The State Fair of Texas Market Lambs and Market Goats Will Use the Same RFID Tags and Will Also Be Recorded on the Same Validation Form

SHEEP AND GOAT VALIDATION OF TEXAS

May 24, 2017

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: County Extension Agents - ANR and 4-H Agricultural Science Teachers

SUBJECT: State Fair of Texas 4-H and FFA Market Lamb and Market Goat Validation

The State Fair of Texas 4-H and FFA market lamb and market goat validations are required to be conducted from a central office of the County Level Validation Committee Chairperson. All validation should occur at a time, place, and date determined by the State Level County Validation Committee between June 1st and June 30th.

Guidelines for Market Lamb Validation and Market Goat Validation are attached and are also available for download at: http://sheepandgoatvalidation.tamu.edu/

The State Fair of Texas market lambs and market goats will use the same RFID tags and will also be recorded on the same validation form. A revised ethics policy is also attached.

Counties that have unused tags at the completion of validation will not be required to return these tags to our office. These unused tags can be used for replacement tags in your county. If your county runs short on tags, extras may be ordered from https://www.texaslivestockvalidation.com/Index.aspx through June 23 at a cost of $25 each. After June 23, 2017, extra validation tags must be ordered by calling the State Sheep and Goat Validation program at (325)653- 4576. Lambs and goats validated for the State Fair of Texas in June will have to be revalidated in October for spring 2018 shows.

Please find enclosed the lamb and goat validation tags that you ordered for your county along with the new validation forms. Hair sample envelopes for lambs and goats and nose print cards for lambs are enclosed. We ask that you throw away all previous validation forms and only submit your counties information on the new forms.

The Texas 4-H and FFA market lamb and goat validation forms, hair samples collected for the DNA assay, nose prints (lambs only), revised ethic policies and validation committee form should be postmarked on or before July 7, 2017 and submitted by registered mail, return receipt requested, directly to:

Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program 7887 US Highway 87 North San Angelo, TX 76901

All unused forms and hair sample envelopes must be returned.

The County Lamb and Goat Validation Committee Chairman will complete the online validation submission at https://www.texaslivestockvalidation.com/Index.aspx by July 7, 2017. Detailed instructions are attached.

West Central District 7 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 7887 US Highway 87 N | San Angelo, Texas 76901

Tel. 325.653.4576 | Fax. 325.655.7791 | SanAngelo.tamu.edu

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating. Page 2 of 16

Thanks for your support of the 4-H/FFA Sheep and Goat Validation of Texas program. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (325) 653-4576.

Marvin Ensor Marty Gibbs Reid Redden

HTTP://SHEEPANDGOATVALIDATION.TAMU.EDU

Attachments: Texas4-H/FFA Market Lamb Validation Guidelines Texas 4-H/FFA Market Goat Validation Guidelines Market Lamb and Goat Checksheet 2017-18 Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Program Ethics Policy Parental Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement 2017-18 Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Committee Form Procedures for Changing Ownership Procedures for DNA Assay Hair Collection Texas Lamb and Goat Validation County Numbers Ear Tag Replacement Form Lamb and Goat Upload Instructions Page 3 of 16 TEXAS 4-H AND FFA LAMB VALIDATION PROGRAM 2017 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS GUIDELINES

Officials of major livestock shows in Texas are participating in a program supported by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Education Agency, Department of Agricultural Education, whereby all 4-H and FFA lambs exhibited at their shows will be required to be identified appropriately with an official Texas Lamb Tag, county tattoo number, nose print, and a hair sample for the DNA Assay. A special tag has been designed specifically for the Texas 4-H/FFA Validation Program.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. A 4-H and FFA County Lamb Validation Committee must be organized in each county where lambs are being fed by members of either 4-H or FFA for exhibit at the major livestock shows that require lambs to be validated. The committee shall be composed of County Extension Agents-Agriculture and/or 4-H and Agriculture Science Teachers in the county.

If there is not a County Lamb Validation Committee, the County Extension Agent is responsible for calling the first meeting to organize one. All County Extension Agents-Agriculture and all Agricultural Science Teachers in the county shall be invited to this meeting. A chairperson shall be selected from this group, and the number and composition of the committee will be determined at this meeting. It may be as large as the local agents and teachers deem practical; however, there may not be less than four members on this committee. There may be many counties wherein this committee will be all County Extension Agents and all Agricultural Science Teachers.

In counties where there are less than four people eligible to serve on this committee, a fourth member shall be selected locally. He/she must have an interest in the program and be mutually acceptable to the County Extension Agents and Agricultural Science Teachers.

The committee will make arrangements for an ear tagging tool, tattoo pliers, ink pads, alcohol, swabs, and any other equipment necessary for carrying out this program. The County Lamb Validation Committee is responsible for any locally incurred expenses resulting from the administration of the Texas 4-H and FFA Lamb Validation Program. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will provide ear tags, validation forms, hair sample envelopes, nose print cards, and other appropriate written materials.

The committee will meet as a group to conduct the validation of all 4-H/FFA lambs in the county. At least three committee members must be present during physical validation.

2. The 2017 State Fair of Texas is requiring all lambs to be ear tagged, nose printed, tattooed, and hair samples collected for the DNA Assay between June 1 to June 30. All lambs must be validated at a time, place, and date determined by the County Validation Committee between June 1st and June 30th. If exhibitors have conflicts which interfere with the scheduled validation day(s), alternative arrangements must be made prior to the validation in that county.

