© 2015 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.Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.

Beef SELECTION OF ANIMALS

Select market steers prior to February 15th

Market steers and market heifers should be at finished market weight by the fair

Select breeding animals and prospect calves prior to May 15th

IDENTIFICATION AND AFFIDAVIT FORMS

ID forms can be found on 4-H online/ ear tags can be picked up at extension office

Market steers and market heifers need to be identified and a completed ID form must be submitted by February 15th

Steers can be identified either by a 4-H ear tag or registered through a breed association

Breeding animals and prospect calves need to be identified and a complete ID form needs to be submitted by May 15th

CARE OF YOUR ANIMAL

Proper housing (a clean dry area), good ventilation, and proper nutrition

HALTER BREAKING YOUR ANIMAL

Start halter breaking your animal at an early age

Refer to the website http://mysrf.org/pdf/pdf_beef/b7.pdf

SUPPLIES

Supplies needed for getting your animal ready for the fair

rope halter and show halter

brush and scotch comb

spray bottle

hose, nozzle and soap for washing your animal (dish or laundry soap will work)

clippers

show stick

Supplies needed at the fair

all of the items listed above

water pail and feed pan

broom and fork

neck tie- for tie outs

PREPARING FOR THE SHOW

Arrive early to get your animal washed and ready for the show

Know what class you are in

Wear proper show clothes (jeans and leather shoes or boots)

* More information can be found on the University of Minnesota 4-H website. * ASK QUESTIONS- ask other 4-H’ers or adult leaders if you need help or have any questions. You may contact the general livestock superintendent, Bob Kokett.

© 2015 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.Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.

Dairy Congratulations on deciding to participate in the Dairy Project! We hope that you find this to be a

positive and rewarding experience. There is a lot to know and a lot to learn when participating in this

project and it is easy to get overwhelmed. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! There are many people

willing to help you out, and there are lots of resources available! Some of the best resources are fellow

club members who participate in the project as well. If your club does not have any members

participating in the project, feel free to contact the 4-H Office for contact information of individuals in

other clubs that will be more than willing to help you out.

SELECTION OF ANIMALS It is important to pick a project that is age appropriate for the exhibitor. If you do not have Dairy Animals of your own, leasing is an option Animals are divided into classes based on breed and age. There are also rules that need to be followed about what animals an individual can show. For

more information go to: http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/projects/animal-science/animal-ID/

IDENTIFICATION AND AFFIDAVIT FORMS Animals must be properly identified by one of several accepted methods, and affidavit forms

must be submitted by May 15th. Accepted methods of Identification can be found at:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/projects/animal-science/docs/Dairy-info-sheet.pdf

CARE OF YOUR ANIMAL Proper housing that is clean and dry along with good nutrition and good ventilation are

necessary. Fellow Dairy Participants are an excellent resource for information about proper nutrition and

care For more detailed information reference the Project Resources listed below

HALTER BREAKING AND PREPARING YOUR ANIMAL FOR THE SHOW Start working with your animal at an early age, and continue to work with it before the show Proper fitting takes time and practice don’t get discouraged! Ask others for help! For more detailed information reference the Project Resources listed below

SUPPLIES Rope halter and show halter Clippers and extension cords Curry comb and brushes Hose, nozzle and soap for washing your animal Water pail and feed pan Broom and pitch fork

PREPARING FOR THE SHOW Have the majority of your fitting done the day before the show Arrive early to get your animal washed and ready for the show Know what class you’re in, and what order the classes will be run in the show Wear proper attire for the show. For Dairy, this means white pants and a white shirt, and no

hats

PROJECT RESOURCES

Holstein Foundation

http://www.holsteinfoundation.org/pdf_doc/workbooks/Showring_Ready_Workbook.pdf

Holstein Canada

https://www.holstein.ca/PublicContent/PDFS/EN/PreparingToLead.pdf

https://www.holstein.ca/PublicContent/PDFS/EN/ShowmanshipLeadingToWin.pdf

Purebred Dairy Cattle Association

http://www.purebreddairycattle.com/pages/Literature.php

Additional Resources

http://showingdairycattle.weebly.com/showing-dairy-cattle.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCUxFpxmQJ8

University of Minnesota Extension

http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/projects/animal-science/

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN STEARNS COUNTY

Stearns County 4-H Dairy Knowledge Bowl Team: January- March

Stearns County 4-H Dairy Judging Team: February – September

Stearns County Holstein Club Fitting Clinic: May or June

Central Minnesota Dairy Day Youth Show: June

Stearns County 4-H Livestock Project Open Fair Day: July

Stearns County 4-H Dairy Show: July

Stearns County 4-H Project Days: Spring or Fall on alternating years

© 2015 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.Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.

