Quality Assurance Opportunities – UPDATED

Updated! Peebles High School test out date has changed to April 30.

All Junior Fair exhibitors of beef, dairy, goat, poultry, rabbits, sheep and swine projects must annually attend a qualifying Quality Assurance program or meet age-appropriate test out requirements on an Ohio Quality Assurance test at least 45 days before the start of the fair of the current year in order to exhibit their projects at the Adams County Fair.

The following opportunities are available in Adams County in 2024:

 

Members age 12 & up as of January 1 may test out of Quality Assurance. Tests will be administered at the dates and times listed and members must receive a 70% or higher to pass.

Quality assurance must be completed no later than May 22, 2024. If members choose to do the online YQCA training, they must provide a copy of the certifiate to the Extension office by emailing rowe.316@osu.edu.

 

Market Beef Tag In January 13

4-H and FFA market beef projects being raised for the 2024 Adams County Fair must be ear tagged and weighed at the fairgrounds on Saturday morning, January 13, beginning at 8:30 a.m. All animals must be on the fairgrounds and in line no later than 10:00 a.m. Animals identified for the Adams County Fair will be tagged, weighed, and tattooed. Animals designated as Adams County Born and Raised show entries will also need to bring the completed nomination form to submit at tag-in. No Born and Raised entries will be accepted after tag-in.

Youth may identify and exhibit as many as three market beef animals – steers or market heifers – for the Adams County Fair.  Each market beef exhibitor will be required to designate at least one animal in his/her name and a family can tag an additional two animals of that species per Junior Fair member as “family” animals.  Each exhibitor will have access to no more than three total animals in that species, including “family” animals. State Fair steers and heifers cannot be registered as a family animal.  Family is defined as junior fair eligible youth who are legally siblings, half-siblings or stepsiblings.

Ohio State Fair: The Ohio State Fair (OSF) Beef Department is once again using EID ear tag and DNA sample protocols for identifying market beef animals for the 2024 State Fair, set for July 24 through August 4. These protocols include the use of an electronic identification (EID) ear tag that has a unique 15-digit number and a DNA sample that will be submitted for all market beef animals that exhibitors plan to enter in the 2024 Ohio State Fair Junior Market Beef show. EID tags are no longer provided by the Ohio State Fair.

The DNA collection will be in the form of a hair follicle sample that will be submitted to the OSF by January 15, 2024, to meet the state fair ownership deadlines for market beef animals. Along with the DNA hair submission, each market animal’s 15-digit EID tag must also be included on the DNA packet.

No DNA samples will be collected by the Adams County Junior Fair Board. DNA packets will be available in the Extension office and at tag-in and anyone wanting to identify an animal for OSF may request a packet. The OSF animal must be tagged with the EID tag which will also be used as its Adams County Fair tag. The owner will be responsible for collecting the DNA sample (instructions provided), completing the requested registration information on the packet, having the entry signed by an FFA advisor (for FFA entries) or the Extension Educator (for 4-H entries), and submitting their completed packet to the OSF by the January 15 deadline.

For more information regarding the Adams County Fair market beef tag-in on January 13, contact OSU Extension Adams County at 937-544-2339. For more information about the Ohio State Fair market beef registration process visit the State Fair website at http://www.ohiostatefair.com/.

Fair Registration Day is June 1

June 1st is “Junior Fair Entry Day”, here is a list of fair forms and project registrations due by June 1.

 

Junior Fair Baking Contest Recipes and Entry Form

The Junior Fair Baking Contest is open to all current members of any junior fair organization or club that have completed a food and nutrition or related project! Participants may only register in one category in the appropriate age division, junior 8 -12 years of age or senior 13-and up, as of January 1.

Members should register at go.osu.edu/bakeoff by June 1 at 4 p.m.

Baked goods must follow the recipe exactly, be packaged in an airtight, disposable plastic container, and brought to the Senior Fair Administration building to register between 12-12:30 p.m. on Thursday of fair week. Members will be required to take a written test on food preparation and nutrition when they drop off their item. Baked goods placing 1st and 2nd in their division will sell in the Small Animal and Baked Good Sale on Friday evening of fair.