3. Lambs validated for the 2017 State Fair of Texas will have to be re-validated for the 2018 winter/spring major shows. State Fair of Texas lamb validation tags will not be accepted at the winter/spring major shows. This will help eliminate the confusion with the Texas Lamb Breeders Association tags as all TLBA tag numbers will have to be on the validation forms when they are submitted by October 31 for the winter/spring major shows. No TLBA tag numbers will be added to the validation forms after the October 31 deadline. Page 4 of 16

4. The State Fair of Texas 4-H and FFA Lamb and Goat Validation Form will be completed at the time the lamb is tagged, tattooed, nose printed, and hair samples collected for the DNA Assay. The 15 digit E- ID number DOES NOT need to be recorded on this form. The Lamb Validation Committee Chairperson shall double check all validation forms before submitting them to the Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 7887 US Highway 87 North, San Angelo, Texas 76901-9714. The Texas Lamb Validation Form should list the county name only. Do not list FFA or 4-H chapter names! Be sure to check these items:

a) Make sure all information requested on the validation form, the ethics policy, nose print card and the hair sample envelope is completed, b) All signatures have been included on both the validation form and the hair sample envelope, and c) Nose print cards are to be placed in numerical order and paper clipped to the validation form, do not staple. The State Sheep and Goat Validation Committee will upload all nose prints in the online validation system. d) County validation forms should be submitted in alphabetical order. d) Hair sample envelopes should be submitted in numerical order.

5. The State Fair of Texas Validation online system is located at: https://www.texaslivestockvalidation.com/Index.aspx The County Sheep and Goat Validation Chairman will complete the online validation by July 7, 2017.

6. Each lamb validated will have hair taken for the DNA Assay identification program. Hair samples will be taken by a member of the County Lamb Validation Committee at the time of validation and placed in an individual hair sample envelope provided for each lamb. Detailed instructions for collecting hair samples are attached.

7. Each lamb will be nose printed and the nose print cards will be submitted in numerical order for all lambs in the county. Each card must contain two (2) nose prints that are clear and legible. Make sure they are not smeared or blurred. Prints may be taken side by side or one print on the front of the card and one print on the back of the card. A third nose print for the county files should be retained. Official nose prints are to be taken on 3 X 5 inch, unruled cards. Office Gel Inkpads work best for nose prints, do not use tattoo ink for nose prints. The nose print card should also have the name of the exhibitor(s), county name and number, breed, and the validation number of the lamb reflected. (See example below) Page 5 of 16

8. The County Lamb Validation Committee Chairperson will send the original (white copy) and fourth (hard copy) to the Lamb and Goat Validation Program, 7887 US Highway 87 North, San Angelo, Texas 76901-9714, postmarked on or before July 7th 2017 via registered mail, return receipt requested. Any materials postmarked after July 7th 2017 will not be accepted.

The second copy (yellow) will be retained by the County Lamb Validation Committee Chairperson and the third copy (pink) should be retained by the supervising Agricultural Science Teacher or County Extension Agent.

NOTE: All hair samples collected for the DNA Assay must be sent directly to:

Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program 7887 US Highway 87 North San Angelo, TX 76901-9714 Phone: 325/653-4576

These samples should be submitted by registered mail, return receipt requested.

All forms must be signed by the exhibitor(s), exhibitor’s parent or exhibitor’s legal guardian, the supervising Agricultural Science Teacher or County Extension Agent, and the County Lamb Validation Committee Chairperson. If the Committee Chairperson is the supervisor of the exhibitor(s) of the lamb, another committee member will sign for the chairperson.

9. The County Lamb Validation Committee Chairperson will retain all unused or damaged tags. These tags can be used within your county, but they must not be given to or shared with any other county. Each set of tags is specific to your county only. Page 6 of 16

10. An animal may be validated in the name of two or more exhibitors only if all of these criteria are met.

a) Where brother and sister may have differing last names, it must be noted on the validation form. b) They are brother/sister by blood relationship or are legally adopted. c) All listed are bona fide junior exhibitors and eligible to show as junior exhibitors as stated in the stock show rule book. d) All permanently reside in the same county.

When a lamb is validated in the name of two or more exhibitors, the validation form should read as follows:

RIGHT: Johnnie Jones or Susie Smith (step siblings) RIGHT: Johnnie Smith or Susie Smith or Joey Smith WRONG: Johnnie Smith and Susie Smith and Joey Smith

Be sure that all possible exhibitors sign the validation form. 11. Lambs will be tagged in the left ear with the validation number facing toward the rear of the lamb. Please use the tags in successive order. The county number will be tattooed in the right ear.

EXAMPLE:

EARTAG – Left Ear

“Free Air Space” is critical for proper healing and retention. Inspect placement after tagging to ensure there is sufficient space between ear and EID tag.

T000 TATTOO – Right Ear Page 7 of 16

12. Each County Lamb Validation Chairperson will maintain a complete record of all lambs validated in the county.

13. Lamb exhibitors should be instructed to immediately notify their supervising County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher when an ear tag is lost or damaged.

14. If a tag is lost or damaged to the extent that it is no longer legible, the supervising County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher should notify the Chairperson of the County Lamb Validation Committee within ten (10) days for consideration of replacement.

15. The chairperson will arrange for the committee to determine the validity of loss. If the committee concurs, a replacement tag will be requested. The County Lamb Validation Chairperson will secure a replacement tag from the State Coordinator. When replacing an ear tag, the county records should reflect the change, with notification in writing, to the Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program, 7887 US Highway 87 North, San Angelo, Texas 76901-9714, showing the exhibitor’s county, new tag number and the tag number being replaced. Along with notification in writing you will also need to provide a nose print from the lamb and return the damaged tag.

