs County after receiving approval from the Meigs County Agricultural Society and prior to enrollment deadline of April 1.

4.       All market animals must be the bona fide property and under the continual care of the exhibitor from tag-in until completion of the project.  Youth taking market livestock must house their animals at their permanent address on file with the Extension Office.  Members and parents/guardians will attest to ownership/housing on tag-in paperwork, No permission is needed or will be granted by attending a meeting of the Agricultural Society.  The Meigs County Agricultural Society will have the right to spot check any and all projects. If it is determined that the animal(s) are not present or not under the care of a licensed Veterinarian, youth will be ineligible to show and sell that project animal.  If a market livestock project is still brought to the fairgrounds after this determination, it will not be shown or sold and will be taken to a stockyard to be determined by the Agricultural Society at the exhibitor's expense. 

5.       All breeding/nonmarket livestock, excluding horses, must be housed at the permanent address on file with the Extension Office. Members and parents/guardians will attest to housing on livestock declaration forms. No permission is needed or will be granted by attending a meeting of the Agricultural Society.  The Meigs County Agricultural Society will have the right to spot check any and all projects. If it is determined that the animal(s) are not present or not under the care of a licensed Veterinarian, youth will be ineligible to show that project animal.  If the breeding/nonmarket livestock project is still brought to the fairgrounds after this determination, it will not be shown and must be taken home by 1pm on Sunday, August 16, 2020. 

6.      A registration fee of $25 will be charged for the first market specie (includes two animals/two pens of the same species). There will be no charge for additional specie tagged in. There will be no refunds. Tag in fees cover tags and related expenses, bedding, pictures, banners, printing costs, auction costs and other expenses related to livestock projects.

7.      All market animals must be dehorned (1inch scur allowed at Fair), castrated, and weaned before their respective tag-in date.

8.      All Junior Fair Livestock Exhibitors, including all 4-H and FFA members, must participate in a Quality Assurance Training and in the July book judging to exhibit, show and/or sell at the fair.

§  If Exhibitor fails to bring all required project books to the project book judging, the project grade will be dropped one letter.

§  If the member has taken the quality assurance training in the previous year and is 16 or older (as of January 1), he or she may choose the test out option.  If a member scores an 85% or better he or she will have met their quality assurance criteria for the rest of his or her 4-H or FFA career.  If member takes the test and does not pass, he or she must attend a regular quality assurance training that year.  Test must be taken by the 4-H Enrollment deadline of April 1st.

§  Quality Assurance must be completed by June 1, 2020.

9.      Each 4-H and FFA member is responsible for ensuring that an animal ID form is filed correctly and for seeing that his/her market animal is weighed, identified, etc., at pre-fair and fair tagging and weigh-in dates as established by the Meigs County Agricultural Society rules. All ear/leg tags must be clean at weigh-in. If tag is unreadable, the animal will be moved to the end of the line.

10.    Market animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs, will be tagged with an EID (Electronic ID) tag in one ear. If your animal loses their ear tag, exhibitors must have it re-tagged by bringing the animal to the Fairgrounds before the next Senior Fairboard Meeting following the loss. You must notify Jenna Meeks if you plan to bring the animal in order to have tags prepared. The last day to get an animal retagged is the Thursday before Fair starts.

11.    All cattle must have a halter on at time of tag in and weigh in.  Animals will not be tagged until haltered.

12.    No market animal can be replaced after the respective weigh-in, tag-in or identification date of that species.

13.    Non-market livestock will pay $3.00 per animal (horses, goats, sheep, hogs, dairy projects, beef projects) declaration fee. Rabbits and poultry will pay $1.00 per pen.  This includes all non-market animals.

14.    Any market animals NOT being brought to the fair and all breeding/non market animals being brought to the fair must be declared by July 29,2020. Declaration form must be turned into the Junior Fair Coordinator, Jenna Meeks on or before July 29, 2020 in order to prepare stalls. If paperwork is turned in between July 29 and July 31, 2020 there will be a $10.00 late fee.  After July 31, 2020, no paperwork will be accepted, and that animal cannot be exhibited at the 2020 Meigs County Fair, absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS.  REMINDER:  You only need to let us know the market animals you are NOT taking to the Meigs County Fair!

1.         Members may exhibit two different market project area animals, BUT, they can only sell one market project area animal. If youth show more than one specie the second animal or under/overweight animals can be sent to an approved slaughter house of their choice or to the packer who received the bid and exhibitor will receive the resale monies, with the exception of poultry and rabbits, which must be taken home.  The extra beef or dairy feeder calf may be taken home. Animals not going to slaughter are not to be sold on the fairgrounds. Other animals to be sold through the sale ring must be declared by Thursday at 4pm to the Junior Fair Board Office. Failure to declare means animals will be sent to the packer for resale price.