Recipes, rules, and additional information can be found here under Baking Contest.

Pre-fair Judging Reminders!

Pre-fair judging is Tuesday! Please be sure to check out your project interview time on the schedule and review the Non-livestock project requirements to be sure you are bringing all of the required components for your project. Judging will be held at West Union Elementary. You should plan to enter the  school on the “playground” side door closest to the cafeteria. Members will check in there and wait in the cafeteria until their turn to interview. Adults will be asked to remain in the cafeteria to wait for 4-Her’s to complete their interview.

Food & Nutrition project members will also complete their skillathon during the morning judging session. Study materials for this should include their project book, the My Plate guidelines, and basic kitchen tools and procedures. We have had a few questions about the food portfolio/project presentation folder. This should include one page (front only) for each activity or interest area outlined in the front of the project book. The page should demonstrate learning taking place by the member during that activity. It may include journaling, a timeline, photos, or any other format that demonstrates the work of the 4-Her. Each page/activity can be a different format and should be presented in a 3 prong folder.

Clothing project members will compete in the style review at 3:30 p.m. in the cafeteria on Tuesday. This is open to the public. Family and friends are welcome to come support the 4-Her’s show off their skills.

Shooting Sports members should bring their completed project book and poster or display but should NOT bring their firearms, ammunition, bows, or arrows.

Crop and Shop (woodworking, welding, etc.) projects will be judged during the fair. Projects must be registered in at the 4-H Booth Building on Sunday, July 10 between 3-5:30 p.m. Judging time for Wednesday, July 13 will be scheduled at registration on Sunday.

Please remember that all non-livestock projects must be displayed in the 4-H Booth Building for the duration of the fair in order to be eligible for awards and premiums. If your club is not having a booth, your project should be displayed in the County 4-H Booth. These projects must be dropped off in the booth building and a project card completed on Saturday, July 9 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Fair Entry Day is June 1

 

June 1st is “Junior Fair Entry Day”, here is a list of forms and project registrations due by June 1.

 

Skillathon is this WEEK!

Skillathons are THIS WEEK on Thursday, May 26 and Friday, May 27 from 3-7pm at the Adams County Fairground in the Administration Building. Pre-Registration is NOT required.

Skillathons are required for 4-H members and optional for FFA members. It is mandatory to complete Skillathon to show at fair for all species including equine projects. Skillathon will also earn points for Outstanding Exhibitor.

The best resources to study are your livestock resource and record books. Another way to study for Skillathon is from our friends in Wayne County, who have created online practice tests at https://wayne.osu.edu/skillathon-study-materials..

Makeups for Skillathon will be scheduled on an individual base. If you cannot attend the scheduled dates on May 26 or May 27, please contact the office at 937-544-2339. Make up skillathons are not eligible for awards but do meet the criteria to be eligible to show at the 2022 Adams County Junior Fair.

Market Hog Registration Due May 1

Market hog tags are available for pickup in the Extension office. Please only request the number of tags you actually plan to use as we are trying our best to conserve tags that are in short supply. Registration is due May 1 in order to show at the 2022 Adams County Junior Fair. Log on to https://go.osu.edu/markethog22 and upload photos and information about your animal.
Tag should go in the hog’s left ear with the button on the inside of the ear and the tag on the back. Detailed identification instructions as well as Adams County Junior Fair requirements can be found at adams.osu.edu on the livestock page under swine.
There will be an OPTIONAL market hog weigh-in on Friday, May 6, 6-7 p.m. at the Adams County Fairgrounds Swine barn. Exhibitors that wish to compete for market hog production champion must weigh-in at this time.
Market hog exhibitors that plan to show at the Ohio State Fair must have a premise ID and 840 tags. Those exhibitors may submit their 840 identification number in place of an Adams County Junior Fair tag on their market hog registration.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to Kristy at watters.92@osu.edu or call the office at 937-544-2339.

The Power of Thank You

Show boxes have been emptied, ribbons have been hung, project work has been put away for another year.  You spend days, weeks, and months preparing, practicing, checking and double checking that your books are complete, you’ve done your best work, and you’re ready to compete.  Fair week is the culmination of a year of hard work and dedication and whether your project is on display in the booth building or the show ring, it’s your chance to show off your accomplishments for the year.  Fair comes and goes in the blink of an eye and when the dust settles you’re left with a sense of pride in your achievements, lasting friendships, great memories, and recognition of a job well done.

