DATE: January 15, 2019

TO: Minnesota 4-H Animal Science Project Members – Market Beef and Dairy Steers

FROM: Sara Budde, Stearns County 4-H Program Coordinator

RE: IMPORTANT - Animal Identification Process

Thank you for enrolling in a 4-H animal science project. We hope you find this project both challenging and

rewarding. This letter outlines the online animal identification process.

Minnesota 4-H uses its online enrollment system, 4HOnline, to record all animal identifications and ownership

data. Online animal identification reduces inaccuracies and inefficiencies that were a part of our past paper

system. More information and a 4HOnline user guide can be found at www.4-H.umn.edu/animal-ID.

The process that will be followed in 2019 is as follows:

1. Family should email or call the Stearns Extension office a day in advance to reserve tags. (Tags cannot

be mailed out.)

2. 4-H Family picks up MN 4-H ear tags and tag applicator from the Extension Office.

a. We have a limited number of taggers on hand that can be checked out with a $20 deposit that is

refunded when the tagger is returned. Taggers must be returned within 7 days.

3. 4-H Family puts tag in animal’s ear by February 15 and completes the information worksheet

(www.4-H.umn.edu/animal-ID).

4. 4-H Family self-enters information into 4HOnline and prints entry report for personal record. NOTE:

Data entry must be completed by 11:59 pm, February 15, 2019; you will not be able complete

identification after that point.

5. Family MUST return ALL unused and/or damaged ear tags to the Stearns Extension office by February

27, 2019.

If your family cannot self-enter the animal identification data: 4-H Family brings in completed worksheet,

including signature(s) to County Extension Office by February 15. This worksheet will be kept on file in the

Extension Office. Within one week, Support Staff or a designated volunteer enters info online into your family’s

4HOnline account. After that, your family may view the information in 4HOnline to check for accuracy. Users

guides for viewing ID’d animals in 4HOnline are available at www.4-H.umn.edu/animal-ID. The County

Extension Office must be notified of any discrepancies by Wednesday, February 27, 2019.

*All market beef and dairy steers need to be identified February 15.

Online ID’ing (4HOnline) user assistance and support

A user guide is available at www.4-H.umn.edu/animal-ID.

For assistance with the online ID process, contact , contact Sara Budde at (320) 255-6169, ext. 2.

In addition, an ID helpline will be available as follows:

o Thursday, February 14, 4:30 – 8:00 pm, 507-438-6898

o Friday, February 15, 4:30 – 11:59 pm, 218-232-4975

© 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request at 612-624-2116.

On rare occasions, 4-H animals will lose the official Minnesota 4-H ear tag. If this occurs, you will need to

contact Sara immediately at (320) 255-6169 ext. 2, so that the tag can be verified and replaced. Do not wait until

county fair if this occurs.

Two additional pieces of project information are included in this mailing for your information:

2019 Animal Science Show Requirements for Minnesota 4-H details specific dates and requirements

unique to each animal science project area.

2019 Beef Information Sheet compiled by the 4-H State Fair Beef Committee and includes processes,

procedures and information unique to the beef project at the Minnesota State Fair.

Livestock Quality Assurance Training Options: Minnesota 4-H supports livestock quality assurance and animal

science ethics. All youth participating as a state fair 4-H livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry,

rabbits, meat goat, dairy goat, and lama must complete livestock quality assurance training.

Certification is required for state fair grade/age-eligible youth. Must be completed before their home

county fair qualifying show.

The training accommodates multi-levels of learning for all ages. The level of training required is

determined by the grade/age of the youth at the time the training takes place.

Counties that have a swine marketing agreement with a packer that requires livestock quality assurance

certification may require swine members (grade 3-13) to certify.

Minnesota 4-H youth must participate in one of the training options to be eligible for Minnesota 4-H state

fair shows. Minnesota 4-H recognizes two training options:

1. A face-to-face 3-hour livestock quality assurance and ethics training from Minnesota 4-H. These

will be offered in multiple locations statewide. This certification is valid for three fair seasons. Cost

is set by county/regional host.

Stearns County LQA&E Training is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the

Melrose City Center. Registration information will be emailed to youth enrolled in

livestock projects on their 4HOnline profile.

2. An online 1-hour youth quality care of animals training offered via distance learning. This

certification is valid for one fair season. Cost: $12; pay at registration with a credit card. (This is a

national program and registration fee pays for the national training system.)

Trainings promote responsible care of animals, making informed decisions in animal care and providing safe

consumer food products. Youth will receive a certificate of completion. Additional information concerning any

Livestock Quality Assurance training in our area will be listed in upcoming 4-H newsletters.

If you have any questions about the change to online animal identification or anything else in this letter, please

contact Sara at (320) 255-6169 or budde016@umn.edu.

Cloverbud Animal Science Specifics

Cloverbuds may show their own animal or another 4-H’ers animal.

Cloverbud animal should not be identified in 4HOnline (unless it is to be shown by another 4-H member).

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health requires all animals at exhibitions to have official ID (tag or tattoo) this includes

Cloverbuds, however this information should not be included in 4HOnline.

Cloverbud entries may be included in county fair pre-registration for stalling/penning purposes.

Minnesota 4-H AnSci Updates for 2019 Required Show Attire: Official 4-H show shirts are required to be worn by all exhibitors. This is for state fair shows only. Species specific show attire information is available at z.umn.edu/showringattire. Reminder: Official Minnesota Board of Animal Health Ruling All cattle and bison, goat, sheep and swine at exhibitions must be officially identified using Minnesota Board of Animal Health acceptable official ID. For complete 2019 Exhibition Entry Requirements and acceptable official ID, visit this link: www.bah.state.mn.us/exhibitions. Beef Project updates Crossbred Dairy Steers Revised rules and requirements for the Crossbred Dairy Steer Division

● Crossbred Dairy Steers will show in a separate division. ● The Champion and Reserve Champion Crossbred Dairy Steers are eligible for the 4-H Auction, provided there is a

minimum of eight entries in the division, and the exhibits receive a purple ribbon. ● The Champion and Reserve Champion Crossbred Dairy Steers will compete in the Market Beef Championship for

Grand and Reserve Champion, and Top 5 Overall Market Beef. ● Crossbred Dairy Steers must be at least 50% from the acceptable breeds listed for the Pure Breed Dairy Steer

division, with the balance being from any other beef or dairy breed; however, the steers must show adequate dairy steer characteristics, as determined by the screening committee. Exhibitors should be prepared to identify the breeds of their crossbred dairy steer.

4-H Beef Show Color Rule No artificial color of any kind will be allowed on 4-H Market Beef, Prospect Calves, Cow Calf Pairs, and Breeding Heifer exhibits that is applied above the flank of the animal, except for the tailhead. Coloring materials are acceptable to be applied to the legs and hooves of the animal. All 4-H beef exhibits, except dairy steers, will be checked for artificial color and may be checked anytime during the show. Any animal that displays artificial color cannot receive a purple ribbon, or be named Division Champion or Reserve Champion, or be selected for the 4-H Auction. Registration Papers & ID Information

● All registration papers must be originals. Photocopies, faxes, or on-line papers will not be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS.

