Guidelines and Procedures

Livestock Rules and Guidelines

(click each header or drop down arrow for information)

General Guidelines

4-H livestock exhibits may be shown in the open class. Submit entry forms and fees to the Fair Board to meet open class regulations.
Cloverbud Livestock Policy: An adult/responsible person (adult/teen leaders, parents, etc.) must be in control of the animal (handling or leading the animal) at all times.
Members show their own animals. Exception: herd class, State Fair line-up, or a class where members have more than one animal.
All livestock are exhibited in a type class before entering rate of gain, production, lamb lead, herd, or showmanship competition.
Show committees and 4-H’ers are responsible for cleaning up show arenas following each exhibition.
Garbage (specifically twine and pop cans) may not be put in manure piles; please dispose of them properly.
Livestock or poultry known by the exhibitor to have an infectious, communicable disease, or have been exposed to such disease, or to be from a quarantined herd or flock, may not be entered in the fair. All livestock will be inspected by the official veterinarian, or their representative, on the opening day of the fair and daily during the fair. The official veterinarian will order the immediate removal from the fair of any livestock with symptoms of infectious or communicable diseases. Warts, ringworm, and abscesses are considered communicable diseases. A statement from a veterinarian that an animal is being treated for these diseases is NOT acceptable.

Livestock/Horse Check-In

Check in at the appropriate livestock/horse check-in booths for health and ID checks, stalling help, and to verify the classes you have entered. Early entry will not be allowed due to health and safety issues. No animals (including horses and small animals) should be removed from trailers or carrying pens without the approval of Cokato Veterinary Services, or their designated species health inspectors. For the safety and health of all animal exhibits, and even for the public in the case of ringworm, it is mandatory that we follow these guidelines.
Livestock exhibits may arrive anytime between 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21. Horses may check in anytime between 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20 or 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21. These hours are limited due to the veterinarian's schedule and the State law requiring animals to be health checked before stalling. All livestock and horses need to be in place by 8:00 p.m. Wednesday.
Check-in is a two step process: Step 1: All exhibitors will need to check-in at the 4-H Desk in the 4-H General Exhibit Building. At this booth, exhibitors will pick up their backtag numbers, stall cards, and arm bands (if needed) and be able to ask any questions about the check in process. Poultry exhibitors, be sure to bring your pullorum/statement of origin certificates to this check-in as well.
Step 2: Each exhibitor will check-in with the superintendent or volunteer in their barn to have the animal ID tags/tattoos/etc. verified as well as initial registration information. Please note that superintendents may not be on hand during the entire check-in time, but will come through the barns periodically or have an allotted time to check animals in – please connect with superintendents before the end of the day on Wednesday.
All animals must have their stall cards on display throughout the fair, especially for herdsmanship judging. Make sure you have it displayed in a prominent location or ask for a new one if it gets lost or damaged.
*Please note that entries arriving late CAN NOT be checked in and therefore will be sent home, so be sure you have checked in before 8:00 p.m., or call the office if you are running late due to extenuating circumstances.
Horse Check-In:All horse exhibits should arrive between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m.*. Tuesday, July 20 or between 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.* on Wednesday, July 21. Exhibitors should first unload their horses and stop at the Horse Check-in booth near the lower barn entrance (south barn) before proceeding to stalling. Your horses and coggins will be checked, please have your paper form ready. After stalling, exhibitors also need to be sure to check in at the announcer stand to drop any classes, sign up for volunteer shifts, check the horse achievement books, and pick up required paperwork.
*Please note that entries arriving late CAN NOT be checked in and therefore will be sent home, so be sure you have checked in before 8:00 p.m., or call the office if you are running late due to extenuating circumstances.

Animal Care

Your animal is your responsibility at the fair. Bring everything you need to feed and care for your animal at the fair including, but not limited to, watering pans, wash pails, hay, straw, grain, and grooming equipment. Equipment is taken care of by the 4-H’er. Members are expected to ensure animals are well cared for and animal areas should be kept clean and neat for the public

Herdsmanship

Members are expected to do the work in giving the animals proper care, fitting the animal, and for meeting showing/stalling requirements. Members may arrange with other 4-H members to care for animals on show day, but the exhibitor retains responsibility. All members exhibiting animals are expected to keep their stock, pens, tack, and stalls in neat and clean condition, and inviting to the public at all times. Herdsmanship will be judged based on cleanliness of aisle, cleanliness of storage area, cleanliness of stalls, and appearance of animals. We encourage a team spirit in keeping the barns neat and clean. 4-H members are expected to do the work, with limited adult supervision. Clubs with parents working may be docked judging points. Herdsmanship judging takes place between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Special consideration will be given on show day. Scoring of clubs will be on the following criteria:Cleanliness of aisle 25Cleanliness of storage area 25Cleanliness of stalls 25Appearance of animals 25

