"Learning & Living South Texas Agriculture"

2010 Premium Book

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General Information
General Rules & Regulations
Rules and Regulations Governing Admission of Livestock to Livestock Shows, Fairs, and Assemblies
Junior Livestock Showmanship Contests
Junior Livestock Premium Auction
Market Steers Show
Market Hogs Show
Market Goats Show
Market Lambs Show & Breeding Lamb Show
Market Rabbits Show
Market Poultry Show
Breeding Cattle Show
Breeding Gilts Show
Breeding Goats Show
Shining STAR Scholarship Contest
Scholarship Program
Agricultural Mechanics Show

General Information

For information not contained in the Premium Book, please contact:

South Texas Agricultural Roundup, Inc.
P. O. Box 1939
Edinburg, Texas 78540
www.gostar.org

Parking

Parking will be in designated areas only. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas will be towed away at the owner’s expense. Cars parked in the parking lots should be locked and empty of people. STAR is not responsible for damage or vandalism to vehicles or the loss of personal property or contents.

Security and Police

Security and/or law enforcement officers will be on hand for assistance. STAR cannot guarantee that accidents, damage, or loss of property will not occur, but through security service, STAR will attempt to prevent such from happening.

Show Veterinarian

The official show veterinarian, or veterinarians designated as the official show veterinarian, will be on call at all times. To obtain services of a veterinarian, exhibitors should contact their division chairman or a STAR board member.

Returned Checks

A $30.00 charge will be made for all returned checks due to insufficient funds, closed accounts, or any other cause for non-payment of checks received by STAR.

Official Photographer

STAR will provide an official show photographer to take photos of exhibitors and their projects. Prints and re-prints of photographs may be ordered from the official show photographer. Only the news media, breed association representatives, and other persons may take photos provided they are for personal use and will not be sold to others.

General Rules & Regulations

Rule 1. Interpretation and Violation of Rules:

The South Texas Agricultural Roundup (STAR), reserves to STAR’s Executive Committee, the final and absolute right to interpret these rules and regulations and to settle and determine all matters, questions, protests, and differences in regard to STAR. STAR also reserves the right to amend or add to the rules as its judgment may determine. All exhibitors entering STAR agree and contract to abide and be bound by these rules and that their rights and privileges as Exhibitors in STAR are solely defined by them. Any exhibitor who violates any of these rules will be subject to the specific penalty specified in any rule or rules violated plus one or more of the following as determined at the sole discretion of the Executive Committee:

A. Issuance of oral or written apologies in a form acceptable to STAR, to other exhibitors, STAR volunteers, judges, chapters, clubs and/or other persons or entities affected by the violation;

B. Removal from the show grounds, along with all exhibit(s) of his or hers;

C. Disqualification of the exhibitor, his or her immediate family members, or both from STAR;

D. Suspension or disqualification of the exhibitor, his or her entire immediate family, or both, from future STAR shows;

E. Forfeiture of all premium, extra, or supplemental funds and/or sale or add-on proceeds applicable to the sale of his or her exhibit(s) as part of any STAR Show from which that exhibitor has been disqualified;

F. Forfeiture and return of all trophies, ribbons, plaques, banners, buckles, or other items won or awarded as a result of competition in any STAR Show from which that exhibitor has been disqualified;

G. Disqualification of his or her FFA Chapter or 4-H Club from that STAR Show;

H. Suspension or disqualification of his or her FFA Chapter or 4-H Club from future STAR Shows;

I. And/or such other penalty as the STAR Executive Committee otherwise orders.

Rule 2. Statement of Liability:

All exhibits will be subject to the direction of STAR Management, but STAR will in no case be responsible for any loss or damage that may occur for any reason, including, but not limited to, the condition of the premises or the refusal to consent to the administration of any drugs, chemicals, or other foreign substances. Each exhibitor will be solely responsible for any consequential or other loss or injury to any exhibit exhibited by him or her and for its description as given in the premium book, and shall indemnify STAR against all legal or other proceedings in regard to as well as damage or injury to any other person or property used by the exhibitor or any of the exhibits by him or her arising out of, or in anyway connected with, such exhibit.

Rule 3. Application for Entry:

A. All FFA and 4-H entry applications must be made on official entry forms, completed in all respects, signed by the exhibitor and the County Extension Agent, Agriculture Science Teacher, or 4-H adult leader under whose actual supervision the project was raised or made. In all cases, it is within the sole discretion of STAR to reject or accept conditionally any applications.

B. No entries will be accepted from individual 4-H or FFA members. All entry applications of exhibitors from each individual 4-H Club or FFA Chapter must be made together and brought or mailed to STAR by the 4-H Club Manager or Agriculture Science Teacher with one check, for all of that club or chapter’s entries, made payable to the South Texas Agricultural Roundup. No refunds of entry fees will be made under any circumstances.

C. Entry applications must be made utilizing provided entry forms, and the electronic spreadsheet (Summary Sheet) made available must be completed and submitted on a CD along with all printed entries.

D. A hard copy of all entry applications with original signatures, a hard copy of the summary sheet, and appropriate payment must accompany the CD when filing the entry applications.

E. All entry applications and entry fees must be postmarked by January 15, 2010. Entries postmarked after January 15, 2010 will be charged a $20 per entry late fee.

F. Late Entry Deadline is February 15, 2010. Any entries received (not postmarked) after February 15, 2010 will not be accepted.

G. Entry fees for all livestock (market and breeding) will require the exhibitor to sell one book of raffle tickets. All additional entries will be $20 per exhibit.

H. Entry fees for all Agricultural Mechanics entries will be $20 per entry.

I. Exhibitors will not be allowed to substitute one entry for another under any circumstances in any Junior divisions after the entry deadline.

Rule 4. Exhibition & Substitution:

A. All entries must be exhibited by their own entry. In the case the exhibitor cannot exhibit their own entry, a substitution will only be considered in the following situations:

1. Exhibitor has more than one entry in the same class

2. Illness of the exhibitor or immediate family emergency.

3. Ineligibility to participate in extra curricular activities as per Texas law, UIL rules, school district policy or other such provision(s).

4. Participation in other events in which the exhibitor qualified for in a previous event and subsequent absence at STAR was unforeseen. Exhibitors must complete a separate Substitution Excuse Form and file it with the Board of Directors to qualify in this situation.

5. Competition in any scheduled event is not a valid excuse for substitution. This includes other livestock shows, non-qualifying sporting events, recitals, dances, etc.

B. Any request for substitution by an exhibitor for any reason must:

1. Complete a Substitution Request Form and secure all appropriate signatures. Signatures must include the AST, CEA or 4-H adult leader under whose supervision the project was raised and one of the exhibitor’s parents or legal guardians. The form must be filled out completely including the reason for the substitution.

2. File the approved substitution form in the STAR office no later than one hour before the division (not class) is scheduled to begin.

C. The substitute exhibitor must be enrolled in the same school, FFA chapter, or 4-H club as the original exhibitor requesting the substitution. The substitute must also meet all other requirements for a FFA member or 4-H member to be able to participate in STAR. A substitute will be allowed to participate for only one exhibitor in a division.

D. Substitute exhibitors will not be allowed in any showmanship class.

E. STAR reserves the right to deny any request for substitution.

F. Due to the fact that making the Premium Auction is not a guarantee to students participating at the STAR, exhibitors participating in school, church or youth related scheduled events may obtain a substitute for the Premium Auction. The exhibitor must complete a Substitution Request Form and secure all appropriate signatures. Signatures must include the AST, CEA or 4-H adult leader under whose supervision the project was raised and one of the exhibitor’s parents or legal guardians. The form must be filled out completely including the reason for the substitution. The form must be turned in and on file with the Board of Directors by 10:00 am the day of the Premium Auction.

