It is the expectation that junior livestock exhibitors at the N.C. State Fair be involved in the care and management of their livestock projects for at least the minimum of the timeframe outlined in the premium book. This period concludes when the livestock are released from the fairgrounds after they are shown at the N.C. State Fair.
It is the expectation that all junior exhibitors follow the IAFE Code of Show Ring Ethics contained in the on-line NC State Fair Livestock rules. All individuals working with junior exhibitors are under an affirmative responsibility to do more than avoid improper conduct or questionable acts. This affirmative responsibility falls on not only the junior exhibitor, but also owners, fitters, trainers and other responsible persons.
Livestock exhibited by a junior exhibitor are expected to be housed at the exhibitor’s home or family farm. If that is not possible, the livestock should be housed within the county the exhibitor resides in or an adjoining county (in North Carolina) readily accessible to the exhibitor. FFA Chapters and 4-H Clubs may house animals at one location for their members, so long as exhibitors are integrally involved in the care of the animals as set forth above.
Junior livestock may be exhibited out-of-state during the time periods set forth above as long as the livestock is exhibited by the North Carolina junior exhibitor and in the name of that junior exhibitor.
In order to confirm compliance with any of the above requirements, it may be necessary for NCDA&CS officials and/or others acting on their behalf to perform unannounced spot checks on nominated livestock at the location where they are housed. By entering livestock to be shown at the N.C. State Fair, exhibitors must obtain the necessary permission from the property owner allowing NCDA&CS officials and/or others acting on their behalf to come on their property and check on the nominated livestock.
If a complaint is filed against an exhibitor and/or in order to confirm compliance with any of the above requirements, it may be necessary for NCDA&CS officials and/or others acting on their behalf to conduct investigations, including but not limited to, meetings, interviews and document review. By entering livestock to be shown at the N.C. State Fair, exhibitors agree to cooperate and participate in any investigation conducted by NCDA&CS officials and/or others acting on their behalf related to the livestock entries at the 2020 N.C. State Fair.
