Updated: May 28, 2024
Superintendents
2024 WISCONSIN COUNTY, DISTRICT, & STATE FAIRS ANIMAL HEALTH RULES AND REGULATIONS
SPECIAL RULES
- Entries must be postmarked no later than Friday, July 5, 2024. A fee of $3.00 will be charged for an exhibitor’s
season ticket. Any entries postmarked after July 5, 2024 will have a $15.00 fee added.
MAIL ENTRIES TO:
SARA HAMPTON, SECRETARY
544 MILL STREET
BLOOMINGTON, WI 53804
PHONE: 412-4506
E-MAIL:blakesprairiefair100@gmail.com
- Stall or pen rent for the livestock classes shall be:
Cattle — $1.00 per head
Swine, Sheep and Goats — 50¢ per head
Poultry & Rabbits — 50¢ per head
- All items for exhibit must be the current year’s project work.
No person shall be entitled to a premium who was not the bonafide owner of the property at the time of entry. Exhibitor
Grade is determined on January 1 of the current year.
- Only articles listed in the handbook may be exhibited. Only ONE item may be exhibited on an entry number unless
specifically allowed (i.e. Pen of Wethers).
- Entries must be on the fairgrounds and in their proper places, properly ticketed, by FRIDAY at 5:00 p.m. of the Fair.
The only exceptions to this rule shall be flower and food exhibits, which are to be on the grounds not later than 9:00
a.m. on the Saturday of the Fair. If these conditions are not complied with, no premiums will be awarded.
- The Fair Board is not responsible for exhibits shipped or mailed to the Fair. All exhibitors must bring their exhibits
to the fairgrounds on Friday and remove them from the grounds on Sunday. No exhibits will be accepted by mail.
- Call for tags and exhibitor’s tickets at the Secretary’s Office on opening day. Entry tags must be attached by the exhibitor when exhibits are brought in.
- Report to the Department Superintendent for instruction and assignments to stalls, pens or spaces.
- Exhibitors must furnish their own feed and bedding, unless otherwise stated.
- Livestock exhibitors shall have a copy of the required health certificate or test reports available for inspection by the
Department at the Fair or file a copy of such certificate or test reports at the fair office for the duration of the exhibit.
- Each exhibitor is to show his own animal(s).
- Responsibility for grooming animals for show is the responsibility of the exhibitor. Clipping, trimming or blocking by anyone other than the exhibitor or any Wisconsin junior exhibitor will not be permitted. Violation automatically
disqualifies the exhibitor.
- Any inappropriate appearance altering — coloring, surgery, addition of hair or treatment (medical or physical, external or internal) shall result in disqualification of exhibit and/or exhibitor as proper authorities deem appropriate.
- Any equipment or inappropriate attire on an exhibitor or animal judged by the Department Superintendent to be detracting from the appearance of the show shall be changed upon request. For clarification, review the 4-H literature for
beef, sheep and swine fitting and showing.
- Entries will be judged by Danish system, unless otherwise stated.
- Premiums are paid only from awards made by judges as they appear on the judges’ sheets and not from ribbons attached to the exhibit. Judging sheets are the only official records of correct awards; ribbons may be misplaced or tampered with.
- Exhibitors are requested to pay particular attention to their article(s) or animals(s) on exhibition and take charge of the same. The Fair Board will take every precaution for their safekeeping, but is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen articles or exhibits. Exhibitors will be held responsible for any damage or accident which may be caused by their
Entries.
- The Fair Board is not responsible for articles or exhibits left on the fairgrounds at the close of the Fair.
- The Fair Board reserves the final and absolute right to interpret these Rules and arbitrarily settle and determine all matters, questions and differences connected with an incident related to the Fair.
- Due to state budget concerns, premiums may be adjusted prior to the Fair
- Campers are allowed with a $25.00 fee and no electricity available. Please pay fee to Secretary Sara Hampton in fair office.
REMOVAL OF EXHIBITS
Exhibits must not be removed from the exhibition space until 4:00 p.m. of the last day of the Fair, according to State
laws governing fair premiums. Entries should be removed by 5:00 p.m. unless arrangements are made with the Department Superintendent.
