Downloads

For a COMPLETE, downloadable version of the catalog, select the 2025-Rabbit-Cavy-USF file above.

Important Deadlines

Market Rabbit Declarations

Deadline: August 13th, 2025

1. Youth exhibitors shall have ownership of rabbit entries for a minimum of 30 days prior to the day of the show. *NOTE THIS DEADLINE HAS BEEN ADJUSTED FOR 2025 AND THE 30 DAYS WILL NOT APPLY

2. Entry declaration forms must be completed through Zsuite registration:

4-H Declarations: https://4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/41346  

FFA Declarations: https://4h.zsuite.org/external-event-registration/41346 

Entry Deadlines

Deadline: Monday, September 1st at 11:59 p.m. 

(this is Labor Day so if you are camping PLAN AHEAD!)

Entry Fee: $5.00 per entry

Late entries will not be accepted, no exceptions.

All changes must be sent by Wednesday, September 3rd at 12:00 p.m. MST

Market Rabbit Show, Rabbit Skillathon, and Rabbit Showmanship enter via Zsuite.

a. 4-H Members: https://4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/30649 

b. FFA and Non-4-H-Adults: https://4h.zsuite.org/external-event-registration/30649 

ARBA Sanctioned Shows (Specialties on Friday, Triple Youth/Open on Saturday)

a. Email our show secretary Dolores Morries at morrisrex@yahoo.comwith your entries.

b. Place all information for entries directly into the body of the email (no attachments please). 

c. Payment due at check-in. Acceptable payment methods are cash/check, PayPal, or Venmo

Show Schedule

Thursday September 4th

Early check-in and educational displays.

4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (by appointment)

Friday September 5th

Vehicles allowed on site for drop-off

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Check-in

7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Showmanship & Skill-a-thon

10:00 a.m.

Market Rabbit Show

1:00 p.m. (or directly following youth contests)

Check-in (walk in only)

10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Breed Specialties

· King Rex   (Rex)

· Team   Sheen (Satins, Mini Satins)

· War of   the Wools (All wooled breeds)

· Commercial   Challenge (Any commercial type, no exclusions)

· Let There   Be Lops (All lopped breeds)

4:00 p.m. (or directly following market rabbit   show)

Check-in

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (by appointment)

Saturday September 6th

Vehicles allowed on site for drop-off

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Check-in

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Rabbit Show (breed order posted at check-in)

9:00 a.m.

Check-out (walk out only)

1:00 p.m.

Vehicles allowed on site for pick-up

10:00 p.m – 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 7th

Vehicles allowed on site for pick-up

7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Meet Your Judges

Ray Stacy calls California home. He has been breeding rabbits for 55 years. He’s spent the last 30 years as a well-known judge and has raised over 35 different breeds of rabbits. He has always had Satins and Silver Martens, but he currently also has Californians and Rhinelanders. Besides rabbits, he also grows and shows Camilla’s, Roses, and Bearded Iris flowers. His best advise for raising rabbits is to find a breed that really appeals to you. Do some research and buy the best you can afford from a reputable breeder. Always get your hands on the animals if possible. And always have an outlet for your extras!

Allan Ormond is from Utah. He’s been a key player in the rabbit hobby for 45 years. He’s raised several breeds including Holland Lop, Mini Lop, French Lop, Satins, New Zealand, Florida Whites, Netherland Dwarfs, Dwarf Hotot, Silver Fox, Californian, and Triantha. Allan worked for the Salt Lake City Fire Department for just over 40 years and has been enjoying retirement for the last 10. He loves teaching youth at shows and our show committee is beyond thrilled to have him joining us! His advice for raising rabbits is to go slow, learn lots, and be gracious winners… and losers!

Scott Rodriguez is from Wyoming. He’s been in the hobby for 42 years and has raised Holland Lops, Netherland Dwarfs, and Mini Lops. Besides being renowned in the rabbit world, serving as a member of the Board of Directors for ARBA and judging around the Nation, he’s also an Ivy League educated attorney and a trained opera singer! His advise for raising rabbits is to have PATIENCE. It is definitely a marathon and not a sprint! 

Market Rabbit Show and Sale

The Utah 4-H and FFA Market Rabbit Project had their inaugural year in 2024. This show is completed in collaboration with the Utah State Fair Market Rabbit Show and Sale. This project is a short-term junior livestock project that helps youth develop the same fundamental life skills of our large livestock projects. Market rabbits come with far less of the financial and spatial requirements that can make large livestock projects inaccessible. 

