General Fair Rules and Regulations

Michigan Department of Agriculture Food Inspection – Division Regulation No. 514 as Amended

Under the authority of the provisions of Act. No. 344, Public Acts of 1917, the following rules and regulations governing the cooking, dispensing, and sale of foods and beverages offered for sale at or tributary to Fairgrounds, circus grounds, carnivals, parks, resorts, and roadside stands within the State of Michigan are hereby established.

1. All stands where food is served to the public shall be constructed of substantial materials and provided with a durable roof. All concessions serving food or drink must have all cooking, processing, or preparation areas adequately covered to protect food from dust, dirt, insects, rodents, and other contamination. All such concessions must be provided with hot water for washing dishes and other utensils. Equipment used in cooking “hot dogs,” “hamburgers,” steaks, or other foods or the preparation of other foods such as candy and candy-coated apples, must be enclosed on at least three sides with covers extending entirely over such equipment.
2. All foods must be covered and protected from dust, dirt, and insects. Soda straws must be individually wrapped, and sugar bowls and condiment containers must be adequately covered. This regulation shall not apply when using individually wrapped or packaged portions of such times.
3. Cooking of foods in the open will not be permitted. No food or drink concession may be operated within 50 feet of a stable, refuse pile, or outside toilet not connected to a sewer or septic tank.
4. All other drinks except tea and coffee must be served in individual sanitary cups or closed individual containers. A new cup must be used for each person served. Such beverages must be drawn or served from bottles or closed containers. No dipping of such products will be permitted.
5. All water and ice must be from a tested and approved supply source. All mills and juice presses shall, while in operation, be covered and protected from dust, dirt, rodents, insects, or other such contamination.
6. All forms of ice used as part of any food or drink in its preparation must be cleaned and free from any foreign material or contamination; supplies of such ice must arrive at any fairgrounds, carnival or circus grounds, park, resorts, or roadside stands in clean, closed bags, package, or containers as prepared at the point of manufacture.
7. No cold beverages other than orange juice and lemonade shall be made on any fairgrounds, carnivals, parks, resorts, or roadside stands unless made from syrup that has been registered with the Michigan Department of Agriculture. (Sec.3, Act. 126, P.A. 1927).
8. All garbage must be covered in fly-tight, durable containers and removed daily.
9. All such drinks and any other nonalcoholic beverages that contain “artificial flavor” of any character shall be labeled “imitation,” whenever applicable, shall proceed and be in similar size type with the imitated fruit juice following. All display signs must conform to the requirements mentioned above. (Section 9, Act. 126, PO. 1927).
10. All concessions dispensing food or drinks must be equipped with available hand washing facilities on the immediate premise; individual towels and plenty of soap shall be provided.
11. Adequate refrigeration for perishable foods must be maintained and readily available.
12. All cooked, partially cooked, baked, or fried foods must be kept hot (at least 130 degrees F.) or cold (50 degrees F. or less) and may not be displayed openly unless such requirements are maintained, except those products which do not, under good commercial practices, require refrigeration or heating to safeguard their quality.
13. All prepared foods and drinks must be packaged, wrapped, or wholly protected from contamination when offered for sale, delivered to, or sold within the lot or grounds at a location other than where prepared.
14. The provisions of this regulation requiring the covering and enclosure of cooking areas shall not apply to open-pit barbecues when the Department of Agriculture approves such installations—Michigan Department of Agriculture Food Inspection Division Regulation No. 514 as Amended.

ARTICLE I This organization shall be known as the Mecosta County Agricultural Fair Association.

ARTICLE II The purpose of this Association shall be to operate a Fair at the Fair Grounds, located in Big Rapids, Michigan, strictly non-profit.

ARTICLE III The object of the Association shall be the advancement and encouragement of agriculture, horticulture and mechanical arts, household arts, and sciences; to promote Youth Club work and the FFA activities and all other types of educational work.

ARTICLE IV It shall be the object of this Association to furnish a clean type of entertainment, recreation, and amusement in connection with the Fair.