G. Students, or their approved substitute, must be present at the Premium Auction at the time their lot number is called. Anyone missing their spot in the auction will not sell.

Rule 5. Livestock Registration & Ownership:

All animals entered in the Breeding Cattle, Swine, and Goat divisions must be registered and entered in the name of the exhibitor. No partnerships, consignments, loaners or ownership interest by any other person, firm or entity will be allowed. The only exception to this rule is the Commercial Heifer division.

Rule 6. Exhibitor Numbers:

Each entry will be assigned a number. Exhibitors will receive a separate exhibitor number for each entry. The exhibitor must wear the number corresponding to the appropriate entry when the entry is being judged in a class, during showmanship, and during the Junior Livestock Premium Auction.

Rule 7. Feed, Water, and Bedding:

Bedding for all animals will be available at no cost but without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Exhibitors shall be solely responsible for the method and manner of its use. Exhibitors may use shavings for bedding in the stalling areas ONLY. Exhibitors must provide hay, grain, and other feed substances. Each exhibitor is responsible for providing feed and watering pails. The exhibitor is responsible for adequately feeding and watering each project entered.

Rule 8. Arrival of Livestock:

All entries must be in designated stalling, grooming, holding, or exhibition areas as described in the official schedule.

Rule 9. Release of Livestock:

All market livestock must remain on the grounds until their scheduled release or load out. Exhibitors with market projects must deliver their project to the location as indicated by the division chairman. Breeding goats, gilts, and cattle may be removed at the end of the respective breeding show.

Rule 10. Care of Animals, Stalls, and Pens:

All stalls and pens or other exhibition places must be cleaned before 8:00 a.m. each morning and not allowed to remain in an unsightly or untidy condition. All animals must remain in their stalls throughout the show. Feeding & watering of animals will be permitted around the outside of the barn. The animals must be secured to the panels that surround the barn. Securing an animal to any object (trees, tables, sheds, etc.) is not allowed. Any animal that is clearly not being fed or watered may be considered in violation of these rules as per Rule 1.

Rule 11. Grooming of Animals:

STAR will be a no clip/no wash/no rinse show. All animals must be clipped and washed prior to arriving on the grounds. Waterless shampoos are allowed while on the grounds. Grooming chutes will be allowed around the outside of the barn in the designated locations. Exhibitors, clubs, and chapters may bring scales. Exhibitors may utilize blow dryers powered by the exhibitor’s power source in the designated areas only. Power to these designated areas will not be provided by STAR.

Rule 12. Sifting and Classification of Livestock:

All market animals will be weighed and classified upon arrival at the grounds. The official scales will be provided for exhibitors to utilize prior to the start of the show. STAR will appoint classifiers/sifters for each of the species. The decision of the classifiers is final. No challenges will be accepted. Exhibitors themselves must present their animals for classification. Substitute exhibitors may present an animal for the sift, only if approved by the division chairman. No adults will be allowed in the sifting area.

Rule 13. Rules of Judging:

The schedule of judging will be announced prior to the show. The exhibitor is responsible for being at the show ring promptly when his/her show is occurring. Only the judges, officials of the show, and exhibitors will be allowed in the ring during the judging.

Rule 14. Show Ring Ethics:

The following criteria shall be considered unethical in the entry, care, handling and/or showing of any animal.

A. Misrepresentation of the age of the animal.

B. Striking the animal.

C. Surgery of any kind performed to change the physical appearance of the animal’s body, hide or hair, except for the removal of warts, teats or horns, or clipping of the hair and hooves.

D. Insertion of foreign substances under the skin including, but not limited to, air, liquid, or natural substances from other portions of the same or other animals.

E. Altering the natural color of hair at any point, spot or area on the animal’s body.

F. The use of alcoholic or intoxicating beverages or substances in the feed or administered as a drench.

Rule 15. Protests:

Any disagreement or dispute to any decision of the STAR Board, its officials or judges, under these rules or arising out of the presence of any exhibitor on the grounds or in any competition, must be made by protest in writing within two calendar weeks of the event. There will be a $100 cash fee for each protest filed. This fee will be refunded if the protest is ruled in the favor of the protesting party. No protest will be accepted concerning the decisions of the sifter and/or classifier. No protest will be accepted challenging the rules or policies set forth in this premium book. Only protests of the application and administration of these rules will be considered.

The STAR Board will have sole right and authority to review and decide on each protest. The protesting party will be notified of a time and place within thirty (30) days of the date of receipt of the protest when the Protesting party may appear in person before the STAR Board to state his or her position or present additional evidence competent under the Texas Rules of Evidence. The protesting party will be allowed a maximum of 60 minutes for the presentation. Non-appearance at the time scheduled will constitute a default of a protest and a forfeiture of the $100 fee.

Rule 16. Special Rules:

Special rules or conditions are published in each division. If there is a conflict between the special rules of any division and the general rules and regulations, the special rules will govern.

Rule 17. General Conduct Rules:

No exhibitor, family member of any exhibitor, AST, CEA, Adult Leader, or Assistant may use abusive language, be disruptive, interfere with the exhibits, exhibit lewd or malicious behavior, or possess any kind of non-prescription narcotics or controlled substances as defined by federal law, or otherwise create a problem to the continuation of the show. Any person at STAR who refuses to allow a search of his or her person, exhibit area, supplies, vehicles, or other facilities under their possession or control within the confines of the grounds for substances prohibited by these rules may be subject to the penalties specified in Rule 1.

Rule 18. Ground Security:

Ground security will be provided by STAR. The grounds will open at 5:00 a.m. All exhibitors, AST’s, CEA’s and 4-H Club Managers must be off the grounds by 11:00 p.m. No unauthorized personnel will be allowed on the grounds after 11:00 p.m.

Rule 19. Gate & Parking Passes:

A. Each STAR exhibitor will receive one (1) gate pass and one (1) parking pass for admission to the grounds throughout STAR.

B. Each Agriculture Science Teacher and Club Manager with entries in STAR will receive two (2) gate passes and one (1) parking pass for admission to the grounds throughout STAR.

C. Additional gate passes may be purchased for $5 per pass, which allows one person entry to the show grounds throughout the term of the show.

D. Additional parking passes may be purchased for $10 per pass, which allows holder of pass to park in designated areas at the show grounds.

E. Indicate on the summary sheet the number of additional gate & parking passes needed. Include these monies along with the entry fees at the time of entry application.

Rule 20. Sale of Market Animals:

A. STAR is a terminal market show. Exhibitors of market steers, market hogs, market lambs, market goats, market poultry, and market rabbits that show in STAR must sell their entries to the bidder submitting the most favorable bid.

B. Resale bids on all market animals must be in by 12:00 noon on Friday, March 5, 2010.

C. The Junior Livestock Premium Auction will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2010.

D. The only market animals that will be permitted to return home are those that are sifted during their respective division sift or those animals ordered by STAR to be removed from the grounds or disqualified prior to the sale.

E. Resale of market steers, market hogs, market lambs, and market goats will be by the pound. Resale of market poultry and market rabbits will be by the pen.

F. If STAR is unable to solicit a bid for the resale of any animal, STAR reserves the right to return the animal to its owner. It is the owner’s responsibility to remove the animal from the show grounds. If this occurs, the validation tags of all market animals will be removed prior to release.

Rule 21. Checks for Premium Auction Proceeds:

Buyers and Add-On contributors should make checks for their purchases or donations payable to the South Texas Agricultural Roundup. Payment is due on the date of the sale. All checks for exhibitors will be mailed to the Ag Science Teacher or 4-H Club Manager who submitted the entry. AST’s or 4-H Club Managers will be responsible for delivery to the individual exhibitors. Lost, stolen, or misplaced checks will be replaced by STAR for a nominal fee.

