4-H Market Project

Our webpages must be accessible so we have our documents in printable/downloadable PDF version first, then we have the document in a webpage version. You may need to scroll through the page to find the document you are looking for.

Documents on this page:

1. Market Livestock Requirements
2. Wy do we have Scrapies Tags?
3. 4-H Steer Nutrition
4. 4-H Sheep Nutrition
5. 4-H Swine Nutrition
6. Hog Biosecurity Information Sheet
7. Market Livestock Committment Form
8. Drug Withdrawal and Committment to Excellence Forms
9. Market Sale Flyer

Beef     Lamb     Hog

Members of 4-H may enjoy participating in the market projects that include beef, lamb, and hog. Members must be at least 4-H age 8 to participate in lamb and hog, and 4-H age 10 to participate in beef. Other requirements are explained in the link below.

4-H Steer Livestock Quality Assurance (LQA) is held in October. Steer weigh-in for 4-H is every second Saturday in December. Check webpage calendar for more information.

Market Beef enrollment deadline November 1st.

4-H Hog Livestock Quality Assurance (LQA) is usually held in March. Check the webpage calendar for more information.

Market Swine enrollment deadline February 1st.

4-H Sheep Livestock Quality Assurance (LQA) usually held in March. Check the webpage calendar for more information.

Market Sheep enrollment deadline February 1st.

All first year market members are required to attend the LQA in the specific species. Every market member is required to attend LQA once as a junior member and once as a senior member.

Market Rabbit and Market Poultry Projects enrollment deadline June 1st.

Market Livestock Requirements

Printable version of Market Livestock Requirements (PDF)

Market Livetock Project

4-H: The Youth Development Program of MSU Extension

To participate in the NWMT Fair market sale, Market Livestock project members must comply with the following:

• Be enrolled and in good standing in an active community 4-H Club and be working closely with a livestock leader. This means that you have complied with all club and county expectations and that you have paid all registration fees . You must enroll in an additional project other than the market project with the species level project. Enrollment Deadlines: Beef-November 1st (must be 4-H age 10 to do market beef);Sheep and Swine-February 1st; Market Poultry/Rabbit-June 1st.

• Submit a signed copy of the Market Livestock Commitment form to the Extension Office and your club leader by the market enrollment deadline listed.

• Participate in Livestock Quality Assurance Training in your first year of taking the market animal. Livestock Quality Assurance Training is composed of Livestock Quality Assurance(LQA) and market animal project seminar training. All members will attend LQA during their first registered year as a Junior member in the livestock project and again during their first registered year as a Senior member.  (Jr. members = 8-13; Sr. members = 14-18). All members are welcome to attend clinics as often as they’d like; however, it is mandatory to attend or present one clinic in that species. A parent/guardian must be LQA certified for member to participate.
• In order to be eligible to take a market beef project, a member must be 10 years of age on or before Oct. 1st of the current 4-H year.

• Ensure that your animal is weighed & tagged as dictated by the program. Each 4-H member may tag up to two animals in each market livestock project. Tagging paperwork must be completed & turned-in to the Extension office by the deadline posted. Last day to replace livestock; steers - Jan. 31; hogs - May 31; lambs - June 30. On your tagging paperwork, you will need to declare the tag number of your primary and your secondary animal if you have a back-up. Once you declare, you are committed to that/those animals: siblings cannot swap primary or secondary livestock.

• In July, complete & turn-in a signed copy of Commitment to Excellence/Drug Withdrawal forms (this is a two-sided form) to your club/livestock leader. You also need to have updated records for your market livestock project(s) and one other project for your club/livestock leader to review. Be sure to keep records on your primary AND your back-up.

• On or before Aug. 1, register your fair projects with the fair office by completing fair paperwork; online (go to www.nwmtfair.com for registration info). Your leader does NOT do this for you.

• You may bring only 1 hog or 1 sheep or 1 steer to the fair. If you have a primary & a back-up, you can choose which one you’re bringing on the morning of check-in. * See annual NWMT Fair book for all fair rules & expectations at www.nwmtfair.com.

• All market animals will be weighed on Sunday of the fair (except meat poultry/rabbit pens). No one is allowed behind the barriers during weigh-in except for the 4-H member whose animal is being weighed. If your animal does not make weight, you can stay at the fair and participate in showmanship and feeder market classes, but you cannot sell.

• If you sold in the market, photos of you and your animal will be made ready for you to take to your buyer after fair. The buyer’s thank you form needs to also be taken and signed by anyone at the buyers location. This form must be returned to the Extension office by Dec 1st or you will not be able to take a market project the following year.

Why we have Scrapies Tags?

Printable version of Scrapies Tag information for Sheep and Goat Breeders (PDF)

Why we have Scrapies Tags?

(Sheep Breeders and Goat Breeders)

 The scrapies tag is identifying the origin of the sheep. If the sheep were to develop scrarpie later in life, it could then be traced back to its original farm and breeder by its scrapies tag.

 If members continue to have a need for tags, they would then be considered producers and should have their own scrapies tags. The USDA provides tags and applicators for free. Producers should pursue that route, rather than getting the scrapies tags from the MSU Extension office.

We encourage members with breeding programs to get their own scrapies tags. On occasion one time 4-H breeders or new 4-H breeders might need scrapies tags, during these times is when it is reasonable for members to get scrapies tags from the MSU Extension office.

 Brochure describes what animals need tags and where to order free tags, etc: http://www.aphis.usda.gov

 Link to info on ordering tags: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth?1dmy&urile=wcm%3apath%3a%2Faphis_content_library%2Fsa_our_focus%2Fsa_animal_health%2Fsa_animal_disease_information%2Fsa_sheep_goat_health%2Fsa_scrapie%2Fct_to_order_ear_tags

 You can call 1-866-873-2824 to order scrapies tags if you call from an area code 406 phone number (if you call from a non-406 area code phone number it will take you to a different state other than Montana). If you call from a non-406 area code phone number you can call 1-406-449-2220 to order scapies tags. The order time is 2 – 4 weeks.

Flathead 4-H Steer Nutrition

Printable version of Flathead 4-H Steer Nutrition (PDF)

Flathead County 4-H Steer Projects Nutrition and You

Cash Yount

CHS Nutrition

Nutrition Consultant

Tomorrow’s producers Today

• What is your project?
• What are your goals?
• What are your tools?
• What is your motivation?