2.         If a member wins grand or reserve in more than one project, both animals will sell through the ring and the member is responsible to pay for the additional set of pictures and banners, if there are no sponsorships.

3          If a market animal or market pen dies after weigh in at the current fair, exhibitor will not be able to go through the sale ring (such as one chicken or rabbit dying out of the total pen, that pen will still not sell due to being an incomplete project.)  However, he/she may participate in junior fair show and in showmanship for a grade and premium for the project.

4.         Tampering and/or misrepresentations as to breeding, age, ownership and/or any other irregularities in showing and selling will be considered fraud and deception.  Should fraud or deception, as determined by the Meigs County Agricultural Society, be discovered before, during or after the animal or animals have been shown and prior to the sale, such animal or animals shall not be permitted to sell.  If after the sale, sale money won by such exhibitor will be withheld.

5.         Parents, advisors or exhibitors are the only people allowed to assist in the grooming of the breeding and market animals at the fair (this includes the show and sale).

6.         Each person who presents for exhibition or exhibits an animal for which a certificate of veterinary inspection is required by rules 901:1-18-01 to 901:1-18-11 of the Administrative Code shall forward a copy of the certificate of veterinary inspection to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Industry.

7.         All market animals will be show by weight classes.  Minimum and Maximum weights:      

Market Lamb - 90 lbs. to 140 lbs.                                                     

Market Dairy Steer - 1000 lbs. to 1650 lbs.

Market Steer - 1000 lbs. to 1650 lbs.                                                

Market Hog - 220 lbs. to 285 lbs.

Dairy Feeder - 400 lbs. to 650 lbs.                                                     Commercial Feeder – 400 lbs. to 650 lbs.  

Market Poultry (Pen of 2 Chickens) - 3 to 8 pounds (each bird)          

Market Goat - 60 lbs. to 110 lbs.                                                                          

Market Rabbits (Pen of 2 rabbits) – 3 ½  to 5 ½  pounds (each rabbit)

Turkey - 20 lbs. minimum – 60 maximum 

8.         All market animals must be weighed on Sunday at specified times.  See weigh-in schedule below.  Each market project will only be weighed one time.  All market species must be checked by the veterinarian at specified weigh-in times on Sunday, August 16, 2020 as follows:

Market Hogs                              7:00 a.m.-   8:00 a.m.

Market Sheep and Goats         8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

All Dairy and Beef Market Projects 9:00 a.m. –10:30 a.m.

                        Market Turkeys                       10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

                        Market Rabbits                        11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

                        Market Chickens                     11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

If weigh in is running behind schedule (after 12:00 p.m.) rabbits and poultry may be placed in pens until weigh in. These animals must be brought at specified times, NO EXCEPTIONS.  Scales are available for breeding animals immediately following weigh in of all market animals. All other 4-H and FFA non market animals must be on the fairgrounds by 12:00 p.m. (noon), Sunday, August 16, 2020 and Vet checked, including horses, goats, beef, rabbits and chickens and dairy stock.

9.         Under and overweight animals may show in showmanship class and show in an over/under weight class. Exhibitor’s animal will not be placed in sale order or sold through the ring.  Exhibitors with under/overweight animals or duplicate animals must declare with Jenna Meeks at the Junior Fair Board Office by Thursday at 4pm where animal is going (slaughter, resale or home as per guidelines). If this is not completed the animal will go to the packer with the highest bid for that specie. There will be no solicited sale of under/overweight animals on the fairgrounds.
10.       All livestock must be drug free by weigh in on Sunday, August 16, 2020. After weigh-in, all medical decisions must be made in consultation with the Fair Veterinarian.  All livestock participants must fill out and turn in a Drug Notification Form to the Junior Fair Office before the animal crosses the scales to be weighed on Sunday, August 16, 2020.  Participants must have this form completely filled out and signed by both the member and parent or guardian. Failure to have all Drug Use Notification Forms completed and signed correctly and turned in when animal crosses the scales to be weighed on Sunday August 16, 2020 will cause you to be unable to show and sell. 

11.       WASH RACK SCHEDULE:

Monday a.m. - Dairy Cattle

Tuesday - Beef and Dairy                                          

Wednesday A.M. – Goats

Monday p.m. – Sheep                                                   

Saturday – Go in line of sale order

12.       Show Ring Clean Up Schedule: Please help keep the show area clean for our guests.  Exhibitors are required to help clean after their shows.