Rule 22. Ownership of Market Animals:

Ownership of all terminal market projects will remain with the exhibitor until the project is delivered to the truck or designated location by the resale buyer or STAR.

Rule 23. Animal Health Requirements:

A. All livestock exhibited must meet the health requirements set forth by the Texas Animal Health Commission (see TAHC Rules on page 11) and any additional requirements that STAR may require.

B. Cattle from tick or scabies quarantined areas must be accompanied by a certificate issued by a state or federal inspector showing freedom from infection or exposure thereto and have been dipped immediately prior to shipment.

Rule 23. Foreign Substances:

The South Texas Agricultural Roundup in its sole discretion may, any number of times and at any time, test any animal officially entered in any division for unethical fitting or any foreign substance including any type of drugs, chemicals or prohibited feed additives other than drugs or chemicals. Feed additives are prohibited if they are so indicated by the USDA or FDA at the time of the test. Unethical fitting is any physical or physiological attempt to alter the natural confirmation, musculature, or weight in any animal.

There will be an absolute zero tolerance for any foreign substances in any animal regardless of the concentration of the amount found or withdrawal periods published or approved by any entity. Testing equipment available is quite sensitive. All exhibitors are urged not to participate in or allow the medication of their animals for any reason whatsoever within three weeks of entry or while at the show without the express written consent of the official show veterinarian. Such consent will only be granted upon extraordinary circumstances to be determined at the sole discretion of the show veterinarian. Unless written consent was given by the show veterinarian, any animal testing positive for any such foreign substance, regardless of its source, whether it is otherwise approved or permissible by any entity or governmental agency for the treatment of any animal, the exhibitor’s knowledge of or participation in its administration, or by whom it was administered, or having been unethically fitted at the discretion of the show veterinarian, sifter, or judge will automatically be disqualified. If an entry is disqualified, no changes will be made in the placing of other animals. The carcass of a disqualified animal will be disposed of, if still available, only in accordance with written instructions from USDA or FDA if the substances detected are or could be hazardous to humans if consumed.

STAR reserves the right, at any time, to test any animal, utilizing the methods of ultrasound technology or post-harvest stripping of the hides, to detect the use of foreign substances or unethical fitting. Penalties for violations may include but are not limited to those indicated in Rule 1.

Rule 24. Medications:

Rule 23 sets a zero tolerance for any type of medication in an animal unless the STAR official veterinarian has given express written consent. Possession of any such medications without said written consent will not be permitted. Should any such medication be found in the possession of an exhibitor, that person and his or her exhibit may be subject to the penalties outlined in Rule 1. Should any such medication be found in the possession of any other person, that person may be asked to leave the grounds for a length of time to be determined at the discretion of the STAR board. Veterinarians bringing such medications onto the grounds for the possible treatment of animals pursuant of this rule should advise the STAR veterinarian before doing so or they will expose themselves to the above mentioned provisions.

Exhibitors who have a project on the grounds and need the service of a veterinarian should report to the division chairperson or STAR Board member who will contact the official show veterinarian. Exhibitors should then wait near the animal in question until the STAR veterinarian arrives. If an animal of an exhibitor is in need of medication, the decision to give it or allow it to be given is solely that of the exhibitor regardless of consent or lack thereof from STAR or the official show veterinarian and the effect on the animal of its administration, or lack thereof, is solely the responsibility of the exhibitor. If the animal of an exhibitor is medicated without the express written consent of the STAR veterinarian and it tests positive for the substance administered, the provisions of Rule 23 will apply. Payment of veterinary fees and any medical supplies is the responsibility of the exhibitor.

Rule 25. Show Boxes and Trim Chutes:

No show boxes will be permitted inside the barn at any time. Show boxes and trim chutes may be located around the exterior of the barns on the outside of the enclosed areas.

Rule 26. Exhibition of Market Animals in Other Terminal Shows:

A. Any animal, which is found to have been entered in another show under a different exhibitor’s name, other that the name entered in STAR, will be declared ineligible.

B. Any animal that has gone through the auction at another show is ineligible for STAR.

C. Market animals found to have evidence of more than one validation, will be ineligible to show unless the proper Change of Ownership Forms are recorded, reflecting why there is evidence of more than one validation and that the previous validation(s) have been cancelled.

Rules and Regulations Governing Admission of Livestock to Shows, Fairs, and Assemblies

TEXAS ANIMAL HEALTH COMMISSION
2105 Kramer Lane, P. O. Box 12966
Austin, Texas 78711-2966

Note: The following summary is a condensed version of the Texas Animal Health Commission regulations. The regulations will supersede this summary if there is a dispute between the two.

Entering shows, fairs, exhibitions, and assemblies

A. All livestock, poultry, and ratites originating in Texas and:

1. Entering all intrastate shows, fairs, and exhibitions (those functions that require Texas livestock of the same species to be housed and exhibited separate and apart from livestock and poultry from out of state) – are exempt from the entry permit, certificate of veterinary inspection and testing requirements, except poultry must originate from flocks or hatcheries free of pullorum disease and fowl typhoid or have a negative pullorum-typhoid test within 30 days before exhibition.

$10,000 Junior Livestock Showmanship Contests

Sponsored by Guerra Brothers, Linn, Texas

“Showmanship Taught and Rewarded”

Showmanship Rules & Regulations

A. Showmanship shows will occur in the following divisions:

1. Market Steers

2. Market Hogs

3. Market Goats

4. Market and Breeding Lambs

5. Market Rabbits

6. Breeding Gilts

7. Breeding Goats

8. Breeding Cattle

B. There will be five (5) age groups per division (age as of March 3, 2010):

1. 8 to 10 years old

2. 11 to 12 years old

3. 13 to 14 years old

4. 15 to 16 years old

5. 17 years and older

C. STAR exhibitors must choose only one showmanship show to enter.

D. Exhibitors must exhibit their own entry in the showmanship class. No substitute of entries will be allowed for showmanship. No substitute exhibitors will be allowed to participate in showmanship.

E. Exhibitors will be given a Showmanship Pass with their entry. This pass must be turned in upon entering the show ring and can be used only once. Lost passes will not be replaced. This will be the exhibitor’s showmanship entry and will allow the exhibitor to decide in which showmanship division they wish to participate.

F. Awards:

1. A Champion and Reserve Champion Buckle will be awarded in each age division in the Market Hog, Market Lamb, Market Goat, Market Steer and Breeding Cattle Shows.

2. A Champion Buckle will be awarded in the Breeding Goat, Breeding Gilt, and Market Rabbit Shows.

3. Additional premium monies will be prorated and allocated to showmanship shows according to the number of entries. This money will be awarded as premiums to placing exhibitors.

Junior Livestock Premium Auction

A. The STAR Junior Livestock Premium Auction will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 beginning at 12:00 p.m.

B. STAR exhibitors will be allowed to sell only one (1) animal in the STAR Junior Livestock Premium Auction, unless that exhibitor exhibits multiple grand or reserve grand champions in the Market divisions. All grand champion and reserve grand champion markets animals automatically make the Premium Auction.

C. Exhibitors receiving a species Grand or Reserve Grand Champion may sell another placing animal in that animal’s place if the other animal is eligible for the sale and it would be in the exhibitors best interest to sell the lower placing animal.

D. The top 50% of each class will be eligible for the sale dependent upon Rules 2 and 3 as stated above.

E. Substitutes must follow the rules for substitute exhibitors. (Rule 4 F of the General Rules)

F. Any student, regardless of placing, will be eligible to participate in the Add-On Program. Add-on forms for students to use in the solicitation of add-on monies will be available after entries are received on January 15, 2010.

G. To increase the number of tickets sold this year, an incentive has been added for students to help themselves and other exhibitors by awarding 50% of the proceeds through ticket sales to the exhibitor selling the tickets with an Add-On from the STAR Raffle.

