General Rules for Michigan Livestock Expo 2011

1. The Michigan Livestock Expo is open to all Michigan youth between the ages of 8 and 21. Age will be considered as of January 1 of the show year.
2. All market animals must be owned by the exhibitor. Ownership dates are set forth by individual species and outlined in their respective rules. Ownership means in possession of, cared for, the responsibility of. Ownership will be considered lost if the animal has been consigned or sold through an auction, even if the exhibitor buys back his/her animal or any other transaction after the final pre-entry identification date set forth by each species. Ownership will be considered lost if the animal is exhibited by another family at any other show. All animals identified, pre-entered and shown in the Michigan Livestock Expo must be housed in the state of Michigan for the duration of the project.
3. In the event that animals are not housed at the same location as the exhibitor's home address, the name, address and relationship of the person whose facilities the animals are housed at must be listed on the MLE registration form. Exhibitors must also clearly indicate the reason for alternative housing.
4. Show management reserves the right, at any time, to verify ownership of animals. Animals not perceived by management to be in the ownership and care of the exhibitor will be disqualified. Management reserves the right to refuse future entries from any exhibitor or their family for rule violation.
5. Official pre-entry identification deadlines and procedures will be established by each species. Those not meeting or adhering to the deadlines will not be eligible to show. Verification of identification will occur at the show, show management reserves the right to disqualify any animal that they believe to be a different animal than originally identified for the show. Each animal must have animal identification and DNA submitted by the deadline indicated in respective specie rules. Submission of DNA and pre-entry identification does not constitute entry into the show. You must also fill out and submit an entry form.
6. Tagging by family is allowed. Family means immediate family member; brother or sister living at the same residence.
7. Health requirements for exhibition will be set forth by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Visit the official Michigan Department of Agriculture website or click on Health Requirements link of the Michigan Livestock Expo website.
8. DNA testing and drug testing may be performed by show management. Any animal found to be in violation will be disqualified. Any animal containing drugs, illegal substances and/or tampered with will be disqualified. Any monies awarded to the individual, including sale proceeds will be forfeited. Owners of the animals selected for the sale will be required to sign a sales agreement, in advance of the sale, in which they agree to adhere to this rule.
9. The Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion from each species will be chosen for the sale and must sell. There will be additional entries from each species included in the sale. The number of animals and how they are chosen are outlined in the respective species rules. There will be caps placed on the maximum amount that the owner can receive from the sale. The remainder will be placed into a fund to be utilized for scholarships, educational awards and show expenses. Commissions will be deducted from the sale price of the entries in the sale. The amount will be determined based upon whether or not the sales cap is reached. The amount will not exceed 10%.
10. Where Great Lakes Grand's (Michigan Bred Breed animals) are shown the exhibitor must present show management with the registration paper at the required time. Lamb classes will be classified by an official classifier to determine breed eligibility. Champion Great Lakes Grand Bred Breed Animal (Michigan Bred Breed animal) means that the dam was owned by, bred by, housed by and cared for by only a Michigan breeder from the time of insemination. Additional rules can apply on a per specie basis.
11. Where a Great Lakes Grand Crossbred Champion (Michigan Bred Crossbred Animal) is shown an affidavit signed by both the exhibitor AND the Michigan breeder must be presented to show management at the time required. The dam must have been owned by, bred by, housed by and cared for by only a Michigan breeder at the time of insemination. Additional rules can apply on a per specie basis.
12. Any falsification of rules 9 or 10 will eliminate the exhibitor and all family members from future participation in the Michigan Livestock Expo.
13. This is not a terminal show. Any animals that are not chosen for the sale are released from the show to the exhibitor at the conclusion of competition.
14. Exhibitors must show their own animals. In the event an exhibitor has more than one animal showing at the exact same time a request may be made to show management for a substitute show person. Substitute show person must be another registered exhibitor and participating in the Michigan Livestock Expo.
15. Exhibitors chosen for the sale must sell their own animals. If there is a conflict, the exhibitor may seek a waiver from show management. If a waiver is not sought and the animal is sold by someone else, the proceeds will be forfeited to the scholarship fund.
16. An exhibitor can only be chosen for the sale once per species. Sale is terminal and all sale animals will be harvested and transported under the supervision of show management.
17. Only wood by-products may be used for bedding, (i.e. shavings or bark). NO STRAW.
18. All animals must be stalled in the facilities provided. NO SHOWING OUT OF TRAILERS.
19. Exhibitors are responsible for weighing their own animals. A time will be designated by each by species as to when weigh cards must be turned in.
20. Exhibitors will adhere to a national code of show ring ethics.
21. No pets will be permitted on the grounds of the Michigan Livestock Expo.
22. Any damage, loss or injury caused to the grounds, another exhibitor or their exhibits will be the liability of the person(s) causing the damage. The Michigan Livestock Expo and associated show management shall in no way be held responsible for the damage or injury caused.
23. Final entry deadline is June 15. All entries must be postmarked by this date or a late fee will apply and must be paid before the exhibitor will be allowed to participate. Tagging dates, DNA submission and pre-entry deadlines are set forth by specie and outlined in their respective specie rules. Exhibitors must submit identification and DNA by the deadlines spelled out in respective specie rules. No late pre-entries or DNA submission will be accepted.
24. All animals brought to the Michigan Livestock Expo must continue to be exhibited until they are no longer eligible for sale selection. No sale eligible animal may pull from the show until all animals have been selected for the sale in that specie. The exception to this rule is outlined in rule #16.
25. Violation of any of these rules may result in disqualification of current and future Michigan Livestock Expos and/or disciplinary actions as determined by Michigan Livestock Expo management and leadership.