16. If an exhibitor transfers from one county to another or from one FFA chapter to another, the county in which the lamb was validated must contact the Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program, 7887 US Highway 87 North, San Angelo, Texas 76901-97814, in writing of this transfer immediately. Copies of this correspondence should be sent to the new County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher to share with the new County’s Lamb Validation Committee.

17. It is the responsibility of exhibitor(s) and/or parent(s) or guardian(s) to insure these projects are fed and cared for in compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by major livestock shows. The State Lamb Validation Committee and/or County Lamb Validation Committee has the right to inspect the listed projects at any reasonable time during the feeding period.

18. There may be a case when a lamb has been validated to one family, but prior to the June 30th deadline the lamb is sold to another family. This lamb can be properly validated to the new owner(s) if the Change of Ownership Form is completed and returned to the state validation headquarters prior to the July 1st postmark deadline. This form can be found on the Lamb and Goat Validation website. http://sheepandgoatvalidation.tamu.edu/. Page 8 of 16 TEXAS 4-H AND FFA GOAT VALIDATION PROGRAM 2017 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS GUIDELINES

Officials of major livestock shows in Texas are participating in a program supported by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Education Agency, Department of Agricultural Education, whereby all 4-H and FFA goats exhibited at the State Fair of Texas will be required to be identified appropriately with an official Texas Goat Tag, county tattoo number, and a hair sample for the DNA Assay. A special tag has been designed specifically for the Texas 4-H/FFA Goat Validation Program.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. A 4-H and FFA County Goat Validation Committee shall be organized in each county where goats are being fed by members of either 4-H or FFA members for exhibition at the major livestock shows that require goats to be validated. The committee shall be composed of County Extension Agents- Agriculture and/or 4-H and Agriculture Science Teachers in the county.

If there is not a County Goat Validation Committee, the County Extension Agent is responsible for calling the first meeting to organize one. All County Extension Agents-Agriculture and all Agricultural Science Teachers in the county shall be invited to this meeting. A chairperson shall be selected from this group, and the number and composition of the committee will be determined at this meeting. It may be as large as the local agents and teachers deem practical; however, there may not be less than four members on this committee. There may be many counties wherein this committee will be all County Extension Agents and all Agricultural Science Teachers.

The committee will make arrangements for an ear tagging tool, tattoo pliers, ink pads, alcohol, swabs, and any other equipment necessary for carrying out this program. The County Goat Validation Committee is responsible for any locally incurred expenses resulting from the administration of the Texas 4-H and FFA Goat Validation Program. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will provide ear tags, validation forms, hair sample envelopes, one set of hair collection pliers, and other appropriate written materials.

The committee will meet as a group to conduct the validation of all 4-H/FFA goats in the county.

2. The 2017 State Fair of Texas is requiring all goats to be ear tagged, tattooed, and hair samples collected for the DNA Assay between June 1 to June 30. All goats must be validated at a time, place, and date determined by the County Validation Committee between June 1st and June 30th. If exhibitors have conflicts which interfere with the scheduled validation day(s), alternative arrangements must be made prior to the validation in that county.

3. Goats validated for the 2017 State Fair of Texas will have to be re-validated for the 2018 winter/spring major shows. State Fair of Texas lamb and goat validation tags will not be accepted at the winter/spring major shows.

4. The Texas 4-H and FFA Lamb and Goat Validation Form will be completed at the time the goat is tagged, tattooed, and hair samples collected for the DNA Assay. The 15 digit E-ID number DOES NOT need to be recorded on this form. The Goat Validation Committee Chairperson shall double Page 9 of 16 check all validation forms before submitting them to the Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 7887 US Highway 87 North, San Angelo, Texas 76901-9714. The Texas Goat Validation Form should list the county name only. Do not list FFA or 4-H chapter names! Be sure to check these items:

a) Make sure all information requested on the validation form, the ethics policy, and the hair sample envelope is completed, b) All signatures have been included on the validation form, the ethics policy, and the hair sample envelope, and c) County validation forms should be submitted in alphabetical order, and d) Hair envelopes should be submitted in numerical order.

6. Each goat validated will have hair taken for the DNA Assay identification program. Hair samples will be taken by a member of the County Goat Validation Committee at the time of validation and placed in individual hair sample envelopes provided for each goat. Detailed instructions for collecting hair samples are attached.

7. The County Goat Validation Committee Chairperson will send the original (blue copy) and fourth (hard copy) to the Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program, 7887 US Highway 87 North, San Angelo, Texas 76901-9714, postmarked on or before July 7th 2017 via registered mail, return receipt requested. Any materials postmarked after July 7th 2017 will not be accepted.

The second copy (yellow) will be retained by the County Goat Validation Committee Chairperson and third copy (green) is retained for the supervising Agricultural Science Teacher or County Extension Agent.

NOTE: All hair samples collected for the DNA Assay must be sent directly to:

Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program 7887 US Highway 87 North San Angelo, TX 76901-9714 Phone: 325/653-4576

These samples should be submitted by registered mail, return receipt requested.

All forms must be signed by the exhibitor(s), exhibitor’s parent or exhibitor’s legal guardian, the supervising Agricultural Science Teacher or County Extension Agent, and the County Goat Validation Committee Chairperson. If the Committee Chairperson is the supervisor of the exhibitor(s) of the goat, another committee member will sign for the chairperson.

