This Code of Conduct is an agreement, formal or implied, between the participants and the management of this Farm Show. Its purpose is:

• To ensure the overall well being of animals exhibited.
• To ensure the use of commonly accepted practices in preparing and exhibiting animals for show.
• To maintain a safe and wholesome food supply.
• To maintain the intent and integrity of animal competitions and displays for future generations.

Animal exhibitors participating at this Farm Show agree to the following guidelines:

1. No exhibitor may show an animal that has been previously sold at an auction or sale as a market animal through another fair or livestock show, whether or not there is an actual change of ownership.
    
2. Animals must be transported to and from the Farm Show in accordance with all transport regulations and standards.
    
3. Intentional misrepresentation of an animal in any way including age of the animal, ownership, prior show activity, altering of the pedigree, or other misinformation provided by the exhibitor is prohibited.
    
4. Animals must be treated and handled in a responsible manner. They will be fed and watered at least twice daily.
    
5. Junior exhibitors are expected to be the primary care provider for their animals. Assistance may only be provided by the parents and family members, bona fide 4-H volunteer leader, enrolled in Virginia, Virginia Extension Agent, Virginia FFA Instructor or another youth exhibitor with animals entered in the show.
    
6. Market animals can only be exhibited if they will enter the food chain free of drugs or foreign substances. The act of entering an animal in this Farm Show is the giving of consent by the owner to have specimens of urine, saliva, blood, or other samples from the animal or carcass taken to be used for testing. All animals entered into competitions shall be subject to testing for foreign-substances; that exceed acceptable levels established by the FDA, FSIS, USDA or EPA.
    
7. The use of tranquilizers, sedatives or depressants is prohibited.
    
8. Treating an animal internally or externally with any substance or procedure used to artificially change the conformation, appearance, or handling characteristics of the animal for show is prohibited. This does not apply to accepted-methods of clipping or combing an animal’s hair.
    
9. The use of abusive showing and/or handling practices such as striking animals or administering an electrical shock to cause swelling or to affect the bracing behavior of an animal is prohibited.
    
10. Direct criticism or interference with the judge, show management, other exhibitors, breed representatives, or show officials before, during, or after a competitive event is prohibited.

Any violation of this Code of Conduct will result in forfeiture of premiums and awards, disqualification, possible loss of sale proceeds, and probationary status and/or loss of eligibility for future competition at this Farm Show.

An overview committee consisting of at least three people generally recognized as knowledgeable of livestock management and exhibition are responsible for the administration of this Code of Conduct. Their decisions are final and not subject to appeal.