PROCEDURE TO FILE A COMPLAINT

1. An exhibitor or patron may make a formal written protest to the show management accompanied by an affidavit setting forth the grounds for the protest. A formal protest against an exhibition of either animals or exhibitor shall be filed at least 12 hours before the show starts. The show management shall hear the protest and immediately recommend an action to be taken before the showing. A formal protest against an award must be made within 6 hours following the show and shall be considered by the show management. The show chairman shall notify interested parties and give parties an opportunity to submit evidence before a final decision.
2. A person making a formal protest shall deposit a sum of $100.00. If the protest is sustained the deposit shall be returned to the complainant and if it is not sustained the deposit shall be forfeited to the Michigan Livestock Expo.
3. An exhibitor against whom a protest has been filed shall have the right to read the statement of protest.
4. Show management decisions are final.

SHOWMANSHIP

Showmanship competitions will be offered in each species. Exhibitors must use their own animal for showmanship. Any rule violation will be grounds for disqualification from showmanship. Showmanship classes will be divided by age as follows:

8-11 years old, 12-14 years old, 15- 17 years old, 18- 21 years old

The top ten in each age group will be placed and recognized. A champion overall showman will be chosen in each specie.

MARKET CLASSES

Market classes and their associated rules will be determined by a committee representing each individual species. Market classes may be shown by breed, weight or a combination thereof.

GOAT RULES

1. There is no limit to the number of animals an exhibitor may show.
2. All entries must be wethers.
3. All goats must be identified with official USDA Identification. A USDA scrapie tag meets this requirement.
4. All goats must be pre-entered by May 15th.
5. Pre-entries must include hair samples (hair samples must contain follicles) and official USDA tag number. DNA samples and official USDA tags are required for all goat pre-entries. DNA samples (hair follicle including root) must be submitted on each animal by May 15. Hair sample should be sealed in a plastic Ziploc bag with USDA Scrapie Tag Number, Premise ID number and goat information/identification clearly written on the outside of the bag. Use a different Ziploc bag for each animal. DNA and animal information must be submitted with the Goat Pre-Registration Form. No substitutions will be allowed.
6. Weight limits. There is a minimum 50 pound weight limit to be eligible. There is no maximum weight. Each exhibitor will be responsible for weighing in their own animal. First and second place animals in each class will be reweighed and must be within 5 pounds of their show weight. Animals over or under the 5 pound allotment will be disqualified. All animals chosen for the sale must meet re-weigh requirements. Should an animal weigh outside the guidelines set forth, the animal will be removed from scale, scale will be balanced and the animal will be immediately re-weighed. This weight will be the official and final weight.
7. Goats with visible signs of fungus, prolapsed or sore mouth will not be allowed to exhibit.
8. No training spike collars will be allowed or used at the show.
9. Animals with testicles, portions of testicles or yearling teeth will be disqualified.
10. Horns are optional.
11. There will be a maximum of 3 divisions with the overall Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion being chosen from those 3 divisions.
12. A Great Lakes Grand Fullblood (Grand Champion Bred Michigan Fullblood) and a Great Lakes Grand (Champion Michigan Bred Percentage) goat will be chosen.
13. The Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion will be sold.
14. A total of four goats will be chosen for the sale. These will include Overall Grand and Reserve Champions, Great Lakes Grand Fullblood and Percentage. In an event where one goats hold more than one of the above mentioned titles, additional goats will be selected to fill the 4 sale spots

