Osceola County fair kids/parents: Dear 4-H families, This email is to inform you that all 2014 spring weigh-ins are cancelled for all three fairs (Marion Fair, Osceola County 4-H & FFA Fair, & Northern District Fair). The reason for the cancellation is due to the risk of spreading the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV). PEDV is easily transmitted from one swine to another swine and facilities and can cause fatalities for pre-weaned swine and swine under 100 pounds. The Marion Fair, Osceola County Fair, and Northern District Fair representatives attended a special meeting in regards to PEDV. During the meeting it was decided that all spring market animals would register through the 4-H Office using the registration form provided with this letter. Any youth planning on showing and selling market sheep, goats, swine, or Jr. beef (Marion Fair only) must fill out a livestock registration form and return it to the 4-H office by the date that is specified on the registration form. If your family has multiple children showing you may put all of their names on each registration form. Along with this information each market animal will need to have 5 colored pictures attached to the registration form. Each market animal must have a separate form turned in. There is a spot labeled on the back of the form for which picture view is needed to be attached. Final market rates will still apply; however, no swine will leave the fairgrounds once they are weighed-in. If your swine project falls below the minimum weight, it will be sold at the end of the auction under a roaster class. If you swine project falls above the maximum weight, it will be sold at the end of the auction under a heavy weight class and buyers will only have to pay up to the maximum weight. All swine go to slaughter. Youth will only be allowed to bring one swine to each fair. Swine will be tagged during final weigh in. If you have any questions please contact the 4-H office at 231-832-6139. Emailed information and pictures can be sent to [email protected]. Receipt of registration forms will be sent. Next year the weigh-in process will go back to normal unless conditions require action to be taken again. Letters and registration forms are being mailed today through the post office. The livestock registration form has been attached to this email. Sincerely, Jacob Stieg Osceola County 4-H Coordinator Tonia Hartline, Support Staff Osceola County MSU Extension
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 15:48:49 +0000