Dairy Goat SELECTION OF ANIMALS Any dairy breed or cross doe, registered or not, selected prior to May 15th

o For a list and description of breeds refer to website http://adga.org/breed-standards/

Please note: Any wether, regardless if they are a dairy breed should be identified as “Goat-Meat”

IDENTIFICATION AND AFFIDAVIT FORMS ID forms can be found on 4-H online Each farm must have a Scrapie identification number (assigned by the MN Board of Animal

Health) All goats must have Scrapie Program approved tattoo or a scrapie tag, which includes the

Minnesota 4-H eartag; however, tattoos are preferred. Ear tags (if needed) can be picked up at extension office

Animals need to be identified and a complete ID form needs to be submitted by May 15th

with the exception of Junior doe kids born April 1 or after may be added to the ID data worksheet by submission to the extension office and must be added by July 1

If an animal is leased, the MN 4-H Animal Science Lease Form must be completed then uploaded and/or submitted to your county extension office by May 15th

CARE OF YOUR ANIMAL Proper housing (a clean dry area), adequate GOAT fencing, and proper nutrition

o Refer to the website http://adga.org/care-and-management-of-dairy-goats/ See additional sheets with more specific information

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR EXHIBITING AT FAIR water pail and feed pans broom and fork chain collar, such as a dog “choker” collar (do not keep this collar on all the time) brush hoof nippers hose, nozzle, bucket and soap for washing your animal (dish or laundry soap will work) clippers

PREPARING FOR THE SHOW Arrive early to get your animal washed and ready for the show Know what class you are in Wear proper show clothes (White or black pants and white shirt)

PROJECT RESOURCES * More information can be found on the University of Minnesota 4-H website. * ASK QUESTIONS- ask other 4-H’ers or adult leaders if you need help or have any questions. You may contact Melissa Czeck 320-290-3951 czeckfarm@yahoo.com Other good articles or resouces www.dairygoatjournal.com/goats/getting_your_first_dairy_goat/ - Article www.minnesotagoats.org/ - Minnesota Dairy Goat Association www.adga.org – American Dairy Goat Association http://www.bah.state.mn.us/ - MN Board of Animal Health – Premise & Scrapie ID Numbers & Scrapies Tags

© 2015 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.Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.

Meat Goat SELECTION OF ANIMALS

Select animals prior to May 15th ID Deadline See the Meat Goat Information Sheet for a full list of Classes & Birthdates at

https://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/projects/animal-science/meat-goat/ Lease options are available – Reference the Meat Goat Information Sheet There are separate classes for Dairy Market and Meat Market. (if your animal contains any

breed other than the recognized dairy breeds ((see Meat Goat Information Sheet)) it will be registered as Meat Market)

IDENTIFICATION AND AFFIDAVIT FORMS

ID forms can be found on 4-H online/4-H ear tags can be picked up at the extension office Market goats must be tagged/tattooed with official Scrapie ID & 4-H eartag Breeding Does must tattooed with unique animals ID number & approved Scrapie ID Before purchasing a goat, make sure the animal has approved Scrapie ID. The Board of

Animal Health requires that a goat have Scrapie ID before leaving the farm it was born on. Contact the BAH or Ryan Sand with questions (Scrapie Tags are No longer available for free from BAH)

CARE OF YOUR ANIMAL

Proper housing (a clean dry area), good ventilation, and proper nutrition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAQPGMtk650

Market wethers and does must be disbudded with no more than 1” regrowth. Cut off horns are not permitted. (disbudding works best with hot disbudding iron before 5 days of age) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnxI5_gi7BI

Breeding does may have horns Keep your goats hoof trimmed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya17IujktZM Minimum weight at State Fair is 40 pounds and Maximum is 110 pounds.

TRAINING YOUR ANIMAL FOR SHOW RING

Start breaking your animal at an early age, may use rope halter for breaking. A smooth leather or chain collar for showing. (training collars and prong collars are not allowed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-doq4BJliHs

Teaching Wethers to Brace refer to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktNSgGf34KU The more time you spend training your goat the better it will perform in the show ring

SUPPLIES

Supplies needed for getting your animal ready for the fair Show strap or chain rope halter or tie rope brush and scotch comb hose, nozzle and soap for washing your animal (dish or laundry soap will work) clippers (wethers must be completely clipped, does can be trimmed and fitted for

show) Supplies needed at the fair

all of the items listed above water pail and feed pan broom and fork

Stearns County 4-H (v2018)

(MEAT GOAT CONTINUED) PREPARING FOR THE SHOW

Arrive early to get your animal washed and ready for the show Know what class you are in Wear proper show clothes (dark pants/jeans, belts acceptable, hard-sole shoes/boots no

tennis shoes) See http://z.umn.edu/showringattire for more information on species specific dress code

* More information can be found on the University of Minnesota 4-H website at https://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/projects/animal-science/meat-goat/ * ASK QUESTIONS- ask other 4-H’ers or adult leaders if you need help or have any questions, You may contact Ryan Sand at 320-293-2724 for additional information.

