2023 4-H and FFA Rate of Gain Educational Contest
Sponsored by the Delaware Farm Bureau
Due August 18, 2023
1. This event is open to all enrolled 4-H and FFA youth. Youth that are enrolled in both the 4-H and the FFA program are only eligible for one award per species of livestock. Cloverbuds are not eligible to participate in this contest.
2. All animals must be weighed at the weigh-in for their county and at the final weigh-in for their specific species during the Delaware State Fair. 2023 County weigh-in dates are as follows:
- May 6th- Cook Farm- Newark 8 am-11- New Castle County
- May 13th- Delaware State Fair Harrington 8 am- 11 am- Kent/Sussex County
- May 23rd- Delaware State Fair Harrington 5pm -8 pm- Kent/Sussex County (Final DSF Tagging Date)
3.All animals must be weighed on a scale certified or evaluated for this activity by the Delaware Department of Agriculture. An official weigh master and recorder will be designated at each weigh-in. The weigh master cannot have a child participating in the event. The recorder will obtain the following data: name of youth, complete mailing address, tag number of animal, gender of animal, breed of animal, along with weight. The recorder should forward all information to Susan Garey within one week of weigh-in.
4. Animals must make weight (minimum and maximum) for the specific species as outlined in the Delaware State Fair Exhibitor’s Handbook to be eligible for these awards. They must participate in their respective market show during the DSF.
5. Young people who are members of a 4-H club in one county and an FFA chapter in another county must choose one tagging/weigh date to attend. You are not permitted to weigh at more than one location. This means that you are designating which organization (4-H or FFA) and county Rate of Gain contest you are eligible for.
6. All participants must submit a record sheet to Susan Garey by August 18, 2023 to be eligible for this activity. The entry form must be actually signed by the member and all requested authorized parties in order to be eligible.
7. Should there be less than two animals in a species, animals must make the following minimum daily weight gain: lambs – .30 lb.; goat – .2 lb.; steer – 1 lb.; swine 1.25 in order to be eligible to receive the rate of gain award for their respective county.
8. The Delaware Farm Bureau will recognize the young person owning the animal with the best rate of gain in market goat, market hog, market lamb, and steer projects in each county with categories for both 4-H and FFA members. County winners will be recognized at their respective County Farm Bureau banquet.
If the members animals were weighed on the date of the Kent County show, are they qualified for the rate of gain contest?
Yes, they qualify.