● Required registration papers must be presented at the time of verification or weigh-in on entry day and the ear tattoo in the animal must match the tattoo number on the registration paper. Registered beef animals without registration papers will be placed in an appropriate division.

● All market beef dairy steers, prospect calves, commercial heifers and cow/calf pairs must be identified with a 4-H ear tag.

● Any beef exhibit not meeting the registration paper or 4-H ear tag requirement can place no higher than a blue ribbon and is not eligible for championship awards or the 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction.

● 4-H market beef, dairy steer and prospect calf weigh-in and breeding beef I.D. will occur on Wednesday from 1 - 6 p.m. Entry deadline is Wednesday at 6 p.m.

© 2018 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. 1

New 4-H Beef Show Ribbon System for 2019 The 4-H Beef Show will “pilot” a new type of ribbon system for State Fair 4-H Livestock Shows ……

● A numerical ribbon system (1st through 10th place) will be used for all classes in all 4-H Beef Show Divisions in 2019. (This will replace the blue, red & white ribbon system.)

● Purple ribbons will be awarded to deserving exhibits in each class, similar to previous years. The Show Judge will determine how many purple ribbons will be awarded in each class; however, it is not required to award any purple ribbons in a class.

● Purple ribbons are not required to be named a Division Champion or Reserve Champion. ● Market Beef and Dairy Steers must receive a purple ribbon to be eligible for the 4-H Auction.

Dairy Project updates Red & white breed show update — 2019

A. May be either registered or grade. B. Must be true red with no black or brindle. Show management reserves the right to deny any animal with a

questionable hair coat. C. Dairy ID data should show animal’s breed as red & white on the May 15th deadline. Animals cannot switch

between Holstein and red & white classes after ID verification. 4-H Dairy Show information

a. The Minnesota State Fair Dairy show will start all cow classes before moving on to heifers. Approximate show times and net merit information will be posted outside dairy office by 7 p.m. on Thursday.

b. Breeds with less than 10 exhibitors will be shown in 2 classes — heifers and cows. c. Dairy showcase will be held at 10:30 am in the Compeer Arena, with brunch at 9:30 a.m. d. Watch for information on the Dairy Showcase at z.umn.edu/4h-dairy-showcase

Dairy Goat Project updates

● Reminder: Dairy Goats DO NOT need to be ID’d prior to first freshening. Dairy Goats can be identified for the first time at any age.

● Showmanship classes: Junior (6-7th grade)., Intermediate (8- 10th grade), Senior (11+grades) ● For herdsmanship, plywood or hay bale storage bags from farm store will greatly help herdsmanship ● No muzzles are allowed

Lama Project updates You can show multiple lamas at county fair but the animal shown in showmanship class at county level is the animal eligible for state fair trip. Changes to Poster Contest:

● Winning promotional poster will be the cover for the next year’s show catalog. ● No t-shirt will be printed. ● Textile Center of MN Award for Lama Costume Show. Textile Center of MN will present one $100.00

Award to the outstanding lama costume that meets the criteria of creativity as well as best use of fabric

2

and materials. A team from Textile Center of MN will select 2 or 3 costumes per class, then announce their final selection from this group.

Meat Goat Project updates State fair showmanship: Age divisions: intermediate (grades 6–7), senior (grades 8–10), advanced (grade 11+) Meat breeding doe yearling birth dates have changed: Senior yearling meat breeding doe (never kidded) Dec 1, 2017 – Feb 28, 2018 Junior yearling meat breeding doe (never kidded) March 1, 2018 – May 31, 2018 Fall yearling meat breeding doe (never kidded) June 1, 2018 – Nov 30, 2018 Senior meat breeding doe kid Dec 1, 2018 – Feb 28, 2019 Junior meat breeding doe kid Mar 1, 2019 – May 31, 2019

● Must have an official 4-H ear tag and official scrapie tag (4-H tags DO NOT serve as scrapies tags). Exception: Animals with gopher or elf ears must be tattooed with unique ID number AND Minnesota Board of Animal Health (BAH) scrapie ID number in the tail web by May 15th. Contact BAH for abbreviated BAH number.

● Breeding does must be tattooed with a unique animal ID tattoo AND scrapie tag or scrapie tattoo. NOTE: 4-H tags ARE NOT a valid animal ID for breeding does.

● No muzzles are allowed. Poultry Project updates

● State Fair Herdsmanship: Bring your own feed, small broom and dustpan to maintain cleanliness of pen ● State fair poster contest has no additional program fee

Rabbit updates

● 4-H Rabbit Carcass Show will be held at Animal Arena (UMN St Paul Campus), 1888 Carter Ave, St. Paul, MN on Sunday August 25th

Sheep updates

● No muzzles are allowed Swine updates

● No updates for 2019 Leasing of breeding animals New for the 2018-2019 year, Minnesota 4-H will be changing the management and recording of leased animals (Breeding Beef, Cow/Calf pairs, Prospect Calves, Breeding Sheep, Breeding Swine, Meat Breeding Does, Dairy and Dairy Goat, Dog, Horse, Breeding Poultry, Lama and Breeding Rabbit). Please refer to z.umn.edu/mn4h-LeaseInfo after February 1, 2019 for updated leasing information.

3

Herdsmanship update Please refer to the 2019 Minnesota 4-H Premium Book for rules and updates. Herdsmanship: Speaking up for animal agriculture activities A critical component of herdsmanship is the way exhibitors positively interact with fair goers. Minnesota 4-H will continue the program launched in 2007 in cooperation with Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association and the Minnesota State Fair. We will use the program to provide training and support to help 4-H exhibitors continue to showcase a positive image of animal agriculture at the fair. The program will consist of three components: (1) specialized training for 4-H livestock delegations (2) coaching for exhibitors as they interact one-on-one with fair visitors during the fair and (3) evaluation and competition for 25 bonus points to be added to the county’s total herdsmanship score. State fair interview process In 2008, the swine and sheep project members exhibiting at the state fair were offered an exciting opportunity as they participated in their livestock interviews. Combining the knowledge of experts in the industry, hands-on workshops on popular topics within the species area and an interaction with technology through computer-based quizzes, 4-H'ers learned more than ever before! Because of this success, the interview process will again cover all the species at the 2019 Minnesota State Fair. The process will consist of age appropriate interactive workshops with industry experts, a computer-based quiz following the session and a one-on-one interview for those scoring in the top percentage on the quiz will be used to determine interview winners. These interviews (workshop and online quiz) will be held on the St. Paul campus. Livestock quality assurance (LQA) All youth participating as a Minnesota State Fair 4-H livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, meat goat, dairy goat and lama must have completed a livestock quality assurance and ethics training, for which there are two training options 1) a three hour in-person workshop (LQA&E) or 2) a one hour online training (YQCA). Youth completing either quality assurance training option will receive a certificate of completion. The full policy, YQCA info and LQA&E youth certification dates for counties around the state can be found at: http://z.umn.edu/lqa-policy State fair livestock weekend — New livestock entry schedule NEW: All 4-H livestock must arrive Wednesday, August 21 between 2 a.m. and 6 p.m.