ARTICLE V (REVISED 10/17/92) The governing body of this Association shall consist of a Board of eighteen (18) Directors, six (6) of whom shall be elected each year at the Annual Meeting for a period of three (3) years. The number of Directors may be changed at any Annual Meeting. All Extension Agents, Agricultural teachers, and the Fair Manager shall be ex-official members of the Fair Board.

ARTICLE VI The officers of the Association shall consist of a President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer. They shall be elected annually from the Board of Directors by said Board at the first meeting following the Annual Meeting.

ARTICLE VII The Annual Meeting shall be held on the third Thursday of October each year to elect Directors and transact any other business before the Association. Notice of the Annual Meeting shall be given in the newspaper and the local radio station.

The fiscal year shall close on September 30th.

Volunteer Directors shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its shareholders or members for monetary damages for a breach of the Director’s fiduciary duties, and the Corporation assumes all liability to any person other than the Corporation, its shareholders, or its members for all acts or omissions of Volunteer Directors.

A Volunteer Director is defined by Sec. 110(2) of the Michigan Non-Profit Corporation Act of PA 1987.

ARTICLE VIII – (REVISED 10/17/12) The President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer shall constitute the ExecutiveCommitteee and transact such business as authorized by the Board of Directors at any regular meeting.

The Manager is authorized to spend up to $3,000.00 without further authorization and up to $5,000.00 with permission of the entire Executive Board. Expenditures of over $5,000.00 shall have the approval of the whole Board.

ARTICLE IX Five (5) members of the Board of Directors present at any meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transacting of business.

ARTICLE X When a vacancy occurs in any office, the Board of Directors shall fill it at their next regular meeting.

ARTICLE XI The president shall preside at all meetings and appoint the various committees and may assign multiple duties to the members of the Board of Directors, as necessary.

ARTICLE XII The Vice President shall preside at all meetings and perform all the duties assigned to the President in the absence of the President.

ARTICLE XIII It shall be the duty of the Secretary-Treasurer in conjunction with the Fair Manager to keep a record of all transactions of the Association; to receive all monies from all sources; to take care of correspondence that may come to the Fair Association, to draw orders for the payment of all bills incurred by said Association and to prepare an annual report that shall be presented at the time of the Annual Meeting.

ARTICLE XIV The Board of Directors shall provide suitable accommodations for each Fair and prepare the rules and regulations to be observed in conducting such.

ARTICLE XV An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Board of Directors present for malfeasance in office may declare a vacancy. Any Board member who misses three (3) consecutive meetings without just cause will be dropped from the Board of Directors and replaced by a new member. Such Board Members will be replaced by submitting names to the Nominating Committee before being elected at any regular meeting.

ARTICLE XVI The Board of Directors shall grant retiring Presidents and Directors with 20 years or more service. Said membership entitles a person to annual season passes for self and spouse and children under 21 years of age.

ARTICLE XVII A membership in this organization, with the annual payment of $25.00 at least 30 days before the Annual Meeting, constitutes the right to vote for Directors at the Annual meeting. To be eligible for nomination to the Board of Directors, Anyone must be a paid member of the Association 30 days before the Annual meeting.

ARTICLE XVIII All Directors and spouses shall be provided with a season pass, which shall give them free access to any gate on the fairgrounds.

ARTICLE XIX The By-Laws may be amended at any Annual Meeting by a majority vote.

Dated March 1, 2000

RULES AND REGULATIONS REGARDING THE RENTAL AND USE OF THE HORSE BARNS AND STABLE AREA AT THE MECOSTA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, AS AMENDED APRIL 1992. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1987

1. Thirty dollars per month per stall

CONDITIONS:

1. All rent shall be paid one month in advance. Example: January rent is due January 1st.
2. Stall rent is to be paid, and the stall Superintendent assigns the stalls.
3. The trainer is responsible for the stall rent for the horses in charge.
4. Rent not paid by the 10th of the month will result in an additional charge of five dollars per stall.
5. Any rental charges 30 days in arrears will result in immediate eviction.
6. Stall areas will be kept clean and neat.
7. Excessive drinking, profanity, or fighting will not be allowed.
8. Borrowing of equipment is not allowed without the owner’s consent.
9. No cross ties in the new barn except for shoeing.
10. Damage to stalls, stall doors, fencing, or the grounds shall be repaired at the expense of the renter responsible.
11. No stall will be rented for broodmares, colts, or other non-racing horses not in training.
12. All jogging will be done on the outside of the track.
13. No dogs are allowed on the fairgrounds.
14. Horses shall be fed and watered regularly.
15. The last person leaving the barn will turn off lights and radios.
16. Horses will be exercised or turned loose only in the designated exercise area. No horse shall ever be turned loose on the track, track infield, or any Arena.
17. The horse stalls and the grounds around the horse barns shall be kept clean and orderly. All manure and other litter must be cleaned from the buildings and entranceways and kept away from the buildings.
18. All standardbred harness horses will be required to have a Coggins test. Failure or refusal to comply with any of the above regulations shall be grounds for the immediate removal of the horse or horses from the fairgrounds at the owner’s expense.

Failure to comply with any preceding conditions will result in dismissal from the grounds and a written report of such citation to the United Trotting Association.

1. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to know the rules and regulations for the classes and divisions they enter.
2. Youth participating in the local fair projects must be enrolled within a Mecosta County youth club recognized by the Mecosta County extension office for re-enrollment on December 1st of the previous year and new enrollment on April 1st of the current year.
3. Youth exhibitors ages are 6 to 19 years old. Age is determined as of July 1st of the current year. Anyone 20 years old and up may enter items into the Exhibit Building only.
4. The Mecosta County Agricultural Free Fair entry forms will be available online or at the MecostaCounty MSU Extension Office.
5. Same-day exhibit building registrations will be accepted at the Exhibit Building at the Mecosta County Fairgrounds between 9 am and 2 pm the Saturday before the fair week.
6. Exhibit tags, barn/stall cards, etc., will be available at the fair office in the Exhibit Building on exhibit placement day at the beginning of the fair week.
7. The Fair Board reserves the right to pro-rate premiums if funding is not received from the State of Michigan or its fair receipts are insufficient to pay expenses.
8. All premiums (trophies, plaques, ribbons/rosettes, premium awards, etc.) shall be forfeited if any exhibitor is involved in improper conduct in any exhibit or activity area during the fair. If deemed necessary, the person or persons will be sent home. The superintendents and the Fair Board Livestock Committee make this determination. If unresolved, it will be taken to the fair board.
9. Improper conduct includes, but is not limitedto:
   • Use or possession of drugs, alcohol or narcotics, vaping & tobacco
   • Verbal or physical abuse
   • Abuse or mistreatment of animals
10. Removal of any livestock or still exhibit before release time stated must have written approval from that department superintendent and the Youth Exhibits Agriculture Committee (YEAC). Failure to comply will result in the forfeiting of all awards placings trophies, plaques, ribbons, and premiums. Individuals and immediate family members will not be eligible to show at the Fair the following year—exceptions for early removal (death, sickness, emergency…) to be determined by YEAC.
11. Judges’ decisions are final.
12. All exhibits must be the current work of the exhibitor and can only be entered once for competition.
13. All record books and still exhibits must be removed according to the time listed in the fair schedule to receive premiums.
14. Every care will be taken to protect the article’s exhibits. Still, the Fair Association will not hold itself responsible for accidents, loss, or damage by fire, theft, or whatever the cause may be for the cause of damage or loss sustained.
15. Those camping on the fairgrounds must follow the general rules listed with their camp application, and all members of the camping party and visitors must be in their campers and quiet by midnight except for the barn watch crews.
16. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE PERMITTED ON THE SHOW GROUNDS OR IN THE BARNS.
17. No smoking in or around the barns or Exhibit Building. State Fire Marshall mandates it.
18. No dogs on fairgrounds

