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2025 Piedmont Area Junior Livestock Show Rules .docx
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Piedmont Area Junior Livestock Show

 April 26, 2025

Southside Livestock Market 

Blackstone, VA 



2025 Show Held in Memory of Henry ParisC:\Users\aamber\Pictures\1993.jpg

Table of Contents

Schedule                3

General Rules                4

Age Policy                6

Hog Show Rules        7

Beef Show Rules        7        

Lamb Show Rules        9

Goat Show Rules        9

Frequently Asked Questions        10

Schedule of Events

7:00                All Animals must be on premises

7:00                HOG grading and weigh-in begins

All other species to follow in the order of Beef, Lambs, and

         Goats. 

9:00                Weigh in Ends. No other animals will be weighed after this

time. 

9:10                Orientation & Record book review- MANDATORY for

exhibitors and their parents/guardians

10:00        Shows begin following the order below. There will be a 30

minute break between each species show.

                

Approximately 30 minutes after the Goat Show Concludes- Awards

GENERAL RULES

Entry Deadline: March 15, 2025.  Online Entry: https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/pajls 

Show Participation Rules: Exhibitors and/or animals may participate in the Piedmont Area Jr. Livestock Show as long as they are a member of a county 4-H club or FFA chapter within 1 of the 14 participating counties (see below). There are no restrictions on showing in other shows. 

Participating Counties:

Amelia                         (804) 561-2481

Brunswick                 (434) 848-2151

Buckingham                 (434) 969-4261

Charlotte                 (434) 542-5884

Cumberland                 (804) 492-4390

Dinwiddie                 (804) 469-4514

Fluvanna                 (434) 591-1950

Greensville/Emporia        (434) 348-4223

Lunenburg                 (434) 696-5526

Mecklenburg                 (434) 738-6191 x4371

Nottoway                 (434) 645-9315 

Powhatan                 (804) 598-5640

Prince Edward                (434) 392-4246

Prince George                 (804) 733-2686


Participation & Sponsorship Fee: Each county must provide $50 (non-refundable) sponsorship, per exhibitor, to be eligible to participate. Please contact your club leader/agent to confirm the payment process for show entries and sponsorship. All sponsorship is due March 15 along with a list of sponsors to be printed for the show.

T-Shirts: Show t-shirts will only be available by order for exhibitors, families, and supporters prior to the show. All orders must be received by March 15, 2025. All shirts (including exhibitor shirts) are $15 each. Use this link to order shirts: https://tinyurl.com/25PAJLSShirtOrder

No Drugs Allowed: The use of behavior altering drugs will be prohibited on the show grounds.  All violators will be disqualified from the show as viewed by the Protest Committee of the show.

Protest Committee: The Protest Committee will consist of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and a designated 4-H and/or FFA advisor. All problems, issues and concerns will be addressed by this committee, and their decision will be final.  

Animal Identification: All animals must be tagged prior to the show date. Beef: ear tags/tattoo/brand; lambs: scrapie tag, goats: scrapie tags; hogs: will use livestock paint. Tag numbers need to be reported on the entry forms which are due by March 15. Scrapie tags for sheep and goats have to be in the ear prior to show. Do not remove scrapie tag and replace them with decorative tags. Animals without tags will receive livestock paint. 

Weigh-In:  Weigh in starts at 7:00AM. All species on the premises by 7:00AM. Safety and Welcome Meeting at 9:10AM. Show Starts at 10AM. Approximate 30 min break between each species show.

Rejection: Any animal that is unwell or shows aggressive behavior, as determined by the protest committee, will be disqualified and removed from the show.  This includes issues like the presence of testicular tissue, unhealed wounds, rectal prolapses, and failure to maintain proper control of an animal. A more experienced youth or adult may step in to assist for safety purposes in the event of an unruly animal but may not take over for the showman completely.  

Under and Overweight Animals: Animals that don't meet the weight guidelines for their species can only participate in showmanship based on the following guidelines: novice showmen are automatically granted permission, and junior, intermediate, and senior showmen need to appeal to the protest committee at weigh-in to secure permission to enter in showmanship classes.  

 

Character in Showing Animals Sportsmanship is the 4-H and FFA way. Any discourtesy to a judge or show official by an exhibitor, parent, or leader may cause an exhibitor to forfeit all ribbons, trophies, and premiums and/or disqualify the exhibitor from showing in future PAJLS Shows.