H. Raffle tickets sold will be used and funds distributed in the following manner:

1. First 10 tickets sold ($100 value)

(a) Serves as payment for the first entry per exhibitor

(b) 100% of proceeds goes directly to STAR Raffle

2. Additional tickets sold

(a) 50% goes directly to the exhibitor selling the tickets

(b) 50% goes into the STAR Raffle fund used to provide premiums at the auction

Students, or their approved substitute, must be present at the Premium Auction at the time their lot number is called. Anyone missing their spot in the auction will not sell.

Market Steer Show

Notice to Exhibitors: Exhibitors must remove their projects that are sifted from the show immediately after sifting. All others must be consigned by the exhibitor and/or buyer, to the processing plant, individual, etc. who places the highest bid with STAR. Violation of this rule will result in the exhibitor being barred from future shows.

1. Each exhibitor must be an enrolled member of a 4-H Club or FFA Chapter in Hidalgo County and be enrolled in an elementary, secondary school or home schooled in Hidalgo County and in their respective FFA Chapter or 4-H Club by November 1, 2009 through the show period.

2. Exhibitors must be in the third grade or at least nine years old, but under 20 years of age as of January 1, 2010.

3. All steers must have been validated through the Texas Steer Validation program in Hidalgo County or through the STAR Validation in Hidalgo County. Steers without an official Texas Steer Validation or Rio Grande Valley tag will be ineligible to show.

4. All steers must be the legal property of the exhibitor and continuously cared for by the exhibitor from the date of validation through the show date, under the supervision of AST, CEA, or 4-H Adult Leader.

5. An Exhibitor may enter only one (1) market steer. The sale of one book of STAR Raffle tickets must accompany the entry. If the exhibitor is entering more than one project, a book of raffle tickets must be sold for the initial entry and a $20.00 entry fee must be paid for each additional entry. Deadline for entries will be January 15, 2010.

6. Any steer showing more than normal fill at weighing time will be sifted by Show Officials.

7. Steers must meet the following requirements or be sifted:

a. Must weigh at least 1050 pounds. There will be no top weight limit.

b. Must be creditable from the standpoint of types, quality, finish and breed characteristics.

c. Must be free of grub or grub damage.

d. Must be dehorned and show no secondary horn growth.

e. Must be trained to lead and handle properly. Nose leads will be permitted during sifting. Any steer that is wild or requires handling by more than one person at weighing and sifting may be sifted.

f. All steers must be shorn prior to arrival at the show grounds. Hair must not exceed ¼ inch on any location of the body excluding the tail switch up to the twist. No trimming on the grounds with power equipment will be permitted.

8. A steer, which in the opinion of the classifiers does not have predominant breed characteristics in the class of which it is entered, may be moved by the classifiers to the class which in their opinion the animal is eligible to be entered.

9. No change of the major color pattern of a steer by painting or dying will be allowed. Any steer groomed with material that allows color to come off the steer will not be allowed in the show.

10. Decisions of the official veterinarian, official classifiers and/or sifters will be final. Protests against the decision of the Official Veterinarian, classifiers, or judges will not be considered.

11. Steers may be designated for re-weighing during judging at a time determined by the Steer Committee Chairman. Any steer weighing 5% more than his initial official show weight will become ineligible for any award or placing and ineligible for the STAR Jr. Livestock Premium Auction.

12. No one but exhibitors and Show Officials will be allowed in the show ring or on the Arena Director’s stand during sifting and judging.

13. Steers must remain in their stalls from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and at all other times except during sifting and judging and being prepared for judging. All exhibitors and their parents must leave the show grounds during this time.

14. Breeds of Steers:

a. Brahman & Brahman Crossbreeds

b. Santa Gertrudis and Santa Gertrudis Crossbreeds

c. Simbrah

d. M.A.S. Simbrah

e. American Breeds & Crossbreeds

f. Charolais & Charolais Crossbreeds

g. Maine Anjou

h. All Other Breeds

**Crossbred is defined as a steer whose sire and dam are of different breeds.

15. Classes will be determined after the final weights and classifications are completed. All classes may be divided to have as equal number of entries in each class as possible. All decisions are final.

16. Breeds listed above must have a minimum of 8 entries in order to have a separate show for the breed. There must be a minimum of 10 entries to form a new breed. If after sifting, there are less than the required numbers of entries in a breed specified in this rule, those entries will be placed in either the American Breeds & Crossbreeds or All Other Breeds.

17. The first place steer in each class will compete for Breed Champion, 2nd place steers out of the class that produces the Breed Champion will be allowed to compete with the remaining 1st place steers for Reserve Breed Champion.

18. Breed Champions will compete for Grand Champion Market Steer. The Reserve Breed Champion out of the breed that produces the Grand Champion Market Steer will compete against the remaining Breed Champions for Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer.

19. The Steer Committee may collect a blood or hair sample from any steer entered in STAR for the purpose of conducting a DNA analysis. Any steer not having a positive match from the DNA Analysis of this blood or hair sample compared to the DNA analysis of the blood or hair sample taken from the animal at the time of enrollment in the state validation program will be disqualified.

20. Being sent to the scale and weighed during judging does not automatically qualify a project for the Premium Auction. All exhibitors qualifying for the Premium Auction will receive a Verification Slip for the Premium Auction before leaving the ring. This must be completed and returned to the Steer Superintendent in order for the exhibitor to be eligible to sell in the Premium Auction.

Market Hog Show

1. Each exhibitor must be an enrolled member of a 4-H Club or FFA Chapter in Hidalgo County and be enrolled in an elementary or secondary school or home schooled in Hidalgo County and in their respective FFA Chapter or 4-H Club by November 1, 2009 through the show period.

2. Exhibitors must be in the third grade or at least nine years old, but under 20 years of age as of January 1, 2010.

3. All entries shown in the Market Hog classes will be subject to the General Rules and Regulations including all health requirements by the Texas Animal Health Commission and in addition, to the following rules and regulations.

4. Both barrows and gilts are eligible to be entered in this market division.

5. All Market Hogs must have been validated by the Texas Swine Validation Program by November 30, 2009.

6. Exhibitors are limited to one (1) entry in the Market Hog Show.

7. Classes and order of show (minimum of 8 head to make a breed):

a. DUROCS

b. HAMPSHIRES

c. YORKSHIRES

d. ALL OTHER PUREBREEDS

e. LIGHT CROSSBREEDS

f. DARK CROSSBREEDS

8. LIGHT CROSSBREEDS: Hogs that are white, blue-butt, or speckled are eligible for entry in this breed.
DARK CROSSBREEDS: Hogs with undiluted black, and/or red pigmentation and hair shall be considered a Dark Cross.

9. Market Hog entries weighing less than 225 pounds or more than 280 pounds at time of official weigh-in will be sifted. Animals that do not meet the weight requirement will be sifted and cannot move to the breeding swine show.

10. No oil, oil-based products, or powder will be permitted on Market Hogs. Animals entering the ring groomed with any of these products will be ruled ineligible to show.

11. Exhibitors will weigh their own animals, record the weight and declare a breed on their weight card. Weight cards will be turned in to the superintendent at the designated times. Class weights will be determined after all market hog weights are turned in.

12. The show will employ an official Classifier. The decision of the Classifier will be final. Protest of the classification of a market hog will not be accepted.

13. Scales will be set-up in the barn. The STAR Market Hog Committee will have the right to weigh any animal in the barn at any time.

14. Market Hogs will be designated for re-weighing in the show arena at a time designated by the STAR Market Hog Committee.

15. Any market hog leaving the ring and returning later for additional judging will be re-weighed.

16. There will be a twelve (12) pound weigh-back with a zero tolerance. Any market hog weighing more than twelve (12) pounds above or below the initial show weight will become ineligible for any award or the STAR Jr. Livestock Premium Auction. STAR reserves the right to reweigh any animal for the purpose of resale. Animals not meeting the weight specifications will be sifted.