Put Your Best Food Forward

• Select the right animal for the right date
• Determine how much weight gain is needed
• Determine ADG(Average Daily Gain)
• Select Feed Source
• Provide the best growing environment

Selecting Your Animal

• Know your fair date
• Know your finish weight goal
• Personal history in the project
• Budget

Let’s Get to Work

• Animal
• Feed Plan
• Shelter/Space

Project Profiles

4H and FFA Livestock Market Project Management Tips

Average Finished Rectal

ADG Days ADG Weight Range Temperature

Beef 2.8#2402-4#1200-1400#101 F

Swine1.7#901-2#230-270#102.5 F

Sheep0.6#900.4-0.9#125-150# 102.3 F

Goat0.35#900.25-.6#80-120#103 F

Average Daily Gain

TAKE POUNDS OF GAIN NEEDED DIVIDED

BY NUMBER OF DAYS TILL THE SHOW

EXAMPLE

Market Steer

1250# target wt-800# current wt= 450# gain

150 days to the fair

450#/150 days = 3# of gain per day

Nutritional Requirements

• ENERGY
• PROTEIN
• FIBER
• MACRO MINERALS
• MICRO MINERALS
• WATER

Meeting Those Requirements

• Grains-whole, ground and rolled-Corn, Oats, Barley
• Fiber sources-Beet pulp, midds, corn cobs, malt sprouts, alfalfa pellets
• Protein-SBM, canola, DDG
• Fat-Vegetable oil, DDG, Rice Bran
• Forage-straw, grass, grain hay, alfalfa

Beef Feed Tag

• CP 16% for optimum muscle development
• 3-5% Fat for improved hair sheen and bloom
• Full trace mineral and vitamin package for improved health and performance

Feed Additives

• IONOPHORES-BOVATEC

--Improves feed efficiency and rate of gain, helps prevent coccidiosis. Has no withdrawal

• SODIUM BICARB

--Helps prevent acidosis

• YEAST

--Keeps rumen microbes functioning at high levels. Great for the heat of the summer

Always Check the Tag

• Name of feed
• Is it the right kind of feed
• Medicated
• Feeding directions
• Form

General Feeding Guidelines

• Hand feed twice daily, close to the same time of day. You will get the best gains and feed efficiencies this way!
• If self-feeding, never let the feeder run empty and keep it clean of bad feed and foreign material.
• Feed by weight and not volume
• Feed long stem, grass / grass alfalfa mix hay, no straight alfalfa.
• Provide free choice salt and mineral

Start on Feed

• Start slow and be consistent with your feeding times
• WEIGHFEED OUT-AVOID FEEDING BY VOLUME
• Start calves on 4 pounds of grain a day
• INCREASE FEED: 1# for SteersPER DAY EVERY 3 DAYSAS LONG AS THEY ARE CLEANING IT UP

Beef Feeding Table

• Feeding steers multiple feedings per day will improve gains and performance
• Feeding a balanced diet is very key to optimizing gain
• Avoid feeding forage that would considered to rich

Why Your Animal Might Go Off Feed

• Animals will go off feed for many reasons. The feed is not the only reason animals go off feed. Good management will reduce and minimize this obstacle.
• Bloat or acidosis will cause animals to go off of feed, the leading causes for this are:
• Irregular feedings
• Change of feeds
• Feeding of rich forage such as alfalfa

Animals tend to go off feed if:

• No water is available to drink or the water is frozen, too hot or dirty
• They are sick
• They are stressed
• Keep accurate records or what your animal normally consumes

How much they eat

How fast they eat it

• Understand what is normal behavior and watch for any changes in this behavior

Daily Water Needs for Livestock

• BEEF CATTLE-7 TO 17 GALLONS
• DAIRY CATTLE-10 TO 29 GALLONS
• HORSE-8 TO 12 GALLONS
• SHEEP/GOATS-1 TO 4 GALLONS
• SWINE-3 TO 6 GALLONS

Maintain cool, clean, free choice access to water!

Let’s Get to Work

• Animal
• Feed Plan
• Shelter/Space

Make ‘Em Cozy

• Make sure that your animal has enough space
• Have a place the animal can get out of the weather
• This means both the HOTand the COLD
• Animals will perform best on feed between 50-68
• Have a plan for the extreme heat

Space Requirements

Steers—60-80 square feet for pen

15-20 square feet for shelter

20-24” in surface area for feeder

18-22”(throat high) for feeder height

10-14” for feeder depth

Normal outdoor lighting 6hrs dark/light

Proper Ventilation

Let’s Get to Work

• Animal
• Feed Plan
• Shelter/Space

Some Final Thoughts

• Have a good health check list
• Dewormand vaccinate-check with your veterinarian for recommendations
• Have a veterinarian connection
• Have an emergency plan
• Work with animals during the comfortable time of day for the animal
• Use the tools you have
• Have a blast
• Take pride it your project

Questions

Cash Yount

[email protected]

406-231-0834

Flathead 4-H Sheep Project Nutrition

Printable verson of Flathead 4-H Sheep Project Nutrition (PDF)

Flathead County 4-H Sheep Projects Nutrition and You

Cash Yount

CHS Nutrition

Nutrition Consultant

Tomorrow’s Producers Today

• What is your project?
• What are your goals?
• What are your tools?
• What is your motivation?

Put Your Best Food Forward

• Select the right animal for the right date
• Determine how much weight gain is needed
• Determine ADG(Average Daily Gain)
• Select Feed Source
• Provide the best growing environment

Let’s Get to Work

• Animal
• Feed Plan
• Shelter/Space

Project Profiles

4H and FFA Livestock Market Project Management Tips

Average Finished Rectal

ADGDays ADG Weight RangeTemperature

Beef 2.8#2402-4#1200-1400#101 F

Swine1.7#901-2#230-270#102.5 F

Sheep0.6#900.4-0.9#125-150# 102.3 F

Goat0.35#900.25-.6#80-120#103 F

Average Daily Gain

TAKE POUNDS OF GAIN NEEDED DIVIDED

BY NUMBER OF DAYS TILL THE SHOW

EXAMPLE

Market Lamb

130# target wt-70# current wt=60# gain

80 days to the fair

60#/80 days =0.75# of gain per day

Nutritional Requirement 

• ENERGY
• PROTEIN
• FIBER
• MACRO MINERALS
• MICRO MINERALS
• WATER

Meeting Those Requirements

• Grains-whole, ground and rolled-Corn, Oats, Barley
• Fiber sources-Beet pulp, midds, corn cobs, malt sprouts, alfalfa pellets
• Protein-SBM, canola, DDG
• Fat-Vegetable oil, DDG, Rice Bran
• Forage-straw, grass, grain hay, alfalfa

Lamb Feed Tag

• CP of 16-17% for optimum muscle development

• Hi Fat 3-4% for improved shine and weight gain

• Full trace mineral and vitamins for improved health

• Diamond V yeast culture to help keep lambs on feed
• Feed Additives

Feed Additives

• IONOPHORES-BOVATEC OR RUMENSIN

--Improves feed efficiency and rate of gain, helps prevent coccidiosisand has no withdrawal

