Local Programs

HORSE JUDGING

4-H Horse Judging  is designed to teach participants good conformation (structural correctness, balance, and muscling), breed character, and performance ideals in different breeds of horses. Additionally, Horse Judging  will teach participants how to evaluate horses based on knowledge and fact, make a decision, and defend it.  Participants will also learn horsemanship terms that can be used in a logical, systematic way to defend placings and will help participants gain confidence in their ability and use of the English language by giving oral reasons to a judge while learning to speak clearly, decisively, and convincingly. 

Horse Judging Videos

LIVESTOCK JUDGING

In this project, youth learn how livestock producers and breeders evaluate the form of their animals with their function to produce high quality saleable products to their customers. Youth will analyze individual animal traits, of four animals presented together as a class, to each other and to an accepted ideal for that species. Then, youth will rank each animal in the class and communicate their reasoning as to what order each animal was placed. Livestock judging events require youth to:

• Possess breeding and market animal industry preferences; while making accurate and complete observations
  
• Compare and contrast individual animals to others in class, make decisions within an allotted time, and communicate their reasoning effectively to others.

POULTRY JUDGING

Poultry judging is an evaluation event in which students learn and understand standards used in poultry and egg production and marketing, and to apply the standards in a realistic decision-making situation.

During the contest, participants judge both live specimens and market poultry, identify parts of birds already prepared for market, and evaluate eggs as to their quality and readiness for market. For at least one class, typically a live production class, participants are asked to justify their placing decisions through a set of oral reasons.

Participants compare their opinion of an animal against the ideal as specified by industry experts, and learn organizational skills as they compose their thoughts into a cohesive set of reasons justifying their decisions.The skills of decision making, critical thinking, and problem solving are acquired throughout the process.

RABBIT JUDGING

For more information, contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension-Frederick County office at 540/665-5699.

MEATS JUDGING

Educate  |  Identify  |  Future Industry Leaders

Many young agriculturalists in Virginia are already in the production of meat products through exhibiting market steers, swine, sheep, and goats at junior livestock competitions. Through participation in judging contests and other leadership contests, agents, leaders, and youth learn valid, science-based information to consider when evaluating and making decisions, as well as learning proper meat storage and handling procedures. Education of youth will provide future Virginians with knowledge and expertise to purchase safe, nutritious meat products. It will also give future agricultural and food industry leaders a broader view of the livestock industry. Members equipped with a general knowledge in meat evaluation are able to be competitive in the judging arena, but more importantly will be the individuals that lead our industry into the future.

Frederick County is seeking a Meats Judging Coach. If you are interested in Volunteering, please contact Dyllan at 540-665-5699.

Requirements for Showing Livestock at the Fredrick County Fair

Enrollment forms or 4Honline enrollments must be completed (forms turned in to the office) on or before January 1st.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Livestock projects are learning projects. 4-H’ers or FFA members should learn basic life skills and increase their knowledge during these projects. FFA members increase their knowledge during either 18 or 36 weeks of instruction along with their participation in other FFA activities. 4-H’ers will be required to meet one of the following to ensure an increase in knowledge and basic life skills.
     A). Attend six 4-H Club meetings.
     B). Attend five 4-H Club meetings and participate in ONE County, District, or State Event.
     C). Attend four 4-H Club meetings and participate in TWO County, District, or State Events.
4-H Club leaders will let the Extension Office know if and when a 4-H’er has met these requirements between October 1 and July 20. FFA advisors will verify that exhibitors designated as FFA members are valid FFA members.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:
The Frederick County Fair passed the following rule as of 2002:
4-H and FFA members showing and selling Market Animals at the Frederick County Fair will be REQUIRED to have their project books checked twice.
     A). At least one week prior to the fair, either an Adult Club Leader, Agriculture Education Instructor, or Extension Agent will review project records and verify the projects as being up to date. If the project is NOT UP TO DATE when reviewed, the exhibitor may resubmit prior to the Monday of fair week. THIS IS A REQUIREMENT TO SHOW AND SELL IN THE CURRENT YEAR’S FAIR.
     B). By August 31 of each year, these books need to be checked again for completeness. 4-H and FFA members who do not follow this procedure will NOT BE ALLOWED TO SHOW AND SELL MARKET
ANIMALS IN THE FREDERICK COUNTY FAIR THE NEXT YEAR.

GENERAL RULES - (beef, goats, sheep, swine, rabbits, and poultry):
1.) All Frederick County Fair exhibitors who show or sell livestock at the fair must contribute two (2) hours to a do work detail day at the fairgrounds. Failure to do so well result in the exhibitor not being allowed to show or sell his/her animal.