● No livestock will be allowed on the grounds before 2 a.m. and must be on the grounds by 6 p.m. ● The 11 p.m. curfew WILL BE MAINTAINED for Wednesday evening. ● Livestock weekend lodging in University halls: due to freshman orientation at the University, all rooms

must be vacated by 8 a.m. on Sunday morning of livestock weekend. Livestock demonstrations Again in 2019: The Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association is providing $30 cash awards to each 4-H'er who completes a 4-H livestock demonstration during 4-H Livestock Weekend at the Minnesota State Fair. Consult your local 4-H staff for details and start planning those exciting livestock demonstrations today!

4

Science of animal educational exhibits — livestock weekend Again in 2019: The 4-H Science of Animals Educational Exhibits will be back livestock weekend.

● Exhibit suggestions: 1) Items constructed (such as feeding systems or show equipment) or science exhibits focusing on animal species area of choice. 2) These projects may be enhanced with 3- dimensional displays, posters or notebooks.

● Exhibits will be judged during livestock weekend and 4-H’ers may exhibit both an animal and a 4-H Science of Animal Educational Exhibit.

4-H Purple Ribbon Auction reminder 20% of all Minnesota State Fair auction premiums will be deducted and will be used for a variety of animal science activities at the state level, including 4-H Auction Scholarships. Check out the purple ribbon website at mnpurpleribbonauction.org/.

5

2019 Beef information sheet Prepared by the 4-H State Fair Beef Show Committee and the Center for Youth Development. This information sheet gives details on the rules for this year’s Minnesota State Fair 4-H Beef Show. Although some counties may follow slightly different guidelines, these rules will apply at the state level. Details Regarding Appropriate Dress Codes for All State Fair Livestock Shows: Official 4-H Show Shirts are required to be worn by all exhibitors. This is for state fair shows only. Species specific show attire information is available at z.umn.edu/showringattire.

Ownership requirements Ownership requirements for all 4-H Animal Science Projects are uniform for beef, cats/pets, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, lama, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and swine. Animals must be owned solely by the 4-H'er or the 4-H'ers family. The family includes the 4-H'ers parents/guardians and siblings living together as a family unit. The definition of family includes an extended family where the animal may be owned by grandparents as long as the 4-H'ers parents are actively involved with and working on the farm. Animals owned in partnership with non-family members (as defined above) must be leased and follow lease guidelines. All information must be submitted by May 15 with 4HOnline data. Market animals (with the exception of prospect calves) cannot be leased. All Animal Ownership Deadlines:

● February 15: market beef (beef steers,market heifers and dairy steers) ● May 15: breeding beef, prospect calves, dairy, dairy goats, dog, horse, lama, meat goat, poultry, rabbit,

sheep, swine. Fryer rabbits (should be 70 days old at show) 4-H'er must own the doe of fryer rabbits and doe must be identified by May 15.

● June 1: Jr. meat goat doe kids ● July 1: Jr. dairy goat doe kids

Ownership Clarifications ● With the 4HOnline ID process, 4-H families are not able to identify animals as a family group. Under the

4HOnline ID process, families will need to enter each animal in one of the 4-H member profiles. A good rule of thumb might be to break all animals to be ID’ed up such that each family member gets about the same number if the animals are ID’ed in their name. For example, if the John Doe family is ID’ing 12 animals and there are three siblings in the John Doe family, you might consider putting 4 animals in each sibling’s name. It is also a good practice to put at least one animal under each sibling. The determination of which sibling exhibits which animal at the county fair can then be delayed until the ID checkpoint at county fair. It is at the county fair ID checkpoint for each species that animals must be declared by a specific sibling and cannot be switched to another sibling after that.

© 2018 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. 1

● The same animal cannot be identified by more than one 4-H family unit. Let’s say a livestock production operation is a partnership between two brothers — both having children in 4-H. The cousins in this example must identify different animals. They might identify several as the “John Doe” family and several others as the “Jim Doe” family. But the same animals CANNOT be identified by both families. Let’s say a similar operation is owned by two unrelated partners. In this case the same philosophy would apply. Each family may identify any number of animals but NO animals can be identified by both families. The exception to this rule is in horse, dog and lama where it is permitted for animals to be ID'ed by two 4-H'ers, but with restrictions described elsewhere in the species information sheet.

● Families are eligible to transfer female animals between market/breeding classes up until county fair verification if they meet identification standards (all market animals require a 4-H tag by the market id deadlines for each species). After this point, animals must show in the class that they entered (if shown as a market animal at county fair it must show as a market animal at state fair). Animals must also meet three criteria:

○ Leasing (not available to market animals) ■ Animals under a lease are not eligible to be shown as a market animal.

○ County requirements (central ID or not) ■ If your county requires a central Identification for market animals — and you did not make it

to that ID with your animal — you are not eligible for a market class. ○ ID date (for beef)

■ If you did not identify your beef heifer by February 15th (state ID deadline), you are not eligible for a market class.

Leasing program ● Beef heifers, cow/calf pairs, and prospect market calves are eligible to be leased. ● Market beef and dairy steers cannot be leased. ● Leased animals must follow lease guidelines. All information must be submitted by May 15 with 4HOnline

data. ● The same animal cannot be identified/leased by more than one 4-H family unit.

Health requirements for expositions, county and state fairs All species All animals will be inspected by the official veterinarian the opening day of the exhibition and daily during the exhibition. The official veterinarian will order the immediate removal to a quarantine facility or removal from the exhibition premises of any animal showing clinical signs of any infectious, contagious or communicable disease, including ringworm and warts. Any animal showing evidence of any disease, abscesses, or any open contagious lesions will not be allowed to exhibit or show and will be subject to isolation or expulsion depending on the nature and seriousness of the disease, abscess or lesion in question. If illness of any nature is suspected in any animal, said animal is subject to examination by the official veterinarian and owner or exhibitor of said animal must abide by the decision of this veterinarian. Animals with warts or ringworm may not be shown. A statement from a veterinarian that an animal is being treated for these diseases is not acceptable. Animals known by the exhibitor to have an infectious,

2

communicable disease or to have been exposed to an infectious, communicable disease, or to be from a quarantined flock, may not be entered in an exhibition.

Identification ● All cattle, swine, sheep and goats exhibited at the fair must have official identification (ID) that meets the

requirements of both state and federal animal identification rules. The goal of these ID requirements is to uniquely identify animals so they can be traced to their source in a disease outbreak. The type of ID used in each species may vary, but each official ID is unique to that animal within the United States. For pictures of official ear tags and more information about official ID in livestock, visit the Board of Animal Health Official ID page at mn.gov/bah/official-id/.

● There are no state or federal requirements at this time to officially identify camelid species or rabbits. ● All chickens, turkeys and game birds at exhibitions, except baby poultry, must be individually

identified with a leg or wing band. Young poultry that are too small to band, can be exhibited as a group if the Hatchery Permit number or NPIP number is written on the cage.

● Animals originating out of state should have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) at the time of acquisition (purchase) to travel across state lines. If housed in MN, a CVI is not needed for exhibition at the county or state fair. If housed in another state and crossing into MN at the time of exhibition (county or state fair) the CVI requirement is in effect. A CVI is valid for 30 days from the date of the inspection.