13.       Exhibitors in each barn are responsible for cleaning their own barn.

14.       Dress Code:Exhibitors will be required to wear long pants/slacks or jeans.  Shirts must have some type of sleeve, short or long.  No sleeveless shirts.  The shirt must have a collar or be a 4-H, FFA T-shirt and be long enough to be tucked into your pants.  If the shirt has buttons to the neck, then the only button to be unbuttoned will be the top button.  All other buttons must be buttoned.  No mesh shirts or tank tops (muscle shirts) are allowed in the show ring.  No clothing with adverse language or any slogans relating to tobacco, drugs, alcohol or advertising.   Hard soled shoes are required while in the show ring. Shoes must be closed toe.  No tobacco products shall be used or on your person during livestock show and sale. Violation of this rule can cause you to be asked to leave the ring and forfeit all premiums and/or sale money for that project. This pertains to show and sale. Lab coats for rabbit and poultry projects are strongly encouraged for your protection.

15.       All livestock must be kept within their designated barn area during the fair.  NO ANIMALS CAN BE TAKEN OUTSIDE THE GATES OR ON THE MIDWAY AT ANY TIME.

16.       It is the responsibility of the exhibitor that their animals be fed, watered and stalls cleaned daily by noon while on exhibit at the fair.  Daily barn inspections will be done.  Exhibitors neglecting to do this will be warned, first with a meeting with the Senior Fair Board, parent and advisor.  The second time more drastic measures will be taken against the exhibitor.  Penalty will be determined by the Meigs County Agricultural Society.

17.          SALE ORDER - The top five (5) animals will be placed in the ring by the judge. Following the show, the judge will also rank each class. Animals from sixth place to the end of the sale order will be placed based on strength of class. 

      Livestock Sale Order – Saturday, August 22, 2020                           

Market Turkeys

Dairy Feeders

Market Goats

Market Lambs

Market Dairy Steer

Market Hogs

Market Beef Steer

Market Poultry                                                                                      

Market Rabbbits

Commercial Feeders

18.Our sale is a terminal show and sale. This means that all animals will be going to the terminal facility, with the exception of dairy feeders, commercial feeders, market rabbits and market chickens and market turkeys. No market animals except those noted above may be returned home.

19. All members who exhibit a market animal must sell an animal through the sale.

20. Check with your barn superintendent before removing any animals from the barn. Animals and tack will need to stay in place until 9 pm on Saturday after the sale. All animals must be removed by 10 am on Sunday following the sale day.

21.       All re-sale animals will be sold at the end of the entire sale, not at the end of their species. 

22.      4-H and FFA members must show and sell their own animals, including any animals shown in any showmanship classes.  Exception - an emergency, excused by prior approval of the majority vote of the Meigs County Agricultural Society or by specie committee during fair week.

23.       No one other than exhibitor or designated ring man, Fairboard member, Junior Fairboard member and/or judge may be in the ring during show and/or sale.

24.       Show Arena clean up for all members selling animals through the sale ring will be on Saturday, August 17, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. in the Ridenour Family Livestock Arena.  Bleachers will be cleaned for the sale.  If you know in advance you have a conflict with this rule, you need to contact the Junior Fair Coordinator before Tuesday and set up an alternate work time.

25.       Disposal of Market Rabbits and Market Chickens: If the buyer returns your market chickens or market rabbits to you or someone else after the sale, you must make sure they are removed from the fairgrounds by Noon on Sunday.  If these animals are left on the fairgrounds after Noon on Sunday, it could result in making you ineligible to show and sell any animals at the fair the following year.  These returned animals are your responsibility and must be taken care of properly.

26.        All livestock must be off the grounds and pens & stalls must be totally cleaned out by 12:00 Noon on Sunday.  Exhibitors failing to complete this will be fined $50.00.  This fee will be deducted from your livestock check.

27.       Prohibited grooming practices include:

a.         Using any substance to enhance or change the color of the livestock, including the livestock’s hide or hooves. Only clear paint, not any type of color on hooves.

b.         Adding any substance externally to build up, change or alter the shape or conformation of the livestock, including by way of example but not limited to rope, false hair, graphite, hemp and powders.

28.       No use of ice, ice packs, iced or cold towels, or drenching of animal with anything, except with permission of the veterinarian.  Once the show begins all animals must remain dry. “Drenching” means the act of using an instrument, including a bottle, placed in an animal’s mouth to orally administer a liquid, feed or any other substance.

29.       Any stock that causes safety concerns will be asked to be removed from the grounds, but will receive premiums for showing. 

