1. The Livestock Skillathon will be conducted prior to the Fair for the following Junior Fair Departments: Beef Breeding, Beef Feeders, Hancock County Calf Club Steers, Born & Raised Finished Beef, Independent Steers, Ag Credit Dairy Steers, Ag Credit Dairy Feeders, Dairy Cattle, Dogs (Obedience/Grooming & Handling), Draft Horse, Horse & Pony, Llamas, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep, and Swine.

2. All interviews will be graded A, B, or C. The interview will count for 51% of the exhibitor grade. The grade received in the show ring will count for 49% of the grade. Premiums will be paid on the final grade for each entry/exhibit.

3. All Livestock Exhibitors must complete a Skillathon. If unable to attend, the exhibitor must attend a Make-up Skillathon prior to August 1 of the current year. Exhibitor will not be paid a premium if Skillathon has not been completed. Any exhibitor not completing the Skillathon will not be permitted to sell their livestock through the sale ring on sale day. Those animals may be sold at market bid.

4. Each department and age division will announce outstanding scores, and ribbons will be awarded during each department show. Only those attending the scheduled Livestock Skillathon will be eligible for the Outstanding Score. (Only exceptions will be for those members participating in 4-H or FFA State Trip, or State Fair Competition on that date.)

5. Each department will conduct a Skillathon consisting of four (4) stations. Each station will have a task to perform or solve. The exhibitor and facilitator (judge) will discuss the task.

6. Each station will be scored separately. The Skillathon score will be a total score of all stations. Stations may vary each year.

7. Possible Stations:
(a) Breed identification & traits
(b) Meat cuts
(c) Parts identification
(d) Equipment
(e) Structure identification
(f) Feed identification & knowledge
(g) Quality assurance

8. Appropriate Livestock records are required for each project. Most FFA & 4-H project books include record pages. Records from website are also acceptable. If no completed book and records are presented, a lower skillathon score will result.

9. Ages will be determined as of January 1 of current year:
Senior – ages 15 & older
Intermediate – ages 12-14
Junior – ages 8-11

10. All skillathon make-ups must be completed and reported to the Jr. Fair Coordinator by closing time on August 1 of the current year.

2006 Donors: Jr. Fair Board

4-H & FFA Skillathon Dates:
July 23, 2007 – beginning at 1:00 pm
Location: Hancock County Fairgrounds

Make-up Skillathon Date:
July 31, 2007
Call the Junior Fair Office
419-423-1373 to make an appointment
Location: Hancock County Agricultural Service Center