• SODIUM BICARB

--Helps prevent acidosis

• YEAST

--Keeps rumen microbes functioning at high levels Great for the heat of the summer

Always Check the Tag 

• Name of feed
• Is it therightkind of feed
• Medicated
• Feeding directions
• Form

General Feeding Guidelines

• Hand feed twice daily, close to the same time of day. You will get the best gains and feed efficiencies this way!
• If self-feeding, never let the feeder run empty and keep it clean of bad feed and foreign material.
• Feed by weight and not volume
• Feed long stem, grass / grass alfalfa mix hay, no straight alfalfa.
• Provide free choice salt and mineral

Starting on Feed 

• Start slow and be consistent with your feeding times
• WEIGHFEED OUT-AVOID FEEDING BY VOLUME
• Start lambs on .25-.50 pounds of grain a day
• INCREASE FEED: 0.25 # for LambsPER DAY EVERY 3 DAYSAS LONG AS THEY ARE CLEANING IT UP

Sheep Feeding Table

• 
  Lamb feed needs to be very palatable to keep them on feed through out the summer heat

• Feeding lambs multiple times per day will help them achieve gains higher than expected

Why Your Animal Might Go Off Feed

• Animals will go off feed for many reasons. The feed is not the sole reason animals go off feed. Good management will reduce and minimize this obstacle.
• Bloat or acidosis will cause animals to go off of feed and leading causes for this are:

Irregular feedings

Change of feeds

Feeder ran out feed and was recently refilled and animals overate

Feeding of rich forage such as alfalfa with a rich energy feed

• Animals tend to go off feed if:

No water is available to drink or the water is frozen, too hot or dirty

They are sick

They are stressed

• Keep accurate records or what your animal normally consumes
• How much they eat
• How fast they eat it
• Understand what is normal behavior and watch for any changes in this behavior

Daily Water Needs for Livestock

• BEEF CATTLE-7 TO 17 GALLONS
• DAIRY CATTLE-10 TO 29 GALLONS
• HORSE-8 TO 12 GALLONS
• SHEEP/GOATS-1 TO 4 GALLONS
• SWINE-3 TO 6 GALLONS

Maintain cool, clean, free choice access to water!

Let’s Get to Work

• Animal
• Feed Plan
• Shelter/Space

Make ‘Em Cozy

• Make sure that your animal has enough space
• Have a place the animal can get out of the weather
• This means both the HOTand the COLD
• Animals will perform best on feed between 50-68 degrees F
• Have a plan for the extreme heat

Space Requirements

Lambs—10-15 square feet for pen

12” in surface area for feeder

10”(throat high) for feeder height

Normal outdoor lighting 6hrs light/dark

Proper ventilation

Let’s Get to Work

• Animal
• Feed Plan
• Shelter/Space

Some Final Thoughts

• Have a good health check list
• Dewormand vaccinate-check with your veterinarian for recommendations
• Have a veterinarian connection
• Have an emergency plan
• Work with animals during the comfortable time of day for the animal
• Use the tools you have
• Have a blast
• Take pride it your project

Questions?

4-H Swine Nutrion

Printable version of 4-H Swine Nutrition (PDF)

4-H Swine Nutrition

 Crystal White, PAS

CHS Nutrition

Your 4-H Project

• Breed
• Body parts
• Management
• Record keeping
• Showing
• Budget
• NUTRITION!!!!

Digestive Track

Covert Feed to Meat

3 lbs Feed = 1 lb

Swine Production

• Phase Feeding
  • Starter
  • Grower
  • Finisher
  • Gestation
  • Lactation

What Types of Nutrients are There?

Protein, Carbohydrates, & Fats = Vitamins, Energy, Minerals, & Water

What are the 5 Major Nutrients?

• Water
  • Most important nutrient
• Protein
  • Help animal create muscle, milk, enzymes, & more
• Energy
  • Carbohydrates & fats give animals energy
• Minerals
  • Basic foundation for nutrition. Needed for strong bones, heart & nerves to work, and body fluid balance
• Vitamins
  • Include vitamin A,C,D,E,K and B vitamins. These are needed for strong bones, vision, growth, & milk production

Types of Nutrients…

•  Water –the MOST IMPORTANT
• Animal’s body is 70% water
• Important for nutrient transport, waste removal, and digestion
• Supply CLEAN, FRESH SUPPLY daily!!!

Daily Water Needs for Livestock

•  Beef Cattle-7 TO 17 Gallons
• Dairy Cattle-10 TO 29 Gallons
• Horse-8 TO 12 Gallons
• Sheep/Goats-1 TO 4 Gallons
• Swine-3 TO 6 Gallons
• Maintain cool, clean, free choice access to water!

Feeding Options…

• Complete Feeds
• Concentrates
  • Require Grain
• Premixes
  • Require Grains
  • Protein Source

Why a Complete Feed Over Other Feeds?

•  Don’t need to add anything!
• Energy dense with grains and fats to get optimal performance
• Added lysine (most limiting amino acid that is needed for muscle growth and development) Requirement: 1% Lysine
• F:G 3:1 vs. 3 ½ -4:1 F:G, which means it takes less feed to get the results you are trying to achieve
• Grain products-Lighter, skinner; some tend to be fatter with less muscle; stand out in the show ring!!!

Medications-CTC?

 Why does my feed contain CTC?

• Improved feed efficiency and it reduces scours; we also see less respiratory issues in the hogs
• Is there a withdrawal period?
• NO! There is NOT a withdrawal period; it says right on the tag!
• What is Bio-Mos and why is that in my feed?
• All natural additive….“Sticky Sugar” that helps animals if they are exposed to salmonella or e-coli

How Do I Know What to Feed to Reach My Goal Before Fair?

 How Do I Figure ADG?

ADG= FINISH WEIGHT –CURRENT WEIGHT / DAYS UNTIL SHOW

Where to Start With ADG

Projections

Desired Weigh at the fair-

Starting Weight-

Pounds needed of gain-

Days to fair-

ADG-

ADG Example

• Market Hog
• 280# target wt‐ 70# current wt= 210# gain
• 90 days to the fair
• 210#/ 90 days = 2.3# of gain per day

Feeding for the Show

• Grains-whole, ground and rolled-Corn, Oats, Barley
• Protein-SBM, canola, DDG
• Fat-Vegetable oil, DDG,

Rice Bran

Swine Feeding Option

• Self Feeders‐ check them out daily to make sure the feed is flowing through them
• Hand feeding‐ feed pans

What Tools Will You Need to Have?

