Livestock Rules

1. All livestock exhibitors must register online through the BCYF registration portal before the deadline. Late entries handled case-by-case by the species chair.
2. Market animals must be ear-tagged at the official tag-in on April 25. Animals not tagged are ineligible for Rate of Gain and the Friday auction.
3. Each exhibitor may show a maximum of two animals per market species unless otherwise specified by species rules.
4. Ownership: animals must be owned by the exhibitor by the tag-in date. Family ownership transfers permitted with written documentation.
5. Exhibitors must be ages 9–21 as of January 1 of the current year, except where Pee Wee or Bright Stars rules apply.

BCYF runs annual workshops and species-specific meetings. Some are mandatory for first-time exhibitors.

1. 1st Year Exhibitors: Required attendance at one of the three workshop sessions (Feb / Mar / Apr). See /workshops/ for dates.
2. 2nd Year Exhibitors: Strongly encouraged but not required.
3. Horse Exhibitor Meeting: Required for horse exhibitors. Held annually in February.
4. Species-specific meetings may be called by individual chairpersons throughout the year.

1. All livestock must be healthy and free of disease at check-in. Animals showing signs of illness will be sent home at the discretion of the show veterinarian.
2. West Virginia Department of Agriculture health certificates required where applicable per WVDA regulations. Out-of-state animals must meet WV import requirements.
3. Specific species may require additional health testing (blood tests, vaccinations). See your species page for details.
4. Exhibitors are responsible for animal welfare throughout the fair. Sick or injured animals must be reported to the species chair immediately.
5. The fair reserves the right to require veterinary inspection of any animal at any time.

1. Exhibitors must show their own animals in showmanship classes. Substitutions allowed only in emergencies with chair approval.
2. Dress code: Long pants, closed-toe shoes, and tucked-in collared shirt are required in the show ring. White preferred for showmanship.
3. Profanity, unsportsmanlike conduct, or aggressive behavior toward judges, officials, or other exhibitors will result in immediate disqualification.
4. The judge's decision is final. Protests must be filed in writing with the species chair within 30 minutes of the decision.
5. Cell phones must be silenced during shows. Photography is permitted but flash photography is discouraged.
6. Animals must be presented clean, groomed, and properly handled. Excessive use of restraint or force is grounds for disqualification.

1. Exhibitors are fully responsible for daily care of their animals — feeding, watering, cleaning pens, exercise.
2. Pens must be cleaned at minimum twice daily. Manure goes to the designated disposal area only.
3. No alterations, decorations, or signs may be added to pens without species chair approval.
4. Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Loud music, noise, or visiting other barns during quiet hours is prohibited.
5. Children under 12 are not permitted in the barns unless accompanied by an exhibitor or adult.
6. Visitors are welcome during fair hours but must respect animal space and signage.

BCYF reserves the right to test any market animal for prohibited substances at any time. Compliance is mandatory.

1. All market animals are subject to random drug and residue testing per WV state guidelines.
2. Use of any prohibited substance — including but not limited to growth hormones, beta-agonists, diuretics, and unapproved medications — is grounds for disqualification and forfeiture of all premiums and auction proceeds.
3. Approved medications must be administered per label directions and within proper withdrawal times. Bring documentation to check-in if your animal has been treated.
4. Exhibitors found violating drug rules may face multi-year bans from BCYF and West Virginia youth livestock events.
5. YQCA certification (or equivalent) may be required — check current year requirements with the livestock chair.

1. Each exhibitor must designate a family backup who can care for animals if the exhibitor becomes ill or unavailable.
2. The family backup must be capable of feeding, watering, and basic care. Notify the species chair if backup arrangements change.
3. No early release of animals before Saturday morning except in approved emergencies (illness, death in family) with species chair and livestock chair sign-off.
4. Auction animals must remain on the grounds until claimed by buyers or transported per auction terms.
5. All exhibitor stalls and pens must be cleaned and emptied by Sunday morning. Charges may apply for uncleaned pens.