4-H/FFA Livestock General Rules & Regulations

Jump to a Section:

• Eligibility of 4-H Members
• 4-H/FFA Ownership of Animals
• 4-H/FFA Livestock Section Rules
• Eligibility of FFA Members
• Code of Ethics
• What’s the Real Purpose of Youth (4-H & FFA) Livestock Projects
• Judging
• Awards
• Entries
• Special Awards & Decorating

4-H/FFA Livestock Section Rules

Exhibitors must comply with all general rules and regulations and animal health requirements for exhibitors in this premium book.

Violation of these rules may result in any or all of the following:

• Withholding or return of payment for the animal or exhibit, premiums and awards.
• Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
• Probationary exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
• Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.

Exhibitors Please Note!

Rules for 2026, involving participation in animal care practices on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. These rules will be strictly enforced!

1. Each 4-H/FFA exhibitor shall be involved in caring for and grooming their own animal(s). If assistance is needed it should be intended to help the 4-H/FFA exhibitor learn new skills.
2. Signatures and Verifications: The Exhibitor and parent or legal guardian of Exhibitor must sign the entry forms certifying that they have read the General Rules and Regulations, 4-H/FFA Livestock Rules and Regulations, Sale of Champions Rules and Regulations, specific and/or special division rules and regulations and that Exhibitor has been advised of these rules and regulations as well as The National Show Ring Code of Ethics; cautioned regarding sabotage, tampering, prohibited substances, unethical fitting and agrees to observe and abide by all rules and regulations. The parent or legal guardian must also sign the Quality Assurance Certificate in accordance with the USDA Wholesome Meat Act.
3. The signature of the 4-H County Extension Agent or FFA Advisor of said Exhibitor on the entry form is required to confirm that: the entry is a bona fide project of their state’s 4-H or FFA program; is a member in good standing; that the animal is owned and in the continuous possession of the Exhibitor; 4-H County Extension Agent or FFA Advisor has read the General Rules and Regulations, 4-H/FFA Livestock Rules and Regulations, Sale of Champion Rules and Regulations, specific and/or special division Rules and Regulations, and Exhibitor has been advised of these rules as well as The National Show Ring Code of Ethics; been cautioned regarding sabotage, tampering, prohibited substances, unethical fitting and all rules and regulations have been complied with, to the extent of their participation.
4. Possession, Care and Feeding: Animals entered must be in the name and possession of Exhibitor, no later than corresponding ownership date as established in the Missouri State Fair 4-H & FFA Livestock Rules. Exhibitors are personally responsible for the general custody, care and feeding of their animals.
5. Special Circumstances: This policy is not intended to prevent any 4-H or FFA member from participating in the Missouri State Fair market shows. In the event a youth exhibitor’s circumstances would prevent them from complying with this policy, their FFA instructor or Extension Agent may request a Special Circumstances Exemption by contacting the Missouri State Fair Director’s Office.
6. Drug Use Notification Form: For each animal entered in any Junior Livestock competition at the Missouri State Fair, the Exhibitor must complete prior to weigh-in (to be turned in at health check-in), a Drug Use Notification Form showing all illnesses, injuries, medications and injections, including the locations of any injuries and injections, the dates, amounts of medications and injections given the animal and the purpose of each treatment, since exhibitor ownership deadline (withdrawal time must be met the day of the show). If care is given by a licensed veterinarian, you must show the name and address of the veterinarian.
7. ANIMAL WELFARE: There will be no needles allowed in the Missouri State Fair livestock barns or in tie-outs. Any medication needed must be administered by the Missouri State Fair Veterinarian or with the approval of the Missouri State Fair Veterinarian. Anyone found in violation will be disqualified.
8. Missouri State Fair reserves the right to make spot checks of animals and Exhibitors at any time to inspect and verify ownership and possession of any livestock entered in the 4-H/FFA Livestock Shows.
9. Showing of Animal: Exhibitor must be present at processing and show and sell their own animal (s) unless excused in writing by Missouri State Fair. Exhibitor may secure some other 4-H/FFA Livestock Exhibitor to show their animal in case of illness or if they are showing more than one entry at the same time. Prior approval from Missouri State Fair is required. No one will be permitted to assist the Exhibitor while showing any animal.