8. The County Goat Validation Committee Chairperson will retain all unused or damaged tags. These tags can be used within your county, but the must not be given to or shared with any other county. Each set of tags is specific to your county only. Page 10 of 16

9. An animal may be validated in the name of two or more exhibitors only if all of these criteria are met.

When a goat is validated in the name of two or more exhibitors, the validation form should read as follows:

RIGHT: Johnnie Jones or Susie Smith (step siblings) RIGHT: Johnnie Smith or Susie Smith or Joey Smith WRONG: Johnnie Smith and Susie Smith and Joey Smith

Be sure that all possible exhibitors sign the validation form.

10. Goats will be tagged in the left ear with the validation number facing toward the rear of the goat. Please use the tags in successive order. The county number will be tattooed in the right ear.

EXAMPLE:

EARTAG – Left Ear

“Free Air Space” is critical for proper healing and retention. Inspect placement after tagging to ensure there is sufficient space between ear and EID tag.

T000 TATTOO – Right Ear Page 11 of 16 11. Each County Goat Validation Chairperson will maintain a complete record of all goats validated in the county.

12. Goat exhibitors should be instructed to immediately notify their supervising County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher when an ear tag is lost or damaged.

13. If a tag is lost or damaged to the extent that it is no longer legible, the supervising County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher should notify the Chairperson of the County Goat Validation Committee within ten (10) days for consideration of replacement.

14. The chairperson will arrange for the committee to determine the validity of loss. If the committee concurs, a replacement tag will be requested. The County Goat Validation Chairperson will secure a replacement tag from the State Coordinator. When replacing an ear tag, the county records should reflect the change, with notification in writing, to the Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program, 7887 US Highway 87 North, San Angelo, Texas 76901-9714, showing the exhibitor’s county, new tag number and the tag number being replaced.

15. If an exhibitor transfers from one county to another or from one FFA chapter to another, the county in which the goat was validated must contact the Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program, 7887 US Highway 87 North, San Angelo, Texas 76901-9714, in writing of this transfer immediately. Copies of this correspondence should be sent to the new County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher to share with the new County’s Goat Validation Committee.

16. It is the responsibility of exhibitor(s) and/or parent(s) or guardian(s) to insure these projects are fed and cared for in compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by major livestock shows. The State Goat Validation Committee and/or County Goat Validation Committee have the right to inspect the listed projects at any reasonable time during the feeding period.

17. There may be a case when a goat has been validated to one family, but prior to the June 30th deadline the goat is sold to another family. This goat can be properly validated to the new owner(s) if the Change of Ownership Form is completed and returned to the state validation headquarters prior to the July 7th postmark deadline. This form can be found on the Lamb and Goat Validation website. http://sheepandgoatvalidation.tamu.edu/. Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Checklist for Submitting Validation Materials Market Lambs and Market Goats http://sheepandgoatvalidation.tamu.edu/

Organize and sort validation materials Validation forms: verify cardstock copies are clear and legible. Place in alphabetical order by exhibitor last name, detach all pages. * Cardstock (back) copy, secure in separate stack for shipping PAPER CLIP nose prints (Lambs Only) in numerical order on back of card stock * Yellow (front) copy, secure in a separate stack for shipping * Pink copy goes to supervising AST or CEA * Blue copy goes to County Level State Sheep and Goat Validation Committee Chairperson * Best practice is to make a copy for exhibitor/family

DNA Envelopes: Place in numerical order – All species together.

Ethics Policy Forms: place in alphabetical order by exhibitor last name and secure in a separate stack for shipping (submit ORIGINAL forms). Verify ONE ethics policy form completed PER EXHIBITOR.

Parental Waiver/Hold Harmless Form: place behind exhibitors corresponding Ethics Policy.

Return unused hair sample envelopes and validation forms, free of markings.

The County Level State Sheep and Goat Validation Chairman will send the original white copy, cardstock copy, DNA envelopes, and other validation paperwork postmarked on or before July 7th, 2017, via priority/certified mail, return receipt requested to:

Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program 7887 US Hwy 87 N San Angelo, TX 76901

Note: Do not staple the DNA envelopes.

All forms must be signed by the exhibitor, exhibitors’ parent or guardian, the supervising Agricultural Science Teacher or County Extension Agent, and the County Level State Sheep and Goat Validation Chairperson. If the committee chairperson is the supervisor of the exhibitor, another committee member will sign for the chairperson. 2017-2018 TEXAS 4-H/FFA LIVESTOCK PROGRAM ETHICS POLICY (Updated March, 2017)

County Name: This ethics policy applies to any 4-H/FFA member planning to exhibit animals at livestock shows in Texas. It includes junior, as well as open class exhibitors who compete in structured classes of competition. All classes of livestock offered at the livestock event are included: Cattle (Beef and Dairy), Goats (Angora, Boer, dairy, meat, Cashmere), Equine (Horses), Llamas and other specialty animals, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep, Swine, and any other livestock classes offered. This “Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Program Ethics Policy” will be enhanced with additional rules and guidelines which individual fairs and livestock shows adhere to on the local, county, state, regional, and national levels.

