2026 Fairbook Online

OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS:

SECTION 1 – GENERAL FAIR RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. The 2026 Delta County Fair will be held August 1-August 9, 2026, at the Fairgrounds in Hotchkiss, Colorado. These rulesshall serve as the Official Delta County Fair Rules and are available in the 2026 Fair Book and online at www.deltacountyco.gov/924/Delta-County-Fair The most up-to-date version of the official rules will be posted to the website. Rule changes may be made online until June 26, 2026 (Pre-registration deadline).

2. THESE RULES APPLY TO OPEN CLASS AND 4-H/FFA EXHIBITORS EQUALLY EXCEPT WHERE NOTED THAT RULES ARE FOR JUNIOR (4-H/FFA) DIVISION EXHIBITORS ONLY. It is the responsibility of all exhibitors to know and adhere to all rules in their project/exhibit area(s).

3. Heritage Hall will be open as follows: Tuesday-Saturday of the fair – 8:00 AM-7:00 PM. Sunday of the fair – 8:00 AM – Noon.

4. Every article on exhibit at Heritage Hall must remain until the close of the fair. Removal will not be allowed until 8:00 AM on Sunday.

5. When no premiums are offered, space will be allotted, when possible, to those wishing to exhibit meritorious articles, and convenience offered for advertising.

6. Heritage Hall superintendents have full control of the arrangement of articles in their departments and exhibitors will refer to them all matters relating to same. All livestock superintendents must be present and in charge of their species at load-out time.

7. No one will be allowed to act as a judge in a class where he or she is an exhibitor.

8. Open Class Awards will be designated as follows: Blue ribbons indicate first place and a premium; Red ribbons indicate second place (no premium); White ribbons indicate third place (no premium). Rosette ribbons indicate Special Awards as per department. Ribbons will be placed at time of judging.

9. In the event there are no more than 5 exhibitors per species or division at the Delta County Fair, a local judge or Fair Board member will be retained to judge the classes relating to that species/division.

10. Each superintendent will exercise great care in preserving and returning all notebooks, registration sheets & records of results of his/her department because all payment of premiums are authorized only upon entries and results contained therein.

11. Premiums for Heritage Hall open exhibits will be paid from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the fairgrounds on the last Sunday of Fair. Premiums will be paid in cash except where otherwise noted. Special premiums will be paid in cash or merchandise at the option of persons offering same. All premiums not picked up by 12:00 PM will be forfeited.

12. The Delta County Fair Board reserves the right to withhold premiums awarded in case of violation of any rule governing any department of the Delta County Fair.

13. Dogs on grounds will always be on a leash. Dogs are not allowed in the exhibit or livestock areas. Competition dogs must stay in the competition area. Service dogs are exempted from this restriction however they must be on a leash. Livestock and horses will not be allowed in the concession area.

14. The Fair Board will take every precaution for the safety of articles exhibited but does not assume any responsibility in case of loss or damage. All entries are accepted with the understanding that neither the show organization nor the sponsoring group shall be held responsible for any damage, accidents, or loss of livestock on exhibition or for sale.

15. Under no circumstances will any person or firm be allowed to place advertisements upon the buildings, trees, or any location on the fairgrounds without permission from the Delta County Fair Board.

16. Except for the Junior Market Livestock Sale, exhibits may not be marked for sale, nor is the sale of exhibits permitted at the fair.

17. The City of Hotchkiss ordinance that prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages on public property will be enforced everywhere on the fairgrounds except in designated areas.

18. In the absence of a specific rule, any dispute will be resolved by the Fair Board or its designated representative based upon other rules, customs and practice, and fairness.

19. ALL DECISIONS OF THE JUDGES ARE FINAL.

20. All exhibitors are expected to behave respectfully and in a courteous manner.

21. All exhibitors are expected to show respect for others and the property of others, including Heritage Hall exhibitors.

22. Unethical practices, such as violating exhibiting rules and regulations, removal of ribbons or registration forms, and misrepresentation of information concerning registration, will not be allowed.

23. Any individual or individuals found harassing livestock, causing any disturbance to livestock, causing harm to any livestock or other individual, or caught being responsible for theft on the fairgrounds, may be removed from the fairgrounds by the Delta County Fair Board and/or any security person. The person in question may not be allowed to return for the duration of the fair if so deemed by the Delta County Fair Board.

24. During the Delta County Fair motorized personal conveyances (i.e.: e-bikes, scooters, golf carts, gators, ATV’s, electric chairs) on the Delta County Fairgrounds may be operated only by Fair Board members, office staff, designated fair officials, and handicapped participants/spectators.

25. No bicycles, scooter, golf carts, ATV, electric chairs, e-bikes, or other personal conveyances shall be allowed on the fairway, in or around the livestock barns, or in the tie out lot behind the beef barn at any time during the fair unless specifically approved by the Fair Board.

26. False representation regarding any exhibit, interference with the judges, or unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of any exhibitor will be dealt with according to the rules of the Delta County Fair.

27. No unworthy animal or article shall be awarded a prize. In such cases the judges shall decide whether the animal or article is entitled to an award or not.

28. Any suggestion for improvement of the Fair should be presented to the department superintendent(s) or brought to the attention of the Fair Board by the September Fair Board meeting.

