1. Calves must exhibit distinct color markings of their respective dairy breeds. No crossbreeds will be allowed. Milking shorthorn must be accompanied by valid breed registration papers.

2. Calf eligibility will be determined on the first Saturday of May when calves will be tagged and weighed. Calves must be weighed at this time. Calves will be pictured for identification purposes.

3. Two calves may be tagged and entered, only one calf may be exhibited at the county fair. More calves may be tagged if showing at the State Fair. See a leader for rules.

4. All calves must be castrated and dehorned. Castration and dehorning can be taken care of at any time, but must be done far enough in advance to be healed by fair week. Cryptorchids and improperly castrated calves will be placed last in class and will not sell.

5. Calves will be subject to all health regulations required by State Fair rules.

6. Calves will arrive at the fairgrounds between Friday and 8:00 am Monday. Health papers will be checked at the time of unloading by State veterinarian.

7. Calves will be displayed and judged by beef steer guidelines. No blocking or balling of tails please. Show sticks and black leather show halters are highly recommended. Exhibitors should be neatly dressed in long pants and sturdy shoes.

8. Classes will be determined by weight on Monday of fair week. If the initial weight of a calf at weigh in is 225 pounds to 500 pounds, that weight will be recorded as the official weight and may not reweigh.

9. Calves not meeting the minimum weight of 225 pounds by the end of weigh in on Monday of fair week will be sent home. If the initial weight of a calf at weigh in is 220-224 pounds, the 4-H’er may attempt to put weight on their calf to meet the minimum cut off and reweigh by the end of the time allotted for general weigh in. If the initial weight of a calf is less than 220 pounds, that weight will be recorded as the official weight and may not reweigh.

10. All calves weighing over 500 pounds at weigh in on Monday of fair week will be put into
an overweight class and will not be eligible to compete for grand or reserve grand champion. They will sell at auction for a maximum of 500 pounds. If the initial weight of a calf at weigh in is 501 to 510 pounds, the 4-H'er may opt to walk off the excess pounds and reweigh by the end of the time allotted for general weigh in. If the initial weight of a calf is over 510 pounds, that weight will be recorded as the official weight and may not reweigh.

11. Class winners (except for the overweight class) will compete for division champions and reserve champions. Division champions will compete for grand and reserve grand champion.

12. Vaccinations and health regulations will be subject to annual review. Consult your leaders for yearly rules.

13. Calves may be sold in the auction on Friday. Only calves that are exhibited at the fair and are properly vaccinated, castrated, and dehorned will be eligible to be sold. 4-Hers also have the option of taking their calf home.

14. All 4-Hers are responsible for good care of their calf at the fair. If a 4-Her does not show responsibility for the care of their calf during the fair, they may receive one warning. If the 4-Her continues to not show responsibility for their calf, they may be asked to remove their animal from the fairgrounds and forfeit their right to auction their calf.

15. Calves will be numbered for sale in the order selected at the April 4-H meeting.

16. 4-Hers selling the Grand and Reserve Grand Champion calves will furnish two tickets for the Dairy Feeder Calf Banquet to the buyers of their calves.

17. Fair Board policy calls for exclusive use of shavings for bedding. Additional supplies will be available.

REQUIRED VACCINATIONS FOR DAIRY FEEDER CALVES

The following vaccinations are required for calves to be eligible to be sold.  If there are any questions - contact your veterinarian or one of the leaders.

There are many different types of vaccines available; the following are just suggested product names to assist you in locating the correct vaccine for your calves.

Calves should ideally get 2 doses of each of the listed items.  The first dose should be given in May or June, the second to be given at least two weeks before the fair.

IBR-BVD-PI3-BRSV-LEPTO 5  (Cattlemaster 4)

HAEMOPHILUS SOMNUS & PASTURELLA  (Somnugen 2P)

CLOSTRIDIAL OR TYPES C & D TOXOID  (Ultrabac 7)

WORMER (Levasole or Ivomec)

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