These rules apply to all Junior Livestock exhibitors. Please refer to the official rulebook for full details.
When in doubt, reach out to the Baca County Extension Office or your species Superintendent.
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1. Exhibitors must complete Meat Quality Assurance (MQA) when required and have an agreement form on file with the Extension Office before the fair.
    

2. Exhibitors must own, care for, and be able to prove ownership of their animals by the required dates set by the Extension Agent.

   • All animals (except horses) must be individually owned by the exhibitor—no partnerships allowed.

   • All livestock must have a completed Affidavit of Ownership on file with the Extension Office.

     • Breeding Animals must be in the exhibitor’s name by May 1 (unless otherwise noted).
       Grade animals are allowed unless specified.

     • Market Animals must have ownership established by the time they are tagged at weigh-in before the fair
        

3. Market animals must be weighed and tagged/tattooed at official weigh-in to be eligible.
   Specific weigh-in dates are posted by species.
    

4. Family Animal:  A “family animal” may only be used as a replacement in emergencies (death, illness, etc.) with approval. Otherwise, it may only sell on the floor plan. This animal must be designated at the first weigh-in.

 

 

 

General Rules

1. All exhibitors must attend pre- and post-fair clean-up days unless excused.
    

2. Animals deemed unfit – either at weigh-in or any time during fair week – may be removed from competition and the fairgrounds. Animals may be unfit due to health or behavioral reasons. This determination is made by the Superintendent.

   • Animals may be inspected by a veterinarian and removed if necessary.

   • Animals that cannot be safely handled due to unruliness will be removed immediately.

   • Animals with illness, parasites, or visible health issues are not allowed to show or sell.

   • Exhibitors must follow the USDA Wholesome Meat Act.
      

3. Market animals shown at the Baca County Fair cannot have been shown at other fairs or major livestock shows.
    

4. No limit on entries, but only two premiums per exhibitor per class.
    

5. Animals cannot be shown in both market and breeding classes.
    

6. Market classes are open to castrated males and intact females.

   • Male market animals must be fully castrated and healed by weigh-in.
      

7. Note About Tiny Tots – Tiny Tot classes are usually offered after the conclusion of the show for young children to experience showing animals. Tiny Tots are not offered for Beef or Horse due to safety concerns.
    

At Fair Weigh-In

1. An up-to-date livestock record book must be turned in or checked at pre-fair clean-up to be eligible to show or sell.
    

2. All livestock must have proper ID (ear tag, band, or mark).

   • If a tag gets ripped out or lost between the pre-fair weigh-in and weigh-in at the fair, you must notify the extension agent immediately.
      

3. Official weights are taken at weigh-in only. There are no re-weighs.

   • Animals must meet the minimum weights requirement at this time to be eligible for championship drives or sale at the Junior Livestock sale.

   • Animals must be clean and properly fitted when weighed – for most species, this means any clipping or sheering must be done beforehand
      

4. Animals will be stalled after weigh-in and cannot leave fair grounds until released.

   • Stalls & Pens are assigned by the species superintendent and any changes need to be approved by the superintendent

   • Some species may stall prior to weigh-in at the fair

   • Animals must be signed out by the superintendent before leaving the fair grounds

     • Animals cannot be taken to trailers at any time during the fair

     • Animals cannot leave the fair grounds – ask your superintendent if you are unsure about the boundaries for livestock
        

During the Week of Fair

1. Exhibitors are solely responsible for their animals while the animals are at the Baca County Fair Grounds.
   From the time of arrival until the animals are taken home or loaded on truck:

   • Exhibitor must be present for weigh-in, showing, and sale times

   • Exhibitor is responsible any damages caused by their animals

   • Exhibitor must provide proper daily care and supervision of their animals

     • Animal must have access to clean water

     • Animal must be fed appropriately

     • Exhibitors need to check on their animals throughout the day

     • Exhibitors must provide and maintain their own bedding

   • Pens, stalls, and tie-outs must be kept clean and cleaned before release

   • Animals may only be fed/watered in their pens (exception of taking beef animals to the watering tank).
     There is no feeding or watering in aisles, at wash racks, or in the show ring.
      

2. Exhibitors are required to fully comply with Colorado livestock drugging and tampering laws.

   • Doping, altering, or misrepresenting animals is strictly prohibited.

   • Animals may be tested for drug residues.

   • While at the Baca County Fair, any medication must be administered by or approved by a licensed veterinarian or fair officials.
     Consult your superintendent before giving any medication to your animals.

   • Violations result in loss of awards, sale eligibility, and possible bans from future shows.
      

3. Tack and equipment must be stored appropriately and according to fair rules.

   • Portable scales are not allowed in barns.

   • Blocking chutes and clipping stands must stay outside barns unless weather requires otherwise.
      

Show Day

1. Animals are to be shown in the correct class.

   • Classes are determined after weigh-in and will be posted by superintendents in the barns

   • Superintendents may combine or divide classes to improve competition

   • Breeds may be combined at the superintendent’s discretion.
      

2. Fitting is to be completed only by exhibitors and must adhere to “blow-and-go”

   • No adhesives, added hair, or artificial alterations.

   • Limited touch-up coloring is allowed only for presentation.

   • Violations result in disqualification. If you are unsure, ask your superintendent.
      

3. Exhibitors must be ready to enter the ring when class is called.

   • Unnecessary delays in getting animals to the ring may result in disqualification from that class.
      

4. Exhibitors must participate in showmanship for each species they show to be eligible to exhibit or sell.

   • Unruly animals may be removed and affect eligibility.
      

5. Exhibitors must show their own animals.

   • Substitutes are only allowed with approval in case of emergency or when more than one of an exhibitor’s animals are in the same class.
      

6. Only first-place animals may compete for Champion; Reserve Champion comes from the remaining top animals.

   • Traditionally, after the Champion is selected, the second-place animal from that class is brought in for the selection of the Reserve Champion. This is not a requirement and is at the discretion of the judge, who will work with the superintendent as needed.
      

After the Fair

1. Completed record books must be submitted by the second Tuesday in September to be eligible for the following year.