Rules & Regulations | NY Ayrshire Show

Board of Directors, Committee Members, & Volunteers

Board of Directors

Show Director: Diana Parker

Show Co-Director: Marlene Helms

Facilities Superintendent: Neal Helms

Marketing & Communications: Toni Jacque

On-Site Rules and Information

Release of Liability

Every precaution will be taken to properly protect animals and exhibits in this show. The management, however, will not be liable for the safety of animals, exhibits, exhibitors or their employees, or for losses sustained because of robbery, damage by fire, accident or any other cause. Exhibitors wishing to insure their livestock or exhibits must do so at their own expense.

Reception of Animals

Exhibitors will be allowed to move onto grounds beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday July 22nd. All animals must be on-grounds by 10 a.m. Thursday. We are unable to accommodate early arrivals. You may contact the Director or Co-Director for any emergency delays. Penalties for not observing these rules can include incurring fines and potentially not being able to serve in an official capacity with NSAS. Exhibitors arriving on grounds prior to the scheduled arrival date and time or without prior permission will not be allowed on grounds and further subjected to rules of violation.

Release of Cattle

Cattle are free to leave at any time for the duration of the event; this includes exhibitors with heifers shown on Friday that will not take part in the group classes or Grand Champion Class on Saturday. All exhibitors must vacate the premises no later than 12 a.m. Sunday, July 27 - NO EXCEPTIONS. Should a delay occur the exhibitor causing said delay will be responsible for any and all additional rental fees as determined by the New York State Fairgrounds.

On-Site Rules Committee

The On-Site Rules Committee’s role is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our exhibitors and the facility itself, The New York State Fairgrounds. If the result of facility damage or rule violations occur directly in conflict with the New York State Fairgrounds it is the obligation of the On-Site Rules Committee to address the issues.

In the event an on-site rules violation allegedly takes place, it will be reviewed by the On-Site Rules Committee. The Committee includes the Show Director and Show Co-Director. The ruling will then be communicated to the involved party(ies). Written communication/documentation will be distributed to the party(ies) and retained in the National Summer Ayrshire Spectacular files. Consequences are dependent on severity of said rules violation.

Feed Vendor

The Dairy Cattle Show Committee reserves the right to subcontract feed and bedding vendors. Anyone not contracted through NSAS, that is found to be selling feed or bedding on NSAS grounds will be subject to all penalties enforceable. No bedding is provided by NSAS. Shredded newspaper or bark bedding is not permitted.

Unsettled Bills

All bills with the official NSAS feed vendor and veterinarian must be settled before leaving the grounds. All unsettled bills with the official veterinarian and NSAS are subject to late fees until the past due amount is paid in full. Exhibitors with unpaid bills will be barred from exhibiting cattle at the following year’s NSAS.

Official Veterinary Service

Midstate Veterinary Services, serves as the NSAS on-call veterinarian. They will be available to exhibitors for treatment of animals. Reasonable charges will be made for veterinary services and payment is due in full at time of service. In case of emergency, you may call Midstate Veterinary Services at 607-753-3315.

Sharps

All sharps MUST be disposed of in sharps containers. Disposal of sharps in garbage cans, recycle bins and manure bins is strictly prohibited. Sharps containers are the responsibility of the exhibitor to provide and discard of.

Manure and Trash Disposal

We ask for all exhibitors’ cooperation in keeping the Barns and Grounds as clean as possible. If your animal drops manure in the aisles, we ask that you clean it up immediately. Manure must be removed by the exhibitor and taken to the specified location outside of the Barn for the duration of the show. It must not be piled in the aisles or in the Barns. Exhibitors must provide their own manure carts to move waste to the specified manure location. String, cans, and other trash must be deposited in the trash containers provided. Only bedding materials and manure are to be hauled to the compost site. Milk may NOT be dumped in manure piles, Barn drains, or anywhere on New York State Fairgrounds.

Cattle Movement

Cattle traffic areas (wash racks, walkways, roads) must be maintained. Exhibitors are asked to assist in the maintenance of these areas.

Cattle Washing

Cattle washing must be done within the designated wash racks. These are drained to sanitary sewers to comply with Onondaga County health requirements. Surface runoff of soaps, manure, etc., must be prevented. The wash rack outside of the barn, next to the manure pit, is open to all exhibitors and cattle to use.

