Overall Rabbit Superintendent: Lancaster County 4-H Rabbit VIPS Committee Members — Bob Dresser, Karen Hanson, Mark Hurt, Sarah Lanik-Frain, Ken Majors & Jen Metcalf
Check-in: Wednesday, July 30, 5–8 p.m. & Thursday, July 31, 9 a.m.–Noon (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
Flag Ceremony: Saturday, Aug. 2, 8 a.m. (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
Rabbit Awards Ceremony: Sunday, Aug. 3, 5:30 p.m. (Location TBA)
Open to all 4-H members. Each 4-H member is required to check in at the registration table. ALL RABBITS MUST HAVE A PERMANENT, LEGIBLE I.D. (tattoo) IN THE LEFT EAR. TATTOOS MUST BE IN PLACE BEFORE CHECK-IN. Rabbit Ownership Affidavits (ID forms) are due to the Extension office June 15. The tattoo must be entered during the animal online entry process (due July 1) and on the completed comment card that is handed in at fair check-in. The tattoo will be verified with online entries and completed comment card at the time of fair checkin. If rabbit does not have a permanent tattoo at check-in, it will not be eligible for showing and must be removed from the Sandhills Global Event Center (SGEC) fairgrounds. Rabbit tattooing will not be allowed on SGEC fairgrounds.
Each 4-H member must complete a Rabbit Comment Card for the following classes:
- Rabbit Show Comment Card (for market and breed classes)
- Rabbit Fur Class Comment Card
- Rabbit Pet Class Comment Card
It is highly encouraged to pick up comment cards at the Extension office and fill them out beforehand, although comment cards will be available during check-in.
Maximum of 15 entries allowed per 4-H member — single market entries, market pen of 3 entries and breeder’s choice rabbits do NOT count toward the 15 maximum rabbits. A 4-H member may enter only 1 pet rabbit.
Rabbit Substitution Rule — a rabbit may be substituted for a registered rabbit for the fair based on the following: same breed, same sex, same age, same class number (per the Fair Book). A maximum of 2 substitutions per 4-H member may be permitted.
Release time is Sunday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. No exhibits are released early except for hardship/emergency reasons. In the event of extreme extenuating circumstances, 4-H members must submit an early release request form and obtain approval.
ALL 4-H MEMBERS MUST BE PRESENT FOR JUDGING OF LIVE EXHIBITS. All 4-H members will participate in their respective age divisions regardless of the class, regardless if they have won the class in previous years. Any 4-H member not present will not have their exhibit judged. Refer to General Animal Rules, Substitute Showmen rule for exception on page 54.
Rabbits will be housed in assigned cages for the duration of the fair. Cages may be secured by 4-H members with zip ties or combination locks. ANY RABBIT THAT APPEARS TO BE UNHEALTHY WILL BE REMOVED FROM SHOW ROOM. 4-H members are responsible for management of their assigned group of cages. 4-H members supply their own food, water and the appropriate equipment. No personal fans — fans will be provided. Equipment may not be stored in exhibit area. Please use flat-bottomed, heavy food or water equipment (bottles preferred) that cannot be turned over by the rabbit. 4-H MEMBERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WATERING AND FEEDING OF THEIR RABBITS.
OFFICIAL 4-H ATTIRE IS REQUIRED of all 4-H members any time the member is involved in ANY rabbit activity during the fair, including the awards ceremony. Acceptable shirts include: white 4-H T-shirt with printed emblem OR any plain, long- or short-sleeved white shirt with official 4-H armband on left arm above elbow OR any plain, long- or shortsleeved white shirt with the 4-H chevron attached to chest. Blue jeans must be long — no shorts allowed. Shoes must be closed toe — either tennis shoes, boots or hard shoes. This excludes the costume contest where the 4-H member is in costume.
Ribbons are awarded at the completion of each class or division according to the instructions of the show superintendent. 4-H members must have received a purple or blue ribbon and placed first or second in the appropriate class to qualify for trophies/rosettes. 4-H members are eligible for best of breed trophies when there are a minimum of 2 4-H members and at least 3 rabbits of the same breed in the class. If less than that, winners receive rosettes.