Entry Fee is $5 per exhibitor and $2 per additional rabbit entry.

Eligibility

1. The Utah 4-H Market Rabbit show is open to Utah 4-H and      FFA members in good standing. We welcome out of state participants,      however out-of-state participant project animals will be exhibition only      and will not be eligible for the sale.
2. The market rabbit project is considered “small stock”      and is for youth as young as 5 years old and in      kindergarten. Cloverbud project animals will be exhibition only and will      not be eligible for the sale.

Rules and Regulations

1. Youth exhibitors shall have ownership of rabbit entries      for a minimum of 30 days prior to the day of the show.      County extension staff or FFA advisors will be responsible for verifying      ownership. 
2. Entry Declarations Deadline: August 13th, 2025

Entry declaration forms must be completed through Zsuite registration:

4-H Declarations: https://4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/41346  

FFA Declarations: https://4h.zsuite.org/external-event-registration/41346

Eligible project animals are rabbits 4 - 8 weeks at the time of declaration (30 days before the show). 

1. All rabbits exhibited must be tattooed in the left ear      in order for the declaration to be completed. The tattoo needs to be      permanent. Permanent marker will not be accepted. 
2. Rabbits do not need to be purebred or pedigreed, but      should be of commercial meat rabbit type.
3. All colors and meat rabbit breeds are accepted.
4. Exhibitors may declare up to 4 rabbits for the market      rabbit project and will register and exhibit one entry per class (meat pen      of 3 and 1 single fryer) at the fair. 
5. Meat pens (pens of 3 rabbits) can be can be entered and      exhibited by individuals, families, chartered 4-H clubs, and FFA chapters.      Grand and Reserve meat pens are eligible for the sale with proceeds      returning to the primary exhibitor/club/chapter to be divided amongst      participants. The grand and reserve champion fryers will not be eligible      for Meat Pens. 
6. Exhibitors with rabbits showing in both individual      fryer and meat pen classes will need to declare which animals they are      selling.

Sale

1. Grand and Reserve Fryers and Grand and Reserve Meat Pens will sell and are exempt from the following rules.

Sale Order

After the Grand and Reserve Fryers and Meat Pens (a total of 8 rabbits) sell, up to 42 additional participant entries meeting the following criteria will be able to sell.

2. Only blue ribbon animals will sell

3. Only one project animal, per exhibitor, may sell (unless one exhibitor wins both grand and reserve)

4. Youth exhibitors must participate in Showmanship or the Skill-a-thon

5. Exhibitors must be in 3rd grade and 8 years old at the time their project starts (30 days prior to the show).

Classes – Market Rabbit Show

· All breeds including crosses and non-recognized rabbit varieties acceptable as long as they fit the size requirements and are of market rabbit variety. If you have questions about acceptability of your rabbit project, please contact the show superintendent.

Fryers

· 10 – 12 weeks

· 3.5 – 5.5 pounds

· Judging Criteria: meat type, condition of flesh, fur

Meat Pens

· Three market rabbit fryers as uniform as possible including size, sex, and color. Meat pens are entered by a club leader or FFA chapter advisor. 

· Judging Criteria: uniformity, meat type, condition of flesh, fur

Showmanship & Skillathon

Rabbit showmanship is a contest to showcase a 4-H or FFA member knowledge of rabbits. It also includes the ability to handle and show the rabbit according to the American Rabbit Breeders Association breed standard, and the rabbit's cleanliness and condition. 

Showmanship scorecards are found here: https://extension.usu.edu/utah4h/files/Utah4H-RabbitShowmanshipScorecard.pdf 

The Skill-a-thon contest is a fun, interactive event that makes learning fun by letting 4-H and FFA members exhibit their knowledge and understanding of animal science and husbandry in a friendly but competitive setting. Full rules for the Small Animal Skill-a-thon can be found here: https://extension.usu.edu/utah4h/files/SmallAnimal-Livestock-SkillAThon-2024.pdf

For the Utah State Fair, the Skill-a-thon contest will include EITHER an educational demonstration or a showmanship presentation. Youth may choose to participate in Showmanship only, but all Skill-a-thon participants are encouraged to complete a showmanship presentation.

