A) Promote the correct use and proper administration of animal health products.
B) Promote accepted and proper cattle management and handling techniques.
C) Promote the preconditioning of cattle while improving the image of North Carolina cattle.
D) Promote and enhance the relationship between the Allied Industries, the Cooperative Extension Service, the Cattlemen's Association, and the Cattlemen/women of North Carolina.
E) Promote and encourage County/Area Calf Management and Handling Contests as educational events which will also provide opportunities to enhance visibility of the Cooperative Extension Service.
F) Promote and sponsor the North Carolina Beef Congress State Calf Management and Handling Contest Finals to provide a competitive and enjoyable atmosphere for an educational event during the North Carolina Beef Congress.
II- Procedure
A) Management and handling procedures will follow guidelines established by the sponsoring Allied Industries.
B) Each supplier will make a short presentation to the participating teams describing their respective product and equipment, the need or application of that product in a management program, and the proper administration procedures. Each supplier will then demonstrate the proper administration of the product and use of the necessary equipment.
C) As each team completes the working contest, they will be given a number of test questions regarding the products and equipment they used in the contest. These questions may be answered as a team. Test scores will be included in the final team score.
D) Neither the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor any sponsor or committee member will be responsible for injuries, or damage to animals, equipment, or persons while attending the event.
III- Rules of the Contest
A) Participants must be 15 years of age or older by January 1 of the current year.
B) Each team will consist of 3 members. Each team will work 3 head of cattle from a holding pen into a chute and properly restrain each animal in the chute and headgate.
C) The team processing 3 head of cattle and accruing the most points will be declared the winner. Time will be used to break ties.
D) Each team will be responsible for the preparation of every product and each animal will be processed as specified by the suppliers. An example of treatments is as follows:
1) Internal and external parasite control
2) Vaccination
3) Administering growth stimulants
Treatments may include injectables, pour-ons, boluses, or implants.
E) Judges will view the process and determine that each procedure is completed accurately and score each team accordingly. If possible, the supplier representatives will serve as judges and, in addition, two timers will be appointed.
F) HOTSHOTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
G) Materials, equipment, and cattle will be furnished by the sponsoring organizations.
H) Disqualification will result if the judges agree that the processing is unsatisfactory, that the animals are inappropriately treated, or that a potentially dangerous situation exists.
I) All Judges decisions are final.
IV- Scoring: Points will be accrued or penalties assessed as indicated in each category.
(100 Points Total)
A) Processing-Products (54 Points)
1) There will be 6 products administered to each of the 3 cattle with each animal accumulating 18 points. Proper processing will account for a total of 54 points. ( 6 products x 3 points each x 3 cattle)
2) If any products are not administered properly, the score for that product on that animal will range from 0-2 points, depending on the severity if improper administration.
B) Chute and Proper Handling (30 points)
1) Proper Handling and Chute work will account for a total of 30 points or 10 points per animal. Points may range from 0-10 points per animal.
2) Unusually rough treatment of an animal will result in disqualification.
3) If a calf is not properly restrained in the chute and headgate, a 10 point penalty will be assessed. The animal must be released and properly restrained before it is worked.
4) If an animal is caught behind the shoulders a 15 point penalty will be assessed. The animal must be released and properly restrained before it is worked.
5) Failure to catch a calf will result in disqualification.
C) Test Score (16 Points)
1) The test to be taken by each team will include 16 questions each worth 1 point. The total test score will account for 16 points.
2) There will be 2-3 questions for each product administered and 2-3 regarding the chute and proper handling.
D) Final Score (100 points Total)
| 1) | Processing and Products | 54 possible points |
| 2) | Chute and Handling | 30 possible points |
| 3) | Written Test | 16 possible points |
| 100 total |
Note: Tie Scores will be broken by time.
V- Additional Guidelines for Suppliers, Judges, and Contestants
A) Suppliers should give a good, complete detailed description of each product and allow questions from team members.
B) Contestants must handle cattle as if they were their own.
C) Cattle are to be processed one at a time in the chute.
D) Animals must be properly restrained - catch neck in headgate, feet and legs in chute, squeeze applied, and tail gate closed. Don't allow animal to choke.
E) Correct and accurate administration of product is essential to get the most for the investment in that product.