Rules & Regulations

1. Eligibility of 4-H Members

• Entries in the 4-H Youth Department are limited to Missouri 4-H members who have passed their 8th birthday and have not passed their 19th birthday before January 1 of the current program year and whose enrollment is on file in their University Extension Center.
• Each exhibit shall be owned by the exhibitor and shall represent work accomplished with a 4-H project during the current club year.
• The State 4-H Youth Development Program, through the county office, reserves the right to refuse the approval of entries of club members who fail to observe rules and regulations and hence are not in good standing. Members can be independent and enroll at any time. In order to show at the Missouri State Fair the members must pay 4-H dues by June 1 of the current year. Out-of-state transfer members must be Missouri 4-H members prior to February 1 of the current year to be eligible to show.
• Every precaution shall be taken to protect the exhibits, but neither the Missouri State Fair nor the State 4-H Youth Development Program will be responsible for any losses or damage to the exhibits.
• Exhibitors must designate either 4-H or FFA market animal entries within a species. Exhibitors must designate either 4-H or FFA breeding animal entries within a species. Animals are designated to a division at the time of entry and may not be switched to another division after the Missouri State Fair has received the entries. Current active 4-H/FFA members are permitted to show breeding animals in one organization and market in the other per species.
• 4-H members are not eligible to show in the 4-H division of the Missouri State Fair if they belong to a 4-H club in another state or have shown in another state fair 4-H show in the same calendar year.
• 4-H Food Quality Assurance Policy for 2026. By June 1, 2026, all 4-H members enrolled in food animal projects including beef, sheep, swine, dairy cattle, meat and dairy goats, rabbits, and poultry must complete the appropriate level of Missouri Show-Me Quality Assurance certification, or equivalent Quality Assurance programming, to be considered a 4-H member in good standing in that project. No further quality assurance documentation is needed.

NOTE: 4-H members must be in good standing in their county to enter the State Fair food animal related competitions. (Reference rule 1, C)

4-H/FFA Ownership of Animals:

One of the objectives in owning an animal is to learn new skills in animal breeding, feeding, management and health. To accomplish this, the member should secure the animal as early in the year as possible. Livestock shows and exhibitions set up minimum dates for length of ownership necessary for exhibiting.

Please make sure you are aware of your specific Breed Association procedures to determine ownership date. (This may include a processing date to determine final ownership date)

For the Missouri State Fair the dates are:

• Beef Cattle
  • Steers 3/1
  • Market Heifers 3/1
  • Breeding Animals 6/1
• Sheep
  • Breeding Animals 7/1
  • Market Lambs 6/1
• Swine
  • Breeding Gilts 5/1
  • Breeding Boars 5/1
  • Market Hogs 5/1
• Dairy Cattle
  • All Dairy Cattle 7/1 – (or leased)
    • (Dairy Cattle – breed association must have paperwork submitted to prove ownership prior to 7/1)
• Dairy Goats
  • 6/1
• Meat Goats
  • 6/1
• Dogs
  • 4/1
• Horses
  • 5/1
• Rabbits
  • 6/1
  • Meat pen 5-10 weeks prior to show
• Poultry
  • Meat pen 8-10 weeks prior to show
  • Meat turkeys 8-10 weeks prior to show

2. Eligibility of FFA Members

• Active members of Missouri FFA who are continuing their Supervised Agricultural Experience program are eligible. A member can retain active membership until November 30, following the fourth National FFA Convention after graduation from high school. Example: If a student was an active, dues paying FFA member their year of graduation from high school and have continued to pay their dues, they can exhibit for four (4) years after graduation. A member who graduated in the spring of 2023 could exhibit in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
• Junior project workers in the 7th or 8th grades in a comprehensive high school during the previous school year are eligible. Also, 9th and 10th grade students in area vocational school service areas who live in a comprehensive high school district that does not have an agriculture education department are eligible. To be eligible to show, students must be conducting an occupational experience program and keeping records under the supervision of the agricultural education instructor.
• Exhibitors must designate either 4-H or FFA market animal entries within a species. Exhibitors must designate either 4-H or FFA breeding animal entries within a species. Animals are designated to a division at the time of entry and may not be switched to another division after the Missouri State Fair has received the entries. Current active 4-H/FFA members are permitted to show breeding animals in one organization and market in the other per species.
• All animals entered in this department must be the bona fide property of the exhibitor as a part of his/her regular Supervised Agricultural Experience Program. The local advisor is held responsible for the strict enforcement of this rule and is encouraged to accompany the exhibitor(s) to the fair.
• The date of ownership is the same as listed above for 4-H.