Showing Another Member’s Animal: All registered exhibitors must be present at weigh-in and show their own animals, unless excused by the Protest Committee (medical or family emergency only). If an exhibitor is excused, animal(s) must be shown by another exhibitor registered in the same species.

Showing 2 or more animals: If an exhibitor has two or more animals in a single class, the additional animal(s) may only be shown by another exhibitor registered to participate in that species show.  Violation of this rule may result in the exhibitor’s and/or animals’ disqualification.

Champions: All animals must be shown in class and available to be placed in the sale ring, by their owner, to be eligible for Champion or Reserve Champion of the show. 

Fitting: All animals must be shown clean, dry, and unfit. No glues, paints or adhesives are to be used.

Quality Assurance Guidelines: It is recommended you follow species specific Quality Assurance guidelines for vaccination.  Contact your local extension agent if assistance or additional information is needed.

Showmanship Heats: Showmanship classes exceeding 6 exhibitors will be evenly divided into showmanship heats.  Participants for each heat will be selected via a lottery system.  The championship drive for such divided showmanship classes will consist of all exhibitors selected from the heats by the judge.  The judge shall select at least one exhibitor from each heat and has the discretion to select as many additional exhibitors from each heat as he or she deems eligible for the championship drive. Should a showmanship class only have one exhibitor, that exhibitor may elect to move to a different age class.

                                                

Dismissal: Animals are expected to remain on the premises until the conclusion of the show and awards ceremony. Show chairs will need to be consulted before any animals leave prior to 12:00 pm/lunch. Removal of animals without proper release will result in the exhibitor forfeiting any and all premiums awarded for any and all animals exhibited at the show.

Selling via the market: The market must know no less than 10 days prior to the show if lambs, hogs or goats will be sold through the market or by private treaty.  Any lamb, hog or goat designated for the sale through the market must remain at the market following the show.  Removal of these lambs, hogs or goats by anyone other than a market representative or market designated buyer will result in the exhibitor forfeiting any and all premiums awarded for any and all animals exhibited at the show. The responsibility for loss, damage, or injury of animals exhibited is the responsibility of the exhibitor.

Pictures and Media: Each exhibitor must have a picture taken with each species of animal shown. Pictures of exhibitors may be taken during the show and sale and may be used for promotional purposes.

4-H Code of Conduct: Everyone present at the show will be expected to adhere to the established 4-H Rules of Conduct.

Pets: No pets allowed in the barn.

Record Books: All participants in the show must complete a record book. Record books can be picked up from your extension office or printed using the links below.  A record book guide about how to fill out the record books can also be picked up from your local extension agent. Record books must be completed by the participant.

Novice:         https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/4-H/4H-689/4H-689-PDF.pdf  

Experienced Junior: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/4-H/4H-690/4H-690-PDF.pdf 

Experienced Senior: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/4-H/4H-691/4H-691-PDF.pdf   

Record Book Guide: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/4-H/4h-844/4H-844.pdf 

Please remember to complete both parts of section 8 for each species shown.

All records books are to be delivered to the Fluvanna Extension Office, 5725 James Madison Hwy, Fork Union, VA 23055 by May 9, 2025.  Books may be scanned and sent electronically.  If you need help scanning your book, please reach out to your local extension office for assistance.

Scholarship Applications: Eligibility for a graduating senior who has shown in the Piedmont Jr. Livestock Show for a minimum of 3 out of the last 5 years, including the current show year.  In order to apply, please submit applications to your Extension Agent (see contact information on page 2) no later than March 15. Participants are only eligible to apply one time for the scholarship. All participants must submit a completed record book in order to receive a scholarship. Link to scholarship application:

Premiums: To be eligible to receive premium money, each exhibitor must keep and turn in a record book for each species project by Friday, May 9, 2025. To be eligible for a record book premium, participants must score a 70 or above on the submitted record book. Premiums are awarded as follows:

Grand Champion Market and Showmanship: $25

Reserve Champion Market and Showmanship: $15

1st place: $10

2nd place $5

3rd place: $4

4th place: $3

Honorable Mention: $2.

 

Age Policy: Show eligibility will be based on the Virginia 4-H Age Policy. Youth must turn the entry age during the 4-H year October 1 - September 30. Eligibility for 4-H membership terminates on December 31 of the year the member has their 19th birthday. Showmanship classes for all species will be established using the categories below.