Cattle 1. Individuals must be officially identified. The following ear tags are considered official ID for cattle:

a. USDA National Uniform Ear tagging System (NUES) tags. Must display U.S. shield. i. Brucellosis (Bang’s) orange vaccination tags (only applied by accredited veterinarians); ii. Metal or plastic NUES tags. Metal tags may be ordered at no cost from the Minnesota

Board of Animal Health at (651) 201-6836 or using their online order form. Tag applicators must be purchased from a vendor.

b. USDA AIN visual or RFID tag [15 digit number starting with 840]. Must display U.S. shield. c. Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) tag [15

digit number starting with 124]. d. Alternate identification applied to cattle prior to March 11, 2015 is an American ID tag (8or 9 digit

number beginning with the prefix ‘USA’). This includes the National Farm Animal ID and records (FAIR) by the Holstein Assoc., Inc.

e. Breed registry tattoos and tags are valid for cattle originating from Iowa, Missouri and South Dakota. Cattle must be accompanied by documentation (such as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) listing the bred registration numbers. Breed registry tattoos and tags are also valid for cattle moving within Minnesota if accompanied by documentation listing the breed registration numbers.

2. Cattle from Minnesota do not need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). 3. Cattle from outside Minnesota.

a. Must meet Minnesota importation requirements. See Minnesota.gov/bah/imports.html or call the Minnesota Board of Animal Health at (651) 296-2942.

3

b. A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) i s required and must list the Minnesota State Fair as consignee and an import permit number must be documented on the CVI. An issued CVI is valid for 30 days from the date the animals were inspected by an accredited veterinarian.

c. Cattle from outside Minnesota must meet the importation requirements of their state of origin if they are returning.

Birthdates Breeding Heifer – Spring calf January 1 – April 30, 2019 Breeding Heifer – Fall calf September 1 – December 31, 2018 Breeding heifer – Summer Yearling May 1 – August 31, 2018 Breeding heifer – Junior Yearling January 1 – April 30, 2018 Breeding heifer – Senior Yearling September 1 - December 31, 2017 Cow/calf Calves must be born on or after January 1, 2019 Prospect market calves January 1 – April 30, 2019 Market beef January 1 – August 31, 2018 Dairy steers January 1 – August 31, 2018

Identification details, forms and deadlines Also refer to your county ID letter and online at: z.umn.edu/MN4hanimalID

● All market beef & dairy steers: Must be tagged with a Minnesota 4-H ear tag by February 15 AND the ID data entered online or the ID worksheet submitted to your county extension office, by February 15.

● Registered breeding heifers and cow/calf pairs: Must be identified with an ear tattoo that is recorded and matches the tattoo number on the registration paper. The ID data entered online or the ID worksheet submitted to your county extension office, by May 15. (Calves must be tattooed by county fair.)

● Commercial breeding heifers and cow/calf pairs: Must be tagged with a Minnesota 4-H ear tag by May 15 and the ID data entered online or the ID worksheet submitted to your county extension office, by May 15. (Calves must be ear tagged by county fair.) Both the cow and calf must be ID’d.

● Prospect market calves: Must be identified with a Minnesota 4-H ear tag by May 15 and the ID data entered online or the beef worksheet submitted to your county extension office, by May 15.

Registration Papers ● All registration papers must be originals. Photocopies, faxes or on-line papers will not be accepted. NO

EXCEPTIONS. ● All required registration papers must be presented at the time of verification or weigh-in on entry day and

the ear tattoo in the animal must match the tattoo number on the registration paper. ● Any beef exhibit entered in a registered class or division without an original registration paper (where

required) can place no higher than a blue ribbon, and is not eligible for championship awards or the 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction.

● Registered beef animals without registration papers will be placed in an appropriate division.

4

Weight Guidelines ● All market beef and dairy steers must be born after January 1, 2018. ● The recommended state fair minimum market weight for market beef and dairy steers is 1,000 pounds. ● The recommended maximum market weight for market beef is 1,500 pounds, and for dairy steers is 1,600

pounds. ● There are no penalties for animals exceeding these weight guidelines, but there may be market discounts. ● No “check-weights” are allowed prior to weigh-in on entry day (Wednesday) at the state fair.

Weigh back of market beef and dairy steers ● All market beef and dairy steers receiving a purple ribbon will be weighed back as they exit the show ring. ● All market beef and dairy steers must be within 5 percent of their entry day weight on Wednesday. ● Any market beef or dairy steer not meeting the 5 percent criteria will be lowered from a purple ribbon to a

blue ribbon and will not be eligible for the 4-H auction or any special awards. ● No feed or water may be given to animals following weigh back until after the division championship,

unless authorized by show management. Violations will result in a drop of one ribbon placing and no consideration for division championship.

● Weigh-back decisions by 4-H beef show management are final.

Dates of the state fair 4-H Livestock Encampment and show times

4-H Livestock Encampment: Wednesday, August 21 – Sunday, August 25 Weigh-In & Check-In Wednesday 12 – 6 p.m. (All breeding heifers and cow/calf pairs must be verified) Wednesday 12 – 6 p.mm (All market beef and Prospect Calves must be weighed-recommended to

Weigh from 12 noon to 4 p.m.) Wednesday 4 – 6 pm. (Weigh and verify all Pure Breed and Crossbred dairy steers) Beef Exhibitor Meeting Thursday 10 a.m. (Grooming chute tent) Beef Showmanship Saturday 8 a.m. (White coverall)

Show Day & Times Cow/Calf Show Thursday 1 p.m. (Compeer Arena) Heifer Show Thursday 2:30 p.m. (Compeer Arena) Market Beef Show Friday 7:30 a.m. (Coliseum) Prospect Market Calf Show Friday, following market beef Show (Coliseum) Dairy Steer Show Friday 7:30 a.m. (Coliseum) - Dairy steer showmanship to follow

Championship event ● Friday 2 p.m. (Coliseum) ● This event will include the selection of:

5

○ Grand & Reserve Grand Champion Prospect Market Calf ○ Top 3 overall cow/calf pairs ○ Top 5 overall beef heifers ○ Top 3 overall dairy steers ○ Top 5 overall market beef

● Announcement of beef interview winners and Minnesota State Fair scholarship recipients All eligible exhibitors must participate in the 4-H Beef Show Championship, or cash or special awards will be withheld.

Show divisions and classes Breeding heifers:

● To show in the registered breed divisions and classes exhibitors must meet the registration requirements for that breed and present an original registration paper, including spring calf breeding heifers. All registered heifers must have an ear tattoo that matches the tattoo number on the registration paper. NO EXCEPTIONS.

● Heifers without the original registration papers (when required) can place no higher than a blue ribbon, can not win champion honors, and will be moved to an appropriate division.

● A spring calf class is available for all breed divisions. Spring calves do not have to be from a cow/calf project.

● Spring calves must be weaned (no nurse cows), and registered spring calves must meet requirements (#1).

● The following registered Breeding Heifer breed divisions will be offered in 2019: Angus (purebred) Red Angus (purebred) Charolais (purebred) Composite Charolais(1/2 or

more) Hereford (purebred) Limousin (1/4 or more)

Shorthorn (purebred) Shorthorn Plus (1/2 or more) South Devon (1/2 or more) Gelbvieh (1/2 or more) Simmental (purebred) Foundation Simmental (1/2, 5/8,

or 3/4)

Maine Anjou (3/4 or more) Maintainer (1/4, ½, or 5/8) All Other Breeds (AOB) (Cannot

be a lower % of another eligible Breed Division.)