3. Code of Ethics

Believing it is in the best interest of all junior exhibitors to maintain a reputation of integrity and to present a wholesome and progressive image, the Missouri State Fair sets forth the following regulation: 4-H and FFA members are expected to conduct themselves according to the best traditions of their respective organizations. Inappropriate conduct (drinking, stealing, vandalism, and indiscreet behavior) WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Any violation of this rule will be grounds for disqualifying the exhibitor and/or livestock involved. Further, any premium monies earned will be forfeited.

What’s the Real Purpose of Youth (4-H & FFA) Livestock Projects

One purpose is to teach young people how to feed, fit, and show their animals. The more important purpose is to provide an opportunity for personal growth and development of the young person.

The Josephson Institute of Ethics has developed a curriculum which identifies six core values which may help to better describe the value of youth livestock projects. This curriculum also presents the idea that people develop and strengthen character by practicing certain behaviors just as muscles are built through exercise.

Therefore, the purpose of the youth livestock program (4-H and FFA) is to provide opportunities for young people to develop character. The character traits identified and some practices (exercises) that may build character follow:

A. Trustworthiness – includes honesty, promise keeping and loyalty.

• daily feeding, watering of animals (promise keeping)
• adheres to possession deadlines (honesty)
• adheres to withdrawal times on drugs and de-wormer
• only the appropriate use of approved drugs

B. Respect – includes courtesy and proper treatment of people and things.

• proper handling of animals, treat humanely
• proper care of animals
• listens to and follows advice of advisors
• recognizes that animal projects are dependent on 4-H’er and provides daily feed and water

C. Responsibility – includes the pursuit of excellence, accountability and perseverance.

• daily feeding and watering (even on the busy, difficult days)
• goes beyond providing the daily needs of the animal in giving additional time and attention to produce a winner
• adheres to deadlines for entry forms and for arrival at livestock shows
• never gives up in the show ring (perseverance)

D. Fairness – involves consistently applying rules and standards appropriately for different age groups and ability levels.

• feed only approved livestock rations
• only the appropriate use of approved drugs
• accepts winning or losing with grace
• conduct in the show ring follows recommended procedure
• fitting and grooming of animals follows recommended procedures

E. Caring – promoting the well being of people and things in a young person’s world. It denotes action and not just feelings.

• daily feeding and watering
• provides clean barn/stall for animal
• treats animal humanely at all times

F. Citizenship – includes making the home community and county a better place to live for themselves and others.

• accepting instructions
• winning and losing with grace
• helping others at stock shows
• teaching younger members
• treating animals humanely
• ensuring that your meat animal is safe for consumption

4. Once a market animal (steer, barrow, market lamb or wether meat goat) has been offered for sale or is sold, it will not be allowed to be shown at the Missouri State Fair. (Exception will be made only if a premium sale is held locally or if a Missouri State Fair Advance Sale Agreement is signed by all parties and is presented to the livestock superintendent when checking in livestock at the Missouri State Fair.)

The Missouri State Fair reserves the right to have urine, blood, saliva and/or tissue tests performed on any market animal to detect practices not considered to be normal or usual animal husbandry practices, including the use of anabolic steroids, diuretics, feed additives or drug residues. An exhibitor of an animal producing positive analysis of drugs, unapproved medication or chemical residues, shall be subject to the penalties established by the Missouri State Fair. In the event that an animal perishes on the Missouri State Fairgrounds, it becomes the property of the Missouri State Fair. The Superintendent of the department, or the appropriate State Fair staff member, will secure Carcass and hold it until it is released by the Livestock Superintendent for postmortem inquiry at the direction of the State Veterinarian. Any violation of this policy may result in any or all of the following:

• Withholding of payment for the animal, premiums and awards.
• Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
• Probation from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
• Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.

5. Judging

The judges will place all classes according to merit in gold, silver, and bronze ribbon groups. Inferior animals will not be placed. The gold group will be ranked to ten places.

6. Awards

Gold, silver, and bronze ribbons will be awarded as determined by the group placing. In addition, conventional color ribbons will be awarded in each of the livestock classes for the top exhibits. Premiums will be paid on a point basis in relation to the group ribbon awarded. In the cattle classes, the point value of the ribbons are: gold-60, silver-40, and bronze-20. In hogs, sheep, boer goat and dairy goat classes, the point values of the ribbons are: gold-24, silver-16, and bronze-8. The value of a point for livestock will be determined by dividing the total points of ribbons awarded in the 4-H and FFA livestock shows into the total money available for livestock premiums.

The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.

7. Entries

4-H and FFA entries must be received by July 13 at the Missouri State Fair Offices by 5:00 p.m.

