Livestock Exhibitors: Quality Assurance MUST be completed by June 30th to show at fair, no exceptions!

Quality Assurance is an annual requirement of the Ohio Department of Agriculture for youth taking livestock projects to county and state fair. In Fairfield County, Quality Assurance Training is required for all members who will be exhibiting a livestock project at the Fairfield County Fair or Junior Exhibitor at the Ohio State Fair. Beef (Breeding & Market); Dairy Breeding, Dairy Steers, & Dairy Feeders; Goats (Dairy, Meat, Market & Pygmy); Poultry (Breeding & Market); Sheep (Breeding & Market); Swine; Rabbits (Breeding & Market), and Alpacas/Llamas.

Deadlines for 2025:

  • Youth planning to exhibit at the Ohio State Fair must have their Quality Assurance completed by June 1st, 2025 (or 45 days prior to exhibition).
  • Youth planning to exhibit at the Fairfield County Fair must have their Quality Assurance completed by June 30, 2025.

Email reminders will be sent to advisors this last month for those who have yet to complete this requirement.

All Quality Assurance information has been shared with club/chapter advisors and has been posted on the blog since April 24th. Read all Quality Assurance options for 2025 here.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry Update from the Ohio Dept. of Ag

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to occur in the United States as we enter the fourth year of this outbreak. Ohio’s poultry industry was significantly impacted over last several months in the western area of the state, particularly in Darke and Mercer counties. The ODA website is kept up to date with information on these detections, information on how to submit samples to the lab, ODA and USDA’s response during this outbreak, and biosecurity resources. On the web page, there is both a map of current active control areas (under the “Take Action on HPAI” tab) and a list of all detections that have occurred in Ohio (under the “Tracking HPAI Across Ohio” tab).

After a case is detected, ODA and USDA staff work closely with OPA and poultry producers on the response which includes depopulation, disposal, biosecurity audits, and environmental sampling of the premises.

Ohio producers are encouraged to be alert and practice enhanced biosecurity. The Defend the Flock Program with USDA has great information on biosecurity for backyard producers.

If you suspect HPAI in your backyard flock, please call the Division of Animal Health at 614-728-6220.

If you have questions about sick wild birds, please call the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) at 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Quality Assurance should be completed for Ohio State Fair exhibitors by June 1st

Fairfield County 4-H and FFA youth planning to exhibit at the Ohio State Fair must have their Quality Assurance completed by June 1st, 2025 to meet the 45 days prior to the Ohio State Fair exhibition (as required by the Ohio Department of Agriculture). Youth who do not meet this requirement, will have any entries denied.

If youth still need to complete Quality Assurance to meet this requirement and your club/chapter is not planning to host their own QA Clinic by June 1st, we recommend you complete QA through the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals online modules or attend the countywide makeup QA Trainings on May 1st or May 20th.

  • In-Person Countywide Make-Up Clinics: To be held on Thursday, May 1st from 6:30-8:30 p.m. or Tuesday, May 20th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Fairfield County Ag Center/Extension Office (831 College Ave. Lancaster). An RSVP is required. Please click here to register for a countywide QA makeup clinic.
  • Online: Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA). This is the ONLY approved ONLINE Quality Assurance Program for youth in Ohio. For 2025, this web-based course has been approved by ODA for 8-18 year olds.
    • Go to  https://yqcaprogram.org/ for the training and quiz.
    • Instructions for using the new website can be found at: 2022 YQCA Website Instructions
    • Exhibitors must complete by June 30, 2025 or they will not be able to show at the Fairfield County Fair.
    • You will need to select the web-based training ($12.00 per member, annually). The age of the course should be age as of January 1st of the current year.
    • When you are finished, please send name(s) and certificate number(s) to Leslie Cooksey at cooksey.25@osu.edu.

Attention Livestock Exhibitors: Quality Assurance Requirements

Quality Assurance is an annual requirement of the Ohio Department of Agriculture for youth taking livestock projects to county and state fair. In Fairfield County, Quality Assurance Training is required for all members who will be exhibiting a livestock project at the Fairfield County Fair or Junior Exhibitor at the Ohio State Fair. Beef (Breeding & Market); Dairy Breeding, Dairy Steers, & Dairy Feeders; Goats (Dairy, Meat, Market & Pygmy); Poultry (Breeding & Market); Sheep (Breeding & Market); Swine; Rabbits (Breeding & Market), and Alpacas/Llamas.