SECTION 2 – CAMPING RULES

1. Camping, either on or behind the fairgrounds is free. However, every person in a camper (except vendors) is required to purchase an all-inclusive wristband that will allow entrance to all events. This is required to control access to events after hours.

2. Wrist bands will be available for purchase starting June 29, 2026, at the Extension Office at 525 Dodge St. Delta, CO. Wrist bands can also be purchased during fair at the Livestock Office on the Fairgrounds.

3. There is no charge for camping, but camping passes are required in all campers by the City of Hotchkiss. The camping pass must be displayed in a conspicuous place. Camping passes may be picked up at the Extension Office at 525 Dodge St. Delta, CO beginning on June 29, 2026, or may be picked up at the Livestock Office during the week of fair.

4. No open fires are allowed. No alcohol is allowed except in designated areas.

5. No generators after 10:00 PM.

6. Failure to obey camping regulations could result in the camper being asked to leave or having their camper removed from the fairgrounds.

7. Minors camping on the fairgrounds must be always supervised by a responsible adult.

SECTION 3-ENTRY RULES/REQUIREMENTS

1. All 4-H & FFA members exhibiting in any class, group of classes or showmanship MUST PRE-ENTER SUCH ENTRIES AND CLASSES ON OFFICIAL PRE-ENTRY FORMS AND DELIVER COMPLETED MARKET LIVESTOCK SALE INVITATION FORMS NO LATER THAN JUNE 26, 2026, AT 4:30 PM TO: CSU Extension Office, 525 Dodge Street, Delta CO 81416. After that date no animals or classes may be added to entry.

2. One exhibitor must be declared for all animals nominated under the Family Nomination process by the pre-entry deadline. Animals cannot be pre-entered for more than one exhibitor.

3. Any animals entered under more than one exhibitor at the time of the pre-entry deadline will be ineligible to show.

4. Pre-entries are final.

5. A copy of the BRAND INSPECTION papers for all BEEF BREEDING animals must accompany the pre-entry forms when turned into the CSU Extension Office on June 26, 2026, by 4:30 PM. If they are not with the pre-entry paperwork, the exhibitors will not be allowed to show in the Beef Breeding show.

6. ALL OPEN CLASS LIVESTOCK, INCLUDING POULTRY AND RABBITS, MUST PRE-ENTER SAID CLASSES. Pre-entry forms are available at the CSU Extension Office at 525 Dodge Street, Delta, Colorado 81416 or online at www.deltacountyco.gov/924/Delta-County-Fair. PRE-ENTRIES ARE DUE BY June 26, 2025, at 4:30 PM to the CSU Extension Office.

7. ALL open class NON-LIVESTOCK entries will be made between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Tuesday of the Delta County Fair on the Fairgrounds. Entry forms may be picked up at the Extension Office after June 26, 2026, and will be available at Heritage Hall on entry day.

8. All Heritage Hall Open Class entries must be in place by 7:00 PM on entry day, except for fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, frozen goods, cream pies and baked items. These items must be to Heritage Hall no later than 8:00 AM on Wednesday of the fair.

9. To secure a premium, all articles must be properly entered.

10. Every animal or article shall be entered and exhibited in the name of its bon-a-fide owner except where noted.

11. All Junior Division livestock entries must be weighed and stalled during their respective times according to the Official Fair Schedule.

SECTION 4-GRIEVANCES

1. A person who considers himself/herself aggrieved is encouraged to first settle the matter informally. If such an attempt is not successful, grievances – including protests alleging unethical practices and rules violations – must be filed within one (1) hour of the conduct creating the grievance or alleged violation. Persons must file a written and signed grievance with the Delta County Fair Board President or designee, accompanied by a $100 cash deposit or certified check, which will be forfeited if the grievance or protest is not sustained and returned if it is. The grievance shall plainly state the cause of the complaint and provide sufficient detail for the matter to be investigated. Upon receipt of the protest, the Fair Board President shall refer the protest to the remainder of the Fair Board, which shall investigate the matter and issue written findings within 24 hours of receipt. The findings of the Fair Board are final.

2. Grievances or other concerns involving a policy or practice of the Fair Board or the Fair, rather than relating to a specific incident shall be presented in writing to the Fair Board President for consideration by the Fair Board and/or Executive Committee and need not be acted upon within 24 hours. Any dispute that cannot be resolved by the species superintendent(s) will be taken to the Fair Board Executive Committee.

SECTION 5 – LIVESTOCK GENERAL RULES/REGULATIONS

THESE RULES/REGULATIONS ARE APPLICABLE TO BOTH OPEN CLASS AND 4-H/FFA (JUNIOR) EXHIBITORS EXCEPT WHERE NOTED.

1.Any exhibitor found by the Delta County Fair Board to be not properly feeding or caring for his/her livestock will forfeit all premiums and awards.

2. All market livestock must be always controllable at initial and subsequent tag-in/weigh-ins and during the fair. For each species, “controllable” is at the discretion of the species superintendent, the general livestock superintendent, or a Delta County Fair Board member. If your animal is deemed uncontrollable, you must remove your animal from the fairgrounds within three hours of notification.