17. Being sent to the scale and weighed during judging does not automatically qualify a project for the Premium Auction. All exhibitors qualifying for the Premium Auction will receive a Verification Slip for the Premium Auction before leaving the ring. This must be completed and returned to the Swine Superintendent in order for the exhibitor to be eligible to sell in the Premium Auction.

Market Goat Show

2. Exhibitors must be in the third grade or at least nine years old, but under 20 years of age as of January 1, 2010.

3. All goats must be the bona fide property of the exhibitor and continuously fed and cared for by the exhibitor from October 31, 2009 through the show date under the supervision of an AST, CEA, or 4-H Adult Leader.

4. Goats may be of any breed or crossbreed, a wether or unbred doe.

5. All male goats must be castrated by January 1, 2010.

6. All goats must be state validated by October 31, 2009.

7. An exhibitor may enter only one (1) goat.

8. Any animal found to have been entered in another show under a different exhibitor’s name other than the name entered in STAR and/or any animal which has gone through the auction at another show will be ineligible for STAR.

9. Any goat found to have evidence of more than one validation, will be ineligible to show unless the proper Change of Ownership forms are received, reflecting why there is evidence of more than one validation and that the previous validation(s) have been cancelled.

10. Scales will be set-up in the barn for the Official Weighing of the goats.

11. Classes will be determined at the conclusion of the weighing period.

12. Goats must meet the following requirements or be sifted.

13. Goats must weigh at least 60 pounds and can not have a maximum weight of over 115 pounds at the time of the Official Weighing and Sift.

14. Market Goats will be designated for re-weighing in the show arena at a time designated by the Market Goat Committee.

15. Any Market Goat leaving the show ring and later returning for additional judging will be re-weighed.

16. Any Market Goat weighing more than five (5) pounds over the official weight will be disqualified from any awards and the STAR Jr. Livestock Premium Auction. STAR reserves the right to reweigh any animal for the purpose of resale. Animals not meeting the weight specifications will be sifted.

17. Any goat that has had its natural musculature or weight altered by use of injections or ingested material not conducive of the continued health of goats or marketability of goat carcasses will be sifted.

18. All goats must be slick shorn from the hock up with 3/8 inch of hair or less.

19. Sharp or pointed horns must be clipped or rounded or sanded to the size of a dime or larger to meet the approval of the Goat Committee prior to going thru the sift.

20. Goats must be creditable from the standpoint of quality, finish and not have been mutilated in any way at time of sifting.

21. Only humane methods of showing will be permitted during sifting and judging. Example: No spike chokers.

22. No washing or rinsing of animals will be allowed after the animal has arrived to the show grounds.

23. There will be a designated area for trim tables and blowers. No electricity will be supplied.

24. Being sent to the scale and weighed during judging does not automatically qualify a project for the Premium Auction. All exhibitors qualifying for the Premium Auction will receive a Verification Slip for the Premium Auction before leaving the ring. This must be completed and returned to the Goat Superintendent in order for the exhibitor to be eligible to sell in the Premium Auction.

Market Lamb Show

1. Each exhibitor must be a bona fide member of a 4-H Club or FFA Chapter in Hidalgo County and be enrolled in an elementary or secondary school or home schooled in Hidalgo County and in their respective FFA Chapter or 4-H Club by November 1, 2009 through the show period.

2. Exhibitors must be in the third grade or at least nine years old, but under 20 years of age as of January 1, 2010.

3. All lambs must be the bona fide property of the exhibitor and continuously fed and cared for by the exhibitor from October 31, 2009 through the show date under the supervision of an AST, CEA, or 4-H Adult Leader.

4. Lambs may be either wether or ewe lambs. All ewe lambs must have a premise tag as per Texas Animal Health Commission requirements. IMPORTANT.

5. All lambs must have been validated by the Texas Lamb Validation Program by October 31, 2009.

6. An exhibitor may only enter one (1) market lamb.

7. Any animal found to have been entered in another show under a different name other than the name entered in STAR and/or any animal which has gone through the auction at another show will be ineligible for STAR. Lambs found to have evidence of more than one validation, will be ineligible to show unless the proper Change of Ownership forms are received, reflecting why there is evidence of more than one validation and that the previous validation(s) have been cancelled.

8. Weighing, sifting, and classifying times will be announced prior to the show.

9. Lambs must meet the following requirements or be sifted:

a. All lambs must weigh at least 80 pounds. There will be no maximum weight.

b. Any lamb that has had its natural musculature or weight altered by use of injections or ingested material not conducive to the continued health of lambs or marketability of lamb carcasses will be sifted.

c. All lambs must be slick shorn from knee and hock up at time of sifting. Lambs with excessive wool will be sifted.

d. Lambs must be creditable from the standpoint of types, quality, finish and breed characteristics.

e. Lambs that have been mutilated in any way will be sifted.

f. A lamb, which in the opinion of the sifter or classifiers does not have predominant breed characteristics of the class which it is entered, may be sifted from the show or, with the approval of the Committee Chairman, moved to another class.

10. The decision of the sifter and/or classifiers will be final. Protests will not be accepted concerning the sifter’s opinion.

11. After sifting, lambs may be divided into weight groups by breeds as nearly equal in number as possible. All lambs of the same weight will be in the same weight group. The minimum number of lambs to make a breed is eight (8) head.

12. Lambs may be re-weighed during judging at a time designated by the STAR Market Lamb Committee. Lambs returning to the arena after leaving for further competition will also be re-weighed. Any lamb weighing more than five (5) pounds above his initial show weight will become ineligible for any award or placing or the STAR Jr. Livestock Premium Auction. STAR reserves the right to reweigh any animal for the purpose of resale. Animals not meeting the weight specifications will be sifted.

13. No one but the exhibitors and show officials will be allowed in the ring during sifting and judging.

14. No painting, powdering or artificial coloring can be used on lambs.

15. No washing or trimming of animals will be allowed after the animal has arrived to the show grounds. (See Rule 11 of the General Rules)

16. The STAR Market Lamb Committee may collect a blood or wool sample from any lamb entered in STAR for the purpose of conducting a DNA analysis. Any lamb not having a positive match from the DNA analysis of the blood or wool sample taken from it at the time of enrollment in the state validation program will be disqualified.

17. Proposed Classes (must be at least eight head to make breed):

a. Fine Wool

b. Fine Wool Crosses

c. Southdown

d. Medium Wool

18. First place animals from each weight class will compete for Breed Champion honors, the second place animal from the class that produces the Breed Champion will return to the ring to compete against the remaining first place winners for Reserve Breed Champion.

19. Breed Champions will compete for Grand Champion Market Lamb. The Reserve Breed Champion from the breed producing the Grand Champion Market Lamb will be allowed to compete against the remaining Breed Champions for Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb.

20. Being sent to the scale and weighed during judging does not automatically qualify a project for the Premium Auction. All exhibitors qualifying for the Premium Auction will receive a Verification Slip for the Premium Auction before leaving the ring. This must be completed and returned to the Lamb Superintendent in order for the exhibitor to be eligible to sell in the Premium Auction.

Breeding Lamb Show

1. STAR will continue with the Breeding Lamb Show.

2. All rules for grooming and care will be the same as the market show.

3. There will be no weight limits

4. Ewes will be shown by age.

5. There will not be a separate showmanship division for this show.

6. All breeding Sheep must be Validated at the Jr. Breeding Sheep Validation which will be held at the RGVLS grounds, Date/Time TBA. Ewes that are not validated as breeding sheep at the Dec. Validation will not be allowed to show in the breeding show.

