General Rules

EXHIBITORS MUST BE RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA EXCEPT FOR PULLERS AND DEMO. ALL LIVESTOCK EXHIBITORS MUST BE RESIDENTS OF NORTHAMPTON, MONROE, CARBON, BUCKS AND LEHIGH COUNTIES. ALL EXHIBITORS MUST HAVE AN ENTRY NUMBER.

Entering of Exhibits

All exhibits, except baked goods, must be entered on Monday, on Fair Week, between the hours of 1 pm. and 7 pm. Baked goods will be entered on Tuesday, of Fair Week, from 9:30 am to 11 am.

Prize Money, Ribbons, Exhibits

May be picked up Saturday evening after 10pm or Sunday morning from 9 am to 12 noon at the fairgrounds.

*ANY REMAINING CHECKS WILL BE MAILED AFTER THIS DATE ONLY IF THE EXHIBITOR HAS SUPPLIED the Plainfield Farmers Fair with A SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE UPON REGISTERING.

*Any other monies will be considered a donation to the Farmers Fair. NO RIBBONS WILL BE MAILED!

Instructions to Judges:

Judges will not permit exhibitors to make themselves known unless absolutely necessary.
Judges will pay no attention to any article or animal not having entry tag attached.
Judges will attach blue ribbons to animals or articles taking first premium and red to those taking second, and white to those taking third premium.
Exhibitors who interfere with judges in making their awards will forfeit their premiums. Judges will report such cases to the Secretary.
The judges on agricultural products will give preference to such varieties as are adapted to the interest of the farmer, regarding yield, quality and market value thereof.
Judges will sign their reports as soon as finished and leave with the superintendent of the department.

The decision of the Judges shall be final.

All exhibitors agree to be bound by the rules and regulations of Plainfield Farmers’ Fair.
The fair management reserves the right to amend or add to these rules and regulations as its judgment may determine.
Reasonable care will be taken to protect all exhibits on display from all injury and damage but the fair is not, in any way to be held responsible for accidents, loss or damage by water, fire, theft, or otherwise, whatever may be the cause or extent of the damage or loss.
Entries will be made according to classification.
Premiums, as listed, may be given for meritorious exhibits. In cases where there is no competition, judges may give an award such as they deem the exhibit is worthy to receive. Same rule applies where there are fewer entries in any class than the number of premiums offered. The judges may. at their discretion, award a ribbon or rosette. THE FAIR RULES ARE THAT ONLY ONE ENTRY PER CLASS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM EACH EXHIBITOR EXCEPT FOR CATTLE. THE DECISION OF THE JUDGES SHALL BE FINAL IN ALL CASES except where mistakes, fraud, misrepresentation, or collusion, not discovered at the time of award, is proved. In such cases, the superintendent, manager, or secretary of the fair or show, or such referee as he may appoint, may make the decision. The case may be appealed to the Fair Management or Show Commission from whose decision there can be no appeal. It is suggested that each fair have a committee of 3 board members designated prior to fair time for this. NO JUDGING ON THE DANISH SYSTEM.
It shall be the responsibility of the exhibitor to make known the proper name of the article or breed of livestock he is entering. Any item entered Improperly will be disqualified to receive a prize but the judges will mark the correct name on the entry tag for the benefit of the owner so the same mistake in entering need not be made the second time.
All entries must be grown, produced, or made in the state since the last fair.
Superintendents of departments reserve the right of refusing to accept any entry. Furthermore, the superintendents reserve the right to bar from competition animals. Vegetables, flowers, poultry, products, and manufactured articles of decidedly inferior quality and those not possessing sufficient merit to warrant recognition. (The Superintendents must notify exhibitors of any exhibits that have wilted or become unfit. After having done this, the superintendent may dispose of the exhibit at his discretion.)