3. Any animal deemed unmanageable or unsafe by the species superintendent, general livestock superintendent, judge, or Delta County Fair Board member will be released and removed from the fairgrounds. The animal will be ineligible to show.

4. All livestock must meet Colorado Import requirements and Federal Interstate requirements.

5. Any animal found showing evidence of infectious, contagious, or communicable disease or any animal deemed to be a present danger to the health, safety or welfare of the participants or spectators by the species superintendent will be immediately withdrawn from the show and the owner will take the animal home. The animal will not be able to sell through the Junior Market Livestock Sale.

6. No tranquilizers are allowed to be used on any livestock exhibited at the fair.

7. Due to limited pen space, NO overnight accommodations will be made available to open class livestock.

8. All open class livestock entries must be checked in at the Livestock Office two (2) hours prior to the show for that species. Animals will not be allowed to show if check-in is not completed.

9. Death of any livestock (market or other) will not be the responsibility of the Fair Board or Junior Market Livestock Sale Committee, but rather that of the bon-a-fide owner or the purchaser at the time of sale.

10. Open classes are open to ALL exhibitors. The class may be eliminated if the entries are a duplication of a prior Junior (4-H/FFA) class.

11. Market livestock may be shown in an open class but are not eligible for sale in the Junior Market Livestock Sale.

12. LIVESTOCK EXHIBITORS WILL BE REQUIRED TO STORE THEIR EXTRA FEED/TACK/SUPPLIES IN A DESIGNATED AREA SPECIFIED BY THE SPECIES SUPERINTENDENT. At no time shall tack or feed be stored in the fire lane.

13. Any animals entered in breeding classes cannot also compete in market or feeder classes. If an exhibitor is enrolled in a breeding project for a given species, they may exhibit intact females in the 4-H/FFA breeding show for that species, even if they have weighed the animal in as a potential market animal. The animal CANNOT be exhibited as a market animal during the fair and must be pre-entered as a breeding animal. It cannot be pre-entered in a market class as well as a breeding class.

14. To eradicate Scrapie in the United States, the USDA requires sheep and goats to have Flock Identification ear tags that list their flock of origin.

15. The species superintendent(s) shall have the authority to divide their division into classes as needed. Market livestock classes will be broken by weight.

16. If a division contains 5 or fewer animals, Champion and Reserve Champion awards will be given at the discretion of the species superintendent.

17. It is the Delta County Fair Board’s desire, interest and responsibility to minimize animal health issues as much as possible before, during and after the fair, the board has instituted regulations. These requirements are by no means meant to be restrictive to participants but rather, they are hopefully and ultimately protective and beneficial to all by lessening the chances of exposure and spread of disease, particularly those that are not clinically apparent. It’s common knowledge that the spread of disease is increased significantly when comingling at a venue such as a fair.

18. Diseased or injured animals may be removed from the grounds upon recommendation of the attending species superintendent(s), the general livestock superintendent, or an attending veterinarian. A release must be signed by the species superintendent. Removal of animals from the fairgrounds prior to release time will result in loss of premiums.= Animals deemed unworthy for competition by the species superintendent(s) may be barred from competition and removed from the fairgrounds.

19. The Fair Board will follow the current Colorado State Veterinary recommendations regarding health risks, quarantines, vet checks and cancellation of shows for potential livestock health threats and communicable diseases.

20. All animals must have their blankets removed prior to going through the vet inspection station. That means all blankets must be off when the Vet approaches the trailer. At the Veterinarian’s discretion animals must be unloaded. Be prepared to unload your animal/animals at the request of the Vet.

21. Testing for illicit and illegal drugs will be at the discretion of the Fair Board with the samples collected and methodology of testing to be determined by the Fair Board.

22. Any state or federal regulations that might arise at time that would make them relevant to any fair activities will take precedent over Delta County Fair regulations.

SECTION 6 – 4-H/FFA (JUNIOR) DIVISION RULES/REGULATIONS

1. This Department is open only to regularly enrolled 4-H Club members and FFA members in Delta County.

a. 4-H exhibitors must be at least age 8 and must not have reached their 19th birthday prior to January 1 of the current year and must satisfy other eligibility requirements for a class to complete in that class. Juniors are ages 8- 10, Intermediates are 11-13, and Seniors are ages 14 and up as of December 31, 2025.

b. FFA exhibitors must be enrolled in a local Delta County FFA Chapter and may show market animals but must NOT have reached their 19th birthday prior to January 1 of the current year. FFA members may show breeding animals up to their 22 nd birthday, as of January 1.

c. To be eligible to exhibit in the Delta County Fair, the exhibitor must be enrolled in or graduated from the Delta County School District and/or must be a resident of and residing in Delta County for the duration of the 4-H/FFA project. School enrollment is defined as where the student is counted for state enrollment.

2. Each 4-H member must be enrolled in his/her projects by the deadline set by CSU Extension (may vary by species) preceding the county fair.

3. Check-in and interview judging of 4-H general projects will be on Friday, July 31 st , 2026, beginning at 9:00 am

4. Exhibits in the 4-H/FFA division are subject to rule and regulation changes made by the State 4-H Office and the Colorado State Fair.