Entry Fee is $5 per exhibitor.

Educational Displays/Presentations

Youth and adult exhibitors that set up an educational display will receive a parking pass and additional fair tickets. All youth are encouraged to create an educational poster related to rabbits or cavies to display in the show barn. Awards will be given to the best poster. 

Rubric and Guidelines for Educational Posters:

Category

4

(10-8)

3

(7-6)

2

(5-3)

1

(2-0)

Creativity

The exhibitor created a project that includes a variety of colors, textures, and pictures. The information is visually appealing and attracts and engages

the audience.

The exhibitor created a project that includes some color, textures, and pictures. The information is visually appealing   and attracts the audience.

The exhibitor created a project that may not include color or textures. Pictures are present,   but may be in black and white.

The exhibitor created a project lacks the use of color or textures.

Pictures are absent.

Effort

Project demonstrates that the exhibitor spent time to   research and plan for a final   product that is appropriate to the chosen audience. Minimal adult assistance is apparent as is appropriate for the age group.

Project demonstrates that the exhibitor spent time to   research and plan for a final   product that is mostly appropriate to the chosen audience. Some adult assistance was needed as is appropriate for the age

group.

Project demonstrates that the exhibitor spent time to   research, however the final product may not be appropriate to the chosen audience. Some adult assistance was needed as is appropriate for the age

group.

Project demonstrates that the exhibitor spent minimal   time to research and plan for a final product. The product is not appropriate to the chosen   audience. Adult assistance was apparent as is appropriate for the

age group.

Presentation

The project is neat, well-organized, and visually appealing.

The project is neat, well- organized, and visually appealing   with only minor issues with appearance.

The project contains smudges, obvious erasures, stay marks.

The project contains smudges, obvious erasures, stay marks. It lacks visual appeal and fails   to engage the

audience.

Information   Accuracy

• All facts, details, definitions, and visual   aids are accurate.

• Information is complete and easy for the reader to understand.

• Minimal spelling and grammar errors.

• Exhibitor has identified sources of information.

• Most   facts, details, definitions, and visual aids are accurate, with only minor errors.

• Information is mostly complete and easy for the reader to understand.

• Few spelling and grammar errors

• Exhibitor has identified sources of information.

• Several errors with facts, details, definitions, and visual aids.

• Information   may be incomplete or written in a way that is difficult to understand.

• Multiple spelling and grammar errors.

• Exhibitor may not have properly identified sources of

information.

• Several errors with facts, details, definitions, and visual aids.

• Information is incomplete or lacking and is difficult to understand.

• Several spelling and grammar errors.

• Exhibitor did not identify sources of information.

Required   Elements

All required elements are   included and accurate:

• Name   in the appropriate location.

• Project adheres to specified topics.

• Project   was one of the approved types.

• Project has a title

•  Models are 3- dimensional

• Pamphlets are bi- or tri-fold

• Posters are the correct size

All but 1 of the required elements are included and accurate.

If project is off-topic it will be scored as a 1 in this category

Two   or three of the required elements are not included.

If project is off-topic it will be scored as a 1 in this category

Project is off topic.

If you are interested in setting up an educational display or presentations for extra parking passes or tickets, please email jessie.hadfield@usu.edu. 

ARBA Sanctioned Show

This year we are excited to offer a full slate of Specialty Classes on Friday, September 5th as well as a Triple Youth/Open show Saturday September 6th.

Sanction Numbers

Friday 

Saturday

Specialties

Open

Youth

Open

King Rex

Team Sheen

War of the Wools

Commercial Challenge

Let There Be Lops

YOA0368

YOA0369

YOA0370

YOA0371

YOA0372

YYA0363

YYA0365

YYA0367

YOA0362

YOA0364

YOA0366

A list of currently sanctioned breeds can be found on the Beehive State RBA Events page on Facebook

Specialty Shows

These are open shows. If you wish to sanction your breed for any of the “Specialties” you must do so.

Judged by Allan Ormond and Ray Stacy

These shows are an opportunity for enthusiasts to compete in an additional show. These are sanctioned shows by ARBA. The Breed Specialties will start in the order listed at 4:00 p.m or directly following the Market Rabbit Show on Friday, September 5th. A “Best Lop”, “Best Meat Rabbit”, etc., will be awarded from each show.

