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

DATE: January 11, 2018 TO: FROM: RE: Minnesota 4-H Animal Science Project Members Market Beef and Dairy Steers Sara Budde, Stearns County 4-H Program Coordinator IMPORTANT - Animal Identification Process & Ear Tag Change 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. For the fifth year, Minnesota 4-H is using its online enrollment system, 4HOnline, to record all animal identifications. 4HOnline has the capability to track animal ownership and identification data and 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 2018 is as follows: 1. 4-H Family picks up MN 4-H ear tags and tag applicator from the Extension Office. Ear tags have changed this year and will require a different tagger than in recent years. We will 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. 2. 4-H Family puts tag in animal s ear by February 15 and completes the information worksheet (www.4-h.umn.edu/animal-id). 3. 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, 2018; you will not be able complete identification after that point. 4. Family MUST return ALL unused and/or damaged ear tags to the Stearns Extension office by February 26, 2018. If your family cannot self-enter the animal identification data: 4-H Family brings in completed worksheet, including signature(s) to the Stearns 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 Monday, February 26, 2018. 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 Sara Budde at (320) 255-6169. In addition, an ID helpline will be available as follows: Sunday, February 11, 3:00-7 pm, 218-232-4975 Wednesday, February 14, 4:30-8 pm, 507-438-6898

Thursday, February 15, 4:30-12 midnight, 507-438-6898 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 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: 2018 Animal Science Show Requirements for Minnesota 4-H details specific dates and requirements unique to each animal science project area. 2018 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. NEW: Updated 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. Minnesota 4-H youth must participate in one of the training options to be eligible for Minnesota 4-H state fair shows. Beginning in 2018, Minnesota 4-H will have 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. 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. The Stearns County 2018 LQA&E training is scheduled for April 21, 2018. 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. 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 at 612-624-2116.

4-H AnSci Updates for 2018 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 AGAIN IN 2018! OFFICIAL MINNESOTA BOARD OF ANIMAL HEALTH All cattle and bison, goat, sheep and swine at exhibitions must be officially identified using MN Board of Animal Health acceptable official ID. For complete 2018 Exhibition Entry Requirements and acceptable official ID, visit this link: www.bah.state.mn.us/exhibitions BEEF UPDATES NEW for 2018: The Chianina breeding heifer division will be eliminated. Any Chianina heifers that are 6.25% or more will be eligible for the AOB division. Again in 2018: All 4-H dairy steers will be verified via visual appraisal by a verification panel for breed authenticity during the dairy steer weigh-in on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. Again in 2018: The Champion and Reserve Champion Crossbred division dairy steers will compete against the Pure Breed weight division Champion and Reserve Champions for Overall Champion and Reserve Champion Dairy Steer, and the top 3 overall dairy steers. (This will likely change for 2019.) Again in 2018: All Dairy Steer exhibitors are eligible to compete in showmanship, similar to other 4-H beef exhibitors. (Dairy Steer showmanship finalists will no longer be selected during the Dairy Steer show.) Any 4-Her exhibiting a Cow/Calf pair, Prospect Market Calf, Breeding Heifer, Dairy Steer, or Market Beef who wants to participate in showmanship must pre-register at the time of weigh-in and ID on Wednesday. No additions will be made after that time.. Slick-Shorn Market Steer Division will continue in 2018. Please refer to the Information Sheet for the Slick- Shorn Division. The weigh-in time for Market Beef, Dairy Steers, AND Prospect Calves and the ID time for Breeding Heifers and Cow/Calf Pairs will be on Wednesday, August 22, from 1-7 pm. Dairy steer weigh-in and verification will be on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m.. To show in the registered breed classes, exhibitors must meet the registration requirements for that breed. Must present an ORIGINAL registration paper and have an ear tattoo that matches the tattoo number on the registration paper, NO EXCEPTIONS. Registered Market Beef Classes include: Black Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Maine Anjou, Shorthorn, Shorthorn Plus, and Simmental. Original registration papers must be presented at verification where required. Original registration papers must be presented are verification for all Breed Division Steers entered in the registered classes. A steer without an original registration paper can place no higher than a blue ribbon, cannot receive champion honors, cannot be in the Purple Ribbon Auction, and placed into the appropriate division. The Charolais breed does not require a registration paper. Both the Cow & Calf must be identified for Cow/Calf Pairs. Calves may be heifers, steers, or bull calves. If the calf in a cow/calf pair is not born by May 15, it should be noted in the ID data worksheet submitted to the county office and the calf must be identified prior to the county fair. Prospect Market Calves must be born by April 30, and must be identified with a 4-H ear tag. Including purebred steers and heifers. Prospect Market Calves do not need to be from a cow/calf project and must be ID d with a 4-H ear tag by May 15. They may be under lease agreement. Breeding Spring Heifer Calves do not need to be from a beef cow/calf project. The ID process is similar to Breeding Heifers. Embryo Transfer (ET) calves are eligible to show as prospect calves and spring calves, but not as cow/calf pairs. Beef Color Rule: Animals may be checked for artificial color ANYTIME during the show. No artificial color will be used on 4-H Beef exhibits that is applied above the flank of the animal. Coloring materials are acceptable to be applied to the legs & hooves of the animal. ALL 4-H market beef (not dairy steers), prospect calves, cow calf pairs and breeding heifers will be checked for artificial color. Any animal that displays artificial color cannot receive a purple ribbon, be division champion or reserve, or qualify for the 4-H Auction. Crossbred Dairy Steers will be allowed to show at the 2016 State Fair and can be from any combination of the following breeds: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn, Montbeliarde, Normande (Dairy), Red & White, Norwegian Red, and Viking Red (Swedish, Danish, and Finnish Red). All Dairy Steer ID forms must identify the breed or breeds of the dairy steer in the cross. Crossbred Dairy Steers will be in a separate division and will compete against the Pure Breed Dairy Steers for Championship. Showmanship at the State fair will be a NO Fit Show No use of adhesives or color products. 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. Direct requests to 612-624-2116