•  Feed
• Scales
• Feed sheets
• Feed bunks/ buckets
• Weigh tapes
• Shelter
• Water source
• Patience and attention

Swine Management

•  Feed
• Give pigs free choice of feed
• Feed intake can be limited to control gain
• Water
• Fresh and Cool
• Housing
• Provide Plenty of Shade
• Vaccination
• Worm Pigs that are Living in Dirt Pens

PEDV

•  Virus (causes diarrhea), very contagious and will be harder on younger pigs worse than older pigs
• Keep pens clean and dry
• Bio Security‐ be clean
• Clean boots, hands, anything that has manure on it

Animals Will Go Off of Feed

•  Animals tend to go off feed if:
• No water is available to drink or the water is frozen, too hot or dirty
• They are sick
• They are stressed
• Animals may not reach a desired level of performance:
• Stress such as washing, or training at the heat/cold of the day
• Less than optimum genetics
• The animal needs to be de-wormed
• No preventative health program has been implemented

For the Best Success…

•  Choose an animal that is at the proper weight and age for the targeted date of the show.
• Provide clean, cool water at all times.
• Feed at least 2X a day on a regular schedule. Feed by weight and not volume! If self-feeding, never let the feeder run empty and keep it clean of bad feed and foreign material.
• Work with animals during the comfortable time of day for the animal.
• Provide adequate shade and wind protection for animals and if needed keep them dry/wet depending on conditions.
• Provide a health program along with a de-worming program.

Feeding for the Purple Ribbon

•  Keep your feed consistent
• Management
• Outline your goals and objectives when starting your project so you know what you want to achieve

Good Luck

•  Work hard
• Enjoy your project
• Having fun doing your work, it is not work
• Try to do better than you did last year
• Thank your parents and your leaders for the opportunity to be in 4H!

Thank You

Crystal White

(406) 690-3066

[email protected]

Hog Biosecurity Information Sheet

Printable version of A Champion's Guide to Youth Swine Exhitition: Biosecurity and Your Pig Project (PDF) 

A Champion’s Guide to Youth Swine Exhibition: Biosecurity and Your Pig Project

pork.org | 800-456-PORK

aasv.org | 515-465-5255

2

Did you know that regardless of how many pigs you care for, whether it’s

a single show pig or thousands of market hogs, you are part of the pork

industry? And, just as you are responsible for keeping your show pig or

pigs healthy, you share the responsibility of keeping all of the pigs in the

United States healthy as well.

A healthy swine herd starts with raising healthy pigs at home. And

raising a healthy pig starts with biosecurity.

Bi - o - se – cu- ri- ty (bahy-oh-si-kyoor-i-tee)

Precautions taken to minimize the risk of introducing • an infectious

disease into an animal population. Source: United States Department

of Agriculture

• Any of the policies and measures taken for protecting a nation’s

food supply and agricultural resources. Source: Webster’s New

Millennium™ Dictionary of English, Preview Edition (v 0.9.7)

• The set of preventative measures taken to reduce the risk of disease

Biosecurity begins when you purchase your pigs and is a continuous

process. It involves preventing people, equipment or other animals from

spreading disease to your pigs. For example, you can prevent disease

from spreading by using clean, farm-specific clothes and boots when

working with your animals. Disease can also be prevented by cleaning,

disinfecting and allowing vehicles and show equipment to dry after a

show; and finally, disease can be prevented by isolating animals that

have just been purchased or that are coming back from a show.

This booklet is intended for youth exhibitors of all ages and levels of

experience. In it, you will find recommended biosecurity guidelines to

follow at your farm and when taking pigs to exhibitions.

Remember that your pigs have a better chance of remaining healthy if you

work closely with a veterinarian. A veterinarian can help you adapt the

biosecurity guidelines to the type of production system you have at home

and to the diseases in your area.

In this booklet you also will find a brief description of swine diseases

that you should be familiar with. Discuss this information with your

veterinarian and make sure you understand the routes of transmission

and clinical signs, as well as some ways you can prevent these diseases

in your pigs. If your pigs do get sick, your veterinarian can accurately

diagnose and treat the disease. Following a good biosecurity program is

the best way to control the spread of disease.

Swine Health Biosecurity Control Points:

Consult with your veterinarian to control diseases on your farm and at the swine exhibition. An

ongoing relationship with your swine herd veterinarian is an important part of a good swine

exhibition project. Developing and maintaining a herd biosecurity program is crucial as you work to

control diseases on your farm and to prevent disease transmission as pigs are commingled during

swine exhibitions. Consult with your veterinarian before you enter an exhibition, in order to develop a

vaccination protocol and biosecurity plan specific to your pigs. Continue to discuss any disease problems

or production losses with your veterinarian as you move forward with a biosecurity plan.

Isolation of incoming pigs or pigs returning from a fair or show provides protection against

any new additions to your swine herd. It is important to remember that direct contact between

infected and uninfected pigs is the easiest way to spread disease.

The Sanitation Process Cleaning:

This process involves removing all dirt and manure from

equipment. It is an important step in the overall sanitation process,

because some disinfectant products can be used up or inactivated by

dirt and manure. Hot water and detergents, similar to those used for

dish washing, may make cleaning much easier.

Disinfection:

Disinfectant products are chemical agents that

inactivate or kill pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, and should be

used only when all visible manure and dirt have been removed. Proper

disinfection reduces the number of pathogens which, in turn, helps to

decrease the risk of infectious disease transmission. Commonly used

disinfectant products can be purchased at a farm supply store. Always

consult the disinfectant label claims regarding proper dilution and

contact times and be sure to work with your veterinarian to make a

decision on which product will work best for your situation.

Drying:

Drying is crucial to the process of equipment cleaning because drying kills many infectious

organisms. Without including a drying step in your cleaning process, the risk of allowing infection to

survive and multiply may increase. Isolation of incoming pigs or pigs returning from a fair or show

provides protection against spread of disease. In addition, isolation allows time for producers to watch

new or returning pigs for signs of disease before those animals enter into your swine herd. Isolation

gives producers the opportunity to test pigs to make sure that they are disease-free and to vaccinate those

animals against diseases that are already in a herd. Consult with your veterinarian to

determine an appropriate isolation strategy for your pigs.

Clean and disinfect all clothing and equipment associated with a swine exhibit before exposing the

same clothing and equipment to a “home herd”. Contact with livestock equipment can expose project

pigs to many types of infectious diseases. Following the exhibition, it is important that all clothing and

equipment associated with the show be cleaned and disinfected. The exhibitor should also be sure

to thoroughly wash his/her hands and arms in warm, soapy water and should shower before coming into

contact with pigs at the home farm. Clothing can simply be washed, but all equipment needs to undergo a

more thorough cleaning process. This procedure should take place in an area that is completely separate

from the home swine herd, to avoid indirect transmission of a pathogen.

The sanitation process should include the cleaning and disinfection process found on page 3.