General Exhibit Rules and Guidelines

General Guidelines

Every effort will be made to assure the safety of all entries but, in no event will 4-H or the Wright County Fair be responsible for loss or damage to exhibits.
Exhibits may consist of actual models, diagrams, pictures, games, three dimensional displays, free-standing objects, technology-related exhibits, etc. Creativity is encouraged!
Exhibits should show or explain something the 4-H’er made, did, or learned.
All exhibits have been created/produced by the exhibitor during the current project year.
4-H staff reserve the right to remove perishable/live exhibits if they do not remain in presentable condition (i.e. plants, foods, etc.).
All exhibitors are required to be members enrolled in the Wright County 4-H Program through 4HOnline.
All exhibits must conform to the requirements of the class description. Judges will ask questions, please be prepared.
Resources should be credited and documented in the exhibit (e.g., books, internet, 4-H or Extension publications, person with special knowledge, magazine articles, etc.). Before using another person’s work a part of your 4-H exhibit, be sure that the work is subject to fair use, has a creative commons license or that you have requested and received permission (in writing) to use the original work. If an exhibit infringes on copyright law, a decision may need to be made to remove the exhibit from display at the county or state fair.

Exhibit Size

All displays on poster board, tag board, or other materials should be no larger than 22" x 28", unless otherwise indicated. Exhibits may be hung by clips on a wall. If you do not want your exhibit hung by clips, please provide some other type of hanger. All science displays and three-dimensional exhibits should not exceed a center back section size of 24" wide x 36" high, with left and right wings each no more than 12" wide. Oversized exhibit permission should be sought from the Extension Office prior to the fair for any exhibits exceeding four feet in height, length, or depth. Oversized exhibits earning a State Fair trip may need to be transported by the member.
For more information and exhibit suggestions, see publication “Tell a Story with a Blue Ribbon Exhibit" found here.

Labels

All pieces of an exhibit need to be labeled with name, grade, and club. Additional requirements may apply for some projects, read each project’s “requirements” section to learn more.

Check-In and Judging

General ExhibitsThere will be a few changes to our general exhibit entry process this year.
Members will drop off their projects on July 17 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. You will receive an entry card for each project you are exhibiting to attach to your projects and then Ambassadors will arrange them in the building so they are all ready for display for judging day. All 4‑H general project exhibits are expected to be in place by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday with a few exceptions: food review, perishable foods, fresh fruit, flower/indoor gardening (cut flowers), fresh vegetables, and live pets, which can be brought to judging.
General Exhibit Judging will take place July 20 from 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Members will check-in at the desk and put their name on a list to meet with a judge. Often, there can be a line to speak with the judge, so keep in mind, you may have to wait (outside the building this year) until a judge in your project area is available.
Judging tables will be set up throughout the exhibit building for each project area (following Covid guidelines for social distancing). When you meet with the judge, they will ask you questions about your project. They want you to be able to discuss how and why you made the project and more. It may be helpful to practice ahead of time with a parent or friend.
All exhibits must remain in place during the entire fair until release time at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Exhibitors who arrive late or remove projects early (without permission of Wright County Fair Board and 4-H staff) will forfeit eligibility for state trips and possibly fair premiums.

Project Release Time

Both livestock and general exhibit projects must be left on display throughout the duration of the fair (unless otherwise noted in the premium book). 4-H’ers will be able to take their general exhibits and animals home beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 25th. Staff will have the building general exhibit building open until 8:30 p.m. that evening. If you cannot make it to pick up your projects that evening, you must ask a friend or another club member to pick them up for you. This being said, every year we have several projects that don’t get picked up. Left-behind projects can be picked up at the fairgrounds the evening of Fair Clean-up, on July 26th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. or at the Extension office after that, until August 10th. Any projects remaining after this date will be donated or thrown out.

Judging Information

Goals for 4-H Exhibiting

We’re in the business of raising “blue ribbon kids.” The experience that 4-H’ers gain from completing exhibits and learning about their projects is invaluable. Some healthy competition takes place, but the outcomes of competition are not the goal of 4-H - our goal is education! Everyone who participates, makes a best effort, and learns and grows from the experience at County Fair is a winner.