FAIR SUPERINTENDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
(1) Be familiar with the rules and regulations of the Fair.
(2) Be responsible for the orderliness, placement and upkeep of exhibits in the assigned exhibit areas.
(3) Be familiar with the PREMIUM LIST in their department(s).
(4) Be familiar with the system of judging which is used in their department(s), Danish or regular.
(5) Be responsible for seeing that the judges’ sheets are properly filled out and signed.
(6) Inform the judge that exhibits not meeting the necessary requirements will automatically be awarded a fourth placing.
(7) Be responsible for developing suggestions and comments in regard to judges, exhibits and fair book that will help
improve future exhibits and fairs.
(8) Pick up trophies, ribbons and other materials from the Office.
(9) Write down judges comments on exhibitor cards. Encourage judges to give comments that will help the exhibitor improve on his/her skills.
(10) Establish, communicate and monitor show and judging procedures.
(11) Monitor and report violations of the Blake’s Prairie Jr. Fair Code of Conduct. Document verbal warnings and other
actions taken by the Superintendent as a result of violations of the code of conduct.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Anyone attending the Blake’s Prairie Jr. Fair either as an exhibitor, parent, spectator, superintendent, judge or fair official must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the following International Association of Fairs and Expositions Code of Show Ring Ethics and the Addendums to the code listed below.
These codes of conduct are not limited to the show ring, but are applicable to all departments, activities and events associated with the Blake’s Prairie Jr. Fair. Consequences to violating this code of conduct may include, but are not limited to:
- Verbal warning
- Written warning
- Removal from Fairgrounds
- Suspension, reduction and/or loss of premiums
- Suspension, reduction and/or loss of auction proceeds
- Loss of future show privileges
- Notification to local fairs as to disciplinary actions taken
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS (IAFE)
CODE OF SHOW RING ETHICS
Exhibitors of animals at livestock shows shall at all times deport themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their
conduct in this competitive environment shall always reflect the highest standards of honor and dignity to promote the
advancement of agricultural education. This code applies to junior as well as open class exhibitors who compete in structured classes of competition. This code applies to all livestock offered in any event at a livestock show. In addition to the “IAFE Code of Show Ring Ethics,” fairs and livestock shows may have rules and regulations that they impose on the local, county, state, provincial and national levels.
All youth leaders working with junior exhibitors are under an affirmative responsibility to do more than avoid improper conduct or questionable acts. Their moral values must be so certain and positive that those younger and more pliable will be influenced by their fine example. Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers and absolutely responsible persons who violate the code of ethics will forfeit premiums, awards and auction proceeds and shall be prohibited from future exhibition in accordance with the rules adopted by the respective fairs and livestock shows. Exhibitors who violate this code of ethics demean the integrity of all livestock exhibitors and should be prohibited from competition at all livestock shows in the United States and Canada.
The following is a list of guidelines for all exhibitors and all livestock in competitive events:
1) All exhibitors must present, upon request of fair and livestock show officials, proof of ownership, length of ownership, and age of all animals entered. Misrepresentation of ownership, age, or any facts relating thereto is prohibited.
2) Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers, or absolutely responsible persons shall provide animal health certificates from licensed veterinarians upon request by fair or livestock show officials.
3) Junior exhibitors are expected to care for and groom their animals while at fairs or livestock shows.
4) Animals shall be presented to show events where they will enter the food chain free of volatile drug residues. The act of entering an animal in a livestock show is the giving of, consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer and/or absolutely responsible person for show management to obtain any specimens of urine, saliva, blood, or other substances from the animal to be used in testing. Animals not entered in an event which culminates with the animal entering the food chain shall not be administered drugs other than in accordance with applicable federal, state and provincial statutes, regulations and rules. Livestock shall not be exhibited if the drugs administered in accordance with federal, state and provincial statutes, regulations and rules affect the animal’s performance or appearance at the event.