© 2015 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.Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.

Lama SELECTION OF ANIMALS

Llama or alpaca may be shown from year to year

If leasing an animal make arrangements early in the 4-H year

Gelded males, females and intact males not of breeding age may be shown

IDENTIFICATION AND AFFIDAVIT FORMS ID forms can be found on 4-H online

Animal needs to be identified before May 15th

A photo is used to ID the animal

CARE OF YOUR ANIMAL Proper housing clean dry area with good ventilation

Outdoor area must including a shelter from the sun

Proper nutrition and ample water need to be provided

TRAINING YOUR ANIMAL Your animal must work with a halter and a lead rope

Spend time leading the animal several times a week if possible

The animal, and youth, need to practice proper movement needed during the show

The animal should be familiar with and practice various types of obstacles

Youth will plan and make a costume if participating in costume show

SUPPLIES Grooming tools

Equipment for washing and blowing out the animal

At the fair the animal will need a hay bag and water bucket

Bring equipment for cleaning the animals stall

PREPARING FOR THE SHOW

Arrive early and groom your animal for the fair

Wear proper show clothes, white shirt, black pants, and black shoes or boots

Always be courteous and helpful to other 4-H members in the show

© 2015 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.Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.

Poultry

You have decided to take on a poultry project to show at the County Fair and are wondering,

“What do I do now?”

There are a few things that need to be done; first you will have to decide what type of poultry

project you want to show at the fair.

Choices include Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys Pigeons or Guineas. Keep in mind that all birds

have to be hatched after January 1st of the year you’re going to show the birds.

A Statement of Origin is required for Chickens, Turkeys and Guineas. Ducks and Geese do not

require a Statement of Origin but if you can get one it is a good idea to have it.

An example Statement of Origin is included. If you buy birds from a hatchery, ask for one and

they will include it with your bird order. If you buy birds from a breeder, bring one for the

breeder to sign or send it to the breeder for them to sign.

PIGEONS

Pigeons may be entered in three classes; Sporting, Fancy or Utility, depending on their breed.

They can be shown either as a mated pair for birds older than one year or as a young bird for

birds hatched during the current year. Pigeons must be banded with seamless bands to be shown.

If you are a 4-H Cloverbud you will only need to bring one bird to the fair. I recommend a gentle

breed of chicken like a Rhode Island Red or a Wyandotte. A duck like a Pekin will also work if you

spend some time with it before the fair so that it is tame.

Once you are older than a Cloverbud you then can show two birds or a trio depending on the

project you wish to take on.

Two Birds are needed in: Brown and White Egg laying pens and Market pens

Three Birds are needed in: Breeding Pens which consist of one male and two females of the same breed.

If you are showing for the first time I would recommend an Egg Laying Pen. The hens should be

laying eggs by the time the fair starts. Brown egg layers are generally calmer than white egg

layers. The best brown egg layers are a hybrid breed such as a Gold or Red Star birds. To ensure

your birds are laying by the start of the fair, I would purchase chicks within the first two weeks of

March. A close second for beginners to show would be a pen of Market Chickens. Market

chickens are the Cornish Cross birds. The two birds should be 4 to 4.5 lbs by the time of the fair

and it generally takes eight weeks for them to reach this weight.

When showing Egg Layers or Market Birds they should look and weigh as close to the same as

possible.

The birds should be given baths before the fair. I would recommend two times at a minimum this

not only cleans the birds but the more you handle them the calmer they will be for the show.

If you want to show a Breeding Trio at the fair, birds that are more mature are better. Hatching

between January 1st and March 1st is best. Keep in mind that the hatch date has to be after

January 1st of the year you’re going to show them. The judge will be judging the birds against the

“American Standard of Perfection”. This book can usually be found at your local library. You will

want to show one male that most closely resembles that breed’s standards. The two females

should also closely resemble that breed’s standards. The birds must be of the same breed and

color variety and must be purebred.

On show day at the fair you should wear a white long sleeve shirt, black pants and black shoes.

You will want keep your eyes on the judge at all times when showing your birds.

© 2014 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.Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.

© 2015 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.Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.

