Believing it is in the best interest of all breeders of all livestock to maintain a reputation of integrity and to continue to present a wholesome and progressive image in the show ring, the Fair Board and the 4-H Livestock Committee lists those practices which are considered unacceptable in presenting livestock in the show ring.  The use of such practices and procedures is, therefore, considered unethical in the showing of all livestock at the Northeast Montana Fair.  The   4-H Livestock Code of Ethics applies to all livestock (open, FFA and 4-H) shown at the Northeast Montana Fair and/or any other sponsored 4-H event (added March 12, 2019).

All Exhibitors and their families are encouraged to conduct themselves in a positive, honest, sportsmanlike manner during the fair and shows.  Losing gracefully is just as important as winning humbly.

  1. Criticizing or interfering with the judge, other exhibitors or superintendents while attending the fair or show may result in an individual or group being expelled, placed on probation or declared ineligible to exhibit at the fair.
  2. Unsportsmanlike conduct, such as abusive language to show officials, superintendents, other exhibitors, or spectators is prohibited.
  3. Misrepresenting the age of the animal for the class in which it is shown is prohibited.
  4. All animals are to be treated in a humane manner. Adequate feed, water and shelter are to be provided at all times. Physically abusing an animal is unacceptable at all times and maltreatment of animals will not be tolerated.  Exhibitors who abuse their animals, for whatever reasons, will be disqualified for the fair.
  5. Administration of a drug of any kind or description, internally or externally, except for treating a recognized disease or injury, is prohibited. For the purpose of these rules, the term “drug” shall mean any substance, the sale, possession, or use of which is controlled by license under federal, state or local laws or regulations and any substance used by the medical or veterinary professions which affect the circulatory, respiratory or central nervous system of an animal.  The use if any diuretic on any animal at the fair is prohibited.
  6. The Livestock Committee reserves the right to call in a veterinarian for testing.
  7. The use of alcoholic beverages in the feed or administered as a drench is prohibited.
  8. Treating or massaging any part of the body internally or externally with an irritant, counter-irritant, or other substance to temporarily straighten a week back or loin or to produce unnatural animation is prohibited.
  9. Minimizing the effects of campiness by feeding or injecting drugs or depressants, by applying packs, or by using any artificial contrivance or therapeutic treatment exempting normal exercise is prohibited.
  10. Striking the animal to cause swelling in a depressed area is prohibited. 
  1. Surgery or any other procedure performed to change the natural process of growth, maturation, contour or appearance of any animal, to include teeth, is prohibited. Not included is removal of teats or horns, clipping and dressing of hair and trimming of hooves.
  2. Insertion of foreign material under the skin is prohibited.
  3. Any attempt to change the natural color of any animal, either purebred or crossbred by changing the color or adding false hair, fleece or skin at any point, spot or area of the animal’s body is prohibited.
  4. Balancing the udder by an abnormal means including the use of a mechanical contrivance or the injection of fluid or drugs is prohibited.
  5. Setting the teats and/or occluding (sealing the ends) with a mechanical contrivance or with the use of a chemical preparation is prohibited.
  6. Treating or massaging the udder or its attachments with an irritant or counter-irritant is prohibited. The use of common products such as fly spray, ointment, or liniment in excess to the extent that is irritating is included as an irritant unless required to reduce edema at time of calving.
  7. Any violation of the rules and regulations incorporated in the Premium Book, the Show ring code of Ethics and Livestock Rules and Regulations may result in forfeiture of all premiums and awards, disqualification, expulsion or probation of the exhibitor or organized group the exhibitor represents, and the exhibit or livestock involved. Probation, disqualification, expulsion, or other disciplinary action of the Valley County 4-H Livestock Executive committee and Valley County 4-H Council Executive committee will be final. Such action will require application for readmission under such terms as the Valley County 4-H Livestock Executive committee and Valley County 4-H Council Executive committee may prescribe before the group or individual is allowed to exhibit at future events.  (revised March 12, 2019)

 

HERDSMAN: Manager, breeder, or tender of livestock

MANAGER: One that manages.  To direct or handle with a degree of skill

BREEDER: One that breeds as - One engaged in the breeding of a special organism (animal).

TENDER: To present for acceptance