Novice (first time showing)        9-12 year olds                        (Novice Record Book)

Junior                                     9-12 year olds                        (Junior Record Book)

Intermediate                                  13-15 year olds                (13 year old-Junior RB; 14-15 year old-Senior RB)

Senior                                      16-19 year olds                (Senior Record Book)

For each of the above categories:


Species: HOGS

Market Hog Show

  1. All animals must be owned and cared for by, or under the supervision of, the exhibitor at least 60 days prior to the show date.
  2. Animals will be identified by paint tattoo and weighed for show qualification upon arrival at the show barn.
  3. Weights: All hogs must weigh at least 200 lbs.  Anything less than 200lbs. is not eligible for grand and reserve champion status. At the discretion of the species chair, a lightweight and/or heavyweight class(es) may be added. See general show rules above regarding overweight and underweight animals.
  4. Age: All hogs shown must be younger than 8 months of age.
  5. Each exhibitor can only deliver, show, and sell a maximum of 7 hogs.
  6. Pairs: All hogs showing in pairs class must be within 20 lbs. of each other.
  7. Grand or Reserve Champion single cannot be shown in the pair class.

Classes

Class I

Singles

Grades 1, 2, 3

200-219 lbs

Class II

Singles

Grades 1, 2, 3

220-245 lbs

Class III

Singles

Grades 1, 2, 3

246-270 lbs

Class IV

Singles

Grades 1, 2, 3

271-295 lbs

Class V

Pair (2)

Grades 1, 2, 3

220-265 lbs

Class VI

Pair (2)

Grades 1, 2, 3

266-295 lbs

Species: BEEF

General Beef Show Rules: 

  1. Depending on registration numbers, classes will be divided into heats with no more than 5 per class. Subject to the discretion of the beef species chair, show committee, and protest committee.
  2. A maximum of two beef animals may be entered by each exhibitor in each class. Feeding, management and showing must be done by the owner-exhibitor.

Beef Heifer Show

  1. All heifers must be the property of the exhibitor and must be in the exhibitor's possession by January 1 of the year of the show. EXCEPTION: Senior heifer calves must be in possession of the exhibitor by March 1 of the year of the show.
  2. Commercial (non-registered) beef heifer classes will be broken down by weight based upon animals present on the day of the show. Registered heifers will be shown in classes by age.
  3. There may be up to 5 classes:

a. Sr. Yearling Heifer - calved between September 1 and December 31 two years prior to the show.

b. Early Jr. Yearling Heifer - calved between January 1 and February 28, one year prior to the show.

c. Late Jr. Yearling Heifer - calved between March 1 and April 30, one year prior to the show.

d. Summer Yearling Heifer - calved between May 1 and August 31, one year prior to the show

e. Sr. Heifer Calves - calved between September 1 and December 31, one year prior to the show.

    5. All heifers must be no older than 20 months on show day.

Beef Feeder Calf Show

  1. All steers must be owned by the exhibitor and under the exhibitor's care by January 1 of the year of the show (fall born calf).
  2. These steers may be shown as a feeder calf in their first year, and a market steer in the following year’s show. 
  3. Minimum feeder calf weight is 400lbs
  4. Registered or crossbred feeder steers of beef breeding may be shown.
  5. All steers must be weaned. 
  6. Steers with horns are NOT permitted in this show.
  7. Classes will be made up after entries are received. Steers will be assigned classes by weight.
  8. With both Feeder Calf and Market Steer classes available, class placement of borderline animals shall be at the discretion of the show committee and protest committee.

Beef Market Steer Show

  1. All animals must be the property of the 4-H or FFA member for at least six months prior to the show and must be fed and cared for by the member making the exhibit.
  2. All steers must be under a year and 7 months (19 months) of age by the day of the show. No steer with horns may be shown. All animals must have no testicular tissue and be healed from castration.
  3. All steers are officially graded by VDACS and weighed upon arrival on the grounds.
  4. Animals will be shown according to weight. Classes will be broken down according to light and heavy-weight at the discretion of the executive committee.

Dairy Feeder Steer Show

  1. All steers must be owned by the exhibitor and under exhibitor’s care by January 1, of the year of the show. It is recommended dairy steers be purchased by January 1 or earlier.
  2. Minimum feeder steer weight is 300 lbs. 
  3. Straight-bred or crossbred steers born before January 1, of the year of the show, of any dairy breed including dairy beef crosses are eligible. Maximum age 12 months.
  4. All steers must be weaned and healed from castration. No testicular tissue is allowed.
  5. No dairy steers with horns will be shown.
  6. Classes will be made up after entries are received. Steers will be assigned to classes by weight.
  7. The show is not responsible for the sale of dairy feeder steers.