1. The Youth Exhibits Agriculture Committee (YEAC) reserves the final and absolute right to interpret these rules and regulations and arbitrarily settle and determine all matters, questions, and differences. It further reserves the right to amend or add to these rules. It may withdraw all, or pay in part, premiums offered in all departments should an emergency exist and circumstances demand it.
2. Disregard any rule by the exhibitor or concessionaire forfeits all premiums, rights, and privileges without recourse.
3. All Livestock and Horse entries are due by the first Monday in June.
4. Youth exhibitors ages are 6 to 19 years old, allowing only one year post high school graduation.
5. Youth must be at least 6 to show a Dairy Feeder, Must be 8 to show Dairy market Steer, or Beef Steer.
6. Age is determined as of July 1st of the current year.
7. Ownership of an animal or poultry project is not required for an exhibitor to show in any animal class other than market classes.
8. The management will use diligence to ensure the safety of livestock and articles entered for exhibition or display after their arrival on the grounds, but under no circumstances will it be responsible for loss, injury, or damage by fire, lightning, wind, or by any other agency, to such livestock, articles on exhibition or display, and the Fair and management thereof shall be held harmless by the exhibitors against all legal or other proceedings relating to it.
9. Club leaders will be asked to complete a stall and pen request for their club’s participation in terms of animals and pens needed for exhibit space at the fair by the date determined each year and turn that information into the Mecosta County Fair Board office.
10. Exhibitors must place all exhibits under the direction of the Superintendent in charge.
11. All poultry, rabbit, goat, beef, cavy, and sheep breed stock shall remain in their stalls or pens until 9:00 p.m. Saturday and may only be removed with the permission of the species superintendent. Terminal market animals and those being sent for processing or resale must remain until Sunday at 6:00 a.m. and can only be removed by approved and designated stock haulers. No livestock may be removed from the fairgrounds without the notification and consent of the livestock superintendent.
12. Exhibitor must walk their market project animal through the sale ring. Any exceptions mustbe approved by the superintendent and Fair Board Livestock Committee in advance of sale day.
13. Exhibitors from the following counties: Osceola, Lake, Newaygo, Montcalm, or Isabella must place all exhibits under the direction of Mecosta.
14. Stalls, stables, pens, and water are provided for livestock on the Fairgrounds. Exhibitors shall provide their livestock feed and straw or bedding.
15. The special rules will take precedence in a conflict between the various departments’ general and special rules.
16. Livestock must be fit to show and free of disease. The livestock superintendent will determine this before the animal gets off the trailer.
17. No animal without permission is allowed to leave the fairgrounds before the stated release time. If the animal is removed without permission, the exhibitor will lose all premiums, awards, and honors for that year and be ineligible to show and participate in the following year’s fair. The Fair Board may grant permission due to emergencies.
18. All youth animal exhibitors must follow the youth livestock general rules, MDARD rules, fair policies, and division rules.
19. All market animals need to be in place by designated weigh-in. Other animal exhibits (breed stock and showmanship) must be in place by designated check-in times listed for eachspecies.
20. Animal care and wellbeing remain the responsibility of the youth exhibitor until the animal isremoved from the fairgrounds. For each occurrence of neglect, 10 % will be taken from the livestock sale check. Project area superintendents will determine negligence after discussion with youthmembers.
21. Animals that the youth cannot control will be disqualified from the fair and sent home. Species superintendents and overall superintendent will make observations. They will notify club leaders if there is a member in their club who will be required to prove control of their animal. Members have until Tuesday evening of the fair week to demonstrate their capability. A walk will occur in the livestock arena for members whose control of their animals is questioned. If members cannot control the animal at that time, they will be disqualified, and the animal will be sent home.
22. Adult un-neutered male animals of beef, sheep, swine, and goats are not allowed for market showing. Classes are not offered for this group. Castrated animals must be free of alltesticular tissue and properly healed before coming to the fair.
23. Market animals will be given priority for available stall space.
24. All bovine species will be haltered and neck tied when tied in a stall.
25. Goat and sheep feed kept in the barn must be in a closed/ sealed container. The feed can be stored in tack trailers if in bags.
26. Refer to specie specific project guidelines for advice on showing livestock.
27. All members will be required to fit their animal(s) with verbal guidance from other Mecosta County youth members, parents, and leaders. Hands-on help will be allowed from other Mecosta County Youth and FFA members.
    • Absolutely NO outside professional/contracted help will be allowed.
    • Any member violating the fitting rules will automatically be placed last in their showmanship class. They will be allowed to show in confirmation class but may not be placed higher than fourth place.