Minimize the contact between visitors and your swine herd or show pigs. Since people can

transfer infection from their body and/or clothing, to your pigs, limit visitors to only those who have a

reason to be there. Always make sure that visitors wear clean boots and clothing when they are around

your pigs and that they only visit your farm when you are present.

Control birds, wildlife, and rodents that may have exposure to your swine herd and exhibit

swine. Control of birds, wildlife, and rodents is an important part of your biosecurity plan because

infection can be transmitted by these pests. Actions that help control such pests include

controlling the vegetation within and surrounding the unit, cleaning up any feed spills, getting rid of

any debris that may have accumulated on your farm, and removal of dead pigs.

Locate your swine facility at a distance from unrelated swine operations. Aerosol spread of

pathogens has been reported to occur approximately 2 miles around an infected farm. When

possible, locating your facility at least 2 miles from other swine can minimize the risk of infection

through the air.

Minimize employee contact with unrelated swine operations.

Diseases can be transferred from herd to herd by people. Farm

employees can carry bacteria or viruses on their body and/or clothing. It is important to discuss

with any employees or people working with your swine project or herd about what other animals

they have had exposure to in the last week and to talk to them about the potential for disease transmission.

Just as you would be concerned about your pigs being in contact with other pigs, you also should be

concerned about your pigs’ exposure to humans that may have had contact with other swine.

Dispose of swine carcasses in a timely manner, according to state regulations and biosecurity

protocols. In spite of your very best efforts, swine will, at times, die as a result of injury, disease or other

factors. Management of dead pigs is an extremely important aspect of swine production. There are many

different options for the disposal of these carcasses. They include rendering, burial, incineration and

composting. Check with your local animal health officials to determine which method(s) is/are approved for use in your state. Regardless of what that choice may be, keep in mind that disposing of carcasses in a timely manner is important to decrease pest problems associated with the carcass. ∙∙ Incineration: use of a heatgenerating

incinerator to break down swine carcasses. 

Rendering: a process that gives a producer the chance to create

a recyclable feed product by submitting the carcasses to a rendering company.

∙∙ Composting: the process of placing carcasses in layers with a carbon source to allow the natural decomposition process to break down the carcass.

Ensure that any purchased or delivered semen or breeding animals of any sort are the product of “minimal disease” animals. Some infectious diseases can be spread by the process of breeding. When making decisions

involving pig breeding, remember to take into account the health status of the semen-donating or

natural servicing boar and the sow.

Decrease the amount of on-farm traffic by controlling the flow of supply and product deliveries.

Vehicles have the potential to carry infection onto your farm. Because on-farm traffic and product

deliveries are a reality for most producers, it is important to control the areas to which such vehicles

have access. This can be done by designating a specific area for off-farm traffic and attempting to

make such an area one that is not closely associated with your swine herd or projects.

Purchasing Your Swine Project Every exhibitor is looking for the next champion pig. It is important to begin that search by not only evaluating your potential show pigs, but also the person who is providing the pigs.

The performance and health history of the source herd, the facilities in which the pigs are

housed, and the involvement of a veterinarian with the herd are good places to start that evaluation.

You and Your Veterinarian As you complete the process of selecting and acquiring your show

pig, it is important to keep in mind that you also should be working on developing a relationship with

a veterinarian. Before you bring a newly purchased pig to your farm, you and your veterinarian

should have a biosecurity plan in place. A veterinarian is a valuable and important resource for the

development of this plan that he/ she will develop specifically for your operation.

If this is not the only pig arriving at your farm or if you plan to ship pigs on and off of your farm in the

future, plan ahead for your purchase by creating an isolation area for new additions and pigs returning

to your swine herd. The location of this site will vary from farm to farm, but should be remote from

the rest of your herd. Your new pigs should spend a period of time in this isolation area before entering or

re-entering your herd. Important Questions to Ask Information about the performance

of the source herd is helpful as you determine the potential show-ring success of an animal, in addition to

providing insight into the overall health status of the swine herd. A history of high-performing animals

indicates that disease has not been a major problem for the swine herd. The history of a source herd has

serious implications on the future of both your project and your home swine herd. Biosecurity for your Project

The facilities in which your potential show pigs are currently housed will give you a good indication of what diseases they may have been exposed to. When you visit the source farm, look around and ask questions such as

the following: 7 Purchase Do you have a biosecurity

p 1.lan currently in place?

2. Do you have a herd veterinarian?
3. Have your pigs experienced any disease problems or production

losses in the past six months?

4. Have you had to call a veterinarian to your farm for any reason,

other than for a routine visit, over the course of the last six months?

5. How many pigs have you sold for exhibition purposes?
6. How well have the pigs you have previously sold performed?
7. Do you require that pigs entering your herd go through a period

of isolation?

8. What is the vaccination history of this herd?
9. Has this animal left this farm for any reason?
10. Where are pigs entering your herd held for a period of isolation?
11. Do pigs spend their entire lives in this one site or are they moved

to different sites?

12. What is your pest control program like?

While you are looking at the swine facilities, be sure to notice such things as the maintenance and upkeep of the farm. Are the equipment and facilities in good working order? Is the grass cut and are the weeds

properly managed? Is there evidence of rodent infestation? Are rodent traps present and maintained?

Preparing for a Swine Exhibition After bringing your show pig home, work with a veterinarian to

establish an appropriate vaccination program that considers the diseases in your area and the vaccinations those pigs have already received. Make sure you and your veterinarian establish a biosecurity

protocol for your herd as well. Before entering a pig in a show or fair, it is important that you take actions to protect that animal and your home swine herd from the spread of infectious disease.

Ensure, before leaving for an event, that all fair animals have been vaccinated according to the veterinarian’s recommendations and any requirements of the show that you will be attending. It is important

to follow the herd biosecurity program you developed with the help of your veterinarian as you prepare your show pigs for competition. A more complete description of items to be included in your biosecurity

protocol can be found in the section, Swine Health. Every show, county, and state has different requirements for swine

exhibitors and their pigs. Before you attend a show, be sure to complete all tests required by that show, county

or state. Make sure to properly complete and submit any required paperwork in a timely manner.

Before you leave your farm with your swine project for a show, be sure to clean and disinfect all transportation

and show-related equipment. Remember that these items have the ability to transmit disease to and

from other pigs. Finally, never bring an animal to a show, fair, or exhibition that is not healthy. Take special care to

thoroughly evaluate your pigs on a daily basis, before leaving for a show.