Conference Judging

Speaking with the judge is an important part of the County Fair experience. Conference judging gives members an opportunity to explain their projects and to answer questions in a “show and tell” manner. Conference judging focuses on what members have learned in a project. When preparing for conference judging, members should think about these as possible questions:
• Why did you decide to make this item for your County Fair project?• Why did you select these materials to use in making your project?• What did you find hardest to do in making your project?• What would you do differently if you could do it again?
The judge will ask members several questions and discuss with them the quality of their projects as compared to accepted standards for projects of this type. Ribbon placings are awarded, based 50% on the quality of exhibit and 50% on what members have learned and discussed with the judge.

Judging Etiquette

Judges' placings always stand. 4-H members and parents should not confront a judge regarding a class placing. 4-H members may ask questions of the judge in a calm, respectful manner. Parents may observe the conference judging at a distance. Any questions asked by the judge are to be answered by the 4-H member. Please reference the 4-H code of conduct for more specific information for 4-H expectations at http://z.umn.edu/4hconduct.

Absentee Exhibiting

If exhibitors are unable to attend judging, projects should be entered by a local adult or junior club leader. In the latter event, a written or visual report about their project and what was learned should accompany all entries. These exhibits are not likely to earn State Fair trips, since conference judging and knowledge learned accounts for 50% of the judge’s decision.

Grievance Policy

If a concern in connection with the fair should arise, please speak to an Extension Office staff person. If the issue cannot be resolved, a written account including names of all parties involved and all pertinent information needs be submitted to Extension Office staff within 24 hours. The written account is also signed and accompanied by a $25.00 check payable to Wright County 4-H. Once received, a grievance committee made up of 4-H volunteers will make a decision on the request. If the committee rules in favor of the filer, the fee will be returned.

Awards

All projects, except Cloverbuds and Fashion Revue, are awarded based on the system detailed here. One Grand and Reserve Champion is awarded in each project area (livestock may have special awards). Fashion Revue exhibits receive participation ribbons with a group of outstanding exhibits selected for the “Honor Court”. Cloverbuds do not compete and all receive the same ribbon. In many projects, conference judging determines ribbon awards. The judge talks to the 4-H’er to evaluate the skills and knowledge learned through project work, and determine the quality the 4-H’er has achieved. Half of ribbon placing is determined by knowledge and growth in the project and half is determined by visually evaluating the quality of the exhibit.
WHITE – The exhibit meets few standards and lacks the quality of other exhibits. The exhibitor cannot adequately explain the what, how, and why of the exhibit. Possibly they have overlooked a safety flaw. Improvement is needed in either the exhibit, the knowledge of the subject, or both.RED – The exhibit meets some standards. The exhibitor can somewhat explain what, how, and why the exhibit was done and has a fair knowledge of the subject. Some improvements may be needed on the exhibit.BLUE – The exhibit meets most standards. The exhibitor can explain what, how, and why the exhibit was done and has a good knowledge of the subject. The exhibit is well organized and well done.PURPLE – The exhibit meets all standards. The exhibitor has shown complete understanding of what, how, and why the exhibit was done, and has a thorough knowledge of the subject. The exhibit and workmanship are extraordinary and need no improvement.

Premiums

Each member or club exhibit at the fair is awarded a specific amount of money depending upon the ribbon placing as shown in the tables below. Premium checks can be picked up Sunday night from 7-8:30 p.m. in the 4-H Building. Uncollected checks will be mailed out the following week.
Project Area Blue Red WhiteCloverbud Participation 2.00General Exhibits 3.00 2.00 1.00Demonstrations 10.00 8.00 6.00Performing Arts 5.00 3.00 2.00Fashion Revue 5.00 (participation)

Club Projects

Project Area Blue Red WhiteBanner 20.00 15.00 10.00Previous Exhibited Banner 4.00 (participation)Community Pride 10.00 8.00 6.00Club Scrapbook 10.00 8.00 6.00Murals/Roadside Sign 20.00 (participation)Share-the-Fun 30.00 (participation)

Animal Science

Project Area Blue Red WhiteBeef 8.00 6.00 5.00Dairy 8.00 6.00 5.00Dairy Production Awards 3.00 2.00 1.00Dog 5.00 4.00 3.00Goats 5.50 3.50 2.50Fun with Goats Participation 3.00Horse 3.50 2.50 1.50Achievements & Training 3.00 per classHorse Related 2.50 1.50 1.00Horseless Horse 2.50 1.50 1.00Poultry 4.00 3.00 2.00Rabbits 4.00 3.00 2.00Sheep & Fleece Award 5.50 3.50 2.50Lamb Lead Participation 5.00Swine 5.50 3.50 2.50Rate of Gain Award 3.00 2.00 1.00Interview Participation 2.00Showmanship Participation 3.00Poster Participation 3.00Cloverbud Livestock Participation 2.00