5. The Dress Code is in effect at any time the 4-H or FFA member and his/her animal are on display, including in the show ring, during sale pictures, during the Junior Market Livestock Sale, and when participating in the Fair Parade. This rule also applies to any helpers entering arenas or during the parade.

a. All 4-H and FFA members must dress to show respect to the organization. While exhibiting their livestock projects, 4-H and FFA members must wear a button up or snap shirt or blouse that is long enough to stay tucked in during ALL movements. Shirts must be buttoned or snapped all the way from the top to the bottom except for the collar. Collared polo shirts are acceptable with the above restrictions.

b. No shorts, t-shirts, sleeveless tops, excessively baggy pants or any clothing that exposes undergarments are allowed at any time while the 4-H or FFA member is exhibiting his/her animal.

c. Appropriate closed-toed shoes must be worn in the showring.

d. No ballcaps are allowed in the show ring or sale ring except for at the Horse Show.

6. The animal’s owner (4-H/FFA member) should prepare their project animal when it is being exhibited at the Delta County Fair. Assistance may be provided by Delta County 4-H or FFA members, parents, guardians, qualified persons, 4-H leaders and FFA advisors. It is recommended that another Colorado 4-H or FFA member be the first choice for assistance for a junior member. If assistance is provided, the Delta County 4-H or FFA member enrolled in the project must be present to benefit from teaching and instruction. Violation will result in the exhibitor being prohibited from showing that animal.

7. BARN CURFEW RULES: For security reasons, all livestock barns will close at 10pm. Barns will remain closed until 6am. Security will be making rounds throughout the night. No one, except security personnel, is allowed in the barn while it is closed. All animals must be properly secured when leaving for the night. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification from the species show and/or sale.

8. All 4-H/FFA market animal exhibitors and parents or guardians will be required to sign a Certification and Statement of Disclosure (USDA Wholesome Meat Act Form) for each animal sold. Forms are due one (1) hour after the conclusion of the show. Exhibitors will not be allowed to sell until the completed form(s) are turned in.

9. The Delta County Fair enforces and supports the USDA Wholesome Meat Act and insists that exhibitors comply. Exhibitors of all market animal entries must certify their compliance with manufacturer’s withdrawal period specified for all medications, drugs and pesticides or feed additives administered. The use of any non-approved chemical or improper use of approved chemicals is strictly prohibited.

10. The Delta County Fair reserves the right to screen or test any animal for drug residues of any nature and take any action deemed appropriate if testing results show any positive residues exceeding FDA/EPA/USDA established tolerances for any foreign substance including medications, drugs, pesticides, feed additives or chemicals. The Delta County Fair Board reserves the right to pass all fees required for testing on to the exhibitor.

11. All livestock exhibitors must have completed a Meat Quality Assurance (MQA) training as required. MQA certification is required for new exhibitors and for exhibitors moving into the Senior age level.

12. All 4-H and FFA animals must be cared for, shown, and sold by the owner. In case of emergency, another Delta County 4-H or FFA member may care for, show, or sell the animal with the approval of the General Livestock Superintendent and the Fair Board.

13. Under no circumstances may an adult assist or show an animal exhibited in the junior division.

SECTION 6.01 DELTA COUNTY FAIR BRED & FED (DCFB&F)

1. The animal being shown MUST have been born in Delta County.

2. The term BORN meaning that it is born and raised in Delta County. Delta County is defined as all of Delta County, including the areas of Maher, Somerset, Pea Green and Peach Valley, that are eligible to participate in DCF.

3. Artificial insemination (A.I.) and embryo transfer (E.T.) are recognized as methods of herd improvement. Animals bred by these methods are eligible for the DCB&F show.

4. All DCB&F beef must be branded with a Delta County Brand registered in Delta County.

5. All DCB&F sheep and goats must be tagged with a scrapie tag registered to a Delta County premises ID

6. All DCB&F swine must be ear notched by the Delta County producer.

7. Producers who have brands registered in more than one county must designate which county they are going to sell Bred & Fed animals in by the first tag-in date for each species. If producers register as a Bred & Fed producer in a county other than Delta County, it will be an automatic disqualification for the Delta County Fair as a Bred & Fed producer for that year.

8. All awards will be given by the Fair Board and will be consistent across all shows.

9. For every large animal species, the Grand and Reserve Champion DCB&F animals will be selected from the Champion drive/class. If the Grand Champion market animal is born and raised in Delta County, then it will also be the Champion DCB&F animal. If the Reserve Grand Champion animal is born & raised in Delta County, then it will be the Reserve DCB&F animal. If the Grand Champion Market animal is not born and raised in Delta County but the Reserve Grand Champion animal is born and raised in Delta County, then the Reserve Grand Champion animal will be the Champion DCB&F animal and the Reserve DCB&F animal will be selected out of the remaining animals in the champion class/drive. If the Reserve Champion animal is also not born and raised in Delta County, then the remaining DCB&F Champion/Reserve Champion will be selected from the remaining animals in the Champion drive. If there are not two born and raised in Delta County animals in the Champion class/drive, additional born and raised in Delta County animals, placing no lower than 4th place, may be pulled up at the discretion of the show superintendent to compete for the remaining award(s).