Your help in dismantling and storing cages after the fair is requested and appreciated.
All-Around 4-H Member Award Criteria:
- To be eligible, All-Around choices MUST be designated on the online entry process — no exceptions!
- You may apply up to a maximum of 6 entries towards the All-Around award.
- Rabbit Showmanship and a Rabbit Static Exhibit are mandatory. The remaining 4 entries can come from rabbit quiz, rabbit judging, pet class, market class and breed class.
During the online entry process, indicate the classes you want to count toward the award. You need to decide which classes you think you will do best in. A rabbit static exhibit is mandatory, however, you can apply only 1 rabbit static entry toward the award. In case of a tie for the All-Around Exhibitor award; the score on both the rabbit showmanship AND the rabbit static exhibit will determine the winner. If after the established tie breaker have been used and a tie still exists, multiple championships will be awarded.
Herdsmanship:
All rabbit exhibitors are automatically enrolled in Herdsmanship. Herdsmanship is defined as “the manner in which members care for their animals and display them at the fair.” The overall objective of Herdsmanship is to encourage 4-H members to present themselves, their animals and animal areas (pens and alleys) to the public in a clean, attractive, educational and safe manner. Cooperation, fellowship and teamwork among 4-H members is expected. 4-H members are encouraged to share knowledge about their animals to the general public. The score sheet for Herdsmanship in the rabbit division will be posted in the rabbit area during the fair. If a rabbit is removed from the fair for any reason, the owner/rabbit will receive zeros in Herdsmanship on the days the rabbit is not at the fair. Herdsmanship superintendent has final say in the contest. HERDSMANSHIP BEGINS THURSDAY, JULY 31 AT NOON AND CONCLUDES SUNDAY, AUG. 3 AT NOON.
🔎 RESOURCE: Three how-to videos, “How to Trim Your Rabbits Toenails,” “How to Groom Your Rabbit,” “The Proper Way to Pick Your Rabbit Out of Its Cage,” are linked at https://go.unl.edu/lan4h-rabbit
- Special Top Awards
- Premiums (except where designated otherwise):Purple $3; Blue $2; Red $1
- See Premium Payouts Procedure for Animals on page 55 of this Fair Book.
BREED IDENTIFICATION CONTEST
- Thursday, July 31, 6:30 p.m. (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
- Premiums: Purple $4; Blue $3; Red $2
Must register during online entry by July 1 to receive a ribbon or premium money. This class is designed for 4-H members to improve their knowledge on different breeds of rabbits. Resource material is the ARBA Standard of Perfection. Each 4-H member must correctly identify 10–15 breeds, which may include class, variety and body type. Points are awarded for each correctly answered I.D. If 4-H members think they will be late for the contest, they must get prior permission from the Breed I.D. superintendent. In case of a tie, there will be tie-breaker questions for bonus points. Breed I.D. superintendents have final say in the contest.
G080001 Junior — 8–10 years of age
G080002 Intermediate — 11–13 years of age
G080003 Senior — 14–18 years of age
RABBIT QUIZ
- Thursday, July 31, 6:30 p.m. (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
- Premiums: Purple $4; Blue $3; Red $2
Must register during online entry by July 1 to receive a ribbon or premium money. The Rabbit Quiz is a written test for 4-H individuals to test their knowledge on rabbit facts. Resource materials are the rabbit 4-H project books, the ARBA Standard of Perfection and ARBA Better Rabbits and Cavies. If 4-H members think they will be late for the quiz, they must get prior permission from the Rabbit Quiz superintendent. In case of a tie, there will be tie-breaker questions for bonus points. Rabbit Quiz superintendents have final say in the contest.
G080011 Junior — 8–10 years of age
G080012 Intermediate — 11–13 years of age
G080013 Senior — 14–18 years of age
BREEDER’S CHOICE
- Written Documentation Due During Rabbit Check-in
- Show: Friday, Aug. 1, 5:30 p.m. (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
- Premiums: Purple $4; Blue $3; Red $2
A Breeder’s Choice entry consists of 1 offspring and at least 1 parent rabbit. The offspring must be shown in the breed class. Limit of 1 entry per 4-H member in this class. The event is open to all rabbit 4-H members. Breeder’s Choice rabbits (parent rabbits only) do NOT count toward the 15 maximum rabbits if only being shown in Breeder’s Choice.