7. All breeding Sheep must arrive at the show grounds at the same time as market lambs and will be checked in at the same time weight cards are due for market lambs.

8. All breeding Sheep must have a premise tag in order to show. IMPORTANT.

Market Rabbit Show

2. Exhibitors must be in the third grade or at least nine years old, but under 20 years of age as of January 1, 2010.

3. Market Rabbit entries are due by February 15, 2010.

4. Rabbits must be the bona fide property of the exhibitor as of February 1, 2010, and must be continuously fed and cared for by the exhibitor as a project under the supervision of an AST, CEA or 4-H Adult Leader.

5. An exhibitor can enter only one (1) pen. The pen is to consist of three rabbits, all the same breed or variety or they will be sifted.

6. Rabbits will be weighed on official show scales at the time of check-in.

7. Rabbits must meet the following requirements or be automatically sifted:

a. Must weigh at least three pounds but no more than five pounds at the sifting weigh-in. If any one rabbit in the pen weighs less than three pounds or more than five pounds, the entire pen will be sifted.

b. Must be marketable meat and pelt quality.

c. Must not be over 70 days old at time of sifting.(born on or after Dec. 25, 2009)

d. Must be free of the following defects:

i) Cysts, ruptures or tumors

ii) Cold or snuffles

iii) Abscesses (hocks and elsewhere)

iv) Matted eyelids

v) Blindness in either or both eyes

vi) Mange

vii) Mites (ear or body)

viii) Fleas

ix) Malocclusion

x) Vent Diseases

e. If any one rabbit in the pen is disqualified, the entire pen will be sifted.

8. A rabbit pen, which in the opinion of the sifter, does not meet ARBA Breed Standards of the Class in which it is entered, will be moved to the proper breed class by the sifter.

9. After rabbits have been approved to show, no exchange of animals may be made. To do so will disqualify the exhibitor.

10. Each exhibitor must bring one hanging metal rabbit feeder (through-cage type) and one thirty-two ounce or larger bottle type waterer (no crocks or bowls allowed). These must be displayed to the Sifting Committee at check-in time. Rabbits will not be admitted unless properly functioning spill proof containers accompany the pen.

11. STAR will not be responsible for any animals that get sick or die while on exhibit.

12. No oils, polishes, powders, or other products may be used which would cosmetically alter the rabbit’s naturally groomed appearance at sifting or at the show table.

13. Rabbits will be judged immediately following sifting.

14. Rabbits will be judged in accordance with the American Rabbit Breeders Association Standard and Guide for Judging Meat Classes. Judges will also refer to the appropriate Breed Standards, as they deem necessary.

15. Rabbits will be judged alive and will not be dressed out for carcass judging.

16. The four judging factors are:

a. Meat Type is worth 40%. Look for fryers that are compact, short and well filled out with rounded solid flesh. Protruding hips, pin bones, back bones, etc. are faults. Look for wide, deep loins, thickness of the hindquarters and well-developed shoulders. Hindquarters are most important. Loin is next and shoulders are third in importance.

b. Condition is worth 30%. All three rabbits in the pen should be in prime condition.

c. Uniformity is worth 20%. The pen must reflect uniformity of weight, size, appearance, condition, meat type and fur.

d. Fur is worth 10%.

17. Exhibitors will be required to display their rabbits at the show tables as directed by the judge.

18. Classes (must have 8 entries to make a class, if not, they will show with the smallest breed class present):

a. Class 1 – New Zealand White

b. Class 2 – Californian

c. Class 3 – Crossbreeds and Other Purebreds

d. Class 4 – Grand Champion

19. Class 5 – Reserve Grand Champion

20. All exhibitors qualifying for the Premium Auction will receive a Verification Slip for the Premium Auction before leaving the ring. This must be completed and returned to the Superintendent in order for the exhibitor to be eligible to sell in the Premium Auction.

Market Poultry Show

2. Exhibitors must be in the third grade or at least nine years old, but under 20 years of age as of January 1, 2010.

3. Deadline for entry of Market Poultry is January 15, 2010.

4. Judging of Market Poultry will immediately follow the Official Sift at STAR.

5. Chicks must be ordered through STAR. There are thirty (30) chicks per order. All birds will be assigned to exhibitors when chicks are delivered. All birds brought to the show must bear the wing band number assigned to the exhibitors. The wing band number must appear on the exhibitor’s entry card.

6. No request for refund of money received for prepayment of chicks or cancellations of order will be considered. Checks will be deposited upon receipt.

7. The chicks will be straight run. Birds of either sex may be shown.

8. Each exhibitor will be allowed to enter one (1) pen of three broilers.

9. Alternate birds may be brought to the show grounds. However, the birds presented to the committee for wing band check at sifting become the entry and no substitutions will be allowed after sifting.

10. Birds will be sifted upon arrival on the show grounds for the purpose of eliminating any birds not in show condition. Sick and/or diseased birds will be sifted. Any bird with reduced comb growth or other secondary sex characteristics, which indicate the presence of a hormone, will be sifted. The decision of the sifter is final. No protest concerning the sifter’s decision will be considered.

11. Birds losing their wing band for whatever reason are ineligible to show. Birds with wing bands showing signs of tampering are subject to being sifted. Birds bearing a wing band other than one assigned to the exhibitor will be sifted. Sifted birds will be marked at time of sifting and must be removed from the show grounds immediately.

12. There is no weight limit. Birds will not be weighed at the show.

13. Each exhibitor is required to bring two one pound coffee cans to be used for food and water.

14. The show will furnish food and water. Exhibitors are required to make arrangements to see that their birds are cared for at the show.

15. Birds cannot be removed from the assigned cage except by permission from the STAR Poultry Committee Chairman. Birds may be handled and managed inside the cage only by the owner of the birds.

16. Exhibitors must be present at the time of sifting and judging to show their birds to the judge. Each exhibitor should arrange for two 4-H or FFA members to help them exhibit their birds. Absolutely, no adults will be allowed in the sift area or show ring.

17. The official Broiler Order Form will serve to meet the requirements of the Texas Pullorum Disease-Fowl Typhoid Act of 1977.

18. All exhibitors qualifying for the Premium Auction will receive a Verification Slip for the Premium Auction before leaving the ring. This must be completed and returned to the Superintendent in order for the exhibitor to be eligible to sell in the Premium Auction.

Breeding Cattle Show

2. Exhibitors must be in the third grade or at least nine years old, but under 20 years of age as of January 1, 2010.

3. All entries in this division are to follow the General Rules and Regulations of the STAR Show in addition to these special rules.

4. All cattle must be the bona fide property of the exhibitor and continuously cared for by the exhibitor from November 1, 2009 through the date of the show, under the supervision of an AST, CEA or 4-H Adult Leader.

5. An exhibitor may enter up to 2 entries in this division (e.g. two heifers purebred or commercial; two bulls; or one heifer and one bull). A photocopy of the animals’ registration papers must accompany the entry. A copy of the original registration paper should also be presented at check-in. Deadline for entries will be January 15, 2010. Substitutions to original entries may be made up to Feb. 15, 2010 with a $20.00 fee.

6. Delivery of Breeding Cattle to the show grounds will be posted in the schedule of livestock events.

7. All cattle must be entered in the name of the registered owner.

8. Cattle cannot be born prior to September 1, 2007.

9. Any female 24 months of age and older must have produced a calf or be bred with the exception of those in an embryo transfer program. The show reserves the right to have an animal palpated if a protest is filed.

10. Nose leads are required on all bulls, with the exception of those shown along side their dam.

11. No one but exhibitors and Show Officials will be allowed in the show ring or on the Arena Director’s stand during sifting and judging.

12. Cattle that are left overnight must remain in their stalls from 11:00 p.m.. to 5:00 a.m. except during sifting, judging, feeding or being prepared for judging. All exhibitors and their parents must leave the show grounds during the above time.