MARKET STEER RULES: (4-H Project Book # 117M)

1.   Project calves must be selected from purebred or crossbred beef stock.  No Dairy Breeds.

2.  Calves must be dropped after January 1, 2019

COMMERCIAL FEEDER RULES:  (4-H Project Book #117BF)

1.   Project calves must be selected from purebred or crossbred beef stock.  No Dairy Breeds.

2.  Calves must be born after January 1, 2020.

3.  Heifers can be shown in this division as long as exhibitor is enrolled in correct project.

4.   Heifer feeders cannot be shown in a breeding class (Junior or Senior Fair).

BEEF BREEDING RULES: (4-H Project Book # 117B)

1.   Breeding entries will be shown in the following classes:

            Hereford, Angus, Charolaise, Shorthorn, Crossbreed and any other recognized breed

            a.          Calf born January 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020

            b.         Senior Calf born September 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019

            c.          Summer yearling born May 1, 2019 to August 31, 2019

            d.         Junior yearling born January 1, 2019 to April 30, 2019

            e.          Senior yearling born September 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

            f.          Two year old heifer, born May 1, 2018 to August 31, 2018

            g.         Cow born prior to May 1, 2018

            h.         Bull calf less than six months

            i.          Bull calf over six months and under one year.

MARKET DAIRY STEER RULES:  (4-H Project Book # 117D)

1.   Member must attend project judging, for at least one dairy breeding project and exhibit the project animal at the fair.

2.   Steers must be full-blood dairy stock.  No beef stock.  No mixing of Dairy breeds, example - Holstein must be 100% Holstein, Jersey must be 100% Jersey.

3.   Calves must be born after January 1, 2019. 

DAIRY FEEDER RULES: (4-H Project Book # 117DF)

1.   Member must attend project judging for at least one dairy breeding project and exhibit the project animal at the fair.

2.   Dairy Feeders must be full-blood dairy stock.  No beef stock.  No mixing of Dairy breeds, example - Holstein must be 100% Holstein, Jersey must be 100% Jersey.

3.   Age requirement:  Feeder calf must be born between January 1st and last day of February, the same calendar year as the fair.  (E.g. - calf born January 1, 2021 to February 29, 2021 will be shown and sold at the 2021 fair.) 

DAIRY BREEDING RULES: (4-H Project Books #122, #126)

1.   All Dairy Breeding fair declaration forms will be DUE July 7, 2020.

2.   Breeding entries will be shown in the following classes: Holsteins, Jerseys, Guernsey and Any other recognized dairy breed.   

a.   Spring heifer calf – born After February 28, 2020 and over four months old.

b.         Winter heifer calf – born after November 30, 2019 and before March 1, 2020

c.          Fall heifer calf – born after August 31, 2019 and before December 1, 2019

d.         Summer yearling heifer – born after May 31, 2019 and before September 1, 2019

e.          Spring yearling heifer – born after February 28, 2019 and before June 1, 2019

f.          Winter yearling heifer – born after November 30, 2018 and before March 1, 2019

g.         Senior yearling heifer – born after August 31, 2018 and before December 1, 2018

h.         Junior two year old – born after February 28, 2018 and before September 1, 201

i.          Senior two year old – born after August 31, 2017 and before March 1, 2018

j.          Junior three year old cow – born after February 28, 2017 and before September 1, 2017

k.         Three year old cow – born after August 31, 2016 and before March 1, 2017

l.          Four year old cow – born after August 31, 2015 and before September 1, 2016

m.        Five year old cow – born after August 31, 2014 and before September 1, 2015

n.         Aged Cow – born before September 1, 2014

o.         Dry Cow – three and four year old – born after August 31, 2015 and before March 1, 2017

p.         Aged Dry Cow – born before September 1, 2015

MARKET HOG RULES: (4-H Project Book # 139)

1.   Must be born after January 15, 2020.

2.   Hogs will show dry or wet from water only.  No use of any oils or powders or any other substance.  ONLY WATER!

3.   NO clipping of hogs except the ears and tail. Hair must be at least ½ inch long over the body of the animal.

4.   Must supply own water source.

MARKET LAMB RULES: (4-H Project Book # 198)

1.   All market lambs must be slick sheared within one (1) week prior to fair.

2.  All market lambs must have a scrapie tag from the seller of the animal – USDA FARM TAG.

3.  All lambs must be born after January 1, 2020.

SHEEP BREEDING RULES: (4-H Project Book # 199)

1.   Breeding entries will be shown in the following classes:

      Suffolk, Hampshire, Crossbred and any other recognized breed of sheep

      a.                Ewe, Spring lamb – born between January 1, 2020 and May 1, 2020

      b.               Ram, Spring Lamb – born between January 1, 2020 and May 1, 2020

      c.                Yearling ewe – one year and under two years

      d.               Yearling ram – one year and under two years

      e.                Ewe – over two years

      f.                Ram – registered, over two years

      g.               Flock

2.   All breeding lambs must have a scrapie tag from the seller of the animal – USDA FARM TAG.

MARKET GOAT RULES: (4-H Project Book # 135M)

