Show Guidelines for Maine 4-H Working Steer Members

(Adopted March 2002; Updated 2018)

  1. Teamsters must be age 9 and not over the age of 18 as of January 1st of current year, and be an enrolled member in the 4-H Working Steer Project. (Members age 5 – 8 may enroll and be active in the Working Steer Project but cannot participate competitively in 4-H shows at Maine agricultural fairs.)
  2. In order to participate in 4-H shows at Maine agricultural fairs, a 4-H Animal Approval Form must be completed by the 4-H member and signed on or before May 1st of the current year by the 4-H Extension Educator or 4-H Staff person in their county office. These forms must be presented at time of entry for each show. Only (1) one pair of steers may be listed on the Approval Form. The forms may be obtained at your county office or on the UMaine Extension 4-H website.
  3. Steers over 6 months of age must be castrated. If castration was recently done and does not appear evident, a dated note from your veterinarian stating that castration has been performed will be accepted.
  4. Steers must have been owned or leased by 6 months of age and be trained only by the 4-H member.
  5. Steers must have horns to be eligible for this program.
  6. Steers must have a certificate of rabies inoculation at least 30 days prior to the show. A rabies certificate is not required if animals are under 6 months of age. Steers must also have a certificate of veterinary inspection for the current year.
  7. Only 4-H teamsters are allowed to fit or care for their steers on the day of the show. Teamsters needing assistance, may ask an adult, club leader, or another 4-H teamster for help with yoking their team, holding an animal, or moving equipment.
  8. Recommended show attire consists of green pants and white collared shirts or club uniforms. No blue denim pants, t-shirts, hats, or farm and/or breeding advertising are allowed in the 4-H working steer show ring.
  9. 4-H teamsters must follow the Maine 4-H Code of Conduct at all 4-H sponsored programs, activities, or events.
  10. Fair guidelines may override any of the above.