28. All youth members are responsible for ensuring all assigned stalls are clean, ormembers will not receive premium checks from the fair board. Members will have until the last Sunday at noon of the fair to get them cleaned. They will be checked on the Sunday following the fair. All decorations, bedding, and manure must be removed.
29. Exhibitor stall cards must remain in livestock stalls until all animals in that barn have been loadedand trucked out, and stalls and cages cannot be cleaned until the animal is gone. Early removal of bedding is considered neglect.
30. Exhibitors are expected to be clean and neat in appearance in showing and selling their livestock project(s). Sale attire should be the same as show attire. Appropriate clothing and footwear mustbe worn in the show and sale rings.
31. Refer to MDARD Health Requirements for all livestock exhibited at Michigan Fairs found inthe Mecosta County Agricultural Free Fair Book. All livestock must meet standards outlined in the MDARD guidelines.
32. Every swine on the premises goes directly to slaughter via stock haulers. The Mecosta County Youth Livestock sale is considered a terminal sale for swine.
33. The final livestock weigh-in will be Sunday or Monday of fair week. Refer to the appropriate schedule for times. Any disputed animal weights must be re-weighed BEFORE LEAVING the SCALE AREA.
34. The Mecosta County Livestock sale is open to Mecosta County Youth members only who are appropriately registered in the Mecosta County MSU Extension office, are members in good standing, and follow livestock sale rules.
35. All livestock members planning to sell market animal(s) are required to meet one (1) educational requirement or 3 hours of community service (please check with the events Program Coordinator) and quality assurance guidelines as set forth by the MSU Extension office and Mecosta County YEAC. Members not meeting their educational requirements by 4:30 p.m. on June 1st will not be allowed to show or sell their market animal at the Mecosta County Livestock Sale, nor will they be allowed to show their animal at the Mecosta County Fair.
36. Project record books must be completed and submitted by 7:00 pm June 17th 2024 and have received an A or B premium for members to be eligible to sell. The club project leader of the species must also sign records.
37. Market animals cannot be shown in breed stock classes.
38. TB Policy for the current year – For Cattle and Goats All Cattle and goats must be identified with official identification before leaving the premises within the Modified Accredited Advanced Zone. Livestock Superintendents will check the animals to verify official identification and verify that the animals have met the testing requirements. Cattle, Goats, and Sheep that do not meet the guidelines will not unload and be sent home.
39. Youth members may sell only one finished steer: a dairy market beef or market beef at the Mecosta County Livestock Sale.
40. Each youth may sell up to four (4) market projects at the Mecosta County Livestock Auction (the above rules apply), one large project, three small projects, or four small projects. Large projects include dairy steers and beef steers. Small projects include swine, sheep, goats, dairy feeders, turkey, a pen of 3 chickens, a rabbit fryer, and a rabbit meat pen. Youth may enter one animal/pen per class except for sheep and goats. Exhibitors can sell two sheep or goats, which counts toward the four total projects. You may still bring one sheep or one goat if desired. If you bring two and they are in the same conformation class, another youth member of your choosing may help you show one animal. You may pick which market animal you want to show in showmanship. All swine are terminal and will be sold. Please contact the superintendent or the YEAC if you have any questions.
41. A member may register one (1) primary animal by the livestock registration deadline for their market livestock project. Family alternate (maximum of 1 per child) may also be tagged at that time. See project guidelines for specific rules that pertain to project animals.
42. All tagging deadlines will be enforced. No exceptions will be made for missed registration deadlines.
43. Animals must stay in designated areas and cannot be taken to the camping area.
44. Youth participants in the Mecosta county Livestock Auction will contribute 3% of their gross sale towards the educational events and activities necessary to maintain the livestock program.
45. All market animals weighed in at the fair but not going through the sale arena FOR ANY REASON must still pay for their photo and 3% commission of posted market weight. You must pay a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $100. This needs to be paid to the Mecosta County Fair Association within 30 days after the fair. If still outstanding by registration of the following fair deadline, you may not participate in that year’s fair until the outstanding bill is paid.
46. Ear tags will be purchased at designated beginning weigh-ins.
47. PROJECT ANIMAL CERTIFICATION: All livestock shall not have received any substance not approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for slaughter/breeding stock/exhibition animals. This includes but is not limited to diuretics, steroids, repartitioning agents, tranquilizers, and analgesics. Furthermore, concerning any drug, chemical, or feed additive approved by the FDA or USDA for slaughter animals, no illegal use of approved chemical/ compounds has taken place, and the applicable withdrawal period as recognized by the FDA has expired before shipping out of market livestock on any approved chemicals/compounds administered.