1.   All market goats must be slick sheared within one week prior to the fair.

2.   Market goats can be does or wethers. 

3.   All market goats must be born between January 1, 2020 and March 1, 2020.

4.   All market goats must have a scrapie tag from the seller of the animal - USDA FARM TAG.     

GOAT BREEDING CLASSES AND RULES: (4-H Project Book #135BD, 135BM, 135F, 135H, 135P, 135PY)

1.   Goats, including Dairy, Pygmy and Boer classes, will show by age in female breed classes. 

2.   Harness and cart goats must show in harness and with a cart.

3.   Pack, fiber, pygmy and cart goats can be does or castrated males.

4.   Companion Goat (135C) projects do not exhibit at the fair.

5.   Classes:     

a.                      Junior Doe Kid born on or after May 1, 2020.

b.                     Intermediate Doe Kid born March 1, - April 30, 2020.

c.                     Senior Doe Kid born January 1 – February 28, 2020.

d.                     Yearling Dry Doe born January 1, 2018 and under two years old.

e.                     Yearling Doe in milk born January 1, 2018 and under two years old.

f.                      Doe 2 years and under 3 years in milk.

g.                     Doe 3 years and under 4 years in milk.

h.                     Doe 4 years and under 5 years in milk.

i.                      Billy Goat under 6 months,

j.                      Billy Goat 6 months to 1 year.

k.                     Pack Goat

l.                      Pygmy Goat

m.                    Cart Goat

6.   Horns are permitted on Breeding Goats.

MARKET TURKEY CLASSES AND RULES: 4-H Project Book #150TM

1.   Turkeys entered in the market class must be pullorum free and, therefore, these birds must be ordered through the Meigs County Junior Fair Coordinator in order to be eligible to show and sell. Members must order at least two (2) birds and can tag in two (2) birds. Only one (1) bird may be weighed in at the fair.

2.   Only 4-H and FFA exhibitors are allowed to handle and show turkeys during the show, unless the judge gives prior approval.

3.   All birds must be in good health. The judge shall make final determination for class eligibility.

4.   All birds must be weighed dry at weigh-in.

5.  If the Ohio Department of Agriculture imposes a poultry ban similar to 2015 before turkey orders can be cancelled, no alternative show/sale will be held. Youth should make plans to register for more than one project in case a ban is put into place to protect the industry.

MARKET POULTRY RULES: (4-H Project Book # 150CM)

1.   Poultry entered in the market pen must be pullorum free and therefore, these chicks must be ordered through the Meigs County Junior Fair Coordinator in order to be eligible to show and sell. Members can tag in six (6) birds but may only weigh in one pen of two (2) birds at the fair.

2.  Only 4-H and FFA exhibitors are allowed to handle and show poultry during the show, unless the judge gives prior approval.          

3.  All birds shall be of good health.  The judge shall make final determination for class eligibility.

4.   All poultry must be weighed dry at fair weigh-in. Exhibitors should bring their own towel to hold animals during tag-in to prevent spread of disease.

5.   It is highly recommended members have a transport pen for livestock to move from barn to show arena on show

and sale days.

6.  If Ohio Department of Agriculture imposes a poultry show ban similar to 2015 before chick orders can be cancelled, no alternative show/sale will be held.  Youth should make plans to register for more than one project in case a ban is put into place to protect the industry.

POULTRY BREED CLASSES AND RULES: (4-H Project Book # 150CE, 150CEP, 150DE, 150GE, 150TE, 150H)

1.   Poultry will be shown by the American Standard of Perfection classes. Example, Bantam ducks, heavy, medium and light breed ducks and heavy, medium and light breed geese.  There is no limit on the species of poultry to show, but you can only have 1 poultry exhibit per class.

2.   It is highly recommended members have a transport pen for livestock to move from barn to show arena on show and sale days.

3.   Bleeding of poultry will be done on Sunday at the fair during Poultry weigh in.

4.   Breeding classes are as follows: Raising Pullets, pen of 2 pullets, Bantams, 1 hen and 1 rooster, Raising Fancy Poultry, pair or trio of birds, specify breed, Turkeys, 2 birds of either sex, Ducks, 2 birds of either sex, Geese, 2 birds of either sex, Bantam Ducks, 2 birds of either sex, Guineas, 2 birds of either sex, Pigeons, 2 birds of either sex, Pheasants, 2 birds of either sex, Doves, 2 birds of either sex, Peacocks, 2 birds of either sex, Quails, 2 birds of either sex, Large Fowl, 1 hen and 1 male (specify breed).