MARKET BEEF RULES

1. There is no limit to the number of animals an exhibitor may show.
2. Steers must be owned, in possession, and pre-entered for the show by March 1. Pre-entries must be postmarked by March 1st. All beef pre-entries must include hair samples (hair samples must contain follicles) and official RFID tag. DNA samples and RFID tags are required for all beef entries. DNA samples (hair follicle including root) must be submitted on each animal by March 1. Hair sample should be sealed in a plastic Ziploc bag with RFID Tag Number, exhibitor name and beef information/identification (animal color description) clearly written on the outside of the bag. Use a different Ziploc bag for each animal. The Beef Pre-Registration Form must be submitted with DNA sample. No substitutions will be allowed
3. Animals showing in the breed classes must have registration papers in the exhibitors name by May 1 of the current show year.
4. The following grooming practices are PROHIBITED:

- Using any substance to enhance or change the color to the cattle, including cattle's hair, hide or hooves.
- Adding any substance externally to build up, change or alter the shape or conformation of the cattle, including by way of example, but not limited to rope, false hair, graphite, hemp and powders.
- Pigmented grooming aides or materials - Any product which changes, enhances or alters the natural color of an animal will not be permitted. (Including but not limited to paints, dye, powder, non clear adhesive, foam or shoe polish)
- Any attempt to disrupt or change the normal dental development of an animal
- Any substances administered internally or externally to alter the conformation of the animal are prohibited.
- No forced administration of fluids are allowed
- The show committee may adopt and implement various tests designed to monitor this prohibition, including but not limited to, a towel or glove test to check for coloring agents. No aerosol cans or other pressurized containers will be allowed in designated line up areas.

5. Weighing procedure will be as follows:

-There will be no official weigh in
-Market animals will be shown by declared weight
-Declared weight must be turn into Superintendent by designated time
-Once weight cards are turned in there will be no changing of weight
-1st, 2nd and 3rd place animals in each class will be re-weighed immediately following the class.
-A 5% variance will be allowed from declared weight
-Animals exceeding the 5% variance will be disqualified from show and all other animals will move up one place.

Should an animal weigh outside the guidelines set forth, the animal will be removed from scale, scale will be balanced and the animal will be immediately re-weighed. There is a maximum allowance of two times across the scale immediately following the class. This weight will be the official and final weight. All animals considered for the sales will also be re-weighed prior to the overall Championship Drive. There is a maximum allowance of two times across the scale if the 5% variance is not met.

6. Cattle will be shown by the breeds listed in the premium book. There must be a minimum of two animals entered and shown in order for there to be a class for that respective breed. In the event there is not a class offered for the given breed or the 2 head requirement is not met, the animal(s) will be shown in an AORB class. If 2 head of a particular breed not listed in the premium book have been exhibited for 2 consecutive years, that respective breed will be added to premium book in order to offer that breed class in the premium book on the 3rd year.
7. There will be a Great Lakes Grand Registered Breed Steer (Champion Michigan Bred Registered Market Beef Animal) and a Great Lakes Grand Champion Crossbred Steer (Champion Michigan Bred Crossbred Market Beef Animal) selected. See General Rules for eligibility to these classes.
8. Overall Grand and Reserve Champions, Great Lakes Bred Registered Breed Champion, Great Lakes Bred Crossbred Champion and those chosen for sale selection must be sold in the livestock auction.
9. Sale Selection: Eight beef will be chosen for the sale: Overall Grand Champion, Overall Reserve Grand Champion, Great Lakes Grand Registered, Great Lakes Grand Crossbred and 4 additional sale animals. Animals may hold more than one title. If a market beef holds more than one title, additional sale cattle will be chosen for the sale until a total of eight is reached.
10. Each breed will select a Champion, Reserve and Alternate. The top five Crossbreds overall will be chosen. Only those animals holding one of the aforementioned spots/titles will be eligible for the Sale.
11. Only suspended fans will be allowed and no more than one per 3 head.
12. Generators are allowed only on show day in designated area.
13. Animals with testicles or portions of testicles will be disqualified and all monies forfeited.
14. Cattle are allowed to be in tie-outs from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m.