The following practices or procedures are unacceptable and are defined as being deceptive, fraudulent, unethical, and inhumane in the care, fitting, preparation and showing of all classes of livestock. The use of any illegal drug is prohibited. Any substance used to phenotypically alter the appearance of an animal entered in livestock events is prohibited (See Guideline #8). Proof of any animal being subjected to illegal and/or unethical practice(s) and/or procedure(s) described herein subjects the animal to immediate disqualification. The animal is ineligible for exhibition at any livestock show on the local, county, state, regional and national levels. The exhibitor will forfeit any premium, awards, or auction proceeds, and may be prohibited from future competition at livestock shows in Texas, as well as being subject to potential criminal prosecution.

The following is a listing of guidelines all 4-H/FFA exhibitors must follow to enter livestock at organized competitive events.

1. Exhibitors must be bona fide members of a 4-H Club or FFA Chapter in the state of Texas and care for their animals under the direct supervision of a County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher. Exhibitors must be enrolled in, and attending, public or private and/or home school elementary or secondary schools in Texas. Exhibitors must be in grades 3rd – 12th for the exhibition year. 2. All exhibitors must have viable proof (Junior division) of ownership available to prove length of time animals have been owned. Market animals (Beef, Sheep, Swine, Goats) must be owned and under exhibitor’s daily care by the following deadline dates: June 30 – All major Steers and State Fair Lambs, Goats, Swine; October 31 – Lambs and Goats; November 30 – Swine; to be eligible to participate at any major livestock show within Texas. Proof of ownership also includes all small market animals (Rabbits and Poultry). The official ownership date is the date shown on the bill of sale or receipt of sale, unless the animal was bred by the exhibitor, in which calving or birth records will be utilized. (Individual show rules may determine ownership requirements for non-market animals.) Registered breeding livestock must show the exhibitor as the sole owner of the animal on the breed association papers or certificates. Breeding animals with additional registration papers within the breed association of validation record or in another breed association may be evaluated for multiple ownership. If additional registration papers are found active within an association indicating ownership information conflicting with the exhibitor's sole ownership designation, the breeding animal may be considered multiple-owned and subject to disqualification. Breeding animal validation deadlines dates: June 30 – Spring Heifer Validation; October 31 – Breeding Sheep and Goats and November 1 – Fall Heifer Validation. 3. Exhibitors must continuously own and personally feed and care for their animal(s) throughout the entire feeding period. The feeding period begins immediately following the county level state validation date (not the validation deadline date listed previously) through exhibition at all shows (exhibitors must provide continuous care for breeding heifers, sheep and goats throughout the animal’s eligibility to show). Prior approval must be granted by the “Species Specific County Level State Validation Committee” in the event the animal will be outside the direct care of the exhibitor for more than 48 HOURS. Exceptions may be made with approval from the “Species Specific County Level State Validation Committee”. By signing this document, the exhibitor and parent/guardian, recognize his/her responsibilities for the feeding and care of livestock projects throughout the feeding period and hereby authorizes the State Validation Coordinator or designated representative, supervising Agricultural Science Teacher/County Extension Agent and the “Species Specific County Level State Validation Committee” the right to inspect your livestock project(s), along with any other state validated livestock projects on premises, at any time during the feeding period with or without prior notice. Any exhibitor in violation of the feeding/care rule is subject to disqualification. 4. Animals validated for major livestock shows may also be exhibited at other shows. Be advised, however, that if any validated animal is exhibited and SOLD at any other show (including a county show), the animal will be ineligible to show at any subsequent major livestock show. Additionally, state validated livestock offered for sale during the feeding period via private treaty, private or public auction will be ineligible to show at any subsequent major livestock show. If ownership changes or has the possibility of changing through a sale offering (including animal(s) purchased back by the exhibitor of validation record), regardless of method or length of time, that chain of animal ownership is considered broken and will be ineligible to show at any remaining livestock shows in the feeding period requiring state validation. State validation deadline dates are as follows:

State Fair and Heart of Texas: All Other Major June 30 for steers, heifers, lambs, goats and swine June 30 for steers October 31 for lambs and goats October 31 breeding sheep and goats November 1 breeding heifers November 30 for swine 5. Any method used to misrepresent the age of an animal for a class in which it is shown is deceptive and considered a violation of the rules and guidelines. 6. Showing an animal for another individual by claiming ownership in order to show in a specific livestock class or event is prohibited. False ownership is a violation of the rules and guidelines. 7. Treating an animal internally or externally, with any irritant, counter-irritant, or other substance used to artificially change the conformation or appearance of an animal for show is considered unethical, inhumane, and is prohibited. Surgery, injection or insertion of foreign material under the skin and/or into the flesh of an animal to change the natural contour, conformation or appearance of an animal’s body is illegal. This includes vegetable oil, air, silicon or any other substance used to alter the shape of the animal. Acceptable practices of physical preparation which are allowed include, clipping of hair, trimming of hooves, dehorning, removal of ancillary teats, and docking of tails. 8. The use of unethical fitting, showing and/or handling practices or devices compromising animal welfare shall not be tolerated. 9. The Administration of the Texas 4-H and/or FFA Programs reserve the final and absolute right to interpret these guidelines and to arbitrarily settle and determine all matters, questions, and differences in regard thereto, or otherwise arising out of or connected with or incident to ”Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Program Ethics Policy”.

Any violation of the “Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Program Ethics Policy” or specific rules as designated by individual fairs and livestock shows may result in forfeiture of premiums and awards, disqualification, and may result in probationary status and/or loss of eligibility for future participation in organized livestock competition. Possible civil penalties may be imposed by the proper authorities based on evidence provided by the livestock show of exhibitors in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act/or the animal mistreatment, neglect, and abandonment laws that apply on the local, state, and/or national levels. All rule violations will be dealt with on an individual basis by the “Specie Specific County State Validation Committee”, the State Validation Coordinators, and/or appropriate livestock show officials.