Rabbit Criteria for Breeder’s Choice:
The rabbit must have been born after Jan. 1 and be at least 3 months old by county fair date of the current year. The rabbit must have been a product of the 4-H member’s rabbitry. The 4-H member must own 1 of the parents, but does not have to own both parents. The 4-H member must have bred and raised the rabbit. If the 4-H member provided a buck for breeding, the rabbit must have been raised in the 4-H member’s rabbitry after weaning (8 weeks maximum). Both parents of the rabbit must be purebreds.
Judging Criteria for Breeder’s Choice:
- EXHIBITION OF RABBITS (25%) — judging will be against the breed’s standard of perfection (ARBA)
- WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION (45%) — a report should be written in paragraph form and include the following:
- Section I — Background (pedigree of the parents and offspring);
- Section II — Reasons/Purpose for Breeding (explanation of selection of parents for breeding, purpose of breeding program);
- Section III — Results (what was expected, what actually happened);
- Section IV — Future (will continue breeding program, what would you do the same, what would you do differently)
- ORAL PRESENTATION (30%) — the 4-H member will present the parent rabbit and the offspring to the judge, explaining and describing what was done to produce the offspring. The judge will ask follow-up questions about the project.
G080031 Junior — 8–10 years of age
G080032 Intermediate — 11–13 years of age
G080033 Senior — 14–18 years of age
RABBIT JUDGING CONTEST
- Friday, Aug. 1, 5:30 p.m. (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
- Premiums: Purple $4; Blue $3; Red $2
Must register during online entry by July 1 to receive a ribbon or premium money. This contest allows the contestants to place a class of 4 rabbits, giving written reasons for their placements. Written comments may be used as tie-breakers. If 4-H members think they will be late for the contest, they must get prior permission from the Rabbit Judging superintendent.
G080021 Junior — 8–10 years of age
G080022 Intermediate — 11–13 years of age
G080023 Senior — 14–18 years of age
PET CLASS
- Saturday, Aug. 2, following 8 a.m. Flag Ceremony (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
For crossbred rabbits or purebred rabbits disqualified from breed classes. Only 1 entry per 4-H member. The pet class is judged on condition of the animal and its acceptability as a pet. Contestants are asked questions pertaining to the care of rabbits. Pet rabbit is not included as 1 of the 15 rabbit entries. 4-H member has option to exhibit rabbit in 1 of the fur classes which immediately follows each pet class. In fur class, rabbit is judged for the condition and quality of its coat. Fur class will be ribbon placings only. The pet rabbit must be shown by owner — no substitutions.
G080041 Pet Class — 8–10 years of age
G081051 Pet Colored Fur Class — 8–10 years of age
G081052 Pet White Fur Class — 8–10 years of age
G080043 Pet Class — 11–13 years of age
G081053 Pet Colored Fur Class — 11–13 years of age
G081054 Pet White Fur Class — 11–13 years of age
G080045 Pet Class — 14–18 years of age
G081055 Pet Colored Fur Class — 14–18 years of age
G081056 Pet White Fur Class — 14–18 years of age
MARKET CLASS
- Saturday, Aug. 2, following Pet Class (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
Must be purebred commercial or crossbred commercial rabbits. Market class rabbits cannot be entered in the breed classes or pet class. Single market entries and Market Pen of 3 entries (counts as 1 entry) do NOT count toward your 15 maximum rabbits. Only 1 single market OR 1 market pen entry per 4-H member.
G080061 Market Pen (3 fryers, any sex, 3–5 lbs.; market age limit 10 weeks)
G080062 Single Market Rabbit — (1 fryer fitting the description of market pen)
BREED CLASS
- Saturday, Aug. 2 — following Market Class (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
For purebred rabbits only. Animals are judged using modified ARBA Standard of Perfection. Breed, color and/or variety and ear number (ID number) must be indicated during online entry. This information must also be on the comment card turned in at rabbit check-in. More than 1 rabbit per 4-H member in breed classes is allowed.