2.) 4-H and FFA members who show or sell market animals at the Frederick County Fair will be required to have project books checked twice:

     a). At least one week prior to the fair, Project/record books must be up-to-date and reviewed by an Adult Club Leader, Agriculture Education Instructor, or Extension Agent. If the project is not up-to-date, resubmit prior to the Monday of fair week to be able to Show or sell in the current year's fair.
     b). By August 31st of each year, these books need to be checked again for completeness. Completeness means that all applicable and attainable information has been entered on each page. This includes project planning, worksheets, feed information, financial information, show and sale results, and 4-H club informaiton. Pages that are left blank will indicate an incomplete record book. Exhibitors who do not follow this rule will not be allowed to show or sell  market animals in the Frederick County Fair the next year.

3.) Each Exhibitor must send two (2) letters to NEW potential buyers. The deadline for theses letters to be submitted to the Frederick County Extension Office is June 6, 2019. Envelopes must be prepared with name and addresse, stamped and not sealed.

4.) A MAXIMUM OF 6 MARKET ANIMALS FROM ALL SPECIES CAN BE SOLD EACH YEAR PER YOUTH EXHIBITOR. Animals that will be sold at the Friday SALE must be declared by 5 p.m. on Fair Monday to the chairperson of each species.

5.) All exhibitors must Pre-Register their livestock with Fair Registration. Register online at www.frederickcountyfair.com by 8:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2019 or complete the registration form in the center of the Fair catalog and mail the form postmarked by Tuesday, July 23, 2019 to Fair Registration, 3191 Woodside Road, Clear Brook, VA  22624. Exhibitors will need to check in at the registration desk on Sunday from 2:00-5:00 p.m. or Fair Monday from 9:00-11:30 a.m. to sign up for their pass(s). Failure to properly register will result in forfeiture of prize money and ribbons. Exhibitors must also turn in the Livestock Pre-Registration form and a signed copy of the Code of Ethics form to the Frederick County Extension Office by the date stated on the forms. Failure to turn in the forms will result in the exhibitor not being allowed to show or sell their animals.

6.) Each Livestock exhibitor, with the exception of poultry and rabbit exhibitors, are required to receive Youth Meat Quality Assurance (YMQA) training prior to fair week to be eligible to show their livestock at the Frederick Coaunty Fair. The Youth Meat Quality Assurance Program is a program designed to teach youth the basics of animal husbandry and general animal management for youth of all ages. The mission of this youth meat quality assurance program is to maximize consumer confidence and acceptance of the food products produced via youth livestock projects.

7.) All Market animal exhibitors must be enrolled as a 4-H or FFA member in Frederick County or Winchester as of January 1 of the year of the show and must be 9 years of age or older as of September 30 of the current Fair year. Eligibility of 4-H membership terminates on Decembe 31 of the year the member has their 19th birthday.

8.) All livestock are to be owned, cared for, and housed in Frederick County by the exhibitor by the specified date for each species. Livestock must be housed at the exhibitor's residence. Exhibitors who are unable to house their livestock at their own residences must do one of the following:
     a.) If the exhibitor, for the first time, is housing a species at a location other than their residence, then they must have approval from the Fair Board 30 days prior to the stated ownership date for that species. This still involves the exhibitor attending a fair meeting to ask for this approval.
      b.) If an exhibitor has previously kept a species at a location other than their residence (within the last year), and if no problems were evident and the animals will be housed at the same location as the previous year, then the exhibitor is not required to attend a fair meeting for approval. However, the exhibitor must notify the chairperson for each species 30 days prior to the stated ownership date for that species. If a different species is being housed for the first time at a location that the exhibitor previously kept another species, then that exhibitor still must come to the Fair Board as indicated in part a. of this rule.

9.) Chairpersons and fair officials reserve the right to view exhibitor's animals from the tagging date until the openin of the Fair.

10.) There will be no livestock taken to trailers at any time during the week of the fair, only with the permission from livestock committee.

11.) Animals entered in the Frederick County Fair must follow all health requirements and the code of ethics as listed in this book. Any animal may be subjected to blood and/or urine sampling and testing at the time of the Fair. All animals must be properly castrated and completely healed. The Fair Association has the right to disqualify any animals, if the appearance or temperament of which has been changed or altered by any proess. This includes attempts to dye, discolor the natural hair color, use of tranquilizers, and the use of ice. Any exhibitor caught in violation of such rule shall be banned from showing and selling any livestock project at the current and following year Frederick County Fair.

12.) Exhibitors will be expected to keep their animals fed and provided with clean water. The pens and surrounding area should be cleaned daily throughout the entire week and must be presentable to the public by 4:00 p.m.