DAIRY UPDATES Reminder 2018 - A Red & White breed show update. A. Must be registered. We will accept registration papers and/or a certificate of identification (CID) from the Holstein Association USA, Red & White Dairy Cattle Association, Holstein Association USA, and Holstein Canada showing the suffix Red. B. Must be true red with no black or brindle. Show management reserves 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. 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. Thursday. Breeds with less than 10 exhibitors will be shown in 2 classes heifers and cows Dairy Showcase will be held at 11 am in the AgStar Arena, with brunch at 10 a.m. Watch for information on the 2018 Dairy Showcase at: www.4-h.umn.edu/events/dairy-showcase.html CLARIFICATION ON BREED ANCESTRY Animals identified as Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein or Jersey, must be 87% (7/8) or more of any one breed. If breed parentage does not meet these rules, the animal will be shown in the Crossbred & Other Breeds class. THE STATE FAIR 4-H DAIRY JUDGING CONTEST DATE HAS MOVED TO 4-H LIVESTOCK ENCAMPMENT, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23RD. SEE PREMIUM BOOK FOR MORE DETAILS. DAIRY GOAT UPDATES Reminder: Animals DO NOT need to be ID d prior to first freshening. Animals can be identified for the first time at any age. No hay or straw will be provided at state fair. Junior Doe Kids born on April 1 June 30 may be added to the Dairy Goat data worksheet but must be added by July 1, and submitted to your county extension office. For safety reasons, all dairy goats must be disbudded/de-horned. Re-growth of less than ONE INCH is allowed. No hay or straw will be provided at state fair. Bring your own or you may purchase some there. Interviews will be on the U of M campus, we encourage you to do on Wednesday. LAMA 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. Reminder: Lama Poster Contest: Any 4-Her enrolled in the Lama Project may enter a poster. You do not have to be exhibiting a lama at State Fair. Age Divisions: Cloverbud, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9+ There are two categories: 1) Promoting 4-H Lamas and 2) Education 4-H Lama. T-shirt design and next year s catalog cover will be selected from overall Champion and Reserve promotional posters. Poster size is up to 14 x 22 (Larger sized posters will not be judged). Posters must be labeled on the back with the 4-Hers name, grade completed, county, and if Promotional or Educational Poster. Reminder: 4-H Lama Costume exhibitors at the MN State Fair will receive an extra premium. Costumes must meet class requirements and will be judged on originality, training of the lama, degree of lama coverage, and time and energy involved. The handler/exhibiter must also be in costume. Reminder: State Fair 4-H Lama Exhibitors will be participating in workshops and the online interview quiz. Llamas and Alpacas are eligible to be identified as Minnesota 4-H Lama Projects. Projects do not need to be purebred or registered. Multiple Use of the Lama: A lama may be identified and exhibited by more than one 4-Her at the county level. However, the same lama may only be exhibited by one 4-Her at the MN State Fair. 4-H Lama Projects must be born prior to January 1, 2018. No sexually intact male above 18 months is eligible for exhibition. All castrated males born prior to January 1, 2018 are eligible for exhibition. All females born prior to January 1, 2018 are eligible for exhibition as well. Recommended Classes for County Lama Program - It is recommended that 4-H lama programs offer classes that will be offered at the State Fair. These include Showmanship, Obstacle Course, Public Relations, and Costume. Lama Housing at the County Fair - Ideal County Fair lama housing will be box stall housing. They should not be tied. If possible, box stall styled housing in goat/sheep barns. State Fair Lama Experience the 4-H Lama Show will NOT be a part of livestock weekend. This is necessary due to availability of housing for lamas and 4-Hers and show ring availability. The Lama Encampment will not coincide with a General Encampment or the Livestock Encampment. Lama exhibitors are also eligible for livestock and/or general encampment trips. LQA&E certification is required. 2