• All livestock entries must be sent to: Missouri State Fair Entries, 2503 W. 16th St., Sedalia, MO 65301. Entries must be made on entry forms provided by the Missouri State Fair Office, Sedalia, and must include payment covering necessary pen rent, stall rent, and admission. Make all checks payable to: Missouri State Fair.
• ENTRY FEES: Each FFA or 4-H livestock exhibitor must pay entry fees. Entry fee prices can be found on the rules and classes pages for each species.
• All FFA field crops and agricultural mechanics entries should be made upon arrival at the fair. Field crops and agricultural mechanics exhibitors are not required to purchase an exhibitor’s pass or pay entry fees.
• The instructor of agriculture education (for FFA) or youth specialist (for 4-H) is responsible for checking and signing all entries for exhibitors.
• Exhibitors must check the boxes in both the youth show and open show. Exhibitors will NOT be entered automatically in the open show, fees for the open show is required. Dairy goats, sheep and swine exhibitors are required to check entries with both the youth show and open show superintendents after arriving at the Fair. Sheep and swine exhibitors will be expected to complete award cards for the 4-H, FFA and open shows. 4-H, FFA and beef cattle exhibitors are required to check entries with both the youth and open show superintendents upon arrival at the Fair.
• If an exhibitor wants to show an animal in the open show, and the animal is not eligible in the 4-H or FFA show, the exhibitor should make the entry according to the open show regulations and pay the open show fees. An exhibitor entering in both 4-H or FFA and the open show is required to purchase only one exhibitor’s pass.
• Exhibitors desiring to be penned or stalled together must specify on their entry form when they pre-enter their livestock.
• Only those breeds listed in the catalog are eligible for show in 4-H or FFA departments.
• No late entries will be accepted. All entries are due by July 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

8. Pens and Stalls

Livestock will be assigned pens and stalls by the open superintendent. Upon arrival, exhibitors should check with the open department superintendent for pen or stall assignments.

9. Youth Building

Sleeping quarters in the Youth Building will be available on an assigned basis. Instructions for requesting reservations and youth
dormitory rules and regulations are on the reservation form of this on-line premium guide.

10. Check-In with Superintendents

Upon arrival at the fairgrounds, contact should be made with the open livestock superintendent and the youth livestock superintendent
for the division. It is the responsibility of the exhibitors to have their entries checked with those entered into the show books. Official health certificates and registration forms, where applicable, will be examined at this check-in time as well as any Advance Sale Agreements.

11. Housing

All exhibits shown in the 4-H or FFA Buildings must be housed according to the instructions of the 4-H or FFA Building Superintendent in charge.

12. Health Certificates

Health certificates will be checked by the State Veterinarians at the time of arrival. Be sure to have all necessary health certificates as required in the general rules and regulations of this on-line premium guide.

13. Registration Certificates

Each animal must be registered in the name of the exhibitor and registration certificates must be filed with the superintendent of the department as soon as possible after arrival. Animals not meeting breed association standards will be subject to disqualification. Exhibitors whose registration papers do not show the date of animal ownership transfer must have a letter from the breed association verifying the date of ownership transfer.

14. Partnership Livestock: 4-H Members

4-H members may own the 4-H project livestock in partnership (joint ownership) with other 4-H and/or FFA members who are: brother/sister; blended brother/sister; foster sibling; exchange students residing with your family; residential group home members; parents and grandparents and/or legal guardians.

In the case of breeding animals, when project animals are jointly registered/owned, all individuals’ names involved in the partnership
must appear on the registration papers.

Dually registered animals shall be exhibited by only one owner for a show. At the time of entry, members should identify which animals
are to be shown by each exhibitor, and are not allowed to switch to another division after the entries have been received by the MSF.

An individual animal may only be shown in 4-H or FFA, but not both. (Rule E, in the “Eligibility” section, further clarifies that a member in
both FFA and 4-H is not permitted to show the same breed category in both organizations). Specific Breed rules regarding Partnership livestock supersede 4-H & FFA Partnership livestock rules.

15. Partnership Livestock: FFA Members

FFA members who own livestock in partnership may have them registered jointly, and each member may show the same number
of head as if they were individually owned. However, the entry sheet must show which animals are to be shown by each exhibitor. The exhibitor’s name must appear on the registration papers. Specific Breed rules regarding Partnership livestock supersede 4-H & FFA Partnership livestock rules.