I, the parent/guardian and exhibitor, am verifying that I have read the “Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Program Ethics Policy” and understand the consequences of and penalties involved for illegal, unethical, inhumane, and unfair practices in livestock competition. I am also verifying knowledge that my family and I may be prohibited from future participation in organized validation programs in the State of Texas, and could face possible criminal prosecution and/or civil penalties if implicated in any of the aforementioned acts.

ATTENTION: If livestock project(s) will be raised at a location/facility different from address provided on carbon validation form, please complete the following information. The address where the animals will be located should be indicated below and approved by the local validation committee.

Physical Address City Zip

Note: Only one exhibitor per form.

Exhibitor (Printed Name) Exhibitor (Signature) Date

Parent/Guardian Date Supervising CEA or AST Date

Validation Chairman Date County 2017 State Fair of Texas 4-H/FFA Lamb/Goat Validation Programs Parental Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement

I, ______, being the parent or legal guardian of

______, a minor and an exhibitor (hereinafter referred to as

Exhibitor) in the 2016-2017 Texas 4-H/FFA Junior Livestock Lamb/Goat Programs, am unable to be present during the Lamb/Goat Validation Process and at the time hair samples will be collected for identification purposes.

I hereby authorize the County Lamb/Goat Validation Committee to complete the validation process for Exhibitor’s lamb(s)/goat(s) in his/her presence. I recognize that he/she is a minor child and will be acting without my parental guidance and oversight.

Finally, I agree and acknowledge that because I am not able to be present during the

Lamb/Goat Validation Process, I hereby waive any and every right to challenge, question, or contest any and all actions or inaction of the County Lamb/Goat Validation Committee during the Validation Process for Exhibitor’s lamb(s)/goat(s). As a parent and/or legal guardian of

Exhibitor(s), I fully understand and acknowledge that if the requirements for the validation of his/her lamb(s)/goat(s) are not completed correctly, (1) the lamb(s)/goat(s) will not be eligible for competition in the Junior Livestock Lamb/Goat Programs at the State Fair of Texas, and (2) I hereby agree to hold harmless for any and all purposes and to relinquish any present or future claims against all members of the County Lamb/Goat Validation Committee and/or other person(s) that participated in any attempted validation of Exhibitor’s lamb(s)/goat(s).

______(Date) (Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian)

2017 State Fair Texas 4-H/FFA Lamb and Goat Validation Committee

______County

POSITION CEA, AST, or Leader/Show NAME Signature Phone Email Board Rep. Check Appropriate Chairman  CEA Box  AST Member  CEA  AST  Leader or Show Board Rep. Member  CEA  AST  Leader or Show Board Rep. Member  CEA  AST  Leader or Show Board Rep. Member  CEA  AST  Leader or Show Board Rep. Member  CEA  AST  Leader or Show Board Rep. Member  CEA  AST  Leader or Show Board Rep. Member  CEA  AST  Leader or Show Board Rep.

The Texas 4-H/FFA Lamb and Goat Validation Committee is responsible for overseeing the lamb, goat, and breeding sheep validation process and help enforce ownership and possession rules outlined in the guidelines at the county level. Individuals on this form must be willing to serve in this capacity. All FFA Chapters along with the County 4-H program must be represented. There is no maximum number of members, but there must be a minimum of four members on the committee. The chairman must be a County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher elected by the committee, except in situations where all CEA or AST positions in the county are vacant at the time of the validation process. In these situations, the committee will elect a temporary chairman from the membership. Multiple copies of this form may be used if committee membership is more than eight.

Page 12 of 16 PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING OWNERSHIP OF A TEXAS VALIDATED LAMB OR GOAT

There may be a case when a lamb/goat has been validated to one family, but prior to be July 1st deadline, the lamb/goat is sold to another family. This lamb/goat can be properly validated to the new owner(s) if the proper procedures are followed. This revalidation process, described below, will prevent a lamb/goat’s ownership from being validated to two or more families in one or more counties.

1. Check lamb/goat for previous validation tattoos. The lamb/goat will have the former validation tattoo number in its right ear. Tattoo an “X” over each of the three former county tattoo numbers. Record previous tattoo number, state validation ear tag number, and previous owner’s name on attached from. If change of ownership occurs within the same county, the validation committee will scratch the lamb/goat from previous owner’s form and add the lamb/goat’s appropriate information to the new owner’s form.

2. Tattoo new county number in a visible place in the right ear.

3. Remove old validation tag and return to State Coordinator.

Send to: Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program 7887 US Highway 87 North San Angelo, Texas 76901-9714

4. Place new validation tag in left ear.

5. Write a “RV” (re-validated) beside ear tag number on the validation from. EXAMPLE: 2908-RV

6. If the former owner’s validation tag is not in the lamb/goat’s ear, this number must be obtained from the previous county’s Lamb/Goat Validation Committee Chairperson before the change of ownership form can be completed.

7. The State Validation Coordinator will delete the lamb/goat from the previous owner’s form.

8. Failure to follow proper procedures will result in the lamb/goat not being properly validated, and therefore ineligible for competition at any Major Livestock Shows. Page 13 of 16 TEXAS LAMB/GOAT VALIDATION CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP FORM

Must be completed on or before July 1st and enclosed with validation forms sent to the Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 7887 US Highway 87 North, San Angelo, Texas 76901-9714.

