The producer of merit program keeps many young ranchers busy before and during the fair. Producer of merit is a joint program of 4-H, Future Farmers of America and junior open competitors and supporters, and the Okanogan County business community. Goal of the program, which also is supported by a number of individuals and clubs, is to encourage record keeping by youth who have livestock. May. Youngsters discuss how they are going to feed, vaccinate and care for the animals.
Advisers are present to help develop goals.
At fair time a number of factors are considered when judging the participants and their livestock, including the number of pounds of feed, feed gain ratio and feed efficiency. In addition of keeping track of the animal, participants also must complete and display their record sheets, participate in fitting and showing, participate in community service activity, exhibit an educational dipslay at the fair, and give an agriculture-related speech, demonstration or public presentation. Participants who earn 325 points are named a producer of merit, a rosette ribbon and cash, and are recognized at the market stock sale during the fair. Those who earn 375 points compete for a belt buckle given to top individual in beef, sheep and swine. Producer of merit record book scores and fair livestock judging scores will be combined to determine the top recipient.