16. DNA Hair Samples: Steers, Market Lambs, Barrows and Meat Goats

• Each Agriculture Teacher and Extension Agent will be responsible for mailing or delivering ALL DNA envelopes to the Missouri State Fair by the deadline specified in this premium catalog. DNA hair samples will only be mailed to and received from Agriculture Teachers and Extension Agents. No DNA Samples will be accepted from individuals. There will be no exceptions.
  • Agriculture Teachers or Extension Agents must sign the data collection form to certify that DNA was sampled in your presence and that the animal entered is owned by the exhibitor. The DNA Sample must be returned by Extension Agent or Ag Instructor.
• The deadline for providing a DNA hair sample with proper identification is March 15 for steers and market heifers; May 15 for barrows and June 15 for lambs and meat goats. The DNA samples must have the correct postmark date on them. (Faxes are not acceptable; postmarks must meet deadline dates; metered mail is not preferred, but if used, please allow sufficient time for delivery.)
• DNA hair samples must be sealed inside an envelope. The envelope must say: exhibitor name, address, county of residence, FFA Chapter or 4-H County and animal ID.
  • Animal ID forms: registration ear notch, NUES tag (Swine Only), registration tattoo, AIN/RFID tag. Registered steers will also be required to have a AIN/840 tag. Entries without proper animal identifications listed will not be accepted.
• The DNA samples are for file reference only and does not constitute an entry into any class. Normal entry procedures must be followed per the Missouri State Fair 2026 premium guide.
• Each exhibitor may nominate a total of six (6) steers and six (6) market heifers. These may be the same or different breeds. Steers and Market Heifers may be purebred, crossbred or a combination to be nominated.
• Each exhibitor may nominate a total of ten (10) market barrows. A given animal may be nominated by brother or sister on separate forms.
• Each exhibitor may nominate a total of ten (10) market lambs. A given animal may be nominated by brother or sister on separate forms.
• Each exhibitor may nominate a total of ten (10) meat goats. A given animal may be nominated by brother or sister on separate forms.
• An exhibitor may enter an animal in the Missouri State Fair that does not have a DNA hair sample on file, but such animal will not be eligible for breed champion or Grand Champion in that division.

17. Showing

• Exhibitors must exhibit their animals. The 4-H or FFA Superintendents may permit another Missouri junior exhibitor to show an animal in case of illness or physical handicap.
• Uncontrollable animals or an animal which the exhibitor cannot handle alone may be disqualified by the Superintendent and required to leave the ring. If a beef cattle animal is/becomes unmanageable and the animal poses a threat to other exhibitors or livestock, at the discretion of the Beef Superintendent and/or Beef Staff the animal can be removed from the show ring; however, the judge will classify it into a ribbon grouping.
• In cases where a member has more than one animal in a class, another Missouri junior exhibitor must show the second animal.
• Minimal assistance is allowed by another Missouri junior exhibitor at the discretion of the Superintendent.
• All 4-H/FFA steer, market heifer and barrow shows will have an exhibitor meeting prior to show.
• 4-H will show first in all species, except Dairy Goats. Example: rather than alternating every other year with FFA showing sheep at 8 a.m. one year and 1 p.m. the next. 4-H will always show first.
• Electronic communication devices prohibited in the show ring.

18. Dually Registered Animals

Dually registered animals may not be exhibited more than one time in 4-H or FFA classes except as part of a group or championship class.

19. Grooming Practices Affecting Conformation & Structure

Every exhibitor, in consideration of his/her entry being accepted by the Missouri State Fair, specifically represents that no animal entered
by the exhibitor may be altered in their natural conformation, normal dental development, or structure of the animal. Every exhibitor agrees to submit the entry for any inspection deemed appropriate by the veterinarian or Missouri State Fair officials. In the event any such animal is declared to be artificially altered in conformation and/or structure, the Missouri State Fair Commission may permanently bar such animal and the exhibitor from further competition in the Missouri State Fair, and require the immediate return to the Missouri State Fair of all premiums, monies, trophies, and ribbons awarded to the disqualified animal(s).

Specifically: Any animal showing evidence of sharp practices (such as surgical removal of excess brisket or dewlap skin, filling with oil or other foreign material, etc.) will be barred from the show, as will the exhibitor of such animals. NO show halter leads with any sharp objects will be allowed.

The use of artificial tail fins or the addition of any hair or hair-like substance to the animal’s body, excluding a false tail switch, will not be permitted.