Deadlines for 2025:

  • Youth planning to exhibit at the Ohio State Fair must have their Quality Assurance completed by June 1st, 2025.
  • Youth planning to exhibit at the Fairfield County Fair must have their Quality Assurance completed by June 30th, 2025.

At this time, Quality Assurance CANNOT be taught by club/chapter advisors to Fairfield County 4-H/FFA youth virtually (i.e. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Google Classrooms, Facebook Live, etc.).

Here are the acceptable options to complete Quality Assurance in 2025:

  • In-Person 4-H Club/FFA Chapter Clinic taught by a 4-H/FFA Advisor who has completed the Quality Assurance Assistant Instructor Training this year. Advisors who attended this training will notify their members of their club/chapter QA Clinic date and will be responsible for getting all QA paperwork submitted to the Extension Office by the appropriate deadlines.
  • In-Person Countywide Make-Up Clinics: To be held on Thursday, May 1st from 6:30-8:30 p.m. or Tuesday, May 20th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Fairfield County Ag Center/Extension Office (831 College Ave. Lancaster). An RSVP is required. Please click here to register for a countywide QA makeup clinic.
  • In-Person Beef Quality Assurance: Members who complete an in-person BQA taught by a certified BQA instructor must submit documentation to Leslie Cooksey at cooksey.25@osu.edu.
  • In-Person Pork Quality Assurance: Members who complete an in-person PQA taught by a certified PQA advisor must submit documentation to Leslie Cooksey at cooksey.25@osu.eduYouth MUST be age 14 or older (current age) to complete in-person PQA. Youth will receive a PQA certification number from the National Pork Board upon completion.
  • Online: Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA). This is the ONLY approved ONLINE Quality Assurance Program for youth in Ohio. For 2025, this web-based course has been approved by ODA for 8-18 year olds.
    • Go to  https://yqcaprogram.org/ for the training and quiz.
    • Instructions for using the new website can be found at: 2022 YQCA Website Instructions
    • Exhibitors must complete by June 30, 2025 or they will not be able to show at the Fairfield County Fair.
    • You will need to select the web-based training ($12.00 per member, annually). The age of the course should be age as of January 1st of the current year.
    • When you are finished, please send a pdf/picture of your certificate which includes exhibitor name(s) and certificate number(s) to Leslie Cooksey at cooksey.25@osu.edu.

Learn Tips To Safeguard Your Poultry on a Multi-Species Farm: Defend the Flock Webinar on 4/17/2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is in all 50 states. With wild birds migrating this spring, your flock – and susceptible livestock – are at increased risk for HPAI.

Boost your biosecurity know-how now to protect all your animals. Download the Spring 2025 edition of our newsletter to get answers to questions like:

  • Why are poultry and susceptible livestock at increased risk this spring?
  • Why is biosecurity so important for your farm or backyard?
  • What can you do to protect your livestock?

Join fellow flu fighters on 4/17 at 2:30 p.m. EDT to hear APHIS Poultry HPAI Incident Lead Dr. Melissa Yates present “From Backyard to Barnyard: Biosecurity for Poultry on a Multi-Species Farm.” Register NOW at this link.

Download the PDF here >>>

Youth Opportunity: Multi-Species Clinic in Holmes County April 12th

Below is a flyer for an upcoming Multi-Species Clinic and Quality Assurance (QA) event in Holmes County. Please feel free to share this with others who may be interested. Below are some key activities happening at the event.

  • 2025 Multi-Species Clinic & QA
    • Saturday, April 12, Harvest Ridge (Holmes County Fairgrounds – Millersburg, Ohio)
    • FREE event for your youth to learn from top clinicians
    • QA will be offered that morning. Registration is REQUIRED for QA and county 4-H Educators will receive a list of attendees from their county for credit.
    • Register HERE: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLScrK0aZ…/viewform

Thanks!

