Eric Sonnek, County Extension Educator

June 17, 2006

Summer to most kids means no school, playing outside, water fights, and only three months until school starts again. It also means that the local county fair is coming up shortly. Many youth look forward to their time at the county fair because they get to see their friends and also have a great time showing cattle. To ensure that the youth as well and all family members have a great experience, there are some things that can and should be done beforehand as well as at the event.

First, bio-security concerns go with showing cattle. At county fairs your animal is coming in contact with other animals that it has not previously been around and your animal can be exposed to diseases. Make sure your animal is disease free to protect the other animals as well as your own. Animals come in contact with each other at the wash rack, in the barn and in the show ring. Water and feed your animal out of your own bucket instead of the "community" water bucket.

All county fairs have rules in place that do not allow animals with ringworm, warts, pink eye and other communicable diseases to show or be housed with other animals at the fair. This is for the protection all animals. Inspect your animal early for signs of these diseases. If you see your animal has warts or ringworm, contact your local veterinarian to ask how to best treat the problem. Also, make sure your equipment is clean. Keep the stuff you use to wash and pick-up manure separate from the feeding equipment.

Some county fairs may also have rules in place regarding tuberculosis since Minnesota has lost its TB-Free status. Talk to your local veterinarian and county fair board beforehand regarding what they may be requiring for exhibiting at the fair.

Cattle are creatures of habit. They like to do the same thing everyday. Loading them up and hauling them to a show changes their routine and stresses them. Here are three things you can do to help them get used to things before they get to the show.

• Work extensively with them on the halter including tying them up with it.


• Give them baths and clip them at home where there are fewer distractions.


• Switch the feed to what your animal will get at the show to accustom it to the new ration if it is different than at home.

The animals are only part of the equation for a successful show day at the county fair. To make the experience positive for all involved, we must analyze the exhibitor's age and experience showing an animal. First, make sure the animal is appropriate for the exhibitor. The big Fall Yearling that is almost two years old shown by a young child could get scared or spooked. The calf classes would be a better size for him or her to show. It is also important to remember that this is a learning experience for the youth. I know it is a cliché but not everyone can win. The learning as a youth comes from the entire experience-not just the first place ribbon. The "Blue Ribbon" kid is more important than the "Blue Ribbon" animal.

Another important part of the county fair is the educational experience for the general public. Today, people attending the fair can be two or three generations removed from the farm. The county fair is the only time some people see agriculture and animals other than driving down the road. County fair contact is a great opportunity to help educate the public about agriculture and the safe food supply we have in the United States. Always try to answer their questions if you can. If you run into questions you cannot answer, always refer them to a 4-H leader or to Extension personnel. Letting a kid watch while you milk or feed is something that they will remember and creates the right image for agriculture.

Another part of a positive public image is to make sure your area and aisle are clean and the animals look comfortable. Making sure the animals are washed and fed, and acting respectable are all things that can help the public respect the livestock industry and what we do at county fairs.

Remember, county fairs are community get-togethers that can be great for teaching youth and the general public important lessons like responsibility, respect and decision-making skills.

Good luck and see you at the fairs!