● All other animals will be in the “commercial” division, and must have a 4-H ear tag. ● Chianina heifers must be 6.25% or more to show in the AOB division.

Cow/calf pairs: ● To show in the registered breed divisions, exhibitors must meet the registration requirements for that

breed and present an original registration paper for both the cow and the calf. NO EXCEPTIONS. (See breeding heifer rule.)

● For exhibitors in the cow/calf division: both cow and calf are brought to the show ring (not for showmanship).

● The second animal must be shown by another eligible 4-H member. ● Calves in cow/calf pairs can be heifers, bulls or steers.

6

● Prospect calves and spring calves may be part of a cow/calf exhibit at the county level and still be state fair eligible in any these divisions.

● Embryo transfer (ET) calves may not be part of a cow/calf pair, but may be shown as prospect calves or as spring heifer calves.

● The following cow/calf pair breed divisions will be offered in 2019: Angus (purebred) Red Angus (purebred) Hereford (purebred)

Simmental (purebred & Foundation Simmental) Shorthorn (purebred & Shorthorn Plus)

All Other Breeds” (AOB) (Must be registered.) ● All other cow/calf pairs will be in the “commercial” division, and both cow and calf must have a 4-H ear tag.

Prospect calves: ● Prospect market calf exhibits: prospect calves must be ID’d with a 4-H ear tag by May 15. ● Prospect calves will be weighed and shown in weight classes (no breed divisions). ● Classes for heifers and steers will be judged as market beef prospects. ● Prospect calves must be weaned and steer calves must be castrated (no bull calves). ● Prospect calves do not have to be part of a 4-H cow/calf project to be eligible for state fair. ● The 4-H leasing program is available for prospect market calves.

Dairy steers (pure breed and crossbred): ● Dairy steers must be ID’d with a 4-H ear tag by February 15. ● Again for 2019: All pure breed and crossbred dairy steers will be verified for breed authenticity by a

verification panel before they cross the weigh scale on Wednesday from 4–7 p.m. ● Any pure breed dairy steer that is not deemed to meet breed authenticity may be moved to the crossbred

dairy steer division, provided that the steer is deemed to meet the characteristics for that division. Otherwise it will be moved to an appropriate division in the market beef show, or allowed to show as a dairy steer and receive no higher than a blue ribbon.

● Any crossbred dairy steer that is not deemed to meet the characteristics for the crossbred division may be moved to another appropriate division in the market beef show, or can receive no higher than a blue ribbon in the 4-H Crossbred Dairy Steer division.

● The verification panel and 4-H Beef Show Management will determine final eligibility for the pure breed and crossbred dairy steer divisions. That decision will be final. The decision is not subject to protests, and no blood tests or DNA sampling will be required and cannot be requested.

● Pure breed dairy steers must be 100% of one dairy breed. Exhibitors must identify what breed their dairy steer is when they pre-register with their county extension office at the time of state fair registration.

○ The following dairy breeds are accepted without registration papers: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, & Jersey.

○ Milking Shorthorn dairy steers must be registered with the American Milking Shorthorn Society. Any animal carrying the “S” suffix will not be eligible for the dairy steer show but will be eligible for the beef steer show.

● New for 2019 --- Revised rules and requirements for the Crossbred Dairy Steer Division …… ● Crossbred Dairy Steers will show in a separate division.

7

● The Champion and Reserve Champion Crossbred Dairy Steers are eligible for the 4-H Auction, provided there is a minimum of eight entries in the division, and the exhibits receive a purple ribbon.

● The Champion and Reserve Champion Crossbred Dairy Steers will compete in the Market Beef Championship for Grand and Reserve Champion, and Top 5 Overall Market Beef.

● Crossbred Dairy Steers must be at least 50% from the acceptable breeds listed for the Pure Breed Dairy Steer division, with the balance being from any other beef or dairy breed; however, the steers must show adequate dairy steer characteristics, as determined by the screening committee. Exhibitors should be prepared to identify the breeds of their crossbred dairy steer

Market beef: ● Market beef must be ID’d with a 4-H ear tag by February 15 (including steers in breed divisions). ● To show in the registered breed divisions, exhibitors must meet the registration requirements for that

breed, with the exception of the Charolais breed division (see below). Steers without the original registration paper can place no higher than a blue ribbon, cannot win Champion honors or be in the 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction, and will be moved to the crossbred division.

● All breed division steers must show the visual characteristics of that breed. A screening committee will verify steers on entry day. Any steer not meeting the requirements of a particular breed will be moved to the “crossbred” division. All decisions of the screening committee are final and are not subject to change.

● Exhibitors may not switch divisions once they have crossed the scale on entry day. ● Following are the 4-H market beef divisions and requirements for the 2019 State Fair:

● Angus steers must be out of a purebred sire and purebred dam and have a registration paper. ● Shorthorn steers must be out of a purebred sire and purebred dam and have a registration papers. ● Shorthorn Plus steers must have a registration paper and must meet the registration requirements

of the National Breed Association. ● Hereford steers must be out of a purebred registered Hereford bull and a purebred registered

Hereford or Polled Hereford cow, and must have a registration paper from the American Hereford Assn (AHA).

● Maine Anjou steers must be 1/4 blood concentration or more, and must have a registration paper. ● Limousin steers must be 25% or greater according to the NALF percentage and must have

registration papers from the NALF. ● Simmental steers must be half-blood or more and must have a registration paper from the

American Simmental Association ● Charolais steers must be a minimum of 50% Charolais and exhibit Charolais breed character. They

will be verified during the market beef weigh-in at the State Fair (No registration paper is required for 2019; however, registration papers will be required for 2020).

● The Market Heifer division will be show in weight classes (no breed designations). The Champion and Reserve Champion Market Heifer will compete for Overall Champion and Reserve Champion market beef.

● Rules for the “slick–shorn” market steer division: ● Hair must be “slick shorn”, which includes the entire body and legs, with the exception of

the switch.

8

● For steers to quality for the “slick-shorn” Division, they must be shorn to no more than ¼ inch on any location of the body, excluding the tail switch.

● Steers will be checked at time of weigh-In for compliance with the hair length requirement, with hair no longer than ¼ inch uniform length at any location on the body, other than the tail switch.

● The tail switch can be no more than 12 inches above the end of the cartilage of the tail, and the tail switch may be ratted and balled, or bobbed off.

● Steers may be clipped after they arrive at the state fair to meet the requirements, up until the time of weigh-in.

● Any steer found not to be in compliance with the hair length rule at the time of the market beef weigh-in will not be allowed to show in the “slick-shorn” division, and will be placed in an appropriate division.

● All steers must meet ¼ inch hair requirement prior to weigh-in on Wednesday. ● Any decisions on eligibility for the “slick-shorn” division that are made by the 4-H Beef Show

Management will be final and those decisions will not be subject to protest. ● All other beef steers will be placed in the “crossbred” division, which will include all other breeds

and crosses and will be divided into 3 divisions for the show.