5.    If Ohio Department of Agriculture imposes a poultry show ban similar to 2015, no alternative show will be held.  Youth should make plans to register for more than one project in case a ban is put into place to protect the industry.

RABBIT BREED CLASSES AND RULES: (4-H Project Book # 225)

1.   Classes will be as follows:              

Junior Doe or Buck                   Under 6 months of age

Senior Doe or Buck                   over 6 months of age    

Doe and Litter                          Babies must be at least 4 weeks old

2.  Only 1 entry as determined by the judge per class or breed.  RABBITS MUST BE IN THE RIGHT CLASS BY BREED, AGE AND SEX GROUP. If in the wrong class, no premiums will be given.

3.   You may show a doe and her litter.  The litter must be at least 4 weeks old.

4.   You may only show a total of four (4) rabbits for all breeding classes and one (1) rabbit per class.

5.   Pet Rabbit class will be judged at prejudging July.  If you want to display your rabbit at the fair it needs to be enrolled as a market or breeding project.  A pet rabbit project cannot be shown as a breeding project.

6.   It is highly recommended members have a transport pen for livestock to move from barn to show arena on show and sale days. (milk crates with carpet floors make excellent transport pens.)

MARKET RABBIT RULES: (4-H Project Book # 226)

1.   Market rabbits can come from exhibitor’s own does or be purchased prior to tag-in in July. Market rabbits must be of market type. 

2.   Exhibitor may use one market rabbit for showmanship. Rabbit must belong to member showing.

3.  One commercial fryer pen of two can be weighed in at the fair. Commercial fryer pen must be of same breed.  Quality judged by the Judge.  Only quality judged rabbits will be sold.

4.  Market rabbits shall be identified with a tattoo in the left ear of the rabbit.  All rabbits must be tattooed by a representative of the Meigs County Agricultural Society.  A maximum of Six (6) market rabbits may be tattooed.

5.  Market rabbits must be 56 – 70 days old at fair weigh in time. Market rabbits must be born between and May 31 and June 14, 2020.

6.   Rabbits shown in market pen class cannot be shown in breed classes.

7.   All rabbits will be weighed dry at fair weigh-in.

8.   It is highly recommended members have a transport pen for livestock to move from barn to show arena on show and sale days. (Milk crates with carpet floor work well for transport pens).

ALPACA/ LLAMA CLASSES AND RULES: (4-H Project # 132)

1.         All alpacas must be healthy.  Health papers are not required, but animal must be checked by Vet before unloading.  Should be current on vaccinations and worming, and from BVD negative herd.

2.         All Animals must be halter broke to lead.

3          All alpacas must be shorn.  Judging will be based on conformation and type. 

            a.         Suri:  having a natural luster and hang or drape over the body, forming natural part along the spine.Fiber falls into a well-defined lock structure.

            b.         Huacaya:  Having a natural crimp and shine to the fiber.

Division I:  Breed Classes:        

Class 1             Huacaya Juvenile Female: 6 – 11 months old

Class 2             Huacava Yearling Female: 12 – 23 months old

Class 3             Huacava Adult Female: 2+ years old

Class 4             Huacaya Non-breeder

Class 5             Suri Juvenile Female 6 – 11 months old

Class 6             Suri Yearling Female – 12 – 23 months old

Class 7             Suri Adult Female:  2+ years old

Class 8             Suri Non- breeder

Division II:  Obstacle Classes                 Divided into showmanship classes.  One animal per exhibitor.

Division III:  Public Relations Classes:   Divided into showmanship classes.  One animal per exhibitor.

1.                Do not ride in or out of barn on horses.  All horses must be lead to and from show ring.

2.                Horses are not to be tied in barn aisles.  All grooming, tack changes, etc. are to be done in stall.

3.                Horses are to be in stall at all times, except during exercise time, and only when show ring is not in use.  Horses are not allowed on the hill at any time.  4-H horses are never allowed to be on the race track at any time unless crossing over to show ring.

4.                Each exhibitor is responsible for cleaning and maintaining his/her stall during the fair.  Soiled bedding must be removed from stall at the close of the fair or at the time the horse is removed from the fair.

5.                Absolutely NO HORSE PLAY of any kind inside the horse barn.

6.                Lights out and quiet time at 11:30 p.m. so horses can get their beauty sleep.

7.                Absolutely NO SMOKING in barn.

8.                All horses must be fed and watered two times a day, no later than 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Horses not fed or watered properly will be sent home immediately.

9.                Stalls will be assigned by member seniority (actual 4-H horse project years). If new barn does not have enough stalls, race horse barn will be used.  If more than one stall is needed, newer members will be chosen by drawing.  Stall assignments will be made during August Horse Committee meeting.