Barn and Exhibitor Displays

Exhibitors are encouraged to display appropriate farm and cattle signage. Exhibitor signage must be hung within the assigned stalling area and may not be hung or displayed on the outside or entryway of buildings. Signage and promotion are limited to: animals owned and their genetics, the farm/owner and/or dairy show cattle services. Forms of promotion include, but are not limited to, signage, hand-outs, flyers, videos and giveaways. No Commercial Exhibitor, non-Exhibitor or Sponsor, including Affiliated Companies, shall display signage or promotional materials or distribute and/or provide promotional materials of any kind within the cattle housing areas except as specifically permitted in writing by NSAS. Any signage or promotional materials distributed within an exhibitor’s stalling space must relate only to farm or farms’ animal advertising, dairy show cattle services and/or enrolled farm enterprises and shall not promote commercial exhibitors or non-exhibitors. Signage or promotional materials that do not relate to farm or animal promotional matters, or dairy show cattle services, is a rules violation and is subject to review by the NSAS Committee. Solicitation of any kind is prohibited in the Barn and Show areas.

Any displays, signage, or promotional material must not protrude into the walkway. Alteration of any portion of any stalling panels is strictly prohibited. Altering or damage to any County-owned property will require either repair at the exhibitor’s expense or replacement with fees assessed to the exhibitor.

Animal Care and Cleanliness

Exhibitors are required to give the necessary personal attention to their livestock and equipment. Every exhibitor will be solely responsible for any loss, injury or damage done to or occasioned by, or arising from, any animal exhibited, and for its description as given in the Cattle Log, and shall indemnify the show and hold it harmless from any loss, cost or expense caused by an exhibit. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets urges that every precaution be taken on the part of exhibitors to use individual utensils in caring for the animals. Common watering troughs are forbidden. Each exhibitor must provide water buckets to be used for his/her stock only. The Department also urges all exhibitors to thoroughly clean and disinfect vehicles used to transport their animals to and from NSAS. All animals should have room enough to be fed and watered in transit, and should not be unloaded or left in a stockyard during transit or at the time of loading or unloading.

Grounds Safety

The New York State Fairgrounds has jurisdiction over the grounds. They mandate that grills must be at least 20’ from a Pavilion, tent or hay storage. Exhibitors may use only propane grills. Charcoal grills are prohibited. Any sort of grilling or open flame within the Pavilions and tents is strictly prohibited. Pop-up Tents are prohibited in the barns. Pop-up tents outside of the barn will be required to have an operable fire extinguisher positioned on the outside of the tent. With regards to power usage, exhibitors are required to plug any appliances (blowers, clippers, crock pots, etc.) into a GFCI power strip/outlet. Heavy duty 3-wire electrical cords must be used and under no circumstances can electrical cords touch straw, hay, metal beams or rafters. New York State Fair Authorities have the authority to look in any pop-up tent, at any time, if there is probable cause. If possible, the Facility Superintendent will check with string personnel prior to tent entry.

Exhibitors are asked to comply with all “No Parking” and other posted safety regulations. Fire lanes around the Pavilions and tent must be kept open. Smoking is prohibited in any Barn, tent or indoor area. Strict adherence to these rules is required. Citations will be issued to anyone parked in a “No Parking” area or caught smoking in any Pavilion, tent or building.

Alcohol and Drug Use Policy

NSAS desires to comply with all existing laws that govern our event, therefore any consumption of alcoholic beverages at NSAS is required to be done responsibly and legally. NSAS strongly encourages moderation in alcohol consumption. Exhibitors are responsible for, and are expected to, eliminate alcohol consumption by minors on grounds. The legal age of alcohol consumption in New York is 21 years old. Violators of the laws will be subject to citations per infraction. NSAS reserves the right to have any individuals violating the laws removed from the New York State Fairgrounds. NSAS assumes no liability for any damages or injuries or death occurring as a result of any individual’s consumption of alcohol. The selling of any alcohol is strictly prohibited at NSAS.

Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited by NSAS and New York State. Violators of the law will be subject to citations per infraction. NSAS reserves the right to have any individuals violating the laws removed from New York State Fairgrounds.