Marketing of market beef and dairy steers ● Exhibitors of non-auction market beef and dairy steers are given the choice to consign their cattle to

market. ● Exhibitors must sign a consignment form in the 4-H beef office by 5:00 pm on Friday to market their cattle. ● All market beef and dairy steers in the 4-H auction must go to market and become property of the

Minnesota State Fair after the 4-H auction. Those exhibitors must also complete the consignment form (listed above).

4-H Beef showmanship

Age divisions: intermediate (grades 6–8) and senior (grades 9+) ● Divisions: (1) Market beef, (2) Cow/calf & prospect market calf, (3) Heifer, and (4) Dairy steer ● Show order: For all divisions will be the intermediate division first, followed by the senior division ● Dairy Steer showmanship will be on Friday morning following the 4-H Dairy Steer Show in the Coliseum.

The balance of the beef showmanship will be held on Saturday morning at 8:00 am in the White Coverall. ● Exhibitors must use their own animal for showmanship. ● All 4-H’ers exhibiting a Cow/Calf pair, Prospect Market Calf, Breeding Heifer, Dairy Steer, or Market

Beef will be entered in showmanship, but may withdraw at the time of weigh-in and ID on Wednesday.

● Exhibitors in the cow/calf division may show either the cow or the calf, but not both (one animal is brought to the show ring).

● Beef showmanship at the state fair will be a “NO FIT” show: no use of adhesives or color products. The judge will be advised and any violation will result in disqualification from showmanship.

9

● The top five showmanship contestants in each Division will receive awards.

4-H Beef interviews Age divisions: intermediate (grades 6–8) and senior (grades 9+)

● To qualify for awards above a blue ribbon, and to be considered for beef interview awards, exhibitors must participate in the beef interview activity. (Wednesday 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. or Thursday at 8:00 a.m.).

● The initial beef interviews will be held at the University of Minnesota campus and exhibitors must participate to qualify for interview call-backs.

● There are no make-up interviews for cow/calf exhibitors. ● Make-up interviews in the 4-H beef office on Thursday (1:00–1:30 p.m.) for breeding heifer exhibitors and

on Friday (6:45–7:15 a.m.) for market beef, dairy steer, and prospect market calf exhibitors. ● Award winners will be selected during the final interview activity held on Thursday (10:30 a.m.–noon).

Award winners will be recognized during the championship event. ● There is no opportunity to make up the final interview activity. 4-H'ers selected to participate in the final

interview activity will be notified at the beef exhibitor meeting and names will be posted outside the 4-H beef office.

State fair herdsmanship ● No canopies or pop-up tents will be allowed in the grooming and fitting areas. ● Animals must be in the barn stalls and look presentable to the public from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

daily. ● Tie-out spaces may be reserved by counties at a cost. Animals may go to tie-outs after 8:00 p.m. ● Fans — all fans must be mounted on the side of cattle, 6 feet or less from the cattle tie wall. No water-type

fan coolers of any kind are allowed. Cage stalls are not allowed at the state fair (side dividers & front tie panels are allowed).

● Please see the herdsmanship section of the 2019 premium book for further updates. In 2019, there will be specific requirements regarding electrical cords and generators in the cattle barn.

State fair grooming rules ● All grooming of livestock, including clipping, trimming and blocking (all species) must be clearly done by

the exhibitor, members of the immediate family or any other registered Minnesota 4-H member. Immediate family members are defined as being parents, step parents, legal guardians, grandparents, brothers or sisters. The 4-H'er exhibiting the animal should be present and involved in the fitting process at the fair.

● Any exhibitors found in violation of this rule will be eliminated from further competition in the show and will not be eligible for any awards or premiums — including championships, the auction and showmanship.

● All grooming chutes must be placed in designated areas and must be registered in the 4-H beef office with a registration fee. Any chute not meeting this requirement will be removed. Please note special rules for grooming chutes and fans in the Minnesota State Fair Premium Book.

● No use of adhesives or aerosol cans in the show ring or staging area.

10

Color Rule: No artificial color of any kind will be allowed on 4-H market beef, prospect calves, cow/calf pairs and breeding heifer exhibits that is applied above the flank of the animal, except for the tailhead. Coloring materials are acceptable to be applied to the legs and hooves of the animal. All 4-H beef exhibits, except dairy steers, will be checked for artificial color and may be checked anytime during the show. Any animal that displays artificial color cannot receive a purple ribbon, or be named Division Champion or Reserve Champion, or be selected for the 4-H auction. Auction

● The 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction is sponsored by the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association (MLBA) and the MLBA Auction Committee determines the number of market beef and dairy steers that are eligible for the auction.

● All breed and crossbred division champion beef steers, as well as the champion market heifer, “slick-shorn” steers and crossbred dairy steers are eligible for the auction, provided there is a minimum of five entries in that division and the champion exhibit receives a purple ribbon. All reserve champion division beef steers and market heifers are eligible for the auction, provided there is a minimum of eight entries in that division and the reserve champion exhibit receives a purple ribbon. All other 4-H market beef for the auction will be selected by the show judge.

● The pure breed dairy steer division champions and reserve champions, are also eligible for the auction, provided that the steers received a purple ribbon.

● The Grand and Reserve Grand Market Beef and Dairy Steers must sell in the auction. ● Other exhibitors of auction animals must notify the 4-H Beef Show coordinators by the start of the

Championship Event (Friday at 2:00 PM) if they want to withdraw from the auction. ● 20% of all 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction premiums will be deducted and placed in a “MLBA Fund” to

be used to fund 4-H Livestock Auction Scholarships, 4-H Animal Science programs, and auction expenses. The 4-H exhibitor will receive the remaining 80% of the premium from MLBA.

● All 4-H Livestock Auction exhibits must be consigned to market and cannot be taken home. 4-H exhibitors will receive a separate check for the market value of their animals.

● 4-H Auction animals become property of the Minnesota State Fair following the auction, and some market beef animals may be sold to the University of Minnesota for educational purposes.

NEW 4-H BEEF SHOW RIBBON SYSTEM FOR 2019 The 4-H Beef Show will “pilot” a new type of ribbon system for State Fair 4-H Livestock Shows.

● A numerical ribbon system (1st through 10th place) will be used for all classes in all 4-H Beef Show Divisions in 2019. (This will replace the blue, red & white ribbon system.)

● Purple ribbons will still be awarded to deserving exhibits in each class, similar to previous years. The Show Judge will determine how many purple ribbons will be awarded in each class; however, it is not required to award any purple ribbons in a class.

● Purple ribbons are not required to be named a Division Champion or Reserve Champion. ● Market Beef and Dairy Steers must receive a purple ribbon to be eligible for the 4-H Auction. ● Counties should not implement the numerical ribbon system at county fairs in 2019.

11

2019 Minnesota 4-H Animal Science identification requirements Ownership requirements for all animal science projects are uniform for 4-H Beef, Cats/Pets, Dairy, Dairy Goat, Dog, Horse, Lama, Meat Goat, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep and Swine Projects: animals must be owned solely by the 4-H’er or the 4-H’ers family. The family includes the 4-H'ers parents/guardians and siblings living together as a family unit. The definition of family includes an extended family where the animal may be owned by grandparents as long as the 4-H’ers parents are actively involved with and working on the farm. Animals owned in partnership with non-family members (as defined above) must be leased and follow lease guidelines. All information must be submitted by May 15 with 4HOnline data. Market animals (with the exception of prospect calves) cannot be leased.

