BEEF, SHEEP, SWINE, HORSES, DAIRY COWS & GOATS, RABBIT & POULTRY

  1. To exhibit livestock, five (5) activities must be completed in project book activity guide, record book must be up-to-date and must be a “Member in Good Standing” – refer to General Rules of 4-H Exhibits. (note: activities can be completed in any of the three (3) levels of project book activity guides, with the permission of a club leader.)  NOTE: HORSE - All activities at project level must be completed in the member’s first year of enrollment.  If a member remains in that level the following year(s), three (3) challenge activities designed by the member and horse leader will be required to show/sell.
  2. Only 4-H members shall care for 4-H livestock unless, with good reason, other arrangements are made with the superintendent in charge. Only 4-H club members shall hold animals in the show ring. All livestock exhibits shall be shown and brought before the judge by the boy or girl owning the exhibit, unless excused by the superintendent and county agent.  Otherwise, failure to be on hand when exhibits are judged may mean that the exhibit would not be judged.
  3. For livestock, the judges are instructed to prefer the highest degree of excellence obtainable, considering conformation, finish, quality, and also age and weight; to recognize the highest quality and cutability that animals on foot shall ultimately produce.
  4. Market livestock will be judged on the basis of existing market classification. Livestock will be judged under the group system and awarded Blue, Red and White ribbons according to grade.
  5. The judge is encouraged to give constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement, as well as point out superior performance to exhibitors whenever possible.
  6. The judge and/or superintendent has the authority to tie, pen or dismiss, at any time, an entry that is unruly or not in sufficient control for the safety of the exhibitor, other exhibitors and spectators.
  7. No person other than the exhibitor and Show Officials will be allowed in the ring while the show is in progress.
  8. All animals shall stay in the show ring after they are judged, until the clerk has entered their placing in the class.
  9. Exhibitors cannot use the same animal for 4-H and FFA entries - this includes wool. To compete in Open Class, the 4-H’er or FFA’er must have another animal entered in Open Class.
  10. All livestock entries (large & small animals inclusive) will be veterinarian inspected entry day. Note:  Swine will be inspected prior to being penned and/or weighed.  Refer to 4-H Schedule for entry times.  All exhibits must stay in place thru Saturday.  There will be no early withdrawal of fair exhibits, except for veterinary reasons, or prize money will not be paid.  Check with Department Superintendents prior to loading or removing animals. 
  11. A veterinarian and/or all superintendents have the right to reject entries of any animals for health reasons.
  12. An exhibitor may enter only one exhibit per lot with the exception of breeding stock: “any other classes”.
  13. Dress Code for showing & selling livestock at the Fair
    A.  All contestants must wear shirts with long sleeves that button or snap up the front.
           (No tank tops, T-shirts, or polo shirts)
    B.  Wear clean pants or slacks with long legs (no shorts, cut offs, culottes, capris, etc.).
    C.  Contestants may wear either boots or shoes (no thongs, sandals, or untied shoes).
           BOOTS ARE  RECOMMENDED.
    D.  Contestants may wear western hats (no caps).
    E.  HORSES HAVE A SEPARATE SET OF DRESS CODE RULES. Refer to Horse Rules.
  14. Only 4-H members shall fit animals for showing after arrival at the fair, unless it is a matter of safety and health for the child and/or animal.
  15. All livestock exhibitors must wear their exhibitor number pinned (or in a halter) to the back of their shirt when showing their animals. The laminated numbers will be used again next year, so please turn your number in at the end of the fair.  A fee may be assessed if the laminated exhibitor number is not returned at the end of fair. Exhibitors should memorize their 4-H exhibitor number. (The number should stay the same through your 4-H career and is also your Open Class Exhibitor Number.)
  16. When showing an exhibit which consists of two or more animals, only the exhibitor should be wearing an exhibitor number. (Example: a pair of calves or a pen of 3 market animals)
  17. As an exhibitor, your behavior attitude and ability are important. Sportsmanship and temperament are good indicators of a good show person.          
  18. All livestock entries must have two or more entries before a Grand Champion can be picked and three or more before a Reserve Champion can be selected, unless Judge feels it’s warranted.
  19. 4-H members must be present when exhibits are being judged in the 4-H Livestock Breeding Projects.
  20. SENIOR DIVISION: 4-H'ers who are 14 and over as of October 1, 2023 will compete in the (SENIOR DIVISION)
  21. JUNIOR DIVISION: 4-H’ers age 11-13 as of  October 1, 2023 will compete in the (JUNIOR DIVISION)
  22. PRE JUNIOR DIVISION: 4-H age 8 - 10 as of October 1, 2023 will compete in the (PRE-JUNIOR DIVISION)
  23. Breeding Animal entries cannot be sold at the Valley County 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale.
  24. Market animals will be disqualified from 4-H competition if not properly identified.
  25. No “FOR SALE” signs or advertising can be placed on any exhibit entered on competition.
  26. In the event an exhibitor weighs-in two market animals of the same species, one to be exhibited in 4-H/FFA and the other in open class, the exhibitor to let the department superintendents know at the time of weigh-in, which animal is to be exhibited in 4-H/FFA market class.
  27. In the event a class needs to be split due to the number of exhibits/exhibitors, the split(s) will be done by random drawing. The number of exhibits/exhibitors from each split to return back for selection of the top placing(s) of the class, will be determined by the judge.                     

4-H'ers should be conscious of their appearance at all times when working with their livestock.