| | Member | Message |
| HannaKathryne | Posted 12/07/09 04:20PM  Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
|  | So, there is a rumor going around that starting this next year, a rule will go into effect at our county fair stating that you are not permitted to exhibit a livestock project at their fair unless you live and attend school in the county. This is really going to affect a lot of people, myself being one of them, because it's always been either/or, not both. I live on the county line and am zoned to a school in the county- but because I am technically not a "resident", I will not be permitted to show there again next year.
.....Really?
Discuss, please.
|
| PeteM | Posted 12/07/09 04:33PM Changed 12/07/09 04:36PM |
|  | Well I would not want to be on that fair board. I am not sure of the legalities of the fprcomg a person to live and attend school. I could see saying that they must attend school in the county. In oour county we have to either or rule.
|
| TXsheepRaiser | Posted 12/07/09 05:12PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Our county does it like this: If you attend the school in the county you can show at that county, or if you are in that county 4h club you can show there also.
|
| suffolkclover | Posted 12/07/09 05:17PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
|  | I would not worry to much about it....around here rumors about rule changes are always going around, most of the time they never happen.
|
| CoonHunter | Posted 12/07/09 05:38PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | we have to do 2 of 3 1. live in county, 2. go to school in county or 3. be in 4H in county. we have had issues with home school kids living out of county joining a 4H in county and showing in the fair. they are not doing 2 of the 3 so the fair board has tightened down on the rules this year.
|
| lambquarters | Posted 12/07/09 06:11PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
|  | I do not live in Texas but my problem with your statement is that it is a rumor. If it is a rumor, then wait for the facts.
|
| sweetmtn1 | Posted 12/07/09 06:56PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
|  | Our county fair states that you must reside in the county AND be a member in good standing with either 4-H, FFA or Grange with in the county. Our fair takes in consideration for those that are home schooled, so they dont make the school rule.
|
| Sam1 | Posted 12/07/09 07:42PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Topics such as this need to be short here.
1 - Work with your parents, FFA Advisor, 4-H Leaders, Extension Personnel, and the Fair Board to come to an understanding of the facts and the situation.
2 - If the rule is to be implemented and it would move against you, present your position to those involved after you have cleared it with your guardians.
3 - Let calm heads prevail.
Most adults on the fair boards are looking at rules as those that need to be implemented to prevent some sort of action they consider "objectionable." They may not realize the impact on some others outside of the issue they are trying to address. Most groups would understand how something may be utilized as they never intended and a more favorable position may be able to be achieved.
I would not wait for the rule to be finalized. I would seek the status of any TRUE rule change and make appropriate comments prior to finalization if possible. If it is already in, I would seek an appeal to the governing body for a viable reason -- such as a hardship for when you are districted into the county, live on the county line, and have been a long-time exhibitor in the county. That would be sufficient for most committees I have ever served on.
Best wishes!
Sam
|
| Cullen | Posted 12/07/09 10:28PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | I completely agree with all three of Sam's points. However, I'd start with #3!
Having worked with 5 different fair associations, I will say none of them appreciated people spreading rumors or creating resentment and hard feelings. Each board of directors was willing to answer questions with accurate information.
Call your county agent or ag teacher. They probably serve as an advisor to the fair board. Hopefully, they can shed some light on the subject. If not, call the fair board president and ask for clarification. Please do not make the call and complain.
|
| HannaKathryne | Posted 12/07/09 10:43PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | I talked to my advisers this evening and the rule was passed ten days ago.
I am officially countyless-
Nice!
Well, I guess there's nothing left that I could do at this point. Looks like I'll just have to sit back, relax, and keep paying taxes to a county who won't let me participate- awesome!
|
| TXsheepRaiser | Posted 12/07/09 10:51PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | well if you arent going to a county just try to join that countys 4h club. maybe then youll get in
|
| Cullen | Posted 12/07/09 10:58PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Find out when the board will be meeting again and ask to be put on the agenda. Respectfully explain your position and ask the board to consider individual exhibitors on a case by case basis.
|
| okshowmom | Posted 12/08/09 08:38AM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
|  | My question is do you attend the school that is in that county? I would guess that if you do and live on the county line you and your advisor could go to the fair board and present your case. I have found like above post if you stay calm and use a cool head you will prevail. Good Luck and keep us posted.
|
| sweetmtn1 | Posted 12/08/09 02:41PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Cant you show in the county you go to school in?
|
| HannaKathryne | Posted 12/08/09 04:19PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Yes, I do attend school there, and they didn't have a problem with where I live until this year.
We're going to try to plead my case and see what happens.
Hopefully everything works out- I'll let you all know how it turns out!
|
| TheDad1 | Posted 12/08/09 05:04PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
|  | In Minnesota we don't have this problem, yet. But, the 4-H programs get signficant funding from the county. As long as all the counties funded 4-H there wasn't too much concern if someone got involved in a different county then they lived in. But, now one of the larger county's has announced that they will discontinue support of 4-H. The neighboring counties are quite concerned as they see value in funding 4-H for people in their county but the county board doesn't want to subsidize the next county's kids. So, it would not suprise me if we don't see rules like this in the near future.
|
| killbuck | Posted 12/08/09 07:14PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Our county in Ohio is the same. If you live in the county, or go to school in the county you may show at our fair.
We did have an issue come up at one of our lamb meetings that caught all of us off guard.
The county next to us has been struggling for the past few years. The question was brought up what happens to those kids in that county. Do we absorb a portion of them?
