Ethics
Nebraska 4-H livestock programs strive to create an atmosphere that encourages good character, accountability and ethical decision making. The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) National Code of Show Ring Ethics (see State Fair Premium Book, General Livestock Rules) outlines a number of specific guidelines for all exhibitors and others involved with 4-H livestock projects.
In summary, these guidelines expect the following:
- Exhibitors: Exhibitors of animals at livestock shows shall at all times conduct themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Exhibitors 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 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 that they impose on the local, county, state, provincial and national levels.
- Leaders: All 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. Parents, owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers, and responsible persons who violate the code of ethics will forfeit 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 further competition.
Establishing a System
The County Extension staff is responsible for establishing a system to assist families in completing the livestock animal identification/nomination process, Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training, examination for horsemanship levels in the county and maintaining an accurate record in 4HOnline. The County Extension staff is also responsible for certifying that the animals being entered in 4-H shows are properly identified and listed on identification and nomination records.
Certifying Eligibility
The County Extension staff is also responsible for certifying the eligibility (age, 4-H membership, YQCA training) of 4-H members for exhibiting at Extension sponsored shows.
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA)
As indicated above, County Extension staff are responsible for establishing a system for livestock quality assurance training in the county utilizing the YQCA program (through either online, face-to-face, or a hybrid of both). Training should be tracked using 4HOnline as outlined by the State 4-H Office. YQCA programs are designed to help youth understand the responsibilities involved in raising livestock for food and are encouraged to implement good management practices by the youth and/or family members to be consistent with YQCA practices. YQCA training is mandatory for all exhibitors of livestock, or food-producing livestock animal projects (beef, sheep, swine, goat, dairy cattle, dairy goat, poultry, and rabbit) at county and state level events. This applies for youth in classic 4-H programs (ages 8 – 19) and for State Fair exhibitors.
- Testing of Animals: Through YQCA training and awareness of ethical standards, all exhibitors, families, and leaders should recognize the potential consequences to the food chain and to the image of youth livestock programs should an animal exhibit be presented with any type of residue or tampering. Thus, animals shall be presented to show events where they will enter the food chain free of volatile drug residues. The act of entering an animal in a livestock show gives of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer and/or 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 entered in an event which does not culminate 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.
- Ethic Affidavits and Statements of Disclosure: To comply with federal guidelines and/or requirements of specific livestock processing facilities, exhibitors at shows which are terminal or have any harvest options (i.e., the animals enter the food chain at the conclusion of the show) must complete a statement of disclosure or ethics affidavit. This ethics affidavit indicates that (1) if animal health products have been used, it has been done in accordance with all USDA and FDA rules, (2) other federal regulations regarding specific feeds (i.e., use of ruminant derived byproducts) have been followed, and (3) the exhibitors agree that entries may be screened for any violation of these rules. Some livestock processing facilities may require additional documentation of adherence to these rules. Completion of an ethics affidavit or statement of disclosure is also highly recommended for animals entered in shows that are not terminal, including breeding and dairy animals.
Clover Kids (County Level Only)
Please refer to Section 7.8 in the 4-H Policy & Procedures Handbook for additional information on the 4-H Clover Kid Program.
Equine Limited Liability Law
Please refer to Section 16.1.1 in the 4-H Policy & Procedures Handbook for additional information on the Equine Limited Liability Law.