MEAT GOAT UPDATES AGAIN IN 2018: THERE ARE NEW CLASSES AND BIRTHDATES FOR 4-H MARKET GOATS AND BREEDING DOES (CHECK INFORMATION SHEET FOR DETAILS)! Again in 2018: the female market goats will be separated from the male market goats and will have their own class (similar to beef and swine). Goats participating in this class cannot come back in future years in a breeding class. AGAIN IN 2018! Breeding Does will be shown immediately after Breeding Doe showmanship followed by Market Goat showmanship and then the Market Goat classes at the MN State Fair 4-H Meat Goat Show. Bracing is allowed in class and showmanship. Goat s feet may be lifted off the ground for set-up, then immediately set back down. State Fair Showmanship - Age Divisions: Intermediate=grades 6-7, Senior = grades 8-10, Advanced = grade 11+ Market goats 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 15 th. Contact BAH for abbreviated BAH number. All market goats must be born between December 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018. Dairy market goats must be from the following breeds in any combination: Alpine, Nubian, Nigerian Dwarf, Oberhasli, Saanen, LaMancha, Sable, Toggenburg. Any other crosses will be shown in the Meat Market Class. Note: A screening committee will examine all dairy wethers and any wether not showing 100% visual dairy characteristics that is screened out by the committee can place no higher than a blue ribbon and cannot earn championship honors. The screening committee decision is final. Eligible meat goat breeds are identified in the National 4-H Curriculum Meat Goat Activity Guide Level I which can be found at: www.4-h.umn.edu/projects/animal-science/meat-goat/ Market Goats must be disbudded, re-growth is not to exceed 1 inch. Cut (sawed) off horns are not permitted. Market goats are to be completely clipped. It is optional to clip the legs from the knee in the front and the hock in the back, down to the hoof line. Market Goats must be a minimum of 40 lbs but not exceed a maximum of 110 lbs by State Fair. Exhibitors may use leather or smooth chain collars in the show ring. Goat training and prong collars are not allowed. An optional 12 inch lead strap may be used for breeding doe classes Meat Breeding Does: Horns are allowed, unless deemed harmful by the committee. Meat breeding does must also be clipped and fitted for show. But do not have to be completely clipped. Breeding Does must be tattooed with a unique Animal ID Tattoo AND Scrapie Tag or Scrapie tattoo. POULTRY UPDATES A Dove Purebred Breeding Pair division has been added 4-H Poultry Show at the MN State Fair (one year prior or older are a separate trip) (similar to pigeon project). AGAIN IN 2018: Exhibitors must watch Food Safety video www.z.umn.edu/bbqfoodsafety if entered in BBQ contest. The Poultry Judging Contest is Friday at 7 pm. Pre-Enter on Fair registration! See State Fair Premium Book. Exhibitor and Speaking up for Animal Agriculture Orientation will be Thursday at 12:30 pm. Watch for exciting details on the Poultry Prince and Princess Scholarship Contest! The Chicken BBQ Contest is open to any 4-Her. PRE-ENTER ON FAIR REGISTRATION! The recipe, typed on a full sheet (at least 5X7), is due at the time of the BBQ contest at State Fair. All Poultry Exhibitors will attend a presentation, take a test and participate in a one-on-one interview. Test questions will be taken from the presentation and poultry curriculum including all domestic fowl, health, management, careers and current industry issues. Interview Questions at State Fair will cover all domestic fowl as well as health management, careers and industry concerns. Egg production pen of two pullets will have two separate lots one for white egg layers and one for brown egg layers (hybrid recommended). Multi-color egg layers added to brown egg layers. The Pigeon Project is a separate trip(s). The Dove Trip is a separate trip. Guineas may be shown. Pearl, White, or Lavender are eligible. If you don t own your own poultry, breeding poultry may be leased. Remember the Lease Agreement must be submitted by May 15th. Pigeon Bands: Pigeons must be identified by permanent seamless legbands # by May 15. Must be entered in 4HOnline RABBIT UPDATES Again in 2018 A 4-H Market Rabbit Show will be held on Friday at 5 p.m. in the Rabbit Show Ring. Again in 2018 State Fair 4-H Rabbit Exhibitors will be participating in the online interview test beginning Wednesday on the U of M campus watch for times. All breeding, fryers, or meat pen rabbits must be purebred. Rabbits must be owned & ID data entered or submitted to Extension Office by May 15 (juniors born after May 15 are not eligible for State Fair). Members must own and identify the doe producing the fryers or meat pen by May 15th. Fryers and market pens must include a portion of the Doe s tattoo in their individual tattoo. Fryers or meat pens may not be leased. Rabbit Interview call backs will be on Friday morning. Rabbit Judging Contestants should enter on state fair registration. 3