10.             When using wash area, members must clean up after themselves and their horses.

11.             For safety reasons, fans, lights, etc. must have electrical cords run through some sort of conduit piping system to prevent horses getting to cords and causing a fire.

12.             Horse Clubs are responsible for getting own sawdust/bedding.

13.             Only one horse is allowed unless entered in production, if more than one horse is taken for project, only one stall will be allowed.

14.             Only one horse per stall will be allowed with exception as noted in rule #13.  

15.             All animals must be off grounds and stalls must be totally cleaned out by 12:00 Noon Sunday. Exhibitors failing to complete this will be fined $50.00. 

16.             All horses should be supervised when out of stall at any time.

17.             Round pen and arena are not for turn out, just exercising.

18.       All horses must be on the fairgrounds until horse shows are finalized unless individual issues are brought to the Senior Fairboard for prior approval before the first Monday in August.

19.       Stall fees are $3.00 per stall.  This must be paid by club to the Junior Fairboard Coordinator by the due date and filed along with the proper form.

            All 4-H Horse projects which compete in 4-H Horse Shows are subject to the Meigs County Horse Guidelines, State 4-H Horse Guidelines, Meigs County Fair Premium Book, Meigs County Barn Rules and the 4-H Uniform Show Rules and Meigs County Agricultural Society Basic Livestock Rules. 

            2020 Uniform Rules for 4-H Horse Shows with regards to the helmet policy: All youth age 19 and under, participating in any 4-H equestrian activity, are required to wear properly fitted protective headgear which meets or exceeds current ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards with the chin harness securely fastened at all times while riding or driving an equine.

It is the responsibility of the rider, or the parent or guardian of the youth participant, to make sure that the headgear worn complies with appropriate safety standards for protective headgear intended for equestrian use, and is properly fitted and in good condition.  The Ohio 4-H Horse Program, Show Committees, Officials, Extension Personnel and Volunteer Leaders are not responsible for checking headgear worn for such compliance.

The Ohio 4-H Horse Program, Show Committees, Officials, Extension Personnel and Volunteer Leaders make no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, about any protective headgear, and cautions riders that death or serious injury may result despite wearing such headgear, as no helmet can protect against all foreseeable injuries in equestrian activities.

The Ohio 4-H Horse Program, Show Committees, Officials, Extension Personnel and Volunteer Leaders may, at his/her discretion, check a participant's protective headgear for proper standards.  If the youth is found to be wearing unapproved, defective, or improperly fitted headgear, he/she will not be permitted to participate in riding or driving activities until proper headgear is acquired. This includes any activities for 4-H, FFA, Junior Fair including parades, club events, shows, clinics, including practice time at the fair.

1.         Participation competition limited to those enrolled in 4-H and FFA Horse projects (173, 174, 175, 177, 180, 181, 184, 185, 188, 189, and 762) by April 1.  (Note:  4-H and FFA members must be a resident of Meigs County to exhibit at the Meigs County Fair.)  Ref: Meigs Co. Fair Premium Book.

2.                ALL HORSES AND PONIES MUST BE IN POSSESSION OF CLUB MEMBERS by June 1.   4-H and FFA members must list their horse(s) on an Extension Office form along with a picture or drawing of the project.  Two 4-Hers and FFA members cannot use the same horse. 

3.                The age of the exhibitor is determined as of January 1 of the current year.

4.                Horses are over 58 inches tall.  Ponies are 58 inches tall and under.

5.                Members may carry more than one horse or pony project provided it has been approved by the 4-H and FFA advisor and recorded in the Extension Office.  Only one project horse may be allowed to be shown at the Junior Fair horse show to receive awards beyond the project grade.  That horse needs to be identified by due date.

6.                Hardship cases (i.e. death of horse, lameness, etc.) will be considered and dealt with by the Senior Fairboard, on a case by case basis, between the June 1 thru the first Monday of August. If replacement is allowed, exhibitor will not be allowed to compete for Grand and Reserve Champion.  If something happens between first Monday in August and the start of the Meigs County Fair there will be NO replacement considered.

7.                Horse and ponies used as project animals must either be owned by the member, member’s family, or leased.  4-H and FFA members who lease a project must complete Lease Agreement and fulfill requirements to be eligible to show.  On the lease agreement, the member must state where the horse is being stabled.  The leased horse must be boarded by the member and in his possession by June 1.

8.                Project animals should not be trained by professionals during the project period of June 1 thru last day of County Fair.  Professional advice and instruction to the member is encouraged whenever possible.  Such assistance can include occasional riding or handling of the horse by the instructor, but cannot include regular training, showing or care during the project period.

9.                All 4-H and FFA members taking a Junior Fair horse project (one (1) each per household) shall have in possession current copies of Uniform Rules for Horse Shows - Circular 179 and Horses, Safety and You - Circular 191R.

