2020 Fair Update: After careful consideration and thoughtful discussion, Franklin County Agricultural Society board members unanimously passed a motion on the evening of Tuesday, May 19, to proceed with a modified Junior Fair exhibition. In adherence to current state guidelines, there will be no Midway or Grandstand activities, including amusement rides, attractions and commercial vendors. Harness racing will take place contingent upon receipt of state funding, but without spectators.

We know you have questions - and we are working on answers. Our dedicated board is meeting regularly to discuss timelines and plans for modified evaluation of Junior Fair 4-H, Scouts BSA and Girl Scout projects which may include virtual or socially-distant in-person presentations. At the center of our discussion is the health and safety of all participants and our staff, which is why we are closely collaborating with city, county and state agencies to ensure this. Expect to hear more detail on or before June 18, 2020.

While this certainly isn’t the Fair we hoped for in 2020, we acknowledge that our nation is facing a crisis unlike many of us have ever experienced. We hope this decision demonstrates our dedication to keeping our community safe, while still honoring the incredible efforts of our Junior Fair youth!

1. First and foremost, this means that there are many dedicated people doing their very best to make sure our youth have the opportunity to present their projects this year. With so much uncertainty and so much changing so fast, we ask that you please be patient, understanding, and respectful to those making the decisions. Think before you speak, in person, on social media, and in conversation with others. Everyone involved is doing what they can to make positive youth development experiences happen in spite of limitations beyond anyone's control. Remember to be supportive and kind.
   
   
2. The Senior Fair Board / Agricultural Society's decision to continue with a junior fair this year is one that means they will be operating at a significant monetary loss this year. They are doing so to ensure that youth have the opportunity to showcase their projects. It is not too late to sponsor ribbons and awards for these events to help offset the cost. Contact franklincountyjuniorfair@gmail.com for information on how to do this.
   
   
3. We are still diligently working to provide a plan for 4-H project evaluations. While those plans are still being developed, there are some things that unfortunately won't take place this year. Those things include:
   
   - There will not be any club booths this year.
   
   - There will not be any on-site camping on the grounds this year.
   
   - There will not be gate admission to the fair this year. On-site events will be strictly limited to junior fair participants and immediate family members.
   
   - Livestock and horse shows will likely happen one per day and members would be present only for the show they are showing in. The animals would not stay for an entire week. Example: goat show on one day, beef show on another day, and horse show on another day. Specific logistics are still being worked out. This is only an example. Schedules will be forthcoming.
   
   - The livestock sale committee is working to provide some sort of auction or sale opportunity for market animals. Details are still being worked out.
   
   
4. We love the fair as much as you! Please understand that the decisions being made are for the safety of our 4-H families and the communities around us. While the 2020 Franklin County Fair will look considerably different than what we are used to, we know that you will make the most of your 4-H experience.
   

Just because Beth and Rachel are working from home doesn't mean you can't come hang out with us! Do you have questions about 4-H or need some help figuring out your club meeting options? We're here for you! Pop in anytime during our virtual office hours to chat about 4-H.

TUESDAYS - 2:00pm -4:00pm

THURSDAYS - 10:00am - 12:00 noon

Click this link to join virtual office hours:

https://osu.zoom.us/j/702520635

You can find resources to help lead your club here: https://ohio4h.org/volunteers/volunteers/club-leaders

There are two new resources for virtual club meetings: Virtual Meeting Agenda and Meeting Considerations and Recreation Resources that work virtually.

This information is subject to change based on updates the 4-H program is receiving daily.

• Club Meetings - All 4-H events and club meetings must be held virtually until July 6, this includes club picnics, fundraisers and local 4th of July parades.
  
• Livestock Quality Assurance, May 26 - VIRTUAL
  
• Horse Committee Meeting, June 1 - VIRTUAL
• PAS Horse Show, June 6 - No Show: Complete PAS Enrollment Form Instead - Due 5/15
  
• Franklin County 4-H Council Meeting, June 10 - VIRTUAL
• Livestock Quality Assurance, June 15 - VIRTUAL
• Franklin County 4-H Camp, June 17-21- Going Virtual for 2020 - More info coming soon.
  
• Franklin County 4-H Dog Show- June 26-27 - POSTPONED - Date TBD
  
• PAS Horse Show, June 26 - No Show: Complete PAS Enrollment Form Instead - Due 5/15
• Horse Pre-Fair Grading, June 27 - Other Options Coming Soon
  
• Horse Committee Meeting , July 6 - VIRTUAL

This year's 4-H Cloverbot Challenge will be virtual and individual Cloverbuds are encouraged to participate instead of working in groups/clubs.

Here's how it will work:

• All Cloverbuds are welcome to participate.
• No registration is required.
• The theme remains the same: On the Move. Read the Challenge details at the link below for more information. No poster is required.
  
• Create your model out of interlocking bricks (e.g., Mega Bloks, LEGOs) and take a photo.
• Send your photo to boomershine.10@osu.edu with your NAME, COUNTY and one sentence describing your model. Only the Cloverbud's first name will be displayed.
• Photos will be uploaded weekly to an online gallery on ohio4h.org.
• Cloverbuds will receive a certificate of participation via email.
  
• Deadline is June 13.

Ractopamine is sometimes fed to beef cattle, swine, and turkeys to improve growth rate. Product trade names include: Paylean®, Optaflexx®, Engain®, Actogain®, and other generic derivatives. It is also sometimes used inappropriately in other species.

FOR 2020, NO ANIMALS ARE PERMITTED TO HAVE BEEN FED RACTOPAMINE. This ban includes ALL species such as beef, swine, turkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, other poultry, and horses.

Six things you should do to make sure your animal is Ractopamine Free in 2020:

1. Understand the status of any animal you purchase or raise on your own farm and comply by not feeding or exposing your animal to ractopamine.
   
   
2. Work directly with your feed supplier to assure that the feed you use is free of ractopamine.
   
   
3. Feeders and containers should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water and dried prior to adding new feed. This will prevent cross-contamination if you fed ractopamine last year.
   
   
4. Pens, bedding, fans, etc. should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water as they have a risk of containing ractopamine if you have fed it in the past.
   
   
5. Do a complete wash and dry of trailers and vehicles between loads of animals.
   
   
6. Don’t offer ractopamine as it is not acceptable for the fair or exhibition.
   

Signed affidavits will be required prior to exhibiting your animal stating that you have not fed your animal ractopamine. Random testing will occur during the fair.

• If you are taking a swine project in 2020, read the resources found at this link prior to purchasing your pig.