10. Animals will be designated as DCB&F on the show and sale bills with the simple notation of BF.

11. There will be a Youth Producer Breeding & Market Live Evaluation class during fair for beef, sheep, swine and goats. Exhibitors are eligible to enter this class if they have registered as a Youth Producer through Delta County Bred & Fed, Inc. Requirements and details regarding entry in this program can be found at www.deltacountybred&fed.com. Animals will be scored on breeding potential &/or market readiness, respectively. This score will be combined with herdsmanship and interview scores for overall Youth Producer Awards. No individual awards will be given in this class.

12. Exhibitors who have registered for the Youth Producers Program must designate this on the Delta County Fair Pre-entry Form to participate in this class.

SECTION 6.02 MARKET LIVESTOCK NOMINATONS

1. Market animals to be exhibited in the Delta County Fair must be identified by an official Delta County Fair ear tag. Tags can be picked up at the Delta County Fairgrounds on the advertised date for each species. Exhibitors will have the option to bring their sheep, goats and/or beef to the fairgrounds at this time and have a member of the fair board help them tag their animal(s). The livestock scales will be open at that time, and members may opt to weigh their animals, but it will not be required. 4-H Exhibitors will be required to nominate all animals online at 4honline.com by set dates, which will be one week after weigh-in/tag-in/tag distribution. See specific animal species division rules for details.

2. FFA members must turn in the listed paperwork to the 4-H Extension Office by the set registration deadlines.

3. Exhibitors will be charged a $7.00 fee per head on all market livestock when tags are handed out. Any unused tags returned the extension office will be issued a refund. If an exhibitor, or their designee, does not have their animal(s) tagged, upload required documentation, and pay required fees they shall not be allowed to exhibit such animal(s) at the upcoming fair.

4. ALL MALE ANIMALS MUST BE CASTRATED OR BANDED BY REGISTRATION DEADLINE DATES. BANDED TESTICLES MUST HAVE FALLEN OFF OR BEEN REMOVED PRIOR TO SHOW WEIGH-IN. Any animal found to be out of compliance will not be allowed to show at the fair.

5. Initial tagging of all market beef, goats, sheep & swine is mandatory. All beef, sheep, goats and swine must be tagged in the photos required for online nominations by the date(s) set and advertised by the CSU Extension office. Any tag numbers that are checked out but not assigned to an animal by the registration deadline will be invalidated.

6. Original Brand inspection certificates on all market beef must be uploaded at 4honline.com by the registration deadline and presented to the Brand Inspector at the time of final fair weigh-in. ANIMAL WILL NOT BE WEIGHED IN AT FAIR WEIGH-IN UNLESS THE BRAND CERTIFICATE IS IN HAND WHEN COMING TO THE SCALES.

7. At initial online registration, there will be no limit on the number of animals registered. However, because of space limitations, only 2 market animals per exhibitor for goats, sheep, swine, and beef can be brought and exhibited at Fair.

8. Intact female animals initially weighed and tagged as market animals but not pre-entered in the market show can be shown in breeding classes if the exhibitor has enrolled in a breeding project for that species.

9. FAMILY ANIMAL NOMINATIONS: Family Nominations of Jr. Market Livestock will be accepted. At the time of nominations, all exhibitors may “family nominate” all animals according to the following guidelines:

a. The exhibitors must legally reside in the same household and are siblings, step siblings, or legally adopted.

b. The exhibitors must all permanently reside in the same county.

c. The livestock must be in continuous care of the exhibitors residing at the same residence.

d. Livestock must not be sold or transferred out of the exhibitor’s custody at any time after the nomination process is complete.

e. Animals must be designated as a “Family Nomination” at the initial online registration for that species.

f. Individual who will be showing the family nominated animal MUST be declared at the time of Pre-Entry. An animal can only be entered by one exhibitor, or the entry is considered invalid, and that animal is not eligible to show.

10. Entry Procedure:

a. The Delta County Fair Pre-Entry Deadline is June 26, 2026. All market beef, sheep, goats and swine pre-entered must have been registered online and tagged by the initial nomination deadline.

b. Siblings may nominate the same animal but may not Pre-Enter the same animal. At the time of Pre-Entry, the final exhibitor decision must be made, animals found double entered, (one animal entered in multiple exhibitors’ name), will be considered an invalid entry.

c. The exhibitor entering the animal must have cared for daily from the time of initial nomination.

d. Animals tagged-in or nominated, but not officially entered, will not be eligible to show.

11. FAIR WEIGH-IN: Market livestock will be unloaded and weighed in as defined on the Official 2026 Delta County Fair Schedule.

12. THE FAIR WEIGHT IS THE FINAL WEIGHT. Any questions as to accuracy of a weigh-in weight must be made at the time the animal is on the scale. There will be no re-weighs.

13. The 4-H leader or FFA instructor must certify as to the ownership and project enrollment of the exhibitor.

14. No partnership entries will be accepted.

15. No one exhibit can be entered as both a 4-H and FFA project.

16. An animal must be shown in the project in which the member is enrolled. No one animal may be shown in both market and breeding classes.

17. No animal can be shown in more than one county.

SECTION 6.03 – MINIMUM MARKET LIVESTOCK WEIGHTS AT FAIR

1. Market steers must weigh at least 1050 pounds. Market heifers must weigh at least 950 pounds.

2. Miniature cattle breeds will show in the Junior Market Beef Show. Exhibitors must declare miniature market steers/heifers as such during initial tag-in in February. Animals must weigh a minimum of 600 pounds and a maximum of 1,000 pounds to compete in the Mini Market Beef Show.