Cow/Calf Show

  1. All cow/calf pairs must be the property of the exhibitor. The show is not restricted to heifers shown at previous year's show. Cows will show with the most recent natural-born calf at side.  Calves must be born prior to April 1 of the show year. Calves must be shown on halter. Calf must be no older than 270 days on the date of the show.
  2. There will be no distinction between purebred and commercial cows with all animals showing in one division. 
  3. Depending on the number of entries, we may divide heifers into two classes: fall calving (September-December) and spring calving (January - March). The final decision will be determined by the show chairman.
  4. The intention of this class is to allow exhibitors to bring back their heifer calves as wet 2 year olds and show them with their calves at side. This highlights the fact that Virginia is primarily a cow/calf state and illustrates the completion of the exhibitor's heifers entering the cow herd as brood cows.

Species: LAMB

General Lamb Show Rules: 

  1. Ewes/Lambs must be under the care and feeding of the exhibitor for at least 45 days prior to the show.
  2. All lambs must be docked (according to breed standards).
  3. Scrapie tags for sheep and goats have to be in the ear prior to show. DO NOT REMOVE scrapie tag and replace them with decorative tags. Animals without tags will receive livestock paint. 
  4. All lambs must have been shorn before weigh-in on show day, but after April 1. Short fleece at weigh-in allows proper grading of animals. Additional trimming may be done after weigh-in.

Market Lamb Show

  1. Lambs must weigh over 80 lbs and be less than a year of age. See general show rules above regarding overweight and underweight animals.
  2. Single lambs may be selected from pairs, but Grand or Reserve Champion single will not be allowed to show in pairs class.
  3. All lambs in pairs class must be owned by one individual, and must weigh within 10 lbs of each other.
  4. If for some reason a lamb becomes ineligible to show, the chairman must be notified at least ten (10) days prior to the show date and lamb can show in showmanship only.

Ewe Lamb Show

  1. Ewe lambs must weigh 65 pounds at minimum, must have their lamb teeth, and be less than one-year old. See general show rules above regarding overweight and underweight animals.
  2. Lambs shown in the Market Lamb classes are not eligible to be shown in the Ewe Lamb Class.
  3. Classes will be designated by weight and not by breeds. Purebred and crossbred will show in the same weight class.
  4. Ewe lambs will not be sold as part of the show.

Species: GOATS

General Rules: 

  1. Goats must be under the care and feeding of the exhibitor at least 45 days prior to the show.
  2. Scrapie tags for sheep and goats have to be in the ear prior to show. DO NOT REMOVE scrapie tag and replace them with decorative tags. Animals without tags will receive livestock paint. 

Market Goat Show

  1. Market animals must be wethers or does.
  2. All goats must be dehorned or have the tips blunted.
  3. Goats must weigh between 35-115 pounds, and be less than one-year old.  See general show rules above regarding overweight and underweight animals.

Commercial Doe Show

  1. Goats must weigh between 35-115 lbs, and be less than one-year old.
  2. Goats shown in the Market Goat Class are not eligible to be shown in the Commercial Doe class.
  3. Classes will be determined by weight and not by breeds. Purebred and crossbred will show in the same weight class.
  4. Does will not be sold as a part of the show.


Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Where will the show be held?
  1. Southside Livestock Market- 170 Livestock Rd, Blackstone, VA 23824
  1. I need to remove an animal from my show registration.
  1. Contact: Club Leader and they can contact Kim Mayo or Amber Taylor.
  1. I am having issues filling out the registration form.
  1. Contact: Kim Mayo kmayo@vt.edu 434-591-1950 or Amber Taylor aamber@vt.edu 804-492-4390
  1. I am running late on show day, or have had an emergency on show day:
  1. Contact: Kim Mayo 434-390-5996 or Amber Taylor 434-315-4339
  1. I am worried my animal will not make the minimum OR will exceed the maximum weight.
  1. Contact: Club Leader for advice
  1. I have registered for the show and paid my registration fee, but I am no longer able to attend the show.
  1. Contact: Kim Mayo kmayo@vt.edu 434-591-1950 or Amber Taylor 804-492-4390

Updated 02.20.2025