SHEEP UPDATES Again 2018: Fleece show at the beginning of the Breeding show on Friday evening. AGAIN IN 2018- The State Fair 4-H market lamb show will be a non-terminal show for all market lambs. Auction lambs will be terminal, but all other exhibitors will have the choice of marketing their animal or taking it home. All auction lambs and lambs signing up for slaughter must meet all slaughter withdrawal times. NOTE- All sheep must have OFFICIAL SCRAPIE TAGS (with unique flock serial number and individual animal number) and all market sheep and commercial/ breeding ewes/ ewe lambs must have TWO FORMS OF INDENTIFICATION. Wether Dams will be shown and judged in the market arena. They are ineligible for Supreme Ewe and the auction. This is NOT a terminal class. Breeding Yearling Ewes ONLY - a 2nd 4-H member may be allowed to set legs only during the breeding show, NOT during showmanship. Clarification: If exhibiting a registered breeding ewe or a registered white face market lamb you must present a copy of the original registration paper at verification. All sheep must have official scrapie tags (with unique flock serial number and individual animal number). All market sheep and commercial/breeding ewes/ewe lambs must have two forms of identifications; one of those forms must be the official 4-H eartag. All registered breeding ewes must have a second permanent form of ID: either tattoo, flock tag, or 4-H tag along with an Official scrapie tag (with unique serial number and individual number). Permanent ID must match registration paper. In the market lamb show at State Fair, there will be divisions for black face, white face and speckle lambs. Speckle lambs must show evidence of white & black/brown on the face. SWINE UPDATES Again in 2018: Premise ID numbers will be REQUIRED. Information can be found at: www.bah.state.mn.us/register-your-premises or call (651) 201-2916 Reminder! All swine must be farrowed on or after January 1 of the current year. The market swine recommended farrow date is February 1 or later. Again in 2018 - All State Fair participants marketing swine to Hormel will be required to submit a signed form at weigh-in. This is the responsibility of each individual exhibitor. Also note that there are substantial cash discounts for light and heavy carcass weights. Market gilts will again be shown at State Fair. Market gilts will show in uniform weight classes from light to heavy with no divisions. The Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Market Gilts will be in the auction, along with a percentage of total market gilts shown. Again in 2018 Minnesota Purebred Breeders will provide $100 to each of the top 10 purebred barrows. Again in 2018 Breeding Gilt awards will be distributed as follows: Grand Champion Overall Breeding Gilt Belt Buckle and Popper, Grand Champion Purebred Breeding Gilt $500.00, Reserve Champion Purebred Breeding Gilt $250.00, Grand Champion Crossbred Breeding Gilt $500.00, Reserve Champion Crossbred Breeding Gilt $250.00, Breed Champions each breed champion will receive a $100.00 voucher to be used at either the MN All Breed Swine Auction or the MN Spring Purebred Breeders Sale. Grand Champion overall Market Gilt and Barrow-Belt Buckle. Market Gilt Quota Update: All counties get 1; fill ½ market barrow/breeding gilt quota=+2; fill all market barrow/breeding gilt quota =+2. MAXIMUM TOTAL of 5 MARKET GILTS. PER COUNTY. 4-H PURPLE RIBBON AUCTION REMINDER 20% of all MN 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: http://mnpurpleribbonauction.org/ STATE FAIR LIVESTOCK 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-Hers learned more than ever before! Because of this success, the interview process will again cover all the species at the 2018 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 DEMONSTRATIONS Again in 2018 The MN Livestock Breeders Association is providing $30 cash awards to each 4-Her who completes a 4-H livestock demonstration during 4-H Livestock Weekend at the MN State Fair. Consult your local 4-H staff for details and start planning those exciting livestock demonstrations today! 4