Motorized Vehicles

Other than vehicles registered for use by NSAS staff and volunteers, golf carts and other similar motorized vehicles are not permitted on grounds. Four-wheelers, mopeds, unauthorized gators and unauthorized skid loaders are not permitted on grounds at any time. Single person motorized scooters are allowed with a medical release.

Dogs On Grounds

Dogs are allowed on the New York State Fairgrounds if they are up to date on their vaccines, including rabies, and restrained on leashes no more than six feet (6 ft.) in length. Any dogs who receive complaints or are deemed a nuisance by the NSAS Dairy Show Committee or Facility Superintendents will be issued a warning and if not properly addressed will be asked to remove the animal from the premises.

Health Dept Guidelines

The National Summer Ayrshire Spectacular will be adhering to the most up-to-date restrictions and guidelines issued by the NYS Health Department. Everyone’s health and safety are our priority so please cooperate with our committee members and volunteers when asked.

Dairy Cattle Show Rules & Regulations

Show Management intends to follow suggestions of the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association (PDCA) in conducting the show, designating the classes and awarding the premiums. Only animals recognized by the Ayrshire Breed are allowed to exhibit at NSAS. All animals exhibiting in the Ayrshire Show must be verified as at least 87% Ayrshire by the U.S. Ayrshire Breeders’ Association.

Interpreting & Amending Rules

The Show Committee reserves the right to amend or add to these rules, if deemed necessary. The Show Committee also reserves the final and absolute right to interpret the rules and regulations of the show, and will arbitrarily settle and determine all matters, questions or differences in regard thereto, or otherwise arising out of or in connection with the show.

Dress Code & Show Harnesses

All exhibitors are required to wear white trousers and an official harness

when leading animals in the Showring. No hats or caps will be allowed. Shirts with farm names or agricultural logos are allowed. Any violators will not be permitted to enter the ring. Official NSAS Showring Harness is a front-and-back show card harness which holds a 5” x 7” card.

Any person leading an animal at NSAS must be at least 8 years of age as of the opening day of NSAS. No child under age 8 may accompany an adult in the Showring. Only one person is allowed at the halter.

Junior Show Shirts

All junior exhibitors are required to wear a NSAS provided Junior Show shirt and white pants while exhibiting in the Open Show. Provide shirt size when making entries. Shirts may be picked up at the Exhibitor Meeting.

Breeding Animals

Every female over 24 months of age must have calved within 18 months of the show or proven to be with calf or have a pregnancy. Animals shown in the Milking Yearling and older classes must be shown in milking form.

Clones

All clones will be considered as offspring of the donor’s dam and sire. Please consider this when entering Produce of Dam and Dam & Daughter classes.

Cell Phones

The use of cell phones or any personal electronic communication device in the Showring is strictly prohibited.

Affidavits

All statements required of exhibitors in making entries in regard to registry, age, pedigree, soundness, veterinary treatments, etc., must be verified by proper affidavit if required.

Heifer/Milking Class Transfers

Animals shall enter and show in only one class. Transfers between equivalent heifer and milking classes will only be permitted with the original animal entered. Class designation must be made no later than show check-in, with exception for animals that freshen after check-in, and must be transferred to their respective milking class. Transfer from a production/component class to an aged cow class (or vice versa) will only be allowed by making a late entry. The entry, with applicable fees, must be made at the time of check-in.

Erroneous Entry

Animals that have been erroneously entered may, at the discretion of the Show Committee, be transferred to their proper classes at cattle check-in.

Showring Numbers

Each individual animal or group entry will receive a unique Showring number. Each entry will be issued one (1) card with the Showring number. This official Showring card will be available for pick up at the Exhibitor Meeting. Following the Exhibitor Meeting, Showring numbers will be available for pick-up in show office. Cards must accompany the animal/group during the show and be displayed in the exhibitor’s show harness while in the Showring so that the animal may be properly checked-in and placed.

2026 National Ayrshire Show Reguations

Approved as of May 2026 by ABA Board

National Summer Ayrshire Spectacular Showring Policy

and Code of Ethics

The National Summer Ayrshire Spectacular is a nationally-ranked Ayrshire dairy show. As an elite show, the National Summer Ayrshire Spectacular has the responsibility of maintaining a first-class image of fairness and ethics. The regulation of unethical practices is necessary to maintain a positive international reputation and to make sure good animal husbandry is on display for all spectators. National Summer Ayrshire Spectacular seeks to promote exceptional animal practices, attractive exhibits and a high-quality show for exhibitors and spectators.