13. There must be ten (10) head of the same breed and sex present at the show to make a new show. Existing breeds must have eight (8) to have a show this year. If minimum requirements are not met to make a new show or maintain an existing show, they will show in either All Other Breeds (AOB) or American Breeds and Crosses (ABC). Existing Breeds are:

a. Bulls

(1) AOB

(2) ABC

(3) Red Brangus

b. Heifers

(1) Maine-Anjou

(2) Simmental

(3) Chianina

(4) Commercial Heifer

(5) Brahman

(6) Red Brangus

(7) Santa Gertrudis

(8) Simbrah

(9) AOB

(10) ABC

14. Classes will be made by the Junior Breeding Cattle Committee once all entries are in. Their decisions are final and will be posted as soon as they are available.

15. There will be no fitting or altering of an animal’s original color or conformation allowed. No pumping or adding any fill to any animal will be tolerated. No clipping will be allowed on the show grounds. Blowers may be utilized in the designated area of the grounds with power supplied by the exhibitor.

16. There will be no washing/rinsing of animals on the show grounds. Waterless shampoos are allowed for use. (See Rule 11 in the General Rules)

17. Commercial Heifer and Bull Rules:

a. Heifers and bulls must be validated through the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show validation program.

b. At validation, heifers and bulls will be classified as either American Breeds Cross or All Other Breeds.

c. All cattle must be dehorned and halter broke.

d. Classes will be determined by weight.

e. Cattle that do not meet show quality or condition may be sifted.

18. If there are not enough heifers or bulls to make a show (8 head), they will show as one class and compete with the AOB and/or ABC to compete for eligibility in the Premium Auction.

19. Champion Commercial and Res. Champion Commercial Bull and Heifer will compete in the Supreme and Res. Supreme Bull and Heifer Drives.

20. All exhibitors qualifying for the Premium Auction will receive a Verification Slip for the Premium Auction before leaving the ring. This must be completed and returned to the Superintendent in order for the exhibitor to be eligible to sell in the Premium Auction.

Breeding Gilt Show

1. Exhibitors must be in the third grade or at least nine years old, but under 20 years of age as of January 1, 2010.

2. All entries shown in the Junior Breeding Gilt Classes will be subject to the General Rules and Regulations including all health requirements by the Texas Animal Health Commission and in addition, to the following rules and regulations.

3. All breeding gilts must have been validated through the Texas Swine Validation Program by November 30, 2009.

4. Exhibitors may enter up to two (2) animals.

5. Breed registration papers will not be required for this show.

6. All animals must be exhibited by their owners, with the following exception:

a. When an exhibitor has more than one entry in a class

b. The exhibitor cannot be present due to sickness or an emergency, any 4-H or FFA member from the same club or chapter as the exhibitor, in whose name the entry is made, may exhibit the exhibitor’s animal(s) with the approval of the chairman of the Breeding Gilt Division.

7. There will no weight limit in the Breeding Gilt Division.

8. No gilt may be older than 10 months of age by show time.

9. Exhibitors will weigh their own animals, record the weight and declare a breed on their weight card. Weight cards will be turned in to the superintendent at the designated times. Class weights will be determined after all market hog weights are turned in. The Judge and the Breeding Hog Committee will attempt to classify all breeding hogs according to Breed Registerable Characteristics.

10. The decision of the classifier will be final. Protests will not be accepted on the Classifier’s opinion.

11. No oil, oil-based products, or powder will be permitted on the breeding hogs. Animals entering the ring groomed with any of these products will be ruled ineligible to show.

12. No one but the exhibitors and show officials will be allowed in the judging arena or on the arena director’s stand during the sifting and judging.

13. Animals shown in the Breeding Gilt Division will be ineligible for the Market Hog Division.

14. Classes will be determined after weighing and classifying.

a. Breeds (minimum of 8 head to make a breed):

(1) Duroc

(2) Hampshire

(3) Yorkshire

(4) All Other Purebreds

(5) Crossbreeds

15. Hogs will be put in classes as nearly equal in number as possible.

16. All breeding gilts of the same weight will be put in the same weight group.

17. Breed Champions & Reserve Breed Champions

a. First place gilts in each class will compete for Breed Champion

b. Second place gilts in the class that produced the Breed Champion will compete with the remaining first place gilts for Reserve Breed Champion.

18. Grand Champion & Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Gilt

a. Breed Champions will compete for Grand Champion.

b. The Reserve Breed Champion of the Breed that produces the Grand Champion will compete with the remaining Breed Champions for Reserve Grand Champion Gilt.

19. Being sent to the scale and weighed during judging does not automatically qualify a project for the Premium Auction. All exhibitors qualifying for the Premium Auction will receive a Verification Slip for the Premium Auction before leaving the ring. This must be completed and returned to the Superintendent in order for the exhibitor to be eligible to sell in the Premium Auction.

20. All Validation Tag Numbers of Breeding Gilts sold through the Premium Auction will be recorded and turned over to the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show. According to RGVLS rules, no animal that has sold through another show’s auction is eligible to show at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show.

Breeding Goat Show

1. All entries shown in the Junior Breeding Goat classes will be subject to the General Rules and Regulations of STAR and in addition, to the following rules and regulations.

2. Each exhibitor must be a bona fide member of a 4-H Club or FFA Chapter in Hidalgo County and be enrolled in an elementary or secondary school or home schooled in Hidalgo County and in their respective FFA Chapter or 4-H Club by November 1, 2009 through the show period.

3. Exhibitors must be in the third grade or at least nine years old, but under 20 years of age as of January 1, 2010.

4. Animals entered in this division must be registered in the exhibitor’s name by February 15, 2010. Animals must be in the possession of the Exhibitor by November 15, 2009 and personally fed and cared for exclusively by the exhibitor from that date thru STAR, under the supervision of an AST, CEA, or 4-H Adult Leader.

5. An exhibitor may enter up to 2 entries in this division.

6. Identification: Goats must have a legible ear identification number tattoo corresponding to the registration certification number.

7. Photocopy of registration papers must be attached to the entry application. Original registration papers must accompany the animal to STAR. No Exceptions.

8. Abnormalities: Goats showing any pronounced defect, abnormality or open wounds will be barred from showing. Any evidence of cosmetic surgical alteration to enhance the physical conformation of an animal or dying of hair will disqualify the entry.

9. Fitting guidelines: Goats may be fully haired or trimmed to the owner’s satisfaction. No spike collars will be allowed in the show ring or anywhere on the show grounds.

10. Horns: Full bloods need to be horned, with minor tipping. Percentages may be horned or dehorned.

11. Exhibitors must show their own projects. Any alternate exhibitors must be declared to the committee prior to check-in or sift.

12. Goats will be shown by the age of the Registration Certificate in the following order (minimum of 8 head to make a division, otherwise they all show together):

a. Percentage Boer Does

(1) Class 1 – Ages 4 to less than 8 months (from Show Date)

(2) Class 2 – Ages 8 to less than 12 months

(3) Class 3 – Ages 12 to less than 18 months

(4) Class 4 – Ages 18 to less than 24 months

(5) Class 5 – Ages 24 months and older

(6) Class 6 – Percentage Champion Female

(7) Class 7 – Percentage Reserve Champion Female

b. Purebred Boer Does

(1) Class 7 – Ages 4 to less than 8 months

(2) Class 8 – Ages 8 to less than 12 months

(3) Class 9 – Ages 12 to less than 18 months

(4) Class 10 – Ages 18 months to less than 24 months

(5) Class 11 – Ages 24 months and older

(6) Class 12 – Champion Purebred Female

(7) Class 13 – Reserve Champion Purebred Female

c. Grand Champion & Reserve Champion Female Goat

13. Sexually intact goats or sheep brought to the show grounds must have a Premise ID Tag issued by the Texas Animal Health Commission. If an exhibitor has purchased a project from a breeder, the breeder should supply the Premise ID Tag.