SHEEP RULES

1. There is no limit to the number of animals an exhibitor may show
2. Open to wether and ewe lambs.
3. Lambs must be owned, in possession, and pre-entered for the show by May 15. Pre-entries must be postmarked by May 15th. All Lamb Pre-entries must include hair samples (hair samples must contain follicles) and official USDA ear tag (scrapie tag). DNA samples and official USDA tags are required for all lamb entries. DNA samples (hair follicle including root) must be submitted on each animal by May 15. Hair sample should be sealed in a plastic Ziploc bag with USDA Scrapie Tag Number, Premise ID number, lamb information/identification and exhibitor name must be clearly written on the outside of the bag. Use a different Ziploc bag for each animal. The Premise Identification Number and individual animal number DNA and animal information must be submitted with the Lamb Pre-Registration Form. No substitutions will be allowed
4. No late pre-registrations allowed
5. Lambs with visible signs of prolapse, fungus, or sore mouth will not be allowed to exhibit or show.
6. Lambs with testicles or yearling teeth will be disqualified and all monies forfeited.
7. Lambs must be slick shorn within 5 days prior to check-in. No butt wool.
8. No muzzles.
9. No coloring agents are allowed, including but not limited to: any product which changes, enhances or alters the natural color of an animal such as paints, dye, powder, non clear adhesive, foam or shoe polish.
10. All lambs must proceed through check-in activities that will include health check, USDA ear tag check, breed classification, submit Michigan Bred Affidavit (if applicable), and breed registration paper presentation (if applicable). Lambs will be reviewed for breed classification by an official at check-in. If the exhibitor does not agree with the classification, he/she can withdraw entry from the show, but fees paid will not be returned. The decision of the breed classifier will be final.
11. Lambs will be shown in classes by breed and weight. Declared minimum show weight limit is 95 pounds. No upper limit
12. Weighing procedure will as follows:

-There will be no official weigh in
-Market animals will be shown by declared weight
-Once weight cards are turned in there will be not changing weight
-Declared weight in be turned into Superintendent at the designated time
-Top 3 animals in each class re-weighed in the show ring
-A 5 lb. variance (plus or minus) will be allowed from declared weight
-Should an animal weigh outside the guidelines set forth, the animal will be removed from scale, scale will be balanced and the animal will be immediately re-weighed. This weight will be the official and final weight.
-Animals exceeding the 5 lb variance will be disqualified from show and all other animals will move up one place.
-1st & 2nd place winners will also be re-weighed prior to Championship Class

13. When lambs are being judged, they must have all 4 feet on the ground. No slapping will be tolerated.
14. There will be a Great Lakes Grand Breed Champion (Michigan Bred Breed Champion) and a Great Lakes Grand Crossbred Champion (Michigan Bred Crossbred Lamb) selected. See General Rules for eligibility to these classes.
15. Overall Grand and Reserve Champions, Michigan Bred Purebred Champion, Michigan Bred Champion and those presented for sale selection must be sold in the livestock auction.
16. Eight lambs will be chosen for the sale: Overall Grand Champion, Overall Reserve Grand Champion, Great Lakes Grand Purebred, Great Lakes Grand Crossbred, and 4 sale animals. Animals may hold more than one title. If a lamb holds more than one title additional sale lambs will be chosen for the sale until a total of eight is reached
17. Each breed will select a Champion, Reserve and Alternate. There will be three Cross-bred divisions where each will select a Champion, Reserve and Alternate. Only those animals holding one of the aforementioned titles will be eligible for the sale.