The Fair Management may at anytime, order the removal of any exhibit or part of exhibit in bad condition and any article unfit to show may be excluded. Food products cannot be polluted with any substance or chemical that causes them to become poisonous and unfit to be used as food.
Where award ribbons are stolen or destroyed. the exhibitor may receive a duplicate at the close of the fair or show which shall be supplied by the fair free of charge.
During the judging, buildings, except livestock arenas, are to be closed to anyone except fair officials, judges. Pennsylvania Fair Fund officials, and necessary attendants. No exhibitor nor his agent shall communicate with the judge during time or determining the awards except to answer questions proposed by the judges. Any exhibitor interfering with the judges while making awards shall forfeit any premium to which he would otherwise be entitled.
All livestock offered for premiums must have been the property of the owners thirty (30) days or longer. Livestock or poultry entered under a name other than the owner’s shall be disqualified for premiums.
The market animals should be weighed on the same set of scales under a qualified weight-master at the discretion of the fair.
Should any animal awarded a prize be disqualified, the animals gaining the lower prizes shall move into the next higher position if, in the opinion of the judges, the animals are worthy of such prizes.
Over fitting of cattle will be discriminated against. Any artificial means used to change the form or shape of an animal will disqualify it from competition.
When on exhibition in the ring, each animal must be under halter and controlled by owner or employee. The fair will have stand-by-attendants available during the youth judging or showing, men designated if there is trouble with the animals.
Joint ownership considered to be as one owner in accordance with registration papers.
No exhibits to be removed before 10:00 PM. Saturday or prize money will be withheld or unless authorized differently by Fair Committee.
Any matter not covered by fair rules will be decided by the Fair Committee, which will be final.
Anyone soliciting can only do so from his or her rented exhibitor space.
NO SMOKING OR DRINKING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES in Dairy Barns. Prize money will be forfeited.
ANIMALS MUST BE HOUSED IN THE COUNTY BY 4/30 OF THE CURRENT YEAR.

Health Rules and Regulations For Cattle

IMPORTANT: ALL HEALTH PAPERS MUST BE CHECKED BEFORE UNLOADING
Be sure to use only grooming products that are approved for use on meat and dairy animals when fitting your animals for show. Unapproved products may contain ingredients that result in unacceptable residues in the meat or milk. If you are not certain that a product Is residue safe and approved for use on meat or dairy animals, do not use it! ***Important*** if upon slaughter, treatment with drugs, biologies or any chemical from fitting products, is the cause of condemnation of a carcass, the loss of the carcass and any other damages will be borne by the exhibitor.

A current rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian is required for animals three months of age or older (market livestock and swine are exempt from this vaccination requirement). All vaccine label directions must be followed and all rabies vaccinated livestock must be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate or the vaccination information must be included on the CVI. If a rabies vaccination certificate is provided, the certificate must contain legible name and contact information of the veterinarian who administered the vaccine and the veterinarian's signature. A copy of the rabies vaccination certificate is acceptable.

1. No animals showing clinical signs of contagious or infectious disease, including active ring worm, warts, external parasites, lice and mange, will be admitted to any show.
2. Official Health Certificate (AAI-13 or equivalent) must accompany all livestock for show or sale. A certificate of Veterinary inspection (CVI) issued after May 1, is required. A health chart is valid for the entire show season beginning April 1 and ending with the PA Farm Show.
3. Interstate animals exhibited at Pennsylvania show or fairs must meet Pennsylvania requirements and must be accompanied by the Interstate Health Certificate to be eligible for entry.
4. Vaccination Requirement

All livestock must be accompanied by a health certificate, signed by an accredited veterinarian, that includes a state that the animal(s) identified have been immunized against IBR, PI3 and BVD. Animals that have never been vaccinated against BVD or have not been vaccinated against BVD during the previous 12 months must receive one dose of modified live virus vaccine given at least IS days and not more than 180 days before the show or two doses of killed vaccine, two to four weeks apart, with the last dose given at least 15 days and not more than 180 days before the show. Animals that have been vaccinated against BVD within the previous 12 months must receive at least a single injection of modified live virus or killed vaccine given not less than 15 days and not more than 180 days before the show. Hyper immune serum may not be used as a substitute for the above vaccination requirement. No animals will be admitted to the show or fair unless these requirements have been met. IMPORTANT! The date of the last live virus vaccination or the dates of the last two-killed virus vaccinations must be recorded on the Health Certificate.