13.) All animals must be under the control of the exhibitor to be eligible for awards.

14.) All animals must be shown by the owner. The only exception will be injury or if an exhibitor has more than one entry in a class. Only then can another Frederick County 4-H or FFA member, who is eligible to show, present the animals.

15.) All exhibitors must participate in Showmanship classes.

16.) Proper attire will be required for livestock shows and sales. Exhibitors should wear shirts or blouses and respectab le pants. No t-shirts, shorts, tennis shoes, or open-toed shoes will be permitted.

17.) Once at the Frederick County Fair, fitting and showing of all market animals is the sole duty of the exhibitor to show the animal(s) is registered, the parents/legal guardians, and their brothers and sisters.

18.) Agriculture instrtuctors, Extension personnel, and Fair officials may provide limited expertise to exhibitors needing assistance.

19.) Livestock will not be permitted to be "tied out" during Fair Week. Animals are to remain in the barns during the night.

20.) Animals sold in the auction will remain the responsibility of the exhibitor until the buyer or other person authorized by the Fair removes the animal.

21.) Prize money will be withheld until the barn and cage facilities are cleaned and meet the approval of the species chairperson.

22.) Monitoring of these and other market animal rules will be the responsibility of the Fair officials, the Extension personnel, and the Agriculture instructos. Enforcement of these rules will be the sole responsibility of the Fair Association. Grievances, protest, etc. should be handled through the Fair's grievance policy as stated in the General Rules and Regulations.

For additional Frederick County Fair requirements, please refer to the Frederick County Fair webpage: http://www.frederickcountyfair.com/

LIVESTOCK SALE

Friday, July 29, 2022

6:30 p.m. at the Frederick County Fairgrounds

155 Fairgrounds Road

Clear Brook, VA  22624

Livestock Show Barn

What is the Livestock Sale?

The annual 4-H/ FFA Livestock Sale at the Frederick County Fair allows the youth of Frederick County to sell animals they have raised using skills learned through the 4-H/FFA educational programs. These projects teach record keeping, health and nutrition management, cost evaluation, judging, handling, training, and presentation to meet the criteria specified by the Fair Committee.

Officers' Resources:

• A Guide for 4-H Club Officers
• 4-H Treasurer's Record Book
• 4-H Secretary's Record Book
• Worksheet for Planning a 4-H Club Meeting
• Virginia 4-H Club Member's Business Meeting Guide

4-H Club and Cloverbud Groups Charter Application

The United States Department of Agriculture and Virginia 4-H require all 4-H clubs and groups to have a charter signed by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Director of the National 4-H Headquarters and issued by the State 4-H Office. This requirement includes 4-H Cloverbud groups, community clubs, project clubs, after-school clubs, and military clubs. For more information about the requirements for and privileges of a Virginia 4-H Charter, see VCE Publication 388-070. To apply for a 4-H Charter, the organizational leader of a 4-H club or Cloverbud group should submit one copy of this application to the local Extension office if the club or group is based at a county or city level. 

• Charter Application for 4-H Clubs and Cloverbud Groups

Charter Application Resosurces:

Virginia 4-H Club Constitution and Bylaws

Virginia 4-H Club Annual Goals and Program Plan

4-H Propety Inventory Report Form

4-H Club and Cloverbud Groups Yearly Charter Renewal

4-H Charter renewal takes place in the fall each year. The organizational leader of the 4-H club or Cloverbud group should submit one copy of this application to the local Extension office if the club or group is based at the county or city level. 

• Charter Renewal Application for 4-H Clubs and Cloverbud Groups

Charter Renewal Resosurces:

Virginia 4-H Club Constitution and Bylaws

Virginia 4-H Club Annual Goals and Program Plan

4-H Propety Inventory Report Form

4-H Club Charter Seals of Achievement

4-H Club Charter Seals of Achievement are a means to recognize 4-H clubs (excluding classroom-based clubs) with valid charters for reaching levels of achievement related to club organization and participation. 4-H clubs are encouraged, but not required, to participate. The highest Charter Seal awarded is the Gold Seal followed by the Blue, Red, and White seals. Seals are awarded for the degree of completion of a number of quality indicators related to: 1. Membership and participation, 2. Citizenship and leadership, 3. Life-skill development and subject matter instruction, and 4. Community and parental involvement.

• 4-H Club Charter Seals of Achievement

End of Year Nomination Forms are due to the Virginia Cooperative Extension-Frederick County Office by September 30th, 5:00 p.m.

• Junior 4-H Member Award
• Senior 4-H Member Award
• 50% Junior Participation Award
• 50% Senior Participation Award
• Family of the Year
• Outstanding 4-H Leader