Leave any unhealthy pigs behind and contact your veterinarian with any health concerns. If it appears that your herd is

experiencing a disease outbreak, it may be possible for your pigs to infect other animals. Even though your pigs may not appear sick, they could still be contagious. Discuss your concern with your veterinarian and together decide

if you and your pigs should attend the show. Always be considerate of protecting the health of all the

animals at the show. At the Show While you are at a swine show, fair, or exhibition, it is very important

to continue to act in a way that will decrease the spread of infectious disease. Because the best way to spread disease is by direct contact with other hogs, the best way to prevent this spread is to decrease any

unnecessary contact with unrelated swine during the exhibition. In addition, decrease unnecessary contact with manure from other animals that are at the event and with the general public present at the show.

Remember to follow the same strict biosecurity protocol while you are at the exhibition as you

would at home. Refrain from sharing equipment with other exhibitors or using equipment that

has come in contact with other swine. Thoroughly wash your hand, arms and any part of your

body that came in contact with pigs with warm, soapy water. Ultimately, it is important to

recognize the vital roles that swine exhibitors play in stopping disease transmission among all

pigs. Work to protect your show pigs and any other pigs from infection by incorporating exhibit

biosecurity safeguards into your overall biosecurity program. Be sure to contact show officials to ask

about any existing show protocols and work with your veterinarian to develop a plan specific to your

operation. Returning Home Adhering to a biosecurity protocol

when you return from a swine show is extremely important. Before returning to work with your home

swine herd, be sure to clean and disinfect all transportation and show-related equipment.

It is also very important that all swine taken to an exhibition be isolated from the rest of the herd

upon return to your home farm. Work with your herd veterinarian to develop a biosecurity program

that addresses the site and length of isolation. The best way to avoid the risk of transmitting an infectious disease

by way of a returning show pig is to limit your participation to terminal shows. A great deal of swine shows are terminal and significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission to a home

swine herd. As you begin to competitively show swine, it is important to fully appreciate the responsibility

that you have as a part of the swine industry. Controlling swine disease is the duty of each member

of our industry. Swine Diseases to Note: The following swine diseases are commonly associated with the

commingling of pigs at swine exhibition events. Disease descriptions have been included in order to provide a framework for disease identification and associated clinical signs. It is important that you

remember that the health status of your herd may change at any time. If you notice any health problems in your pigs, be sure to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. If you notice any health problems in your

pigs, be sure to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will work with you to develop a treatment schedule.

Glossary

Breeding stock: boars, gilts and/or sows that are involved in swine reproduction and provide the foundation of a swine herd.

Pre-weaned pigs: pigs that have not yet been taken from the sow.

Finishing pigs: pigs that are in the last stage of the swine production cycle and will continue to be fed until they are

ready to be taken to harvest.

Fomite: any inanimate object or substance capable of carrying infection. Has the ability to transfer infection from one pig to another pig. In the case of a swine operation, fomites may be clothing, boots, vehicles, etc.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

Disease Details

PRRS is a major problem for the swine industry, and, in 2005, was estimated to cost the industry nearly $560 million per year.

Clinical Signs

PRRS is a viral disease that causes a variety of problems in the swine herd. PRRS may cause high abortion rates in breeding stock, death in pre-weaned pigs, and respiratory problems in finishing pigs.

Transmission

Direct transmission (pig-to-pig contact, aerosol, fecal-oral, and venereal), indirect transmission ( fomite contamination), and vector-borne transmission.

Prevention

The best way to prevent PRRS is to practice good biosecurity by quarantining new and returning stock and controlling

equipment, vehicle, and human traffic through your herd. A PRRS vaccination also is available and can be acquired from your local veterinarian.

Porcine Circovirus Associated Diseases (PCVAD)

Disease Details

PCVAD have become some of the most significant viral diseases affecting the global swine herd.

Clinical Signs

Symptoms of PCVAD include respiratory, enteric, reproductive and a variety of other diseases.

Transmission

Direct, indirect, and vectorborne transmission (Note: It is extremely difficult to determine the extent of means of

transmission of PCVAD.)

Prevention

Limited pig-to-pig contact, decreased stress levels in your pigs, good hygiene, and good nutrition are the best ways to

prevent and control PCVAD. A vaccine also is available for prevention purpose and can be acquired through your

veterinarian.

Transmissible Gastro-enteritis (TGE)

Disease Details

TGE is a highly infectious disease that may appear in many forms, and can rapidly spread throughout

a herd.

Clinical Signs

Affected animals generally display signs of vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of desire to eat.

Transmission

Direct transmission (fecal-oral), vector-borne transmission

Prevention

The most important preventative measures involved in managing TGE are biosecurity measures such as traffic and pest control. A vaccine is available for TGE prevention. If you notice any health problems in your pigs, be sure to

contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will work with you to develop a treatment schedule.

Swine Influenza Virus (SIV)

Disease Details

SIV is common in swine herds. It rarely causes disease in humans, but it can create new strains and infections.

Clinical Signs

When this virus enters a herd it is common to observe a rapid, explosive outbreak of respiratory disease. You may see coughing, pneumonia, fever and animals that are unwilling to eat.

Transmission

Direct transmission (pig-to-pig contact, human-to-pig contact, aerosol) and indirect transmission (fomites)

Prevention

Adhere to a strict biosecurity protocol, and reduce the exposure of your pigs to SIV. Don’t buy pigs from sources where SIV is active. Preventative vaccination is available from your veterinarian.

Note: Vaccinating your show pigs for influenza prior to exhibition also may reduce the potential for human illness.

If you notice any health problems in your pigs, be sure to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will work with you to develop a treatment schedule.

Porcine Parvovirus (PPV)

Disease Details

PPV is a viral disease of pigs that is typically, when present in a swine herd, found in sows.

Clinical Signs

Associated with reproductive problems including abortion, small litters, stillbirths, neonatal deaths and weak piglets.

Generally, no noticeable disease occurs in non-pregnant pigs.

Transmission

Direct transmission (fecal-oral, venereal)

Prevention

Vaccinate gilts prior to breeding. Once a gilt is exposed to PPV, through vaccination, she will become immune. Use good

biosecurity measures.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

Disease Details

Hyopneumoniae is a bacterial infection that occurs throughout the world’s pig population, causing varied degrees of respiratory disease.

Clinical Signs

When it occurs as an infection by itself, it has only a mild effect on pigs. When co-infections such as PRRS, PCVAD, SIV, APP, or Haemophilusparasuisalso occur, the respiratory problems result in more serious effects on the infected pig.

Transmission

Direct transmission (pig-to-pig contact, aerosol)

Prevention

Adhere to a strict biosecurity protocol. Quarantine incoming or returning pigs and check to make sure that the herd from which you are purchasing is M. hyopneumoniae-free. Decrease stress levels in your pigs. M. hyopneumoniae vaccinations exist and are regularly used to control infection. 

Actinobacillus pleuro-pneumoniae (APP)

Disease Details

There are multiple strains of the bacterium APP. Some strains do not produce disease; others can

cause severe respiratory distress.