3. Market Sheep must weigh 100 pounds with no upper weight limit.

4. Market Swine must weigh between 230 and 300 pounds.

5. Market Goats must weigh 60 pounds with no upper weight limit.

6. Beef, sheep, swine, and goats failing to meet the above weight requirements will not be allowed to sell. If an exhibitor’s ONLY animal is under or overweight, the exhibitor will be allowed to show that animal in the showmanship class and/or feeder/heavy weight classes only.

SECTION 6.04 – ANIMAL AGES

1. No steers or heifers shall be eligible to show if they have more than two center permanent incisors.

2. All lambs and goats exhibited must be carrying milk teeth.

3. A person designated by the Fair Board will determine age if in question.

SECTION 6.05 – FEED AND WATER

1. No animal entered or exhibited at the Delta County Fair shall be deprived of water for any period as this may be detrimental to the health and well-being of the animal. Fresh, potable water will be regularly provided to all entered or exhibited animals within their stall or pen area. Any apparent violation of this rule should be called to the attention of the species or general livestock superintendent.

2. Arrangements for feeding, watering and care of livestock will be made by the exhibitor.

3. For safety (fire) reasons, straw will not be allowed except for dairy cattle.

4. Exhibitors are responsible for caring for all stock up to the time of load out.

5. All market animals administered feed additives and/or growth stimulants must be removed from such additive and/or stimulants within the withdraw time specified on the label.

SECTION 6.06 – PENS AND STALLS

1. All pens, stalls and feeding areas must be cleaned daily by no later than 8:00 am and all refuse disposed in compliance with the direction of the Fair Board.

2. If there is an issue with an exhibitor’s pen or stall, the species or general livestock superintendent will flag it with a laminated card. An exhibitor who receives a laminated card on their pen/stall must contact a superintendent to have the issue resolved. Issues must be resolved in order for the exhibitor to be allowed to continue to show/sell the animal.

SECTION 6.07 – ETHICS

1. UNETHICALLY FITTED LIVESTOCK – the following are deemed unethical practices:

a. Doctoring, doping, tubing, or injecting oils, glycerin, or like substances for body “fill-ins” or alteration; changing/defacing or any modification of marking of a show animal or the anatomical structure of an animal; external applications of liniments and blistering agents that would cause edematous condition.

b. The removal, alteration, changing of or purposely damaging ear tags.

c. The use of ice packs or other refrigerants to alter the quality of the finish of an animal. Icing animals will not be allowed. Wet towels will be acceptable.

d. Drenching will be allowed with drench guns, but the use of stomach pumps is prohibited.

e. NO ARTIFICIAL DECORATIONS, lettering, paint, or glitter, etc., of any type will be permitted on any animal entering the sale or show ring.

f. Violations of these rules may result in disqualification with no recourse and be subject to other sanctions.

g. The natural body color of an animal cannot be altered using any artificial coloring. Products that match the animal’s natural color may be used in the fitting process for the knees and hocks down and on the switch only. For example: black products may be used on a black-legged animal, but under no circumstances can color be used to cover an animal’s natural leg color.

h. No altering structure of hair or wool coat, except trimming and blocking, will be allowed.

i. Any entry adding an artificial tail head or tail fin, artificial poll, or addition any hair or hair-like substance will be disqualified.

2. The showing of livestock of any ineligible age or showing unethically fitted livestock is prohibited.

3. Any exhibitor, parent, 4-H leader, superintendent, FFA Advisor, or Extension Agent or staff found to have committed any of the above listed unethical practices, or any other practice deemed unethical by the Fair Board, will be subject to the following possible consequences:

a. Forfeiture of all premium monies.

b. Disqualification from the Junior Market Livestock Sale of the current year of the show

c. Probation for one (1) year

d. Barred for three (3) years

e. Barred for life or punishment designated by the Fair Board.

4. Failure to comply with these rules will be considered a clear violation of the ethical standards established by the Delta County Fair Board.

5. All complaints concerning entries or judging of entries shall be made following the “grievance” procedures in writing, dated and signed by the complainant, and presented to the superintendent of that department by noon following the judging of the project in question. These complaints, so presented, will be considered by the Fair Board or by representatives designated by the Fair Board.

SECTION 6.08 – SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES

1. Exhibitors entered in showmanship classes must show their own animals.

2. Exhibitors entering showmanship must also exhibit a breeding or market animal in the species they entered showmanship in.

3. Horse showman must also enter at least one additional class.

4. Showmanship classes will be divided into three exhibitor age groups in all species:

a. Juniors – ages 8, 9 and 10 years old as of December 31st of the current year

b. Intermediates – ages 11, 12 and 13 years old as of December 31st of the current year

c. Seniors – ages 14 years old and older as of December 31st of the current year

5. First place show persons in senior, intermediate and junior classes of beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy and horse are automatically entered in the Round Robin Contest.

6. Out of fairness to other showman, exhibitors entering showmanship must be willing to participate in the Round Robin contest if they win showmanship for that species. Scratches from Round Robin will only be accepted in the event of an emergency or if the exhibitor has qualified for Round Robin with another species. In this case, the second-place showman of the scratched species will be expected to show.