All Animal Ownership Deadlines: February 15: Market beef (beef steers, market heifers and dairy steers) May 15: Breeding beef, prospect calves, dairy, dairy goats, dog, horse, lama, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep, swine. Fryer rabbits (should be 70 days old at show) 4-H’er must own the doe of fryer rabbits and doe must be identified by May 15. June 1: Junior meat goat doe kids July 1: Junior dairy goat doe kids Projects in Minnesota may be started at any time during the year. However, if the project is to be shown at a county or state event, certain requirements must be met. Each of the requirements listed pertain specifically to state events. Identification worksheets are available in most species for use by families to gather data needed to complete 4HOnline Identification process. Please keep ID worksheets for records.

Project Beef Exhibiting Class State Show Weight Expectation Birth Dates ID Required Breeding Spring Calf Jan1 - April 30, 2019

● Ear Tattoo(registered) ● MN 4-H Eartag (commercial) ● 4HOnline ID Process

Breeding Fall Calf Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2018 Breeding Summer Yearling May 1- Aug 31, 2018 Breeding Junior Yearling Jan 1 – April 30, 2018 Breeding Senior Yearling September 1 – Dec 31, 2017

Cow/Calf (cow/calf pair) Calf on or after Jan 1, 2019 ● Ear Tattoo(registered) ● MN 4-H Eartag (commercial) ● 4HOnline ID Process

Prospect Market Calf - Jan 1 – April 30, 2019 ● MN 4-H Eartag ● 4HOnline ID Process

Beef Steer Recommended minimum weight of 1000 lbs. Recommended maximum of 1500 lbs for market beef and 1600 lbs for dairy steer

Jan 1 – August 31, 2018

● MN 4-H Eartag (ALL MKT BEEF & DAIRY STEERS)

● Ear Tattoo(registered, except Charlolais)

● 4HOnline ID Process

Market Heifer

Dairy Steer

Project Dairy - Note: dairy exhibits must be identified before first freshening Exhibiting Class State Show Weight Expectation Birth Dates ID Required

Calf Winter: Dec 1, 2018 – Feb 28, 2019 Fall: Sept 1 to Nov 30, 2018 ● Official Breed Assn eartag or Official

Breed Assn tattoo, or 7 or 9 digit USDA tag or Breed Assn ID paper (copy) or 4-H eartag or photo if distinctly marked

● 4HOnline ID Process

Yearling Junior: Mar 1 – Aug 31, 2018 Senior: Sept 1, 2017 – Feb 29, 2018

Two Year Old Sept 1, 2016 to Aug 31, 2017

Advanced 3 Year Old: Sept 1, 2015 – Aug 31, 2016 4 Year Old: Sept 1, 2014 – Aug 31, 2015 Aged: Before Sept 1, 2014

Project Dairy Goats Exhibiting Class State Show Weight Expectation Birth Dates ID Required Dairy Jr Doe Kid April 1 – June 30 ● Unique identification tattoo

AND ADGA or AGS assigned herd tattoo OR BAH assigned scrapies ID tattoo OR scrapies Tag

● 4HOnline ID Process

Dairy Sr Doe Kid Jan 1 – Mar 31 Dairy Dry Yearling Born in 2018, never kidded Dairy Milking Yearling Born in 2018 Dairy Doe Two years and over

Project Dog Exhibiting Class State Show Weight Expectation Birth Dates ID Required

All Breeds/classes Not applicable Over 6 months at show ● Dog ID Form w/current vac. ● 4HOnline ID Process

Project Horse Exhibiting Class State Show Weight Expectation Birth Dates ID Required

All Classes Male foals may be shown, but yearling and older stallions are ineligible ● 4HOnline ID Process

© 2018 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. 1

Project Lama Exhibiting Class State Show Weight Expectation Birth Dates ID Required

Llama/Alpaca Prior to Jan 1, 2019 - no sexually intact male over 18 months ● 4HOnline ID Process

Project Meat Goat Exhibiting Class State Show Weight Expectation Birth Dates ID Required

Meat or Dairy Market Goat Required minimum weight of 40 lbs.

Required maximum weight of 110 lbs.

Dec 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019 ● MN 4-H Eartag AND Official Scrapies

Tag (with animal # & flock #) • 4HOnline ID Process

Meat Sr Yearling Doe Dec 1, 2017 – Feb 28, 2018 ● Unique Animal ID Tattoo AND Scrapie Tag or BAH assigned Scrapie tattoo

• 4HOnline ID Process

Meat Jr Yearling Doe March 1, 2018 – May 31, 2018 Meat Fall Yearling Doe June 1, 2018 – Nov 30, 2018 Meat Sr Doe Kid Dec 1, 2018 – Feb. 28. 2019 Meat Jr Doe Kid Mar 1, 2019 – May 31, 2019

Project Poultry Note: Birds that come to State Fair must be from the same flock of the same breed and variety as your county fair winners, but you may select different birds for the State Fair than those that were exhibited at the County Fair except pigeons which are permanently ID’d. Breeding Poultry may be leased.

Exhibiting Class State Show Weight Expectation Birth Dates ID Required Dove Breeding Pair Prior year or older ● Permanent National Pigeon

Association (NPA) seamless leg band by May 15

● 4HOnline ID Process

Pigeon Breeding Pair Prior year or older

Pigeon Young Bird Current year

Poultry—all others Market Chickens maximum weight must not exceed 10 pounds.

This year’s hatch: suggestions for State Fair hatch dates are: 1) breeding poultry and waterfowl (includes duck, turkey, guineas & geese)~ January 1 or later, 2) market poultry except market chickens ~ March 1 or later, 3) egg production chickens (white or brown egg layers) ~ March 1 or later, 4) market chickens show best at 8-10 weeks of age ~ 4-H'ers may need two hatches for County and State Fair.

● Leg band by county fair ID checkpoint (may be applied by county at fairgrounds)

Project Rabbit Exhibiting Class State Show Weight Expectation Birth Dates ID Required Breeding ● Tattoo

● 4-HOnline ID Process

Fryer Required minimum weight of 3.5 lbs.

Required maximum weight of 5.5 lbs.

Not over 70 days of age on show date

● Tattoo for fryer/meat pen, must have doe’s tattoo included in fryer tattoo when ID’d

● 4HOnline ID Process

Project Sheep Exhibiting Class State Show Weight Expectation Birth Dates ID Required Commercial Breeding Ewe Lamb & Wether Dam On or after Jan 1 ● MN 4-H Eartag AND

● Official Scrapie Tag (with animal # & flock #)

● 4HOnline ID Process

Commercial Breeding Yearling Ewe & Weather Dam

Over 1 yr and under 2 yrs of age & not show evidence of 4 permanent incisors

Registered Breeding Ewe Lamb On or after Jan 1 ● ID (tag or tattoo) that matches to a

registration paper AND ● Official Scrapie tag ● 4HOnline ID Process

Registered Breeding Yearling Ewe

Over 1 yr and under 2 yrs of age, & not show evidence of 4 permanent incisors

Market Lamb Recommended minimum weight of 105 lbs. Recommended maximum of 170 lbs.