Clinical Signs

The signs of infection with a disease-causing strain of APP can range from severe respiratory difficulty to sudden death with a bloody nose.

Transmission

Direct transmission (pig-topig contact, aerosol), indirect transmission (fomites)

Prevention

Use a good biosecurity protocol. Quarantine new animals before they enter. Decrease the stress level in your herd.

An APP vaccine exists and can be obtained through your veterinarian.

Routes of Transmission:

Direct Transmission: the spread of disease from one host to another host. This type of disease transmission requires direct contact with an infected individual. There are several specific

types of direct transmission:

Contact Transmission ( ∙∙ pig-to-pig): infection as a result of direct contact with an infected individual

∙∙ Aerosol/Droplet Transmission: exposure to airborne droplets from the eye, nose, or mouth and/or contaminated dust

∙∙ Fecal-Oral Transmission: ingestion of pathogens that originated in the digestive system

∙∙ Venereal Transmission: transmission as a result of breeding activity

Indirect Transmission: The spread of disease from host to host by means of a contaminated surface, such as a fomite.

Vector-borne Transmission: The spread of disease by means of an intermediate host animal who is capable of spreading the disease. A vector is typically an invertebrate animal, such as a mosquito or a tick.

©2007 National Pork Board, Des Moines, IA This message funded by America’s Pork Checkoff program. #04827

National Pork Board, PO Box 9114, Des Moines, IA 50306

pork.org | 800-456-PORK

American Association of Swine Veterinarians

902 1st Avenue, Perry, IA 50220-1703 | aasv.org | 515-465-5255

References:

Frobose, D. 2001. Swine Resource Handbook for Market and Breeding Projects.

The Ohio State University Extension. 4-H Circular 134R

Indiana State Board of Animal Health. Biosecurity in Swine. Online.

http://www.in.gov/boah/biosecurity/swine.html. Accessed July 2007.

National Pork Board. Biosecurity Guide for Pork Producers. Online.

http://www.pork.org/PorkScience/Documents/final%20biosecurity%20book.pdf.

Accessed July 2007

Purdue Homeland Security Institute. National Biosecurity Resource Center for Animal

Health Emergencies. Online. http://www.biosecuritycenter.org/. Accessed July 2007.

Sanders, D. 2004. Blue Ribbon Guide to a Successful Swine Project.

© 2004 Donald E. Sanders

Shulaw, W. and Bowman, G. Biosecurity for Youth Livestock Exhibitors. The Ohio

State University Extension. Online. http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/pdf/0007.pdf.

Accessed July 2007.

Market Livestock Sale Committment Form

Printabe verstion of Market Livestock Sale Committment Form 2023-2024 (PDF)

2023-2024 4-H Market Livestock Sale Commitment Form

Due: Nov. 8thfor the beef project and Feb. 1st for the sheep and swine project to the MSU Extension Office

The requirements for Flathead County 4-H youth to participate in the Market Livestock sale are as follows:

• Be in good standing with their club.
  • “good standing” = in compliance with their club’s by-laws
• Comply with all age requirements.
  • Be at least 8 years old by October 1^st of the project year (sheep and swine)
  • Be at least 10 years old by October 1^st of the project year (beef)
  • If a youth is 19 years old on or before October 1^st of the project year, he / she is not eligible to re-enroll in 4-H unless still in high school.
• Comply with all Requirements listed in #1 to #8 below and all Expectations listed in #9-21 below.
• Animals must be tagged and weighed-in by replacement cut-off date for specific species.

Replacement Cut-off dates:  beef - January 31, 2024, swine - May 31, 2024, and sheep - June 30, 2024

• Tag and Weigh-in dates: beef Dec. 1^st and 2^nd, 2023, swine April 30,2024, and sheep May 20, 2024

Detailed Requirements:

1. LQA. All members must attend species-specific Livestock Quality Assurance (LQA) training during their first registered year as a Junior member in a specific species livestock project and again during their first registered year as a Senior member in the specific species livestock project.
   • ALL 1st year market project members must attend LQA training specific to their market species.
     1. Example: If you are new to the beef project this year, you must attend the beef LQA, even if you completed lamb or hog projects and lamb or hog LQA training during previous years.
   • A parent or guardian must also attend the LQA in the same species as their youth.
     • Name of Parent or Guardian who will attend LQA: _____________________________________
   • Additionally, if a member received a white ribbon in Market Class at previous year’s NW MT Fair or if their animal was over or under weight at previous year’s NW MT Fair weigh-in, the member must attend LQA again prior to participating in the market livestock project the following year. Also, the member must meet with their species-specific livestock committee prior to participating in a market livestock project the following year.
2. All members are required to attend or serve as an instructor during at least one Flathead County 4-H species-specific clinic each 4-H year. LQA can only count as a clinic if the youth is not required to attend LQA. Please see #1 for LQA requirements.
3. 4-H Market Livestock Sale Commitment form. All members must turn in this 4-H Market Livestock Sale Commitment form to the Flathead County Extension Office no later than 8th for the beef project and Feb. 1st for the sheep and swine project.
4. Ear Tag Form.All membersare required to turn in an Ear Tag Form for their primary animal and secondary (if applicable). Please see #9 for primary and secondary animal information.
5. Buyer’s Thank You Confirmation form. All members who sold an animal at the previous year’s Northwest Montana Fair Market Livestock sale must turn in their Buyer’s Thank You Confirmation form to the Flathead County Extension Office no later than December 1^st of the project year.
6. Commitment to Excellence and Drug Withdrawal forms. All members must sign the youth livestock program Commitment to Excellence and Drug Withdrawal forms and turn the two forms into the Flathead County Extension Office or before August 1^st of the project year.
7. Members must complete a 4-H Project Forms & Financial Journal for their market animal and submit these up-to-date forms to the member’s club livestock leader for review and approval prior to Aug. 1^st and fully completed by Dec. 1^st.
8. Second Project. Members must complete at least one other project, in addition to their market livestock project.  The members must complete the records for at least one other project and turn-in current records for both the market livestock project and the second project to their club organizational leaders before Aug. 1^st and fully completed by Dec. 1^st. The club leader will inform the Flathead County Extension Office regarding both projects before Aug. 1^st and be fully completed by Dec. 1^st.