7. If an exhibitor chooses not to participate in Round Robin after winning showmanship, their project will not be considered completed.

9. Ribbons will be given to the first five placings in each age group.

10. The highest overall scoring contestant of the Round Robin contest will be eligible to participate in the Master Showmanship class at the Colorado State Fair.

SECTION 6.09 – MARKET CLASSES

1. In market classes, the superintendent(s) will determine the class divisions and the number of animals in each class after the animals are weighed. The superintendent’s decision on classification will be final.

SECTION 6.10 – BREEDING CLASSES

1. The animal(s) in all breeding classes must have been owned by the exhibitor before May 1 of the current year to be eligible to show.

2. Breeding animals will show in their class according to age of the animal.

SECTION 6.11 – CHAMPION CLASSES

1. All animals which have been awarded First Place will be permitted to compete for Grand Champion. After the selection of the Grand Champion, the remaining first place winners and the second-place winner in the Grand Champion’s class will compete for Reserve Grand Champion.

2. If the Grand Champion and/or Reserve Grand Champion beef, sheep, swine or goat are entered as Delta County Bred & Fed, they are automatically the Grand Champion or Reserve Grand Champion Delta County Bred & Fed in that species (see Delta County Bred & Fed Rules).

SECTION 6.12 JUNIOR MARKET LIVESTOCK SALE

1. The Delta County Junior Market Livestock Sale Committee requires every 4-H and FFA member who exhibits a market livestock project to invite two businesses or individuals to attend the Junior Market Livestock Sale. These invitations must be documented on the specified form and returned to the Delta Extension Office with the fair Pre-Entry forms no later than 4:30 PM on June 26, 2026.

2. Additionally, the Livestock Sale Committee may also require that the exhibitor deliver sale information and invitation(s) to designated businesses. These businesses may be used to fill out the form mentioned above. Failure on the part of the 4- H/FFA member to return this form by the deadline will result in the Sale Committee collecting $25 per invitation not contacted (up to $50) from the 4-H/FFA member’s sale check. These forms are available online and at the CSU Extension Office.

3. All animals NOT being sold in the Junior Market Livestock Sale may be removed from the barns on the Friday night of fair after 7 pm and before 10 pm.

4. EVERY ANIMAL THAT IS SOLD AT THE JUNIOR MARKET LIVESTOCK SALE IS HENCEFORTH OWNED BY THE BUYER. The buyer may opt to have the animal processed, put on the buy- back list, take the animal home or give the animal back to the exhibitor. Any further sales or transactions involving the animal must occur off the fairgrounds after completion of the fair.

5. No animal sold at the Delta County Livestock Sale can be exhibited again at the Colorado State Fair. Any exhibitor found to be in breach of this rule will not be allowed to show livestock at the Delta County Fair in the following year. A list of all animals sold at the Delta County Junior Market Livestock Sale will be provided to the Colorado State Fair Livestock Office, so that the state fair livestock committee will know which will not be participating in the Colorado State Fair.

6. The buyers of all livestock at the Junior Market Livestock Sale shall designate the destination of every animal they purchase in the sale prior to leaving the fairgrounds. The animal can be put on buyback, sent to a specific processing plant, taken home by the buyer, or sent home with the exhibitor. The Junior Market Livestock Sale Committee will arrange transportation to the prearranged processing plants.

7. The Junior Market Livestock Sale Committee and the Delta County Fair Board act only as agents for the Junior Market Livestock Sale.

8. Death of any livestock will not be the responsibility of the Fair Board or Junior Market Livestock Sale Committee but rather that of the purchaser at the time of sale or other bon-a-fide owner.

9. All exhibitors will be considered as consigners to the sale unless he/she notifies the livestock office within one hour after completion of show that he/she does not desire to sell. If the exhibitor has two animals of one species, the individual must designate which animal he/she intends to sell within one hour after the show is over. If the individual has not designated which qualified animal they intend to sell within that time frame, the Sale Committee will pick the highest placing animal hown by the individual for the sale. Please see rule 11 below for exceptions to the one animal rule.

10. Once a market animal is identified as going through the Junior Market Livestock Sale, another animal may NOT be substituted.

11. If an animal is pulled from the sale after the sale order has been submitted to the printer, the member will not be able to show/sell any market species the following year.

12. THE NUMBER OF LOTS IN THE JUNIOR MARKET LIVESTOCK SALE WILL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE FAIR BOARD.

13. Each 4-H/FFA exhibitor with animals that qualify for the Junior Market Livestock Sale can sell a maximum of one (1) animal, unless the exhibitor has won Grand or Reserve Grand Champion in the market rabbit or poultry divisions. Champions of these divisions will be allowed to sell one (1) large animal as well if they qualify for the sale with that animal. This second animal must be designated for the sale per the usual designation process. The following process will be followed for designation of sale animals:

a. If an exhibitor only has one (1) qualifying market animal, they will automatically be allowed to sell.

b. If an exhibitor has two (2) market animals eligible for the sale, the exhibitor’s highest placing animal will be automatically added to the sale.

c. If an exhibitor wishes to have their lower placing animal in the sale, their highest placing animal will be removed and not be eligible for the sale.

d. Grand or Reserve Grand Market Show Champions must sell, and exhibitors cannot designate a lower placed animal in its place.

e. All Grand & Reserve Market and Bred & Fed animal must be sold.