National Summer Ayrshire Spectacular endorses the PDCA Show Ring Code of Ethics in the breed show and will give full cooperative support to the judges and the respective Ayrshire Breed Association to keep the show procedures within these guidelines.

To detect unethical procedures, Show Management will use technologies for testing animal body fluids or tissues and examination techniques, such as ultrasound. An exhibitor, by making an entry, is consenting to the collection of materials, e.g. milk, blood, hair, etc., photographic or direct examination, at any time the animal is on grounds. Furthermore, by making an entry, the owner(s) and/or exhibitor, as well as any individual handling, caring for or fitting the animal, is agreeing to supply proper animal and personal identification when asked by Ethics Personnel or Show Management.

Extra-label use of all drugs must be under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. Evidence of the same shall be provided in writing, if requested. The following are examples of practices or procedures that are violations of the National Summer Ayrshire Spectacular Showring Policy and Code of Ethics, these include but are not limited to:

Misrepresenting the age, lineage/breed and/or milking status of the animal for the class in which it is entered.
Treating an animal, particularly the udder, without a verifiable veterinary need for that treatment, internally or externally, for the purpose of improving the appearance.
Using a device to artificially create or enhance the udder crease. Note: Ice pieces may be used on an animal if they are contained in a plastic bag.
Administering an injected or applied anesthetic to alter the carriage of the tail or other body parts.
Surgically or unethically inserting any matter under the skin or into any body cavity to change the natural contour or appearance of the animal’s body is prohibited and is a violation of the NSAS Showring Policy and Code of Ethics. After 12 a.m. on the day in which an animal is to show, no administration of fluids by mouth is allowed, unless it is deemed therapeutically necessary and is then only administered by the official NSAS Veterinarian. Therapeutic administration of fluids by stomach pump will be allowed at all other times.
Criticizing or interfering with the judge, ringside volunteer or other exhibitors while in the Showring, on show grounds or other conduct detrimental to the Ayrshire breed or the show.
Challenging, threatening, criticizing or interfering with an Ethics Committee member or volunteer appointed by Dairy Cattle Show Committee to monitor the animals on exhibit on the show grounds.
Failing to provide proper/accurate animal and/or personal identification when asked by Ethics Personal or Show Management.
Adding real or artificial hair or hair-like substances to any part of the animal, except for false switches.
Excessively manipulating topline and/or tailhead hair beyond one (1) inches from the skin. Exhibitors have only one opportunity per show to check-in ringside.

*Should a Topline Violation occur (i.e. adding real or artificial hair or hair-like

substances or if topline hair is in excess of 1 inches): The Ethics Coordinator will inform the exhibitor that if they choose to enter the Showring, after being informed of a Topline Violation, an ethics violation will have occurred. An On-Site Ethics Committee will, in the event of a hair violation where the exhibitor chooses to enter the Showring, act to review the infraction immediately after the animal in question exits the Showring. The On-Site Ethics Committee shall consist of five eligible members with three (3) being present to review and document the second hair measurement. The five members of the Ethics Committee are listed here in this rulebook The ethics ruling after the second evaluation will be final.

Changing the natural color of the animal is prohibited. However, external applications of cosmetics that affect only appearance may be used, including by way of example color touch up of a maximum of 4” on either side of the topline, hoof polishes and false switches.
Mistreatment of an animal.
Unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of showmen or their representative(s).
Improper fitting practices, such as over filling and over bagging.

Unethical practices or procedures not listed above are subject to review by the Dairy Cattle Show Committee and the Ethics Committee. At least three (3) of these five (5) will make the initial determination as to whether any disciplinary action is necessary.