SWINE RULES

1. There is no limit to the number of animals an exhibitor may show.
2. Pigs must be owned, in the exhibitor's possession and pre-entered by May 15th. The animals must remain in the exhibitor's possession from set date forward.
3. All swine pre-entries must include hair samples (hair samples must contain follicles), ear notch numbers and breed. Notches should be uniform, healed, and match the entry form. Any questionable notches will not be allowed to show. DNA samples and ear notches are required for all swine Pre-entries. DNA samples (hair follicle including root) must be submitted on each animal by May 15. Hair sample should be sealed in a plastic Ziploc bag with individual pig information/identification (ear notch and pig description) and exhibitor name must be clearly written on the outside of the bag. Use a different Ziploc bag for each animal. DNA and animal information should be submitted with the Swine Pre-Registration Form. No substitutions will be allowed
4. All youth exhibitors must be certified in the youth PQA program or be certified in the PQA Plus program for youth over age 18. The exhibitor is responsible for including PQA information on the swine registration form.
5. Weight limit: 230lbs to 290lbs. All animals' weights will be divided into equal size classes. If an exhibitor's animal does not meet weight requirements they will still be allowed to compete in showmanship with that animal providing that they have no other animals that are eligible for the show.
6. Purebred hogs must present pedigrees in the name(s) of the exhibitor(s) as the owner at time of check in. Farm names will not be allowed. ie. John Doe and Family is not allowed, the animal must be in the youth's name.
7. Breed validation and ear notch matching will take place by exhibitors bringing their purebred entries and pedigrees to the show ring and checked by show management at a specified time.
8. Barrows and gilts will show by gender for crossbreds only. Purebred barrows and gilts will be shown together.
9. Weighing procedures will be as follows:

-There will be no official weigh in
-Market animals will be shown by declared weight
-Once weight cards are turned in there will be no changing weight
-Declared weight must be turned into Superintendent by designated time
-Top 3 animals in each class will be re-weighed
-A 15 lb. variance (plus or minus) will be allowed from declared weight
-Should an animal weigh outside the guidelines set forth, the animal will be removed from scale, scale will be balanced and the animal will be immediately re-weighed. This weight will be the official and final weight.
-Animals exceeding the 15 lb variance will be disqualified from show and all other animals will move up one place.
- After a pig has been weighed in class it will not be weighed again.

10. There will be a Great Lakes Grand Purebred/Registered Swine and a Great Lakes Grand Crossbred Swine selected. See General Rules for eligibility to these classes.
11. Overall Grand and Reserve Champions, Great Lakes Grand Purebred Champion, Great Lakes Grand CrossbredChampion and those chosen for sale selection must be sold in the livestock auction.
12. Each breed will select a Champion, Reserve and Alternate. There will be a Champion, Reserve and Alternate selected in the Crossbred gilt and barrow divisions. Only those animals holding one of the aforementioned titles will be eligible for the sale.
13 No base market or transportation to market will be provided on non-auction animals.
14. No clipping in the barn.
15. No exhibitor scales are allowed.
16. Only water or designated Swine show products may be used on hogs.
17. Swine with testicles or portions of testicles will be disqualified and all monies forfeited.

FEES

Pre-Entry fees on a per head basis will be charged at the time of DNA and identification submission and or tagging. There will be a separate stall/pen fee which will be paid when entries are made.

Tagging/Registration fees are as follows:		Stall/pen fees are as follows:
Cattle: $15.00		Cattle $25.00
Sheep: $15.00		Sheep $15.00
Swine: $15.00		Swine $15.00
Goats: $15.00		Goats $15.00
Due at deadline specified by species		Due on June 15

DNA and tag information does not constitute entry into the show. Exhibitors must submit entry forms and penning needs on the "Entry Form" by June 15.

SALE CAPS

The Michigan Livestock Expo will conduct a sale for the animals that are chosen from the respective species. All animals chosen for the sale must be sold. All sale animals are terminal. A cap will be placed on all sale animals. Any sale amount over the cap will be placed in the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund and will be utilized for educational awards, scholarships and show expenses. The caps are as follows:

Overall Champion market beef: $20,000
Overall Reserve Champion market beef: $10,000
Overall Champion market hog: $10,000
Overall Reserve Champion market hog: $5,000
Overall Champion market lamb: $10,000
Overall Reserve Champion market lamb: $5,000
Overall Champion market goat: $3,000
Overall Reserve Champion market goat: $2,000
Great Lakes Grand cattle: $8,000
Great Lakes Grand hogs: $3,000
Great Lakes Grand sheep: $3,000
Great Lakes Grand goat: $1,500
Showcase beef: $4,000
Showcase hogs and sheep: $2,000
Showcase goats: $1,000
Item Representing the Supreme Champion Dairy Showman: $1000
Item Representing the Supreme Champion Dairy Cow: $500
Item Representing the Supreme Champion Heifer: $500