Manistee County 4-H Livestock Council
Our Goals
We strive to establish and maintain the necessary standards to run a successful educational program for Manistee, Benzie, and Lake County 4-H youth involved in Livestock Projects, represent the common interest of all Manistee, Benzie, and Lake 4-H Livestock Clubs, and in partnership with MSU Extension in Manistee, Benzie, and Lake County, make recommendations regarding changes or procedures to help make a more engaging and effective program for local youth.
***NEW POLICY & PROCEDURE BOOKS***
As our program has grown (218% in 4.5 years) and we welcome new families and Clubs to our Livestock Program the most common feedback we've received is having a guidebook of sorts for new families to help navigate our program and that our current format makes it difficult to understand the requirements for participation.
The books below are the NEW FORMAT of the same information found in the 4-H Market Livestock Rules, 4-H Showmanship Rules, and 4-H Livestock Rules, as well as expanding on some expectations and project information. The information is broken into General Policies & Procedures (the program as a whole), and species-specific Policies & Procedures (individual project requirements).
The implementation of these new formats and their content will be discussed at the December Livestock Council Meeting.
General Policies & Procedures
Livestock Project Policies & Procedures
***ANIMAL HEALTH FORMS***
These are replacing our current Drug Free and Proof of Origin statements. These allow Council to more easily track animal health and tag numbers (RFID/840/Scrapies/Tattoos) that come through the Fairgrounds, as required by MDARD.
Exhibitors need to obtain this form BEFORE they purchase their livestock project and take it with them to their breeder when they pick up their animal to fill out relevant information (DOB/tag number). They would then need to hold on to this form and bring it with them (complete) to move-in day.
Exhibitors will NOT be able to unload at Fair without handing over this completed & signed form. Youth who are bringing multiple projects would need to bring forms for EACH ANIMAL they plan to exhibit on the grounds.
This format allows Council to reference medications and supplements an animal has been given leading up to fair if an animal falls ill or dies during Fair Week, it improves communication with veterinary staff to provide accurate information as well as helps better educate our youth about proper biosecurity practices, record keeping and management of livestock production.