10.             Members who qualify and attend State Fair will be given $25.00 each from the Horse Committee.  EXCEPTION: Horse Committee must decide if funds are available for that year.

11.             All 4-H and FFA members are required to participate in project book judging to be eligible to exhibit at the fair.

1.          All exhibitors are required to show in a Showmanship class.

2.         Exhibitors must choose a minimum of 2 performance classes.  A maximum of three performance classes may be chosen; however, only the top 2 scores in their division will count for points.

3.         The Jr. Fair Horse show must have a ringmaster.  Any exhibitor wishing to discuss any matter with the judge must first contact the ringmaster who may approve and arrange such an appointment.  All contact with the judge must be initiated by the judge.  All decisions from the judge are final. 

4.         No person other than the exhibitor and show officials will be allowed in the ring while any class is being judged, except in the case that the ring crew is needed.  Only show officials will be allowed in the announcer’s booth.

5.         Horse show entries must be in the Extension Office by the show entry deadline for all events.

6.         In Novice classes, exhibitors will not be required to canter.  This will be an option.  (Exhibitors must follow state guidelines for qualifying show.)

7.         If patterns are used, they will be posted 30 minutes prior to the class.

8.         In the event of a tie, any tie-breaker will be at the judge’s discretion.

9.         If the judge feels that the exhibitor’s horse is out of control in the show ring, he/she will be asked to go to the center of the ring until the class is over or asked to leave the ring, at the judge’s discretion.  Exhibitor will be excused from that class.

10.       Show results will be posted one (1) hour following the close of the show.  Winners will then be announced, and awards will be presented.

11.       All horses shall be supervised at all times when not in a stall.

12.       Production Division consists of Lunge Line class for horses between ages 1 and 2 years (not exceeding 2 years old). Novice showman should get permission from the Horse Committee after being observed by two (2) or more members to ensure they are ready for this project.

13.       Scoring of classes will be done at the judge’s discretion.

14.       Grand Champion and Reserve Champion will be given in the Novice, Junior, and Senior age divisions in Showmanship, Pleasure/Performance, and Gymkhana.  Grand Champion and Reserve Champion will be awarded in the Production Division (This is not a novice class.  Production class must be shown in conjunction with the project 185 Equine Reproduction & Genetics.)

15.       Having only one exhibitor in any given age division does not mean that he/she will receive the Grand or Reserve Award. 

16.       Judge will be 4-H certified/approved.

2020 Showman of Showmen Rules

1.     Market Goat, Market Lamb, Market Steer, Market Feeder, Market Chickens, Market Dairy Steer, Market Dairy Feeder, Market Turkeys, Market Rabbit, Market Swine, Jr. Fair Dairy, and Jr. Fair Horse Grand Champion Showmen Participants are qualified to show in this class.

2.     The 2020 Showman of Showman Representative will not be eligible to participate the following year (2021). The previous winner (2019) must be present to pass out the trophy to the new winner (2020).

3.     Each species representative has a choice to accept or decline the Showman of Showmen nomination.  If he/she declines the nomination, the Reserve Champion Participant of that species may accept this nomination. 

a.     If a child wins with more than one species, he/she will choose which species to represent and the Reserve of the opposite species will then be chosen to compete.  There will be an exception if there is no Reserve.  In this case, the representative must show the species that has no Reserve. 

b.     If Grand and Reserve both decline, there will be no one to represent that species in the Showman of Showman class.

4.     Each participant will show each of the following species – goat, lamb, feeder (beef or dairy), chicken, hog, dairy, horse, turkey, and rabbit.  This will make a total of nine classes overall in the competition.

5.     Junior Fair Coordinator and Senior Fairboard members will preselect animals to be used for each species.  The exhibitors will then draw numbers to randomly choose which animal they will show on show day.  No Grand or Reserve Market animals will be allowed to be shown.  Exhibitors are to treat all animals humanely and ethically.  If at anytime an animal is being mistreated you could be pulled from the show, resulting in a last place score.

6.     Each participant needs to sign and turn in this permission slip to show.

7.     Participants will not show their own animal or sibling’s animal in any of the classes.  If your or your sibling's animal is chosen to compete in the contest, you will need to notify the Jr. Fair Coordinator immediately.  All animals used in the competition must be clean and presentable. 

8.     Judging will be based on a point system, one through thirteen.  The participant with the lowest number score will be the Showman of Showmen Winner.  If there is a tie with the lowest number score, a tie breaking question from the judge will determine the overall winner.

9.     The dress code for the competition will be long pants, button up shirt, and boots.  Poultry and rabbit exhibitors do not have to wear white coats.