Enforcement Procedures

The Ethics Committee, which could include members of the Show Committee, a licensed Veterinarian and/or vet tech assistants, and others appointed by NSAS Dairy Cattle Show Committee, will be on duty at NSAS.
The Ethics Committee will be responsible for monitoring violations of the NSAS Showring Policy and Code of Ethics by exhibitors and their representatives.
To the extent reasonably possible, the identity of the animal, the owner and/or other involved parties will be kept confidential.
Complaints of alleged violations may be presented to the Dairy Cattle Show Committee, NSAS volunteer staff and/or the Ethics Committee.
All complaints of alleged violations received by the above individuals will be presented to the Ethics Coordinator to determine investigative requirements.
All findings of the Ethics Committee will be presented to the Ethics Coordinator.
The Ethics Committee has the authority to inspect all animals to determine if violations of the NSAS Showring Policy and Code of Ethics have occurred. To help in this regard, the Ethics Committee has the authority to perform the following:
1. Pull hair samples;
2. Draw blood samples;
3. Perform an ultrasound examination of the udder, prior to milkout;
4. Perform a milkout of any individual cow or cows;
5. Collect and test any of the animal’s body fluids;
6. Use any technology that may be useful in determining if a violation has occurred in any animal based on placement, random selection or suspect characteristics;
7. Require delivery to the Ethics Committee of hypodermic syringe, needle or other devices, swabs, cloths, or other material, or samples of any medicine, preparation, or substance, whether in liquid or other form, in the possession or control of the exhibitor, the fitter, agents or persons acting on behalf of the exhibitor for the purpose of laboratory analysis.
Following the judging of the milking cow classes, the first place and two random selections will be ultrasounded and a milk sample may be taken. Any second place cows will be tested if awarded a Reserve Ribbon.
Exhibitors who are selected to have milk samples taken from their animals will be presented a card with directions. Samples are not required to be drawn immediately following the class; however, teat seals may not be removed for milking until an ethics representative is present to take the samples.
An individual who is not necessarily an owner or exhibitor but who commits a violation of the NSAS Showring Policy and Code of Ethics, will be subject to the same ethics enforcement procedures and sanctions as the owner or exhibitor.
If an ethics violation occurs at the show, the Ethics Coordinator may take one of the following courses of action, depending on the severity of the violation. These include, but are not limited to:

Report to the Ethics Committee, who may inform the judge of the violation. The judge may consider the violation in the placing of the class.
Report the violation to at least one of the following two individuals for action to be determined: the Facility Superintendent(s) and/or the Ethics Committee.

Following the completion of NSAS and the evaluation of the hair samples/ measurements, ultrasound readings and upon the receipt of the milk sample and blood sample analysis or other lab reports, and reports of eye witnesses or Ethics Committee personnel, the Ethics Coordinator will submit a report to the Show Director if any violations have occurred. This reporting will happen as soon as reasonably possible after the end of the show.
If evidence suggests that a violation has occurred, the Show Director will promptly notify the accused individual(s) and/or owner(s) as listed on the entry form of the suspected violation and will provide the accused individual(s) with copies of the supporting evidence to the extent reasonably possible. Anonymity of the accused individual(s) and/or animal will be maintained by NSAS throughout the enforcement process and indefinitely. As soon as possible thereafter, an ethics hearing will be scheduled.
The Ethics committee will include an official breed representative, representatives of show management, a veterinarian and show committee representatives.
Promptly after a hearing of the Ethics Subcommittee, the Director will inform the accused individual(s) of the determinations of the Ethics Subcommittee. It is the accused individual(s) responsibility to notify any other owners of the determination by the Ethics Subcommittee.
If found guilty of a violation of the Showring Code of Ethics, the penalty for the individual, the exhibitor, the representative and/or the animal may range from a letter of reprimand to being barred from participating in the NSAS. The identity of the animal(s), exhibitors and/or representatives that are barred will be kept confidential to the extent reasonably possible.
An animal found in violation of the Showring Code of Ethics will not receive any premiums, their placing will be removed and the animal and/or owner/representative must observe any penalty placed upon them.
If the individual, the exhibitor and/or their representatives are guilty of repeating a violation in more than one NSAS, they and/or the animal could be barred from participating at NSAS for life.
Barring an exhibitor or representative and/or an individual will result in animals owned fully or in partnership by that individual, farm and/or affiliated entity not being allowed to enter or exhibit in NSAS shows. The barred individual will also be ineligible to be present in the Showring, and/or serve any other official capacity for the length of the bar.

If you have any questions regarding this information- please feel free to contact a show committee member.

Ethics Committee

Amanda Licata

Charlie Clark

Marlene Helms

Kathy Mahon DVM

Diana Parker- ethics coordinator

Committee Members

Kathy Mahon, D.V.M