Class must have at least 3 rabbits and 2 exhibitors for trophy to be awarded
Breakdown for Rabbit Breed Class Numbers
BREED TYPE | BREED # | CLASS # |
G082 | 22 | 4 |
Example above is for a Junior Polish Doe
G082 (Type) Fancy Breeds – “4 Class”
Breed #
01 American Fuzzy Lop
02 American Sable
03 Belgian Hare
04 Britannia Petite
05 Dutch
06 Dwarf Hotot
07 Dwarf Papillon
08 English Angora
09 English Spot
10 Florida White
11 French Angora
12 Harlequin
13 Havana
14 Himalayan
15 Holland Lop
16 Jersey Wooly
17 Lilac
18 Lionhead
19 Mini Lop
20 Mini Rex
21 Mini Satin
22 Netherland Dwarf
23 Polish
24 Rex
25 Rhinelander
26 Satin Angora
27 Silver
28 Silver Marten
29 Standard Chinchilla
30 Tan
31 Thrianta
32 Czech Frosty
33 Blue Holicer
Class #
1 Buck — Senior over 6 months
2 Buck — Junior 3–6 months
3 Doe — Senior over 6 months
4 Doe — Junior 3–6 months
G083 (Type) Commercial Breeds – “6 Class”
Breed #
50 American
51 American Chinchilla
52 Argente Brun
53 Beveren
54 Blanc de Hotot
55 Californian
56 Champagne D’ Argent
57 Checkered Giant
58 Cinnamon
59 Crème D’ Argent
60 English Lop
61 Flemish Giant
62 French Lop
63 Giant Angora
64 Giant Chinchilla
65 New Zealand
66 Palomino
67 Satin
68 Silver Fox
Class #
1 Buck — Senior over 8 months
2 Buck — Intermediate 6–8 months
3 Buck — Junior 3–6 months
4 Doe — Senior over 8 months
5 Doe — Intermediate 6–8 months
6 Doe — Junior 3–6 months
FUR CLASS
- Saturday, Aug. 2 — following each individual Breed Class (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
Rabbits are judged for the condition and quality of their coats. Rabbits MUST also be entered in breed classes. No overall fur class Champion is chosen.
G081101 Normal — Colored Fur
G081102 Normal — White Fur
G081103 Satin — Colored Fur
G081104 Satin — White Fur
G081105 Rex — Colored Fur
G081106 Rex — White Fur
G081107 Wool — Colored Fur
G081108 Wool — White Fur
SHOWMANSHIP
- Saturday, Aug. 2, 9 a.m. (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
All exhibitors will participate in their respective age division. Must register during online entry by July 1 to receive a ribbon or premium money. 4-H members must prepare and show their own animals.
Event may take place simultaneously with breed judging. Contestant order may be adjusted to accommodate 4-H members as necessary. Any rabbit used solely for showmanship may be brought for the duration of the showmanship class and must go home with the 4-H member that day. 4-H member will be responsible for providing a leak-proof carrier for their rabbit.
4-H members shall be divided into classes by age by Jan. 1 of the current year.
🔎 RESOURCE: Three example videos, “Rabbit Showmanship Example #1,” “Rabbit Showmanship Example #2” and “Rabbit Showmanship Example #3” are linked at https://go.unl.edu/lan4h-rabbit
“Rabbit Showmanship Score Sheet” is online at https://go.unl.edu/lan4h-rabbit
- Premiums: Purple $4; Blue $3; Red $2
G080111 Junior — 8–10 years of age
G080112 Intermediate — 11–13 years of age
G080113 Senior — 14–18 years of age
SPECIALTY SHOW
- Saturday, Aug. 2, 6:30 p.m. (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
The judges will be local celebrities.
These contests do not add to the 4-H member’s total rabbit point calculation toward All-Around Showman Award. Rabbits entered must be counted as 1 of the 15.
- No Premiums — Participation ribbons only
Best Matched Pair
2 4-H members with rabbits most alike display their pair. 4-H members must not be from the same immediate family.
G081122 Best Matched Pair
Tricks
Rabbits will be judged on originality and ability to respond to cues.