County ______County Tattoo#______

Present Owner Information Previous Owner Information Name Validation Name County County Validation (Print) Tag # (Print) Name Tattoo # Tag # Page 14 of 16 PROCEDURES FOR A BETTER TATTOO

During the validation of steers, lambs, goats, and barrows, the County Validation Committees are required to place a tattoo in the ear of each of the above species. The following steps should be helpful in having good, legible tattoo’s in these animals’ ears.

1. Clean the inside of the ear of any dirt, oil, or wax materials before applying tattoo.

2. Use a paste-type ink which can be rubbed into the tattoo. Avoid using roll-on inks, as they are too thin and do not fill up the tattoo with good, legible ink.

3. Select a spot in the center of the ear to place the tattoo, avoiding the ribs and major blood veins of the ear. Do not apply tattoos on the edges of the ear because the edges are usually haired and dark colored, making the tattoo unreadable.

4. Place a good amount of tattoo ink on the inside of the ear before the tattoo is printed in the ear.

5. Apply enough pressure so that the tattoo needles meet the pad on the opposite face of the tattoo pliers.

6. After the tattoo has been applied with the pliers, rub the paste-type ink in well and try to fill the tattoo holes with as much ink as possible.

7. In case of excessive blood, it is necessary to use more ink and rub the ink in longer.

8. It is suggested that the person applying the tattoo ink wear a pair of plastic/rubber gloves.

Page 15 of 16 Texas 4-H/FFA Validation Program Procedures for DNA Assay Hair Collection

The DNA Assay brings the most powerful technology developed for human forensics to bear on the problem of animal identification. Whether animal or human, an individual’s DNA is fixed at the moment of fertilization and can be determined from an analysis of blood or tissue samples. The assay provides individual- specific identification and has been validated in scientific literature and thousands of criminal cases.

Sample acquisition: 1) At the time of ear-tagging during state validation, the animal’s hair is taken and placed in the hair sample envelope. Animal ID Lamb and Goat Hair Sample Collection Instructions are on the web at www.wednaid.com. The main concern in collecting hair samples is that the root bulb must be attached to the hair. Support page access instructions: Texas 4-H & FFA Livestock DNA collection instructions access on the Animal ID website

To properly obtain and submit a conforming DNA sample you may need to view the hair collection instructions as follows:

1) Go to the Animal ID, Inc homepage at www.wednaid.com/support.shtml. 2) Click on the "Texas 4-H & FFA" link 3) A box will emerge and you will be asked for a user name and password 4) Type "txshow" into the username 5) Type "txshow07" into the password and then press enter 6) Then you will enter the Texas 4-H & FFA support page 7) Next go to the bottom of the page and review the Hair Sample Collection Instructions and/or Video for the relevant species. 8) If you are unable to access the instructions or have any questions regarding the DNA sample collection process then please contact us at [email protected].

2) To assure chain of custody, the technician* should place the validation ear tag number on the sample card in front of, and evident to, the exhibitor(s) and his/her parent or legal guardian. The technician, exhibitor(s), exhibitor’s parent or legal guardian, and supervising County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher must sign the hair sample envelope after the hair has been placed inside the envelope and the envelope sealed. NOTE: In the event of an emergency or special situation that prevents the exhibitor’s parent or legal guardian from being present at the time the hair samples are collected and the validation occurs, the 2015 State Fair of Texas 4-H/FFA Validation Program Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement must be completed. This form must be attached to the validation form. A copy of this form should be retained by the County Validation Committee Chairman. 3) After all of the animals in the county have been validated according to the above procedures, the County Validation Committee Chairman shall send the hair samples via priority/certified mail, return receipt requested, on or before July 7th to:

Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program 7887 US Hwy 87 North San Angelo, TX 76901-9714

*Technician-any individual designated by the County Validation Committee to be responsible for collecting hair samples i.e., County Extension Agent, Agricultural Science Teacher, etc.