14. All Grand and Reserve Grand Champions of each market division are required to sell and will be sold first, followed by the Champion and Reserve Champion Delta County Bred & Fed animals, if the animal is not one and the same. This includes Champion and Reserve Champion Bred & Fed animals, market sheep, swine, beef, mini beef, goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and rabbits.

15. Sale order will be determined by the class placing and weight of the qualified animals in the market classes. Delta County Bred & Fed entries in all species will be identified as such in the Market Livestock Sale program with the letters “BF.”

16. Buy Back – Animals will be allowed to be sold through the buy-back program as space is available in the following order:

a. Animals going through the sale that buyers purchased and requested to go on buy-back.

b. Any entered animal at the Delta County Fair in the Junior Market Livestock Program.

c. Information MUST be to the office by Noon on Friday to be eligible for buy-back placement.

d. If the buy-back buyer cannot accommodate additional animals that did not go through the sale, exhibitors requesting a buy-back position will be notified and it will be their responsibility to arrange for the ultimate disposition of their animal(s).

17. Anyone can put in a buy-back bid on any species beginning 12:00pm on the Wednesday of fair. To be considered as a buy-back buyer, you must agree to the following terms:

a. you will not sell or transfer ownership of any animals placed on buy-back during the week of fair and/or while on the Delta County Fairgrounds property.

b. you must pay for the buyback animals within 30 days of the fair. If you fail to pay in that time, legal action will begin.

c. If you have someone else bid for you in proxy, you must provide them with a signed statement that they are representing you and what is the maximum they may bid for you, otherwise, the proxy will be considered the bidder and will be responsible for payment.

d. Buy-back bidding can be joined in person or by phone and we will accept the highest bidder for each species at that time.

e. Buy-back animals must be loaded out Saturday of fair beginning no earlier than 1 hour after the end of the sale.

18. A 4-H/FFA livestock exhibitor that sells any species of market livestock in any other county fair (4-H/FFA livestock division) during the same calendar year, IS NOT ELIGIBLE to sell or exhibit in the 4-H/FFA livestock division of the Delta County Fair.

19. A 5% consignment fee will be charged on all livestock sold through the sale and on all add-on monies. This charge will be used to defray expenses, pay for the cost of publishing a “thank you” advertisement to the buyers, cover expenses to allow the Livestock Sale Committee to host events to promote the Junior Market Livestock Sale, and cover the cost of weighing and tagging programs held prior to the Fair.

20. If a person desires to donate “add-on” money to an exhibitor, the add on form must be filled out online and money paid prior to the beginning of the Junior Market Livestock Sale.

21. An exhibitor will not be allowed to sell his/her animal if he/she has not had their photo taken with their designated sale animal in front of the Delta County Fair backdrop during the designated times for photos or if he/she is not on hand to line up with their animal for the Sale in the correct sale order.

22. All animals become the property of the buyer at the point of sale but must be cared for by the exhibitor until released from the fairgrounds.

23. The Delta County Fair Board and Junior Market Sale Committee are not liable for any breaches of contract(s) between the seller and buyer because of condemnation or any other matter.

24. If any animal is condemned to slaughter for any reason, whether by testing results or by USDA inspector condemnation, the Delta County Fair Board and the Junior Market Livestock Sale Committee may withhold any payment to the exhibitor and return it to the purchaser.

25. The Junior Market Livestock Sale Committee requires both 4-H and FFA members who sell their animals at the Delta County Fair to WRITE A THANK YOU to their buyer(s) to receive payment for their animals. Members are required to write a thank you, put it in an addressed and stamped envelope, and bring it to the Extension Office or other designated drop off location(s).

26. Exhibitors will be notified when Livestock Sale checks are available.

27. If a thank you is not turned in, the member will not be allowed to show/sell any market species the following year.

28. If a 4-H or FFA member who sells animal(s) at the Delta County Fair does not cash their check within the validation period, or if they lose their check, a $50 fee will be charged upon reissuance of the check.

SECTION 6.13 – HERDSMAN AWARD

1. The Delta County Fair Board will present individual Herdsman Awards at the Annual Achievement Award Banquet. These awards will be presented to the individual or club/chapter of each species that have shown the best management, care, grooming, and cleanliness of all areas during the fair.

SECTION 6.14 – ANIMAL LOAD-OUT

1. Exhibitors are responsible for caring for sale stock up to load out time.

2. All animals NOT being sold in the Junior Market Livestock Sale may be removed from the barns on the Friday night of fair between 7-10 pm.

3. All beef must be in the barn for load out by 7:00 AM on the final Sunday morning of the Fair.

4. Buy-back animals may load out Saturday night if determined by the Junior Market Livestock Sale Committee.

5. No exhibitors will be allowed in the barn during Saturday night load out or on Sunday until all animals being loaded for buy-back and/or processors have been loaded out. However, they should be on-hand and ready to clean the barn immediately once the barn is opened by the superintendent(s).

6. IN ORDER TO REMAIN A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR, ALL PENS MUST BE CLEANED BY 11 AM.