Market Animal Project
The Portage County Rosholt Fair Market Animal Project is a livestock education program designed for youth to learn about project animal selection, feeding, nutrition, judging, and much more! It is open to both 4-H and FFA youth. Joining the Market Animal Project and fulfilling certain educational requirements is mandatory for youth who intend to participate in the Rosholt Fair Market Animal Show and Sale.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Youth must attend three (3) educational meetings throughout the year to participate in the Rosholt Fair Market Show and Sale. Each of the opportunities below counts as a meeting.
- A list of meetings that count towards your educational meeting requirements will be distributed at the Market Animal Project Kick-Off meeting.
- Attendance at 4 Market Animal Committee meetings also counts as an educational meeting. It is possible to count other out-of-county livestock events towards your educational meeting requirements with prior approval from the Market Animal Committee.
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA)
What is YQCA?
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a new national certification program available for youth that focuses on food safety, animal well-being and character awareness for youth ages 8 to 21 producing and/or showing pigs, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, market rabbits, and poultry. This interactive program replaces the (Meat Animal Quality Assurance) program.
Who is YQCA required for?
Rosholt Fair: All Beef, Sheep & Swine Exhibitors
Amherst Fair: All Beef, Sheep, Swine & Turkey Exhibitors
State Fair: Anyone Showing Beef, Dairy, Goats, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep and Swine
Youth wishing to exhibit in the Wisconsin State Fair Junior Shows must provide his/her YQCA certification number when entering. Youth who do not provide a YQCA certification number, or did not pass the YQCA modules for the current calendar year will not be eligible to participate in the Wisconsin State Fair Junior Shows.
How do I get certified?
YQCA certification is offered in two formats to meet varied learning styles and active schedules: Online at https://yqcaprogram.org/ -OR- Face-to-Face
Portage County offers a face-to-face YQCA class every year. By taking the class in person or online, youth will be certified for one year. Please note per national YQCA policies the in-person session is for only youth up to age 18. Young adults age 19-21 are required to complete the WEB BASED course.
To find a list of face-to-face/trainer-led sessions in Wisconsin, create an account on https://yqcaprogram.org/. Under the appropriate age in “Course List” choose “Instructor-Led Training”. A drop down box will list all current available options for Wisconsin. Both certification types (Online and Face-to-Face) must be paid online with a credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I do not sign up for the Market Animal Project by the deadline, can I still participate in the Rosholt Fair Market Animal Sale?
No. Youth exhibitors who do not register for the Market Animal Project by the deadline are not eligible to participate in the Rosholt Fair Market Sale.
Do I need to be a member of the Market Animal Project to participate in the Amherst Fair Market Sale?
No, youth can participate in the Amherst Fair Market Sale without being members of the Market Animal Project. However, YQCA certification will be required for any beef, sheep & swine exhibitors showing at the Rosholt Fair, and Amherst Fair . This will be offered as part of the Market Animal Project.
Where can I pick up extra bidder slips?
The Extension office will carry extra bidder slips after the Sales Promotion & Records Meeting. We are located on the second floor of the Portage County Courthouse Annex, 1462 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point.
Where can I get my premises ID?
A premises ID is required for all Wisconsin families raising livestock on their property — this includes any Market Project Animal. If you do not have a premises ID, you must obtain one from the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium. For more information, visit this link. Premises IDs are free of charge.