Rabbits SELECTION OF ANIMALS All animals must be a pure-bred breed recognized by the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders

Association). They must also be an unaltered male or female rabbit.

ARBA Website: https://www.arba.net/

All animals need to be selected and owned by May 15th.

Fryers: Must be 70 days or younger (the mother needs to be owned and ID’ed by the May 15th deadline)

Rabbit Agility: Animal must be 6 mo. of age or older to begin the training process. An animal younger is not acceptable as their skeleton is not able to handle the stress of training yet.

IDENTIFICATION AND AFFIDAVIT FORMS All animals need to have a permanent ID tattoo in the left ear (the rabbit’s left ear, not as you

are looking at it) that along with the breed, gender and birthdate are reported on the ID form submitted by May 15th.

CARE OF YOUR ANIMAL Proper housing: a rabbit hutch with small wire on the bottom 1/2”x1” and 1”x2” on the sides

will protect your rabbit from other animals. It is also good to make sure they have a place to get out of the wind if they are kept outside.

Good ventilation, proper sanitation and proper nutrition are key. Also make sure there is always enough water available.

SUPPLIES Supplies needed for getting your animal ready for the fair.

Rabbit brush

Harness & leash (agility)

Feed dish and water bottles

Toe nail clipper (must be a dog toenail clipper, human clipper will crush the nail)

Flour (used to stop bleeding if blood line is nicked while clipping toenails)

Supplies needed at the fair

All of the above

Broom & dust pan (for clean up in front of cages and after changing out drop pans)

Feed and water

Pet or Rabbit carrier (will need to get animal to fair and will need while waiting for your turn during the show)

PREPARING FOR THE SHOW Arrive early to make sure you and your animal are in the arena for the show.

Know what breed and class you are showing in

Wear proper show attire (long sleeve solid color shirt, jeans or black pants and closed toed shoes. NO HOLES in shoes or pants) Long hair should be pulled back.

More information can be found on the ARBA website and the University of Minnesota 4-H website

ASK QUESTIONS-other 4-H’ers or adult leaders if you need help or have questions. You may contact the Rabbit Superintendent, Shannon Olson

© 2015 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.Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.

Sheep SELECTION OF ANIMAL Select your sheep prior to May 15th

Lease options are available for breeding sheep

IDENTIFICATION AND AFFIDAVIT FORMS ID forms can be found on 4-H online/ear tags can be picked up at the extension office

An ID form for all sheep, market and breeding, must be submitted by May 15th and they must be tagged by May 15th

All sheep must have a USDA scrapies tag

CARE OF YOUR ANIMAL Proper housing (a clean dry area), good ventilation, and proper nutrition

HALTER BREAKING YOUR ANIMAL Start working with your sheep as soon as possible

Refer to the website www.raisingsheep.net (how to halter break a lamb)

SUPPLIES Supplies needed for getting your animal ready for the fair

rope halter

hose, nozzle and soap (dish soap works fine) for washing your animal

sheep shears

Supplies needed at the fair

all of the items listed above

water pail and feed pan

PREPARING FOR THE SHOW Arrive early to get your animal ready for the show

Know what class you are in

Wear proper show clothes (jeans and leather shoes or boots)

* More information can be found on the University of Minnesota 4-H website.

* ASK QUESTIONS- ask other 4-H’ers or adult leaders if you need help or have any questions. You may contact the general livestock superintendent, Bob Kokett.

© 2015 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.Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.

Swine SELECTION OF ANIMAL Select your pig prior to May 15th

Market pigs should be market weight at the fair

IDENTIFICATION AND AFFIDAVIT FORMS ID forms can be found on 4-H online/ear tags can be picked up at extension office

An ID form must be submitted and all animals must be ear tagged by May 15th

CARE OF YOUR ANIMAL Proper housing (a clean dry area), good ventilation, and proper nutrition

TRAINING YOUR PIG Start working with your pig early. It is easier to train when it is younger.

Spend time working with your pig every day if possible

Start driving your hog with a pig whip or pipe in a small pen

Once the pig is tamed down after a few days or maybe longer you can walk it around the yard

Exercise your pig daily if possible

SUPPLIES Supplies needed for getting your pig ready for the fair

hose, nozzle and soap for washing

scrub brush

whip (or pipe) used to guide your pig around

Supplies needed at the fair

all of the items listed above

feed pan

PREPARING FOR THE SHOW Arrive early to get your animal washed and ready for the show

Know what class you are in

Wear proper show clothes (jeans and leather shoes or boots)

* More information can be found on the University of Minnesota 4-H website.

* ASK QUESTIONS- ask other 4-H’ers or adult leaders if you need help or have any questions. You may contact the general livestock superintendent, Bob Kokett.