According to our county agent, once their program is done, they are done. They can NOT cross over into other counties to show and they can NOT show at the state fair. I was also under the impression that the kids that live outside the county, but attend school within the county suffer the same fate, since they actually live within that county. That is probably 30-40 families that would just vanish from our fair as well. As I understand it this is how the program is set up and the county's don't really have any say. Not sure if it's state or National 4H that drives that. It just sounded simular.
All the more reason to not only support your local fair, but your neighboring fairs as well.
|
| Sam1 | Posted 12/08/09 09:28PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Rules can and do vary.
In Missouri there was a county that determined not to fund their Extension program at all a few years back. Big mistake. And very confusing.
Many will find that their support of the 4-H program is leveraged into a lot of dollars within their county as well.
We had some out of state folk who wanted to show at the Missouri state fair a few years back. As the State 4-H Youth Specialist said at the time, "if they are not seeking to double dip by showing in two states, let them show." This should be more about the youth than about the petty jealousies that can and do arise.
We have some county rules that the youth and their stock must reside within the county or a contiguous county.
Alas, we will never be able to please everyone. And it is a shame that economies are feeling pressured enough that 4-H is potentially up for elimination. When times are so hard that we cut what is good, it is not the time to take on new expensive policies that are not contributing to the long-term sustainability of our economy or our country.
Best wishes!
Sam
|
| HannaKathryne | Posted 12/09/09 10:33PM Changed 12/09/09 10:36PM |
| | Well, as if this couldn't get any more complicated or frustrating; I'm not allowed to show in the county I live in's youth expo or county fair, either because my FFA chapter is in the other county!
If I can't show in the county my school/chapter is in, or the county I live in- Where can I show, aside from majors and state fairs?
Oh goodness, I think I'll just move!
|
| lambquarters | Posted 12/10/09 04:23AM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Kill buck, my understanding in Ohio is that it is up to the specific county. We live in Pickaway county and have kids from other counties at our fair. I also know a lot of Pickaway Co. kids go to ross co. So in Ohio it is up to each individual county as to how they accomodate kids.
|
| lm1668 | Posted 12/10/09 02:00PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Your right on lambquarters. In our county, (Champaign), there are kids that live in Champaign that show in Logan. Believe it or not they even have permission to show their lambs in Logan counties born and raised show, lambs that were born and raised in our county. Ironically, they usually have the champ and it makes the front page of the local paper, " Lamb raised in neighboring county wins county born & raised show" . Bottom line is that they have permission, from the fair board, to show in that show as well as their Junior fair show. Also, Grand champion at Champaign county this year was exhibited by a kid from Madison county. Once again, permission was granted by fair board. I don't see a problem with it as long as there is a valid reason why, as HannaKathryn's seems to be.
I would keep fighting it. Do you have a local sheepman's association that could help? County extension agent? Where do you FFA advisers stand on this?
|
| HannaKathryne | Posted 12/11/09 10:07PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | We wrote every board member, as well as the extension office. And my advisers are trying to fight it, as well. I'm not the only person it's affecting, so we'll just see what happens with everyone's combined efforts.
|
| lambquarters | Posted 12/12/09 08:47AM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Hanna,
Is their reason funding?
In Ohio since we have loss so much state money for 4h. Most counties are going to a rule that states, if your county gives up 4h you can not just go to another county.
If both counties agree then you can go to another county.
Is this all because of money?
|
| lm1668 | Posted 12/12/09 08:52AM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Sounds like your on it. For now just enjoy Christmas and what it's all about. This will work out for you! 4H & FFA kids are the cream of the crop. The advisers, extension agent and fair board members are all on your side. It may not always feel that way but it's true! Don't take it personal, work together with the others that are affected and go at it in a way that makes people want you to be part of what they're doing. Keep us informed. God bless, Lee
|
| CoonHunter | Posted 12/12/09 09:25AM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| |  why cant you join a 4 H with in the county you live in? have you bought the animals for this years fair and tagged in already? if so they should have told you at tag in or contacted before. are you doing 2 of the these three things? 1. live in the county 2. go to school in the county 3. in FFA or a 4H in the county. do research and see how many local county 4Hs follow these guidelines and build your case. i can name in our area robertson, falls, burleson, milam, and brazos. i feel we not getting the whole story here.
|
| HannaKathryne | Posted 12/12/09 07:31PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | No, I haven't purchased any animals yet- the fair is in September, so we have a while. And yes, I go to school and am in an FFA chapter in the county.
|
| sweetmtn1 | Posted 12/12/09 10:12PM Changed 12/12/09 10:13PM |
| | You can ALSO be a member of 4-H along with FFA..my kids did. I would bet your advisor wont mind if it means you can still show your animals. The only rule between the two clubs is you cant have the same project in both...so my kids would do their sheep with one and the steers with the other.
|
| Basque | Posted 12/14/09 12:38PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Hi Sweetmtn1,
As an FYI, the rule you reference is a CA agreement between 4-H, FFA and Grange. There could be similar rules in other states, but that cannot be taken for granted.
|
| lambquarters | Posted 12/14/09 02:21PM Changed 00/00/00 12:00AM |
| | Just curious, what are the rules of the other county that you are lining? Do they not have 4H?
If I were you I would talk to your extension agent. Because if both counties have the same rule, then it seems one should give, because you have different circumstances than most.
|
In the Message box you can use special indicators for formatting, if you wish. Here is how to <em>emphasize</em> your text. Or, you can <u>underline</u> areas of your messages. Or, use <b>bold</b> to really make a point.
Messages 