Round Robin Showmanship Contest

1^st Place - $40 2^nd Place - $30 3^rd Place - $20 4^th Place - $10

Open Class Judging

Remember that you can always exhibit in open class in additional to being a 4-H exhibitor. If you have extra exhibit ideas, why not try it? Fair Guide Books will be mailed out by the Fair Board in June and will also be available at the Wright County Extension Office.

At the Fair

Fair Information

4-H operates in partnership with the Wright County Fair to provide an opportunity for members to exhibit their achievements. Please keep in mind that every effort will be made to assure the safety of all entries but, in no event will 4-H or the Wright County Fair be responsible for loss or damage to exhibits. Additionally, dogs are not allowed on the fairgrounds during the Wright County Fair, except those exhibited during pets judging.

Wristbands - 4-H'ers Age 18+

Your 4-H’er will receive a wristband which gets them into the fair for free when they check in at the front desk of the 4H exhibit building. Adults must pay the regular fees to attend the fair plus parking. For more information about fees and the fair itself, you can visit their website at www.wrightcountyfair.org.

Foodstand Shifts

The 4-H Food Stand at the fair is one of our largest fundraisers for Wright County 4-H programs. Your cooperative help at the food stand is very important and appreciated! We hope that working in the food stand is a fun and educational experience in food service and teamwork, in addition to being an important fundraiser.Please remember the dress code for working the foodstand:1. All workers must wear closed-toed shoes, and pants or shorts that end BELOW the fingertips, as well as an apron.2. Each person working with food prep should have a clean hat or head covering.3. Those working the grill may not wear shorts. 4. Please change clothes/shoes if you have been working in the livestock barns before working your foodstand shift.5. Be sure to also adhere to 4-H event dress code standards. Please check out the foodstand manual at: (link to come) for more information about volunteer positions and procedures.

2019 Fair Exhibitor Totals

Project # of ExhibitorsBeef 31Dairy 25Dog 17Dairy Goat 23Meat Goat 14Horse 60Poultry 45Rabbit 65Sheep 27Swine 14 Project # of ExhibitsDemonstrations 7Illustrated Presentations 3Livestock Demos 6Youth in Action 0 Aerospace 20Astronomy 7Bicycle 3Child & Family Development 5Citizenship 9Clothing & Textiles 48Cloverbuds 149Communication 35Computer 7Consumer Education 1Crafts 98Crops 10Electric 4Engineering Design 9Engineering Design Challenge 12Entomology 4Exploring Animals 17Exploring Environment 13Fine Arts 117Fishing Sports 8Flower Gardening 18Foods & Nutrition 41Forest Resources 3Fruit 3

Project # of ExhibitsGeology 4Global Connections 7Health 17Home Environment 14Horse Related/Horseless Horse 13Indoor Gardening 9Lawn & Landscape 1Needle Arts 18Performing Arts 27Pets 23Photography 157Plant & Soil Science 1Potatoes 3Quilting 2Robotics 6Safety 7Scrapbooking 11Self-Determined 16Shooting Sports 5Shop 64Small Engines 0Tractor 3Vegetable Gardening 8Veterinary Science 8Video/DVD 10Water/Wetlands 2Wildlife Biology 11Youth Leadership 6 Club Banner (new) 8Club Banner (previous) 1Community Pride 1Club Container Garden 2Club Scrapbooks 6Murals 0Roadside Sign 1Share-the-Fun 0 Total Exhibitors 445Total Exhibits 2615

2020 Award Sponsors

Thank you for your support of Wright County 4-H!

BRONZE LEVEL $1-49Josh Simpson FamilyMidwest MachineryKids HavenRiver InnLantto's StoreBuffalo Dental GroupBurkstand Agency

SILVER LEVEL $50-100Hobert SalesKensington BankDave's Town ClubMinnesota EqupmentCitizen's Alliance BankMarksman Metals

GOLD LEVEL $101-200Jerry SimpsonSt Michael Legion DIAMOND LEVEL $201+Centra Sota CooperativeTrueman WeltersOtto TransferCompeer

We are currently seeking sponsors for 2021 awards –

contact the Extension Office if you are interested!