Market Livestock Expectations:

9. Each member may tag a maximum of two market livestock animals for their project(s). The member may only take one of their tagged market livestock animals to the NW MT Fair. Members must declare their primary and their secondary / back-up animal on their ear tag form.  Members in the same family may list the same secondary / backup animal for multiple children.  Members must keep livestock records for their primary and secondary / back-up animal.
10. On the first day of the fair, market livestock will be weighed-in at the fairgrounds. If a member is unable to be present with their own animal at weigh-in, then they must coordinate for another 4-H or FFA youth to take their animal through the weigh-in process.
11. The weigh-in standards for the first day of the NW MT Fair are as follows:
    • Sheep between 110 and 160 pounds.
    • Swine between 220 and 295 pounds.
    • Beef between 1,050 and 1,550 pounds.
    • Under or overweight animals are ineligible for the regular Market Class and will not be sold at the NW MT Fair Market Livestock Sale
    • Only underweight animals are eligible to participate in the feeder Market Class at the NW MT Fair.
    • Under/overweight animals may be shown in the Showmanship Class.
12. Members must show their own animals in the Market Class and Showmanship Class in order to sell their animal at the NW MT Fair Market Livestock Sale. If extreme circumstances occur, please direct requests for an exception to this policy to the MSU 4-H Extension Agent, NW MT Fair Board, and / or Flathead Livestock Sale Organization (FLSO).
13. All 4-H members must follow the dress code of a collared, button-down white shirt, black pants, and sturdy close toed shoes when participating in the NW MT Fair Market Livestock Market Class and Showmanship Class competitions, in addition to the NW MT Fair Market Livestock Sale.
14. The Market Class Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, Purple ribbon winners, Blue ribbon winners, and Red ribbons winners are eligible to participate in the NW MT Fair Market Livestock Sale. Market Class White ribbon recipients are ineligible to participate in the NW MT Fair Market Livestock Sale.
15. Members must care for and feed their animals while housed and shown at the NW MT Fair until the time their animal is loaded onto a trailer for transportation to the processors. Members must clean their animal’s pens or stalls after their animal departs the fairgrounds on a trailer to the processor.  
16. The Flathead Livestock Sale Organization (FLSO) will collect a sales commission from all youth who sell an animal at the NW MT Fair Market Livestock Sale to pay invoices for required goods and services. FLSO will publish the exact sales commission percent prior to the NW MT Fair Market Livestock Sale.  
17. After FLSO prints the official buyer’s photos, members will be notified to pick up a Buyers Packet from the Flathead County Extension Office. The Buyer Packet includes 2 official buyer photos (one for buyer and one for member) and a Thank You Confirmation Form. The member must contact their animal’s buyer and schedule a time to thank them. The member must thank the buyer, provide them with one official buyer’s photo, and a thank you gift or memento.  The member must present the Thank You Confirmation formto the buyer and the buyer must sign the form.  The member must then turn in the Thank You Confirmation form to the Flathead County Extension Office and complete a W9 form with the member’s social security number and member’s signature to receive their check from FLSO.
18. I understand that even though my animal makes weight, I’m not guaranteed a place in the livestock market sale. Judges will make that decision based on genetics, feeding and overall project management.
19. I agree to act with dignity and grace regardless of the outcome of my project. I will accept the judge’s determination whether I view it as good or bad.
20. I understand my market livestock project is a learning experience and I agree to accept the outcome, even if I disagree with the judge’s opinion.
21. Failure to act appropriately by my parent(s) / guardian (s) or me will result in my removal from the event and will also prohibit me from attending and participating in future events.

***Non-compliance with the above criteria could result in disqualification from the NW MT Fair Market Livestock Sale and / or future participation in the NW MT Fair Market Livestock Sale.***

I HAVE READ AND AGREE TO FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES ON THIS MARKET LIVESTOCK SALE COMMITMENT FORM.

                                                                                                                                ________________________                                    

Project Member’s Printed Name                                                                               Project Member’s Signature

                                                                                                _______________________________                   __­_______________

Parent or Guardian Signature                                                                                                     Date

The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran's Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

Revised Octover 2023

Drug Withdrawal Form & Committment to Excellence Form

Printable version of Drug Withdrawal Form & Committment to Excellence Form 2022-2023 (PDF)

Youth Livestock Program Commitment to Excellence

Due Tuesday, August 1^st to Extension Office

• I believe that participation in the Junior Livestock Program should demonstrate my own knowledge, ability, and skill as a feeder and exhibitor of livestock.

• I will do my own work to the fullest extent and will only accept advice and support from others. This project is mine – it will not be done by another person in my place.

• I will not use abusive, fraudulent, illegal, deceptive, or questionable practices in feeding, fitting and showing my animal(s), nor will I allow my parents, my project supervisor, or any other individual to employ such practices with my animal(s).

• I will read, understand, and follow the rules without exception, of all livestock shows in which I am a participant, and ask that my parents and the supervisor of my project do the same.

• I wish for my livestock project to be an example of how to accept what life has to offer, both good and bad, and how to live with the outcome.

• I realize I am responsible for:
  • The proper care and safe, humane treatment of my animals.
  • The production of high quality, safe and wholesome food.
  • Demonstrating strong moral character as an example to others.

___________________________________________                __________________

Exhibitor’s Printed Name                                                             Phone#

___________________________________________                __________________

Exhibitor’s Signature                                                                    Date

___________________________________________                __________________

Project Supervisor OR Parent’s Signature                                   Date

Montana 4-H Livestock Drug Withdrawal Form

Due Tuesday, August 1^st to Extension Office

In regard to the use of animal health aids, growth promotants or other livestock substances,

I am aware that:

• Chemical substances used in livestock production, disease prevention, or disease control have approved withdrawal times before slaughter;

• Information on specific use and withdrawal times can be found on product label instructions for those drugs approved for use on livestock;

• Tranquilizers and other non-approved substances are strictly prohibited for use on food animals;

• Physically tampering with or altering an animal’s muscle tissue is not allowed.

Therefore, I certify that the animals I bring to this show have: (check one)

______ While in my ownership, never been given any substance which requires a withdrawal time before slaughter;

______ Complied with legal withdrawal times in the use of one or more approved chemical substances for animal health, growth promotion, or other livestock management practices and have never used a substance which is not approved for use on animals.

Any animals found with evidence of drug residues, evidence of physical tampering or evidence of administration of non-approved substances will be disqualified and dismissed from the Fairgrounds. I understand that a violation of approved usage of animal substances may be prosecuted and that such animals will be disqualified from further exhibition or sale. I further understand that if I am found in violation of these policies, I will forfeit and return all sales receipts and premiums to the sale committee and buyer(s). Further, I understand that ANY animal at the Fair is subject to comprehensive drug tests at the option of the show management. The Fair and its officers and management will not be held legally responsible for violation of these policies.

____________________________________________                    __________________

Exhibitor’s Printed Name                                                                   Phone#

____________________________________________                    __________________

Exhibitor’s Signature                                                                          Date

____________________________________________                    __________________

Project Supervisor OR Parent’s Signature                                         Date

Market Sale Flyer (TBA)

Printable version of Market Sale Flyer 2024 (PDF not to be edited)

TBA