Pumping/drenching of any species, will not be allowed except when authorized for health reasons by the State Veterinary. After a class has been placed in the show ring, officials reserve the right to re-inspect animal for color or sharp practices. If such is found the animal will be barred from further championship competition and forfeit all premium money.

All animals will be subject to urine, blood and tissue analysis for diuretics and anabolic compounds and feed additives or drug residues at the discretion of the show management or state federal inspector. A positive test may result in any or all of the following:

• Withholding of payment for the animal, premiums and awards.
• Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
• Probationary exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
• Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.

20. Abuse to Animals

Should any physical abuse be observed toward an animal, either in the barns or in the show ring, by the exhibitor or his or her agents, the Superintendent, has the authority to excuse the exhibitor and show animal from the show.

21. FFA Chapter-Owned Exhibits

Chapters exhibiting chapter-owned livestock or other exhibits are subject to the same regulations as an individual exhibitor.

22. Specials

Only livestock classified in the gold ribbon group are eligible to receive the livestock special awards.

23. Feed and Bedding

Stalls, feed and bedding information may be found in the general rules of this catalog. Superintendents will not require feed releases.

24. Public Relations

• All stalls and pens must be cleaned before 8:00 a.m. each day and refuse deposited as directed by the Superintendent. No advertising of feeds or other agricultural products will be permitted in or around the grounds or stalls.
• All cots, bedding and other personal belongings must be kept out of the aisles and stalls between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Beef tie-out gates will be closed daily at 8:00 a.m. and opened at 7:00 p.m. Cattle may be led to tie-out areas after 7:00 p.m. and must be returned to stalls by 8:00 a.m. Any cattle remaining in the tie-out area after 8:00 a.m. will not be allowed to enter the grounds.
• Exhibitors are encouraged to wear t-shirts and other identification representing their organization and use stall exhibitor cards.
• Behavior of exhibitors will influence public opinion of their organizations. They will be expected to conduct themselves in a proper manner.

25. Compliance Regulation

Exhibitors who refuse to parade their animal(s) when asked to do so by the Superintendent in charge, or who otherwise disobeys rules laid down in the premium guide, will thereby forfeit their rights to exhibit and any premium they may already have won. All livestock exhibits will be exhibited at the sole risk of the exhibitor.

26. FFA Premium Payments

No premium payments will be made to FFA members at the fair. All checks for premium payments will be payable to the exhibitors.

27. Dogs

There will be no dogs allowed in the exhibit barns except those entered in a show, police dogs on duty, or those trained to aid a person with disabilities.

28.

All animals must have been born within the dates specified in the classes identified.

29.

Junior exhibitors need to inform superintendents if they will be showing two (2) species at the same time (example: junior swine and sheep.

Special Awards & Decorating

Special FFA Awards

Sweepstakes Plaque

A sweepstakes plaque will be awarded to the FFA chapter in Missouri which has the most outstanding exhibit of livestock in the FFA Department. This is an annual award and the plaque becomes the personal property of each year’s winner. Quantity, quality and attractiveness of the stalls will be considered.

Quantity and quality will be determined by the total point value of ribbons won. No chapter will be considered whose stalls are not kept in a condition acceptable to the stall judge.

MFA Incorporated Awards

A representative of MFA Incorporated, 201 Ray Young Drive, Columbia, MO 65201, will award an attractive FFA plaque to the chapter having the most outstanding exhibit in each of the following classes of livestock: Beef Cattle, Sheep and Swine, and to the chapter having the best agricultural mechanics exhibit and field crops exhibit.

These annual plaques will be awarded upon the basis of quantity of exhibits and the neatness of the exhibit. Quantity will be determined by the total point value of ribbons won. A chapter may win all of these plaques, depending upon the type of exhibit which is presented.

Special 4-H Awards

Sweepstakes Plaque

A sweepstakes plaque will be awarded to the county which has the most outstanding exhibit of livestock in the 4-H Department. This is an annual award and the plaque will become the personal property of this year’s winner. Quantity, quality, and attractiveness of the exhibits will be considered in determining the winner. This award will be given at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, August 17, 2024, in the 4-H Building.

MFA Incorporated Awards

A representative of MFA Incorporated, 201 Ray Young Drive, Columbia, Missouri 65201, will award an attractive 4-H plaque to the county having the most outstanding exhibit of Beef Cattle, Sheep and Swine.

A plaque will also be presented to the county having the best overall participation in the exhibits and demonstrations within the 4-H Building. A county may win one or all four of these plaques, depending upon the type of exhibit which is presented.