At their regular January meeting, the Fairfield County Senior Fairboard passed a motion making the swine show for the 2020 Fair ractopamine-free. This includes both Junior Fair and Open Class swine, and means that pigs exhibited at the 2020 Fairfield County Fair, including both ‘live’ and MQP pigs, have never been fed or exposed to ractopamine sources from the time of birth to the time of harvest.

During their February meeting, the Board adopted the requirement that two affidavits that must be received from each exhibitor regarding their swine exhibit.

The first affidavit is to be completed by the pig’s breeder and is due to be turned in to the Senior Fair Office by the Junior Fair tagging date in July. Find that Seller/Producer Affidavit linked here.

The second affidavit will be from the parent/guardian and is due at fair weigh in on the Saturday immediately prior to the beginning of the fair. Find that Parent/Legal Guardian Affidavit linked here.

Affidavits or other requirements for Fairfield County Fair Open Class swine exhibitors have yet to be determined.

Market hogs at the 2020 Fairfield County Fair will be subject to random testing for ractopamine by both the Fairfield County Agriculture Society and the buyer/packer bidder.  If a pig tests positive for ractopamine, the Fairfield County Agriculture Society and the buyer/packer bidder reserves the right to determine disciplinary and financial penalties against the exhibitor.

As more decisions are made regarding the implementation of ractopamine-free swine exhibits at the 2020 Fairfield County Fair, that information will be posted here.

Today, for more about the history of ractopamine and the move to ractopamine-free swine production and exhibitions, visit our What, Why & How; FAQ’s page that can be found linked above. Visit our Facts/Info page for information about managing swine that are ractopamine-free, and also the plans for the Ohio State Fair swine show.

You may also contact the Senior Fair Board at 740-653-3041 for more information.