The Mecosta County Fair Board has legal authority to require testing under the Animal Industry Act, Act 466 of 1988, as amended, in Section 40(3): “A fair, exhibition, or show authority may require additional testing or vaccination of animals before entry and during the fair, exhibition, exposition or show.”

• The Mecosta County Fair Board shall reserve the right to test any or all livestock entered in the Mecosta County Fair.
• The Mecosta County Fair Board shall have the right to eject and ban anyone committing an infraction of the rules.
• The expense for drug testing shall go to the person(s) owning the animal(s) if the test result shows proof of improper use of drugs. Improper use means medicines that have not been prescribed for the specific animal in question or medicines that have not been administered correctly according to amounts and times specified by a veterinarian.
• If a protest is lodged and testing is required, and the test results do not show proof of improper use, drug test’s expense shall go to the person(s) protesting.
• Testing Procedure: All animals may be subject to blood, urine, milk, and tissue tests, and the Mecosta County Fair Board reserves the right to disqualify any animals, either alive or slaughtered, found in violation of the use of drugs, chemicals, or feed additives as described above. Disqualification will result in the placing(s) of the animal in question being voided; the forfeiture of any ribbons/trophies/special awards earned with the animal(s); the assessment of a fine against the total premiums due equal to the amount to the premium(s) earned with the animal(s); voiding of the sale(s) if the animal(s) has been sold in the Livestock Sale and the disbarment of the exhibitor from exhibiting at the Mecosta County Agricultural Free Fair for a period of three (3) years. Other animals will not be moved up in placing.
• A designated tester/veterinarian shall be allowed to draw any samples appropriate from the animal(s).

• Performed by a Veterinarian/authorized representative before the Fair
• Request the animal drug testing supplies from the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Laboratory Division at least thirty days before the event. See Contacts Sheet
• Note: The fair has legal authority to require drug testing under the Animal Industry Ace, Act 466of 1988, as amended, in section 40(3);” A fair, exhibition, exposition, or show authority may require additional testing or vaccination of animals before entry and during the fair, exhibition, presentation or show.” at the fair.
• Verify the animal you are about to test by identifying any tattoos, ear tags, or ear notches on the animal. Whenever possible, use USDA official identification vs. farm identification. Be sure to include this information on the “Sample Tag.”
• Present the container for examination to the animal representative/exhibitor, verifying with the animal representative that the security seal has not been previously broken. If the sample container is rejected, use another container and return the defective one to the laboratory.
• Note: The animal representative must remain with the animal during the sample collection process.
• Record the seal # in the top right box of the Sample Transmittal Packing List.
• Open the container by pressing upward on the open tab, breaking the seal.
• Place the container in the catching stick; fold the lid back and anchor it under the metal finger welded onto the handle.
• If a urine sample can not be obtained, a Michigan Licensed Veterinarian/Veterinarian Technician may collect five tubes of blood from the animal. Each blood tube must be identified with one of the six small sticker tabs provided on the “Sample Tag.” Place the five labeled blood tubes inside a plastic sample container and seal as described below.
• After collecting the sample, close the lid and snap it completely shut. Loop the barbed plastic strip on the sample container through the two holes in the container tabs and pull tight. Apply a short piece of evidence tape across the protruding end to the plastic barbed strip, across the lid, and down the sides of the container.
• Complete the information on the “Sample Tag,” substituting the name of the fair for “Track,” the name of the animal (Grand Champion Steer, etc.) for “Horse,” and the ear tag number or another; unique identification number for “Tattoo.” After the animal representative has watched the sample collection and sealing, they must sign under “Witness” on the “Sample Tag.” The person collecting the sample must sign under the “Sampled By” on the “Sample Tag.”
• Place one completed large sticker tag from the top of the “Sample Tag” on the top of the sample container over the evidence tape and the other completed large sticker tag on the side of the container. The remaining portion of the completed “Sample Tag” must be kept and NOT returned to the lab.
• Lock the sealed and labeled sample container in a metal can. Note: Once the can is locked, it cannot be opened until it reaches the lab.
• Samples must be kept secure and cold until transferred to the lab. Note: Urine may be frozen; blood must be kept refrigerated and never frozen.
• The veterinarians/vet technician should place any discarded needles in an approved “sharps” container by the veterinarians/ vet technician.
• When all sample collection has been completed, fill out the “Sample Transmittal Packing List.”
• The packing list must identify the tag number of all samples included in the case. Enclose the completed “Sample Transmittal Packing List,” any unused supplies and regenerated/refrozen packs in the case, and seal it with the provided intact case seal.
• After Sample Collection is Completed, transport samples to the lab either in person or by overnight express, arrange samples to arrive at the lab during regular business hours (7:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday). The lab is located on the campus of Michigan State University at 1615 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48823.
• Collect and retain the remaining portion of the completed “Sample Tag.” Note: This document should be kept in a secure place for cross-reference when sample results are received. In a positive outcome, that document must be kept as evidence.