Rising HPAI Cases in Ohio: A Critical Reminder of Biosecurity Measures

As cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continue to rise in Ohio, the poultry industry faces increasing challenges in protecting flocks from this highly contagious and deadly virus. In recent weeks/days, several commercial poultry farms have reported confirmed HPAI detections, underscoring the urgent need for heightened vigilance across the state.

HPAI poses a serious threat to both poultry health and the economy, with the potential to cause devastating losses in infected flocks. The virus spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated materials, such as feed, equipment, and even personnel.

Biosecurity Remains Key to Protection

The importance of robust biosecurity protocols cannot be overstated. These measures, designed to prevent the introduction and spread of disease, are the first line of defense in safeguarding poultry populations. Poultry owners must be proactive in enforcing strict biosecurity practices on their farms, including:

  1. Access Control: Restricting visitors to your poultry areas and limiting contact with other animals and birds.
  2. Personal Hygiene: Ensuring clean clothing and disinfect footwear before entering poultry access areas.
  3. Environmental Sanitation: Regular cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, vehicles, and poultry housing, particularly after contact with potentially contaminated animals or materials.
  4. Wild Bird Control: Preventing wild birds from entering poultry facilities or coming into contact with your flock.
  5. Surveillance and Monitoring: Regular health checks and early detection of symptoms can prevent outbreaks from spreading further.

As Ohio’s poultry industry continues to battle the spread of HPAI, it is crucial that all poultry producers, large and small, review their efforts in maintaining these essential biosecurity measures. The risks associated with HPAI are significant, but through vigilance, preparedness, and collaboration, we can work to protect Ohio’s poultry industry and mitigate the broader impact of this disease.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and prioritize biosecurity on your farm. Every step taken today can help prevent the spread of HPAI tomorrow.

For helpful Biosecurity resources, please visit these websites:

Source: Ohio Poultry Association January Newsletter

Poultry Producers – Catch the Backyard Flock Biosecurity Webinar Recording

Thank you to those able to attend OPA’s webinar on Backyard Flock Biosecurity. OPA partnered with Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio state University Extension to go over an HPAI update, signs and symptoms of AI and biosecurity tips for your flock. If you missed the webinar, you may watch the recording at the link below.

Recording Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/FSbbJWROqvLE845lyQYCVa-2bpIVbfpxi8xWn_g77oceOn2k5-7DGZtdoFUNCmrm.PNKcUUWIpdmvA9Ua

Passcode: V!8BYZ=H

Source: Ohio Poultry Association January Newsletter

Youth Opportunity: Ohio Youth Poultry Clinic

Many of our youth and volunteers have attended the Ohio Youth Poultry Clinic in the past and had great comments to share about their experience. This year, two dates and locations are being offered – one of which is close to home in Columbus on Saturday, March 8th. The Junior Fair Poultry Committee is interested in offering carpooling options if anyone is interested in attending the March 8th event in Columbus. If you are interested in offering to drive (must be a current 4-H volunteer and provide a copy of your Drivers License and Vehicle Insurance) or participating in the carpool (youth or adults) please reach out to Leslie Cooksey (cooksey.25@osu.edu) by Friday, February 21st.

Please be aware that registration and payment must be postmarked by Saturday, March 1st for the March 8th event in Columbus. Please take care of that on your own. Register at http://go.osu.edu/2025poultryClinic. Parents are also welcome to attend but must pay the registration fee. If you wish to stay for the Quality Assurance piece at the end of the day, this will count toward your Fairfield County Quality Assurance requirements for the year.

Please check out the attached flyer for more information. Questions? Reach out to Leslie Cooksey (cooksey.25@osu.edu or 740-653-5419).

Webinar Opportunity: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza 1/15/2025

Dr. Timothy McDermott DVM will be co-hosting a webinar on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza with Dr. Kristy Shaw DVM from the Ohio Department of Agriculture and Jenna Gregorich from the Ohio Poultry Association.

The webinar will be at Noon on Wednesday January 15th and is free and open to the public.  We will discuss biosecurity, signs and symptoms of HPAI, and a state update on HPAI, including a little on the effects in dairy.

This webinar requires registration which you can find HERE.

Please share this with your clubs and on social media as it is a great opportunity to get updated on HPAI as well as have a chance to ask questions.