The Adams County community once again showed up in force to support our youth during the 2021 Adams County Fair.  Sponsorships of awards, banners, giveaways, and the Junior Fair Sale are just a few ways businesses and individuals recognize and reward the hard work of our junior fair members.  In order to maintain this outstanding level of support, we need to show our appreciation to those sponsors.  Saying thank you is a small but meaningful way we can express to our community how much their support means.

If you received an award during fair, there was a label on the back with the name and address of the award sponsor.  If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes and write out a thank you note to those individuals.  If you sold a project in the Adams County Junior Fair Sale, please visit this link to find your buyers’ name(s) and address(es) and send them a thank you card as soon as possible.  Now is also a great time to thank your advisors, friends, neighbors, mentors, or others that helped you achieve your goals in 2021.

Not sure where to start with your thank you note?  Check out these simple steps and suggestions shared from Teresa Johnson, 4-H Educator in Defiance County.

Saying thank you seems simple but it is a big deal.  Please be sure to reach out to all of your sponsors and let them know how much you appreciate their support!

Top Five Reasons to Apply for Fair Royalty

Fair will be here before we know it, so don’t miss your chance to get involved. One way you become more involved at fair this year is through applying to be fair royalty. Being King or Queen of the 2021 Adams County Jr. Fair is high honor. But if you need more than just honor to apply, here are the top five reasons to apply for fair royalty.

 

  1. Tradition

Here in Adams County nothing is more sacred than the traditions we hold. Tradition is at the core of the fair, and is the reason why we still have fair royalty. Year after year, the contestants ride in the opening parade to their final presentation. And every year fair-goers excitingly watch to see who will be crowned king and queen.

We even have a Hall of Royalty in the Senior Fair Administration Building. Here the walls are lined with queens and kings from past years, all of whom proudly carried the crown. You never know, it could be hanging in the hall one day.

 

  1. Get-To-Know the Adams County Fair

When you become fair royalty, you don’t just get a sash and crown, it comes with responsibilities. It is the duty of the royalty court to work shows, passing out awards and congratulating exhibitors.

Through this work you will see more of the fair than ever before. You may be working shows you never attended before, and seeing firsthand the hard work exhibitors put into their projects. By the end of the week you will be an expert in most projects. You may even find a new project to exhibit next year.

 

  1. You are a Role Model

As royalty you will have many eyes watching you at all times. While this seems very intimidating, do not worry because people look at you with admiration. Adults and children alike know how prestigious the title is and look to you as an example.

Those who become fair royalty are the among the best and brightest our county has to offer. As fair royalty you can expect little kids wanting to talk to and take pictures with you. You also have the opportunity to get to know the exhibitors, and maybe even inspire them apply to be fair royalty.

 

  1. Visit Other Fairs

One really fun benefit of being fair royalty is you are strongly encouraged to visit other county fairs. Visiting other fairs not only builds strong relationships between the counties, but you also get to make friends from across the state.

When you are wearing your sash and crown, you are the literal embodiment of Adams County. This is a time to be proud and show off our county in the best light; highlight the best things our county has to offer.

 

  1. Life Long Memories

Being fair royalty means more responsibility and high expectations, but also lasting memories. Although fair week is long and hard work, you will cherish the connections you made during shows, and the time spent with fellow royalty. You will have new friends because of it, and new appreciation for fair.

Take my advice, this is an opportunity that left a major impact on me. I am so glad I had the chance to serve and recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it.

Carlie Cluxton, 2018 Adams County Jr. Fair Queen

 

Hopefully these reasons convinced you to apply for fair royalty. Remember only those who are 16-18 years old and currently involved in Jr. Fair can apply. Those who are serving as commodity ambassadors are also ineligible. Applications are due to the extension office by 4 p.m. on June 23rd.

Contest Rules

Application

Good luck to all the applicants! We will see you on Friday, June 25th for preliminary interviews and formal wear presentation.