1. Judges will be appointed or hired by the Fair Board.
2. No person will be permitted to interfere with the Judge while performing their examination duty. The decision of the judge is final in all placing.
3. Premium awards will be designated as follows: ADULT AND YOUTH CLASS will be judged 1st, 2nd, and 3rd or under the Danish System, receiving A, B, and C ratings.

First Place Award – Blue Ribbon; Second Place Award – Red Ribbon; Third Place Award – White Ribbon

Showmanship Premiums: 1st $7, 2nd $6, 3rd $5 4th $4, 5th – 10th $3

Showmanship Class Descriptions:

• Cloverbud Showmanship (5-7)
• Beginner Showmanship (ages 6-8)
• Junior Showmanship (ages 9-12)
• Intermediate (ages 13-15)
• Senior Showmanship (ages 16 – 19)

Other Class Premiums :(Danish System). A $5, B $3, C $1

Premium checks will be mailed to the exhibitor. Premiums may be pro-rated.

When satisfactory evidence has been obtained that a rule (s) or expectations (s) have been violated or fraud and deception have occurred in association with exhibiting in the fair, any following actions may be taken. Should fraud or deception be discovered PRIOR TO FINAL PLACING BY THE JUDGE, the exhibit will be declared ineligible to show. The exhibitor will be required to remove the exhibit(s) in question from the fairgrounds. Should the fraud or deception be discovered AFTER AN EXHIBIT(S) HAS BEEN JUDGED, the placing(s) will be voided, and the exhibitor is required to remove the exhibit(s) in question from the Fairgrounds. In case of fraud or deception discovered after MARKET LIVESTOCK has been judged and before the sale in the appropriate Market Livestock Sale, the placing(s) will be voided, AND the animal(s) in question not be permitted to sell in the sale. The exhibitor may be required to remove the market animal(s) in question from the Fairgrounds or be subject to isolation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

If fraud or deception is discovered AFTER a MARKET ANIMAL (S) HAS BEEN SOLD, in the Market Livestock Sale, the monies associated as a reward (any funds above the market support price) shall be removed from the total sale price of the exhibit and retained by the sale sponsor as a penalty for the action. The money provided to the member will be that of the day’s going market value as determined by a joint decision of the involved superintendent and the Fair Board Livestock Committee.

Other animals will not be moved up in placing. Suppose any award(s) have already been awarded. In that case, the Fair Board Livestock Committee will require said exhibitor(s) to refund all premiums, trophies, awards, ribbons, and sale money under the assessed penalty.