PENNSYLVANIA LIVESTOCK

No Tuberculosis test is required.
No Brucellosis test is required.
A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection must be issued within 30 days prior to fair start
A current rabies vaccination is required for animals 3 months of age or older (market livestock exempt).
ALL LIVESTOCK MUST HAVE AN OFFICIAL EARTAG OR BREED REGISTRATION TATTOO

HEMORRHAGIC-SEPTICEMIA REQUIREMENTS

1. Two inoculations of hemorrhagic septicemia bacterin or vaccine administered not less than five (5) days apart with the second inoculation given not less than two (2) weeks prior to the entries’ arrival at the show.

2. A prophylactic dose of hemorrhagic septicemia hyperimmune serum administered within three (3) days of the entries’ arrival at the show. A report of hemorrhagic septicemia vaccination written by an accredited veterinarian shall accompany entries to the fair. NOTE: For the protection of the herds to which show animals return, such animals should be isolated for at least thirty (30) days. All animals except official vaccinates under thirty (30) months of age should be isolated until they have safely passed a negative blood test at least 3 thirty (30) days following their introduction into a herd.

International Association of Fairs and Expositions -
NATIONAL 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 National Code of Show Ring Ethics,” fairs and livestock shows may have rules and regulations which 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:

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.
Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers, or absolutely responsible persons shall provide animal health certificates from licensed veterinarians upon request by fair or livestock show officials.
Junior exhibitors are expected to care for and groom their animals while at fairs or livestock shows.
Animals shall be presented to show events where they will enter the food chain free of drugs. 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 chemical 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 approved 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 hearing in regard to the matter conducted by the fair or live stock show. At any time after an animal arrives on the fair or livestock show premises, all treatments involving the use of drugs and/or medications shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to have any disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show against such individuals published in any publication of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. Including Fairs and Expositions and any special notices to members.
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 National 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.

Guidelines for Care of Animals

It is the responsibility of each exhibitor to care for animals in a manner that is responsible and ethical. Following are some guidelines for the treatment of animals exhibited at the show.

Restraining Animals - Animals should be tied or penned in a manner that will not hurt the animal or restrict its breathing in any way. Animals should be tied so that all four feet are firmly on the ground and they have enough room to stand comfortably and lie down. Animals should be tied so that they are not able to injure animals tied near them. Animals unaccustomed to each other should not be penned together.
Handling — Any type of rough handling which could harm the animal is prohibited. The use of whips, canes, and show sticks should be restricted to showing only and then be used to guide the animals, not punish them. Remember, animals will respond quicker and better to quiet, gentle handling than loud, rough handling.
Bedding — All animals should have bedding that is dry and clean. Pens should be cleaned regularly to keep the animals clean and comfortable. If non-traditional bedding such as carpeting is used, it should be regularly cleaned (at least twice daily) to keep the pen free from manure.
Feeding and Water — Animals should be well fed and have access to clean water regularly. Realizing that many market animals must have restricted amounts of feed to maintain the proper weight, animals must be fed adequate amounts of feed to meet the animal’s basic requirements. Animals not allowed reasonable access to feed and water will be disqualified from the show.
Transportation — Animals should be transported in a way that is both safe and considerate of the animal’s well-being.
Blanket/Sweat Collars — Any type of material such as blankets or sweat collars should be large enough to permit normal body functions such as breathing, eating, drinking or lying down.
Health — It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to provide proper health care for their animals through routine inspection and consultation with health care professionals. The improper or illegal use of drugs or antibiotics is prohibited. If medication is indicated, be sure to follow the label directions and allow more than the stated withdrawal time.

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