SHOW RING CODE OF ETHICS

 

The 4-H/FFA Code of Ethics applies to all individuals exhibiting Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goats, Swine, Sheep, Rabbits, and other livestock projects at the Hereford Junior Farm Fair.  


The following practices or procedures are unacceptable and are defined as being fraudulent and /or unethical in the care, fitting, preparation, and showing of all animals.  Animals entered at the Hereford Junior Farm Fair may be subject to blood and/or urine sampling and testing at any time during the fair.   
  1. Misrepresenting the age of an animal for a class in which it is shown.
  2.  Treating an animal internally or externally, with an irritant or counter-irritant, or other substance to artificially change its conformation or appearance for the show.  This includes, but is not limited to the use of graphites, powders, hemp, artificial coloring or similar substances.  As an example, the use of products such as show glo, shaving cream and hair mousse used to improve eye appeal, would be permitted.  The use of dyes, spray paint or other artificial colorings which result in the misrepresentation of the animal (i.e., that change the natural color of the hair/wool, etc.), would not be permitted.  This shall also include the offering for consumption by the animal, any substance not considered a normal component of a diet for livestock. 
  3. The use of tranquilizers, sedatives, depressants or similar substances which alter the physical or physiological state of the animal. 
  4. Surgery, injection or insertion of foreign material under the skin and/or into the flesh of an animal to change the natural contour, conformation or appearance of the animal’s body. 
  5. The use of inhumane fitting, showing and/or handling practices.
  6. Exhibiting animals found to carry false hair/wool or natural hair/wool that has been relocated to enhance the contour, conformation or appearance of the animal with the exception of a false switch.
  7. Criticizing or interfering with the judge, show management or other exhibitors while in the show ring and other conduct detrimental to the show including, but not limited to, unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of the exhibitor.
  8. Violators of the code of Ethics will result in the expulsion of the exhibitors as well as animals to be shown by the exhibitor in the current 4-H and FFA competitions and shows. 
  9. Violators of the Code of Ethics will forfeit all premiums for animal entries.   

Suspected violations should be reported immediately to the show superintendent.