On or after Jan 1

● MN 4-H Eartag AND ● Official Scrapie tag ( with animal # and

flock #) ● 4HOnline ID Process

Project Swine Exhibiting Class State Show Weight Expectation Birth Dates ID Required Breeding Gilt On or after January 1 ● Ear Notches in both ears utilizing

Universal Ear Notch System ● MN 4-H Eartag ● 4HOnline ID Process

Market Barrow and Market Gilt

Required minimum weight of 220 lbs. Required maximum weight of 300 lbs.

On or after January 1; recommended Feb 1 or after

2

Cloverbuds

Information sheet for parents, guardians and mentors Purpose The purpose of the University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Cloverbud Program is to support the positive development of children as they explore their world, discover the possibilities, build self-esteem, and practice the basic social skills which will be the basis for a future where they will become competent, caring, contributing citizens. This factsheet for parents, guardians and mentors of cloverbud age youth, outlines the program options and characteristics as well as the rules that apply in competitive settings.

Cloverbud Members The University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Cloverbud Program is designed specifically for youth in grades Kindergarten through second grade (K-2). Youth must be enrolled in Kindergarten and at least 5 years of age as of September 1 of the current year to enroll as a Cloverbud.

Cloverbud Programming Programs may be delivered in several different ways including:

● Day camps ● After-school programs ● Activities hosted by a 4-H community club but not operated as a club ● Club, group, or program specifically for Cloverbuds ● County fair special activities

Cloverbud programs are developmentally age appropriate with the following characteristics:

● Fun, positive, activity centered ● Focused on life skills development through the five components of the experiential learning cycle (experience,

share, process, generalize, and apply) ● Non-competitive, incorporating cooperative learning ● Safe for children and designed to manage risk

© 2018 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. 1

Cloverbuds and Competition Cloverbud programs emphasize cooperative rather than competitive experiences. Children are encouraged to develop social skills through cooperative experiences with their peers. They also are allowed the freedom of not having undue emphasis placed on the product of their efforts. This is a time to experiment with new skills and experiences, not to strive for perfection.

Children in K-2 grades and age range have only begun to deal with the concept of being less than the best. Therefore, it is not appropriate for children

in K-2 to participate in competitive situations. However, it is very appropriate for a child to participate in noncompetitive 4-H activities and to be recognized for their participation.

Rules for Cloverbud Participation For the safety of K-2 participants, the following rules apply to cloverbud experiences. Parents/guardians/mentors are responsible for ensuring their “cloverbud” understands and follows the rules. Extension 4-H staff members and designated volunteer(s) are positioned to intervene when rules are not followed and/or if safety becomes a concern for another reason. Definitions used in outlining the rules are noted at the end of the document. A. When using equipment that is potentially dangerous, a responsible person1 will be with the cloverbud at all times2

guiding and monitoring their involvement. Examples of potentially dangerous equipment include sewing machines and power tools.

B. Cloverbuds may only participate in wildlife educational opportunities of the 4-H Shooting Sports/Wildlife program. Cloverbuds may not handle any equipment, including fire arms and archery equipment.

C. Cloverbuds must wear appropriate safety helmets when riding horses or bicycles. D. When cloverbuds and animals (including beef, cats,dairy, dogs, goats, horse, lama, pets, poultry, rabbit, swine and

sheep) are together at a 4-H program or participating at the county fair as a 4-H member, the following rules apply: ● The responsible person1 must be in control3 of the animal at all times2 and never turn the control over to the

cloverbud. o It is the expectation that the responsible person1 will be in control3 of

the animal at all times of the 4-H experience including but not limited

to all of the following situations: to and from the trailer, to and from the wash rack, to and from the barns, in the barns, in the stall, to and from the show arena and in the show arena.

o It is not acceptable to use more than one lead rope or halter with any animal as this turns at least some control over to the cloverbud.

o During judging, the cloverbud should walk next to the parent/responsible person1, available to learn from the project leader and/or to dialog with the evaluator/judge.

● Cloverbuds may safely interact with their animal through participation in a limited number of non-competitive classes at 4-H sponsored practice sessions/clinics, fun shows and county fairs. The purpose is to provide youth an opportunity to experience being in the ring with a judge present and to feel the pride that comes with this experience. Appropriate examples of participation are described as follows: o Cloverbuds may participate with beef, dairy, dog, goats, pets, poultry, rabbits, and swine in a Cloverbud

Showmanship Class.

2

o Cloverbuds may participate with a sheep in two classes: Cloverbud Showmanship or Cloverbud Lamb Lead.

o Cloverbuds may participate with a lama in two classes: Cloverbud Costume or Cloverbud Showmanship.

o Cloverbuds may participate with a horse in three classes: Cloverbud Halter/Showmanship, Cloverbud Western Pleasure or

Cloverbud Barrels. If the horse is used in a riding setting, the Cloverbud may sit on the back of the horse with a responsible person1 in control3 of the horse at all times2. Helmets are required for the Cloverbud in any riding setting.

Definitions Used in Outlining the Rules 1 A “responsible person” is defined as a screened adult volunteer, youth leader 6th grade and older, parent or other adult who may appropriately assist with the group. 2 “At all times” includes but is not limited to the following: during all portions of project workshops, club events, club meetings, public showcases which includes county fairs, demonstrations, or a community event where youth are representing 4-H with an animal. 3 “Control” means assuming responsibility for handling and/or leading the animal. It is the responsibility of the parent/responsible adult to control the animal at all times.

Questions or Comments Contact your local Extension Office

Authors Developed by Trisha Sheehan, Anita Harris, Jodi Hintzen.

Reviewed by the Policy Task Force (Tamie Bremseth, Sharon Davis, Patrick Jirik, Brad Rugg) and reviewed and adopted by the 4-H Program Design Team, 2013. Revised February, 2015

Copyright © 2013, Regents of the University of Minnesota.

References 4-H Cloverbud Leader’s Guide. Copyright (c) 2013, Regents of the University of Minnesota.

  

 

3

Market Beef ID Worksheet - 2019

Items marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

* 4-H member's nameA 4-H member's name is required to ID animals. However, the family member associated with an animal can be changed up until the animal is checked in at the county fair. * Breed(s) * Birthdate

*Minnesota 4-H eartag

Tattoo (required, if registered)

Sex of animal

Beginning weight

Beginning weigh date

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

ALL MARKET BEEF PROJECTS MUST BE ID'D WITH A 4-H EARTAG BY FEB. 15th.

Dairy Steer ID Worksheet - 2019

Items marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

* 4-H member's nameA 4-H member's name is required to ID animals. However, the family member associated with an animal can be changed up until the animal is checked in at the county fair.

* Breed(s)List ALL breeds in the steer. * Birthdate * MN 4-H eartag

(Optional) Beginning weight

(Optional) Beginning weigh date

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15ALL DAIRY STEER PROJECTS MUST BE ID'D WITH A 4-H EARTAG BY FEB. 15TH.