HERDSMANSHIP: SPEAKING UP FOR ANIMAL AGRICULTURE ACTIVITES 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. LIVESTOCK QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ETHICS TRAINING All youth participating as a State Fair livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, dairy goat, meat goat, lama, poultry, rabbit, sheep, or swine must have completed a LQA&E workshop. Workshop certification is valid for three fair seasons. Youth certification dates for counties around the state can be found at: www.4-h.umn.edu/projects/animal-science/lqae/ STATE FAIR LIVESTOCK WEEKEND DEADLINE TIME FOR ARRIVAL! All 4-H livestock must arrive Wednesday, August 22 between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. No livestock will be allowed on the grounds before 5:00 a.m. and must be on the grounds by 7 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 AM on Sunday morning of Livestock Weekend. HERDSMANSHIP UPDATE: Please refer to the 2018 4-H Premium Book for updates. AGAIN IN 2018 - SCIENCE OF ANIMAL EDUCATION EXHIBITS LIVESTOCK WEEKEND Four Divisions: Health, Breeding, Production and Other Exhibit Suggestions: 1) Items constructed (such as feeding systems or show equipment) or science exhibits focusing on one of the four divisions listed above. 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 Science of Animal Educational Exhibit. 5

2018 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. OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS Ownership Requirements for All 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-Her or the 4-Her s family. The family includes the 4-Her s 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-Her s 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 guidelines within the lease agreement. Lease agreements must be submitted by May 15 with 4HOnline data. Market animals (with the exception of prospect calves) cannot be leased. OWNERSHIP CLARIFICATIONS With the new Online ID process, 4-H families are no longer able to identify animals as a family group. They might, for example, have identified a number of animals as being owned by the John Doe Family. Under the new Online ID process, families will need to enter each animal in one of 4-H member s 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 animals 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. 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-Hers, 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 in (if shown as a market animal at county fair - must show as a market animal at state fair). Animals must also meet 3 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) 1. If you did not identify your beef heifer by February 15th (state ID deadline) - you are not eligible for a market class. 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 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. 1

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 State 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, 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. Some members of the poultry group will need individual leg bands so they can be identified to their owner at the State Fair. 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. 1) Brucellosis (Bang s) orange vaccination tags (only applied by accredited veterinarians); 2) 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. 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. 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 mn.gov/bah/imports.html or call the Minnesota Board of Animal Health at (651) 296-2942. 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 Breeding Heifer Fall Calf Breeding Heifer Summer Yearling Breeding Heifer Junior Yearling Breeding Heifer Senior Yearling Cow/Calf Prospect Market Calves Market Beef Dairy Steers January 1 April 30, 2018 September 1 December 31, 2017 May 1 August 31, 2017 January 1 April 30, 2017 September 1 - December 31, 2016 Calves must be born on or after January 1, 2018 January 1 April 30, 2018 January 1 August 31, 2017 January 1 August 31, 2017 IDENTIFICATION DETAILS, FORMS & DEADLINES Also refer to your county ID letter and online at: www.4-h.umn.edu/animal-id 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 by 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 MN 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. 2

LEASING PROGRAM 4-H Beef Heifers, Cow/Calf Pairs, and Prospect Market Calves are eligible to be leased. Market Beef and Dairy Steers cannot be leased. If a breeding animal or prospect calf is leased, the Minnesota 4-H Breeding Beef and Cow/Calf Lease Agreement must be completed, uploaded, and/or submitted as part of their ID process (lease agreements are due on 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. WEIGHT GUIDELINES All Market Beef and Dairy Steers must be born after January 1, 2017. 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 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. 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 2017: 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) (Can not 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. 3