If the laboratory report on the analysis of saliva, urine, blood, or other sample taken from livestock indicates the presence of forbidden drugs or medication, this shall be prima facie evidence such substance has been administered to the animal either internally or externally. It is presumed that the sample of urine, saliva, blood, or other substance tested by the laboratory, to which it is sent, is the one taken from the animal in question, its integrity is preserved and all procedures of said collection and preservation, transfer to the laboratory and analysis of the sample are correct and accurate and the report received from the laboratory pertains to the sample taken from the animal in question and correctly reflects the condition of the animal at the time the sample was taken, with the burden on the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to prove otherwise.
At any time after an animal arrives on the fair or livestock show premises, all treatments involving the use of drugs and/or medications for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
5) Any surgical procedure or injection of any foreign substance or drug or the external application of any substance (irritant, counterirritant, or similar substance) which could affect the animal’s performance or alter its natural contour, confirmation, or appearance, except external applications of substances to the hoofs or horns of animals which affect appearance only and except for surgical procedures performed by a duly licensed veterinarian for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal, is prohibited.
6) The use of showing and/or handling practices or devices such as striking animals to cause swelling, using electrical
contrivance, or other similar practices are not acceptable and are prohibited.
7) Direct criticism or interference with the judge, fair or livestock show management, other exhibitors, breed representatives, or
show officials before, during, or after the competitive event is prohibited. In the furtherance of their official duty, all judges, fair and livestock show management, or other show officials shall be treated with courtesy, cooperation and respect and no person shall direct abusive or threatening conduct toward them.
8) No owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person shall conspire with another person or persons to
intentionally violate this code of ethics or knowingly contribute or cooperate with another person or persons either by affirmative action or inaction to violate this code of ethics. Violation of this rule shall subject such individual to disciplinary action.
9) The application of this code of ethics provides for absolute responsibility for an animal’s condition by an owner, exhibitor,
fitter, trainer, or participant whether or not he or she was actually instrumental in or had actual knowledge of the treatment of the animal in contravention of this code of ethics.
10) The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to have disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show for violation of this Code of Show Ring Ethics and any other rules of competition of the fair or livestock show without recourse against the fair or livestock show. The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent that any proceedings or disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show may be published with the name of the violator or violators in any publication of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, including Fairs and Expos and any special notices to members.
11) The act of entering of an animal in a fair or livestock show is the giving of verification by the owner, exhibitor, fitter,
trainer, or absolutely responsible person that he or she has read the IAFE Code of Show Ring Ethics and understands the
consequences of and penalties provided for actions prohibited by the code. It is further a consent that any action which
contravenes these rules and is also in violation of federal, state, or provincial statutes, regulations, or rules may be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over such infractions.
BLAKE’S PRAIRIE JR. FAIR CODE OF CONDUCT ADDENDUMS
A1. In addition to showing and/or handling practices outlined in the IAFE Code of Show Ring Ethics, animal cruelty
or abuse of any kind is strictly prohibited.
A2. Anyone attending the Blake’s Prairie Jr. Fair either as an exhibitor, parent, spectator, superintendent, judge or fair
official must conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates the utmost respect for other parents, exhibitors, superintendents, judges and fair officials. They are to follow instructions with regard to show and judging procedures as outlined in the premium handbook and by judges, superintendents and fair officials.
A3. Parents have a special responsibility to set positive examples and serve as a positive role model for youth by what
they do and say. This includes, but is not limited to conducting themselves in a manner that demonstrates the utmost respect for other parents, exhibitors, superintendents, judges and fair officials. They are to follow instructions with regard to show and judging procedures as outlined in the premium handbook and by judges, superintendents and fair officials.
A4. The Blake’s Prairie Fair Association may act on conduct violations at any time during or after the fair. The
Board of Directors will provide written communication as to application of consequences for violating the code of ethics.
That communication will allow a 10 day period from the date of the letter in which the letter recipient must notify the Board in writing of their intent to appeal. The appeals committee will be chaired by the Grant County Youth Development Educator and will include a member of the Grant County 4-H Leaders Executive Committee, a Blake’s Prairie Fair Board member and a Fair Superintendent. The appeals committee will hold a hearing and make a recommendation to the entire Board who will consider the recommendation of the appeals committee and report its final decision to the appealing party within 45 days of receiving their letter of intent to appeal.