Texas Lamb & Goat Validation County Numbers

001 Anderson 035 Castro 069 Edwards 104 Haskell 002 Andrews 036 Chambers 070 Ellis 105 Hays 003 Angelina 037 Cherokee 071 El Paso 106 Hemphill 004 Aransas 038 Childress 072 Erath 107 Henderson 005 Archer 039 Clay 073 Falls 108 Hidalgo 006 Armstrong 040 Cochran 074 Fannin 109 Hill 007 Atascosa 041 Coke 075 Fayette 110 Hockley 008 Austin 042 Coleman 076 Fisher 111 Hood 009 Bailey 043 Collin 077 Floyd 112 Hopkins 010 Bandera 044 Collingsworth 078 Foard 113 Houston 011 Bastrop 045 Colorado 079 Fort Bend 114 Howard 012 Baylor 046 Comal 080 Franklin 115 Hudspeth 013 Bee 047 Comanche 081 Freestone 116 Hunt 014 Bell 048 Concho 082 Frio 117 Hutchinson 015 Bexar 049 Cooke 083 Gaines 118 Irion 016 Blanco 050 Coryell 084 Galveston 119 Jack 017 Borden 051 Cottle 085 Garza 120 Jackson 018 Bosque 052 Crane 086 Gillespie 121 Jasper 019 Bowie 053 Crockett 087 Glasscock 123 Jefferson 020 Brazoria 054 Crosby 088 Goliad 124 Jim Hogg 021 Brazos 055 Culberson 089 Gonzales 125 Jim Wells 022 Brewster/Jeff Davis 056 Dallam/Hartley 090 Gray 126 Johnson 023 Brisco 057 Dallas 091 Grayson 127 Jones 024 Brooks 058 Dawson 092 Gregg 128 Karnes 025 Brown 059 Deaf Smith 093 Grimes 129 Kaufman 026 Burleson 060 Delta/Franklin 094 Guadalupe 130 Kendall 027 Burnet 061 Denton 095 Hale 132 Kent 028 Caldwell 062 DeWitt 096 Hall 133 Kerr 029 Calhoun 063 Dickens 097 Hamilton 134 Kimble 030 Callahan 064 Dimmit 098 Hansford 135 King 031 Cameron 065 Donley 099 Hardeman 136 Kinney 032 Camp 066 Duval 100 Hardin 137 Kleberg/Kenedy 033 Carson 067 Eastland 101 Harris 138 Knox 034 Cass 068 Ector 102 Harrison 139 Lamar 140 Lamb 177 Nolan 213 Somervell 249 Wise 141 Lampasas 178 Nueces 214 Starr 250 Wood 142 La Salle 179 Ochiltree 215 Stephens 251 Yoakum 143 Lavaca 180 Oldham 216 Sterling 252 Young 144 Lee 181 Orange 217 Stonewall 253 Zapata 145 Leon 182 Palo Pinto 218 Sutton 254 Zavala 146 Liberty 183 Panola 219 Swisher 147 Limestone 184 Parker 220 Tarrant 148 Lipscomb 185 Parmer 221 Taylor 149 Live Oak 186 Pecos 222 Terrell 150 Llano 187 Polk 223 Terry 152 Lubbock 188 Potter 224 Throckmorton 153 Lynn 189 Presidio 225 Titus 154 Madison 190 Rains 226 Tom Green 155 Marion 191 Randall 227 Travis 156 Martin 192 Reagan 228 Trinity 157 Mason 193 Real 229 Tyler 158 Matagorda 194 Red River 230 Upshur 159 Maverick 195 Reeves 231 Upton 160 McCulloch 196 Refugio 232 Uvalde 161 McLennan 197 Roberts 233 Val Verde 162 McMullen 198 Robertson 234 Van Zandt 163 Medina 199 Rockwall 235 Victoria 164 Menard 200 Runnels 236 Walker 165 Midland 201 Rusk 237 Waller 166 Milam 202 Sabine 238 Ward 167 Mills 203 San Augustine 239 Washington 168 Mitchell 204 San Jacinto 240 Webb 169 Montague 205 San Patricio 241 Wharton 170 Montgomery 206 San Saba 242 Wheeler 171 Moore 207 Schleicher 243 Wichita 172 Morris 208 Scurry 244 Wilbarger 173 Motley 209 Shackelford 245 Willacy 174 Nacogdoches 210 Shelby 246 Williamson 175 Navarro 211 Sherman 247 Wilson 176 Newton 212 Smith 248 Winkler/Loving

EAR TAG REPLACEMENT FORM

This form is to be utilized by the County Validation Chairman for tag replacements within the county. A separate replacement form must be completed and submitted for each lost tag. Tags may not be transferred from county to county.

COUNTY NAME COUNTY NUMBER DATE

EXHIBITOR (LAST) (FIRST) (MI)

ADDRESS

CITY_ ZIP

PHONE # ( )

ORIGINAL VAL. TAG # SPECIES (Please attach nose print if sheep)

REPLACEMENT VAL. TAG #

EXHIBITOR(S) SIGNATURE

AST/CEA SIGNATURE

VALIDATION CHAIR SIGNATURE _

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE

Ear Tag Replacement forms must be completed and mailed or faxed to: Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program 7887 US Highway 87 N. San Angelo, TX 76901 Tel. 325/653/4576 Fax. 325/655/7791

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Date Received:_ Date Processed and Entered:_ Lamb and Goat Validation Upload Directions Step 1: Go to texaslivestockvalidation.com. Step 2: Login using your county or chapter name and access code. The access code is the same code that you use for HLSR and Steer/Heifer Validation. (You may acquire this code from our office)

Step 3: Select the “Sheep and Goat Validation” menu option. Step 4: Make sure all exhibitors who are validating a lamb or goat are in the system. If they are already in the system, go to Step 6. If not, select “Add New Exhibitor”.

Step 5: Fill out all the information including the best email to reach the exhibitor’s family. When you click “save” you will get a notification telling you the exhibitor was added successfully.

Step 6: Under lamb/goat project list, select “Add New Family”. Step 7: Under “Family” select the exhibitor you wish to add to that family. (Note: the exhibitor you add first under this option will be the name of the family in the “Lamb/Goat Project List”).

Step 8: Once you have selected the exhibitor you wish to add to the family, a screen will appear confirming that is the exhibitor you wish to add to the family. Once you select “Yes”, the screen will refresh and the family will be created and will now be visible under “Lamb/Goat Project List”.

Step 9: Once you have created the family, select the family you want to assign the lamb or goat. Then select “Add new project for this Family”.

Step 10: Fill out the information requested regarding the lamb or goat. For lambs, the breed is going to be a drop down menu. The tag numbers will also be a drop down menu and you will select the tag for the project from your county tag series or add a new number for late or retags.

Step 11: When you are finished, select “Submit Project” and this family’s project is complete. You also have the option to select “Save Project” which will save your place on the lamb or goat without submitting the project. (To remove a project simply select the project in the “Lamb/Goat Project List” and then select “Remove Project”)

The project is going to be color coded to help you keep up with the status of each animal.