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New State Fair Rules Impact 4-H Livestock Exhibitors

New State Fair Rules Impact 4-H Livestock Exhibitors

New State Fair Rules Impact 4-H Livestock Exhibitors

LEXINGTON, Ky.—

Across the Commonwealth 4-Hers are getting cattle, sheep and pigs ready to exhibit in the 2002 Kentucky State Fair Junior 4-H and FFA livestock show. All hoping their animal has what it takes to make it to the Sale of Champions.

On the road to the champions sale ring, exhibitors need to be aware of some important rule changes for this year’s show. In the past there was no limit on how many animals youth could place in the final sale, which offers the grand and reserve grand champion in each species for sale to the highest bidder.

However, new rules state that an exhibitor will only be allowed to sell one animal per year in the Sale of Champions. Monty Chappell, Extension sheep and 4-H livestock specialist for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture said if an exhibitor has an animal selected as champion and has other class winners remaining in the running for reserve champion in the same species, those class winners will be excused before the reserve drive. But, the exhibitor is still eligible for class premiums.

Also, if exhibitors are selected champion or reserve in one species, they will not be eligible for champion or reserve in any other species, but they are still eligible for class premiums.

“The new rules really increase the chances of more youngsters being involved in the Sale of Champions,” Chappell said. “It gives more of them a chance to be recognized. Some youth will still show four to six animals and have several class winners, but they will only be able to have one in the sale.”

To be eligible to compete at the Kentucky State Fair, all market steers and market lambs must compete in one of the pre-fair district shows or Kentucky Junior Livestock shows sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Division of Shows and Fairs.

“Next year, we’ll be implementing some new identification procedures approved by the Fair Board last January,” Chappell said. “We’ll have to have DNA samples – blood for steers and swine and hair for lambs.”

The DNA testing will be done in conjunction with the Kentucky Uniform Identification Program; it will not replace it.

Chappell said plans are underway to develop an educational program through 4-H and FFA to inform exhibitors on how to take samples and where to have them processed.

Contact Information

Scovell Hall Lexington, KY 40546-0064

cafenews@uky.edu