14. Being sent to the scale and weighed during judging does not automatically qualify a project for the Premium Auction. All exhibitors qualifying for the Premium Auction will receive a Verification Slip for the Premium Auction before leaving the ring. This must be completed and returned to the Superintendent in order for the exhibitor to be eligible to sell in the Premium Auction.

Shining STAR Scholarship Contest

1. All candidates must attend high school and be considered a senior expecting to graduate in May 2010.

2. All Candidates must be 17 - 19 years of age by March 3 of the current year.

3. All Candidates must be passing according to UIL rules.

4. Candidates may not be married, previously married, or have children and remain so throughout the show.

5. Candidates will, at no time drink alcoholic beverages, smoke in public, or knowingly participate in any illegal activity or detrimental behavior during any STAR event, including rehearsals. Breaking this rule will result in immediate removal from participating in contest.

6. All rehearsals will be CLOSED to anyone not participating in contest.

7. Awards will be paid directly to the recipient upon submission of a mid-semester grade report after the award date.

8. All candidates must be participating in a FFA or 4-H club within Hidalgo County and also must submit entry and bring project to show for exhibition.

9. A scholarship will be awarded to the candidate with the highest accumulated points. Designated judges for each round of the contest will give points.

10. The contest will consist of different rounds.

a. Round 1: Interview Process (approx. 15-minute interview). Business attire should be worn for interview.

b. Round 2: Stage Process including Stage Presence. Chosen attire should include blue jeans and western shirt.

c. Round 3. Community service/leadership

d. Round 4: Personal biography information statement

11. All contestants must follow all STAR rules. Failure to follow these rules will result in forfeiture of any awards or scholarships.

STAR Scholarship Program

Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the STAR Scholarship, the applicant must…

Be a current Hidalgo County 4-H or FFA member.
Have been a member of 4-H or FFA as reflected below for two of the past four years including the current year.
Attend public school, private school, or be home-schooled in Hidalgo County.
Be a graduating senior.
Be a current resident of Hidalgo County.
Must exhibit their project at STAR as follows:
1. Submit entries and bring project to the show for exhibition in the current year. Sifted projects meet the exhibition requirements of this application.
2. Must have exhibited in two of the last four years, including the current year.

Scholarship Guidelines

Scholarship applications will be accepted, evaluated, and awarded based on the following guidelines:

1. Completed scholarship applications are due December 15, 2009 by 6:00 p.m. to either of the scholarship committee co-chairs (Mr. Lacho Garza 956-380-0011 or Luis Saldana 956-279-3346)

2. The scholarship committee will evaluate all applicants that meet all the eligibility requirements and have completed applications. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or reviewed.

3. Applicants will be contacted and must attend the interview to continue to be considered for a scholarship. Interviews will be conducted January 23 & 24, 2010. Conflicts in scheduled interview times should be resolved no later than the day before the interview.

4. Scholarship applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Cover Letter 10 pts
Academics 5 pts
Project Experiences 20 pts
STAR Involvement 15 pts
Leadership 8 pts
Community Service 8 pts
Honors/Awards 10 pts
Other Activities 4 pts
Interview 20 pts

5. Evaluation of items above will be based on the Application Guidelines distributed with the application.

6. Recipients will have one year to redeem their scholarship award based on the date the recipients are selected. The recipient is responsible for initiating the process of redeeming their award.

7. Award will be paid directly to the recipient upon submission of any official record of enrollment in post-secondary education that includes:

Concurrent enrollment at the time the scholarship is awarded
Enrollment anytime after the scholarship is awarded as per #6 above.
Proof of enrollment (class schedule, invoice, grade report, transcript)

Agricultural Mechanics Show

1. Projects may be individually or group constructed and may be individually owned or chapter owned.

2. Entries made in the name of FFA Chapters or 4-H Clubs are not eligible. All projects must be entered in the names of the exhibitors who participated in planning and construction of the project.

3. Entries must be made in the name of the exhibitor or exhibitors on the entry application. Entry fee is $20.00 per project. Entry deadline is Feb. 15, 2010.

4. Exhibitors may enter and bring as many projects as they choose so long as there are separate entry applications and entry fees for each project.

5. A project can be exhibited only one time at the STAR Livestock Show and must have been constructed within one calendar year of the exhibition date.

6. All projects must be painted or properly treated and must be clean and in a presentable condition even though they may have been used. Painting and physical construction of projects is not allowed once the project enters the show grounds. Judges will be asked to disregard any minor blemishes or damages due to the transport of projects.

7. An original (exhibitor drawn) plan or drawing, a bill of materials and photographs showing all phases of construction are to be provided with projects. TxDOT and/or ASAE regulations and specifications are to be provided as they apply to individual projects. Stands, podiums, computers, etc. will be permitted only when they can be positioned on or under the project. Exhibitors are required to be present when projects are being judged. Arrangements will be made when there is a conflict with another show. Substitutions will follow same rules as all other shows.

8. Appropriate and safe display stands must be provided for gates, panels, and other projects that need support. Sharp edges and points, such as those found on self feeder roofs, bale movers, etc., are to be padded or covered as necessary to prevent injury. All trailers and other equipment that is to be operated and/or transported on public roads are to be equipped with the safety equipment specified in Title 7, Vehicles and Traffic Transportation Code of Texas Statutes. All towed equipment, regardless of standards, is to be equipped with safety chains.

9. All projects are to be identified with assigned numbers. “For Sale” signs will not be permitted.

10. Every precaution will be taken to protect the projects entered. However, STAR and its Committee members will not be responsible for any loss or damage to projects.

11. Judging will be based on the following system:

a. Workmanship 30 points

b. Design and Materials Used 20 points

c. Practicality 20 points

d. Degree of Difficulty 10 points

e. General Appearance and Finish 10 points

f. Documentation and Presentation 10 points

12. The following two divisions and classes will exist (8 or more projects of the same type will constitute a class of its own):

a. Farm and Ranch Division:

(1) Farm Machinery

(2) Livestock Equipment

(3) Shop Equipment

(4) Wildlife Equipment

(5) Trailers

(6) Large BBQ Pits with axles.

b. Home and Yard Division:

(1) Home Furniture & Conveniences (Large exceeds 24" x 24" x 24")

(2) Home Furniture & Conveniences (Small is not to exceed 24" x 24" x 24")

(3) Yard Furniture & Conveniences

(4) Small BBQ Pits

(5) Taxidermy

13. Each Division will award a Grand and Reserve Grand Champion. Each Grand will receive a cash award of $500 and each Reserve Grand will receive a cash award of $250. (Projects with multiple exhibitors will split the cash award equally between all exhibitors)

14. A silent auction will be implemented for exhibitors wishing to sell their projects. Participation in the auction is not mandatory and exhibitors will be able to designate the starting price of his/her project. Exhibitors are responsible for transporting their projects to the auction ring. Projects entered in the silent auction may not be withdrawn when the auction starts. All projects will remain until the end of the auction. Sales in the silent auction will be final.

2010 Premium Book

Table of Contents

General Information

General Rules & Regulations

Rules and Regulations Governing Admission of Livestock to Shows, Fairs, and Assemblies

$10,000 Junior Livestock Showmanship Contests

Junior Livestock Premium Auction

Market Steer Show

Market Hog Show

Market Goat Show

Market Lamb Show

Breeding Lamb Show

Market Rabbit Show

Market Poultry Show

Breeding Cattle Show

Breeding Gilt Show

Breeding Goat Show

Shining STAR Scholarship Contest

STAR Scholarship Program

Scholarship Eligibility

Scholarship Guidelines

Agricultural Mechanics Show