Exhibitors, leaders, and parents compelled to bring a rules violation complaint against a given member(s) will be required to complete and sign a Rules Violation Complaint Form stating the reasons and alleged grounds for registering the complaint. All forms must be filed within 24 hours of the suspected violation.

Drug-related complaints require the complainant to deposit a sum equal to the amount needed for investigation, documentation, examinations, and tests as prescribed, not to exceed $250, but not less than $50. The YEA Committee will then have the vet on call examine and test the animal and relate the test results to the Fair Management and the Department of Ag.

If the complaint is sustained, the deposit shall be returned to the complainant, and the defendant will be accessed the sum of money required. If the protest is not supported, the deposit shall be forfeited.

Any member(s) against whom a rules violation complaint has been filed will have the right to read the complaint form. The YEA Committee reserves the right to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to merit further action.

Due Process: In the question of a rule(s) violation in association with exhibiting in the fair, the following due process will be used:

1. The Livestock Superintendent, the YEA Committee, and the Extension Agent will question the exhibitor and parties involved regarding the alleged rule violation(s). Any party may submit statements and evidence.
2. The vet on call will examine and, if they feel it is necessary, will do a blood, urine, or tissue test to determine if the animal in question has illegal drugs or has legal drugs in its system that exceed the accepted able levels established by the USDA, the FDA, the FARAD and EPA.
3. If it is found that a rule(s) violation has occurred, the YEA Committee will decide the ruling. If, for reasons of further inequity, a decision regarding a rules violation claim cannot be rendered until some future time following the Fair, all parties involved will be notified by certified mail with a return receipt from the YEA Committee
4. All parties involved will have the right to present their cases as to why he/she/they feel the penalty (ies) should be reconsidered.
5. All parties involved will be notified in writing within seven (7) business days after a final test result by certified mail with return receipt of the YEA Committee’s decision regarding the appeal.

Youth Livestock members, who intend to show any project at theMecosta County Agricultural Free Fair, are required to fulfill a minimum of one educational requirement each year, 3 hours of community service, and attend one Junior Fair Board meeting (Before the Fair Meeting does not count). (Please check with the Program Coordinator or YEA Committee with any questions you have and activities that you are doing)

Youth Livestock members must complete one of the following (as offered).

Guidelines for educational requirements are as follows:

• Do a poster project to be entered at the fair about your specific species.
• Attend a Mecosta County Livestock Educational Clinic.
• Attend any livestock event/workshop sponsored by Michigan State University or Michigan State University Extension.
• Complete/pass an Animal Science or Ag Science Class
• Attend a breed stock or breed association event
• County MSU Extension sponsored educational clinics and shows.
• Participate in livestock or jackpot shows beyond the county level.

The livestock member is responsible for informing the Extension Office when they have completed and met their education requirement by turning in an Educational Tracking sheet to Extension Office signed by the member, their parent, and their livestock club leader.

Educational tracking sheets are available online or from the Extension Office (see links on the front page).

Educational Requirements must be completed, and tracking sheets submitted to the Mecosta County MSU Extension Office by 7 p.m. on June 17, 2024.

Members continuing to exhibit post graduation year must also complete two additional requirements as follows:

• 2o hours of community service at the fairgrounds
• Mentor a beginning youth exhibitor
• Give an educational presentation (coordinate schedule and location with YAC)
• Present an educational session at the spring clinic
• Independent project (Approved and coordinated with the YAC)

Educational Posters done in place of educational requirements are due by 4:30 p.m. June 1st and will be viewed by a committee to determine they have met a quality standard. If the poster or book has not completed the appropriate quality standard, the youth will be notified and have one week to correct and return the sign. If the poster or text is not fixed, the poster will not count toward an educational requirement.

Failure to meet a livestock educational requirement will result in the youth member not showing or selling their livestock projects at the fair.

All educational and community service requirements must be met beyond attendance at regular club meetings. Every youth, ages 6-19, planning to show and sell livestock (any species covered in these guidelines) must attend at least one (1) Junior Fair Board Meeting per year to show and sell a livestock project (any species covered in this handbook) at the current year’s Mecosta County Fair. The pre or post-fair meeting does not count as an attended meeting. The only exceptions are custody and college travel of more than an hour.