G081121 Tricks
Costume Contest
4-H member may participate in only 1 of the costume classes. Extra recognition will be awarded to 4-H members who incorporate the fair theme into the costume.
G081124 Costume 1 — rabbits only
G081125 Costume 2 — both rabbit and 4-H member in costume
Clover Kids Shomanship Class
For 4-H members 5–7 years of age. Must be enrolled in 4-H. Please ask a 4-H rabbit member, parent or leader to assist.
G081123 Clover Kids Showmanship Class
RABBIT RACES
- Saturday, Aug. 2, following Specialty Show (Currency Pavilion – Southwest Corner)
These contests do not add to the 4-H member’s total rabbit point calculation toward All-Around Showman Award. Rabbits entered must be counted as 1 of the 15.
Each 4-H member may enter only 1 rabbit in the contest. All rabbits must be tattooed in left ear and must be 1 of the 4-H member’s fair entries. The rabbit selected to race may be chosen by the 4-H member the day of the race from their rabbits at the fair. To participate in the race, each 4-H member must register for the race during online entry or at rabbit check-in. The contest is open to any breed of rabbit, including those in pet class. There is no age division for this contest. The race will consist of a designated number of heats, based on the number of entries. The winner will be the 4-H member whose rabbit completely crosses the finish line first. The winner of each heat will race again for overall Champion, second place, third and fourth place. Rules will be available at check-in.
Rules:
- The 4-H member must race their own rabbit.
- All rabbits must remain behind the starting line prior to start of the race.
- 4-H members must stay behind the starting line.
- 4-H members cannot touch their rabbits during the race. Clapping or verbally encouraging the rabbit is allowed.
- 4-H members will be disqualified if they touch their rabbit after the race has started.
- 4-H member & rabbit will be disqualified if the rabbit jumps into another lane.
- 4-H members are not allowed to walk on the race track.
- Volunteers will catch rabbits at end of the race.
- No Premiums — Ribbons only
G081126 Rabbit Races
RABBIT STATIC EXHIBITS
- Static Exhibit Check-in: Tuesday, July 29, 4–8 p.m. (Ag Society Hall)
- Static Exhibits Released: Monday, Aug. 4, 7–11 a.m. (Ag Society Hall)
Only 1 entry per class.
EACH static exhibit must have a 4-H & FFA Static Exhibit Entry Tag attached.
See page 21 for more information about 4-H static exhibits. Animal exhibits are in the “General Areas” and may be interview judged.
*Plans and steps must accompany construction projects.
- No state fair entry
G080201 *Homemade Carrying Pen (water tight bottom for carrying pen may be purchased).
G080202 *Homemade Nest Box (indicate breed on entry tag)
G080203 *Grooming Table
G080204 Poster — related to the Rabbit project (i.e. breeds, care, parts). Poster can be 14 inches x 22 inches OR 22 inches x 28 inches either vertical or horizontal. Poster will be judged on educational content and visual presentation/design.
G080206 Educational Exhibit — maximum size 2 feet wide x 2 feet tall x 2 feet deep. Judged on creativity, presentation, educational value and 4-H member’s knowledge of rabbits. Examples could include rabbit record keeping book (as of Jan. 1 or when rabbit was born or purchased, available at 4-H office), first aid kit, grooming kit, games, toys, etc.
G080207 Recycled Materials Exhibit — should feature some aspect or use related to the Rabbit project. Plans and a list of recycled materials used must accompany the project. Exhibit will be judged on use/design and presentation.
G080205 Favorite Rabbit Photo Exhibit Print — entry will consist of an exhibit print of the favorite picture the 4-H member has taken during this current project year of a rabbit. All exhibit prints are 8 inch x 10 inch prints mounted in 11 inch x 14 inch (outside size) mat with a rectangular or oval inside opening. Use an ADDITIONAL BACKING BOARD to create a “sandwich” with the photo between. This protects the photo. No foam board backing. Incorrect sizes will not be accepted. No frames. Place photos horizontally or vertically as appropriate. Place the data tag on the back, in the direction you want the photo to be viewed. Level 1, 2 or 3 Data Tag required (see pages 28–29 of this Fair Book), securely attach the tag to the back.