Calves in Cow/Calf Pairs can be heifers, bulls, or steers. 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 2018: 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 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 2018 --- 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 will 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 crossbred 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 will be moved to an appropriate division in the Market Beef show, or can receive no higher than a blue ribbon in the Dairy Steer Show. The verification panel and 4-H Beef Show Management will determine final eligibility for the Pure Breed and Crossbred Dairy Steer divisions. And 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. Again for 2018 --- The Champion and Reserve Champion Crossbred division dairy steers will compete against the Pure Breed weight division Champion and Reserve Champions for Overall Champion and Reserve Champion Dairy Steer. (This will likely change for 2019.) Pure Breed Dairy Steers must be 100% of one dairy bred. 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. Crossbred Dairy Steers must be from the following breeds in any combination: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn, Montbeliarde, Normande (dairy), Norwegian Red, Red & White, and Viking Red (Swedish, Danish, and Finnish Red). Exhibitors must identify all breeds in the cross for their crossbred dairy steer is when they pre-register with their county extension office at the time of State Fair Registration. 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 and present an original registration paper for both the cow and the calf (see breeding heifer rule), 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 2018 State Fair: Angus steers must be out of a purebred sire and purebred dam and have a registration paper. 4

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). 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. 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. DATES OF STATE FAIR 4 H LIVESTOCK ENCAMPMENT & SHOW TIMES 4 H Livestock Encampment ~ Wednesday, August 22 Sunday, August 26 Weigh-In & Check-In Wednesday ~ 12:00 7:00 pm (All Breeding Heifers and Cow/Calf Pairs must be verified) Wednesday ~ 12:00 7:00 pm (All Market Beef and Prospect Calves must be weighed) Wednesday ~ 4:00 7:00 pm (Weigh and verify all Dairy Steers) AGAIN for 2018 Beef Exhibitor Meeting ~ Thursday 10:00 am (Grooming Chute Tent) Show Day & Times Cow/Calf Show ~ Thursday 1:00 pm (Compeer Arena) Heifer Show ~ Thursday 2:30 pm (Compeer Arena) Market Beef Show ~ Friday 7:30 am (Coliseum) Prospect Market Calf Show Friday, following Market Beef Show (Coliseum) Dairy Steer Show ~ Friday 7:30 am (Coliseum) (Dairy Steer Showmanship to follow) Beef Showmanship ~ Saturday 8:00 am (White Coverall) Championship Event 2:00 p.m. on Friday (Coliseum) This event will include the selection of: 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 State Fair Scholarship recipients All eligible exhibitors must participate in the Beef Show Championship, or cash or special awards will be withheld. 4 H BEEF SHOWMANSHIP AGE DIVISIONS: INTERMEDIATE = GRADES 6 8 & SENIOR = GRADE 9 & UP 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 5

Again for 2018 --- All Dairy Steer exhibitors are eligible to compete in showmanship, similar to other 4-H beef exhibitors. (Dairy Steer showmanship finalists will no longer be selected during the Dairy Steer show.) Any 4-Her exhibiting a Cow/Calf pair, Prospect Market Calf, Breeding Heifer, Dairy Steer, or Market Beef who wants to participate in showmanship must pre-register at the time of weigh-in and ID on Wednesday. No additions will be made after that time. This was a new requirement for Dairy Steer exhibitors in 2017. Dairy Steer showmanship will be on Friday morning following the 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. 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. The top 5 Showmanship contestants in each Division will receive awards. 4 H BEEF INTERVIEWS AGE DIVISIONS: INTERMEDIATE = GRADES 6 8, SENIOR = GRADE 9 AND UP 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 am-7:00 pm or Thursday at 8:00 am). 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 pm) for breeding heifer exhibitors and on Friday (6:45-7:15 am) 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 am 12:00 pm. Award winners will be recognized during the Championship Event. There is no opportunity to make up the Final Interview Activity. 4-Hers 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. 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). STATE FAIR HERDSMANSHIP No canopy s or pop-up tents will be allowed in the grooming and fitting areas. Animals must be maintained and look presentable to the public from 8:00 a.m. until 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 pm 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 2018 Premium Book for further updates. In 2018, 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-Her 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 State Fair Premium Book. No use of adhesives or aerosol cans in the show ring or staging area. Color Rule No artificial color 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. Coloring materials are acceptable to be applied to the legs and 6