Breed Specialties

• King Rex (Rex)

• Team Sheen (Satin & Mini Satin)

• War of the Wools (all wooled breeds)

• Commercial Challenge (all meat type rabbits, not inclusive to just 6 class)

• Let There Be Lops (all lop breeds)

Triple Open/Youth 

Judged by Ray Stacy, Allan Ormond, and Scott Rodriguez 

These shows are an opportunity to get rabbits evaluated three times by three different qualified judges. Youth participants must choose to compete as either a youth or open exhibitor and cannot compete in both. 

Rules and Regulations 

1. The Beehive State Rabbit Breeders Association Fall Show is an official ARBA sanctioned show and will be governed by the latest revised ARBA Show Rules. Filing of an entry implies acceptance of these and the following rules.

2. This is a collaborative, educational event in partnership with Utah 4-H, Utah State University Extension, and the Utah State Fair. Youth do not need to be registered members of 4-H or FFA to compete.

3. Entries are via email to the show secretary (see page 1) by midnight (11:59 p.m. MST) September 1st. No late entries will be accepted, no exceptions. 

4. All exhibitors will receive an entry confirmation from the show secretary within 48 hours. When you receive it, it is your responsibility to check it carefully and submit any changes by noon (12:00 p.m. MST) Wednesday, September 3rd. Ear number changes only may be made on the day of show.

5. Exhibitors are responsible for any ear change substitutions in the same variety, sex, or class. Changes must be legibly made on the control sheets prior to judging. NO changes will be allowed for breed, variety, sex and class – these changes will result in disqualification.

6. All rabbits must have a clear, legible permanent ear tattoo in their left ear. All cavies must be permanently ear tagged in the left ear.

7. The Beehive State RBA will tattoo rabbits Friday or Saturday morning before judging begins for a fee of $2 per rabbit. Club members receive this service free of charge. Please contact a member of the show committee to set up an appointment for this service.

8. Exhibitors are responsible for getting their rabbits to and from the judging tables. No classes will be recalled.

9. The show committee reserves the right to reject any entry and shall decide upon any question which are not covered by the show rules.

10. No one will be allowed behind the show tables except for those authorized by the show committee.

11. Parents or guardians will be held responsible for their children’s behavior during the show and will be held liable for any damages caused by them. 

12. All event participants including family members and associates will exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. Every exhibitor, family member and associate of exhibitor, is required to follow the Utah 4-H and Utah FFA Code of Conduct including:

• Have positive character and behavior

• Follow guidelines and rules

• Be responsive to reasonable requests of show management and event staff

• Be respectful of the safety of others

• Dress appropriately, use appropriate language, and respect the rights of others

• Be respectful of property

• Do not behave recklessly, assault, threaten, or harm another person

• Be aware that abuse of animals or people of any kind by any member or associate will be cause for disqualification of the exhibitor.

13. No alcoholic beverages, smoking, or other animals (except rabbits & cavies) will be allowed in the showroom. No DOGS allowed, except service animals.

14. All sale rabbits and cavies must be at least 8 weeks old and a minimum weight for their respective breed.

15. No sales of merchandise will be allowed without previous arrangements. 

16. All awards must be picked up by the end of the show. No awards will be mailed.

17. All rabbits are entered at the owners’ risk. Every precaution will be taken to safeguard and minimize hazards, losses, and mistakes, but the show personnel, judges, and event volunteers are not responsible for injury or death to any animal.

Arrival

Vehicle Drop Off

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. each day (prior to the fair opening).

Enter through gate 17 off of 300 North and 1200 West. You will follow the road around the rodeo arena, past the big yellow slide, and along the far west side of the park until you reach the Market Building. The Market Building is the first brick building after the carnival and is just past the Little Hands on the Farm display. 

Walk In Drop Off

7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. or by appointment

You can enter through any gate, but gate 14 is closest to the Market Building. Park on either lot off of North Temple (will need to pay for parking the first day) and follow the signs to the gate for entry.

Upon arrival, check-in at the registration desk for your exhibitor packet and coop assignments.

Departure

Vehicle Pick Up

Tentatively 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. Saturday

7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Sunday (prior to the fair opening).

Enter through gate 17 off of 300 North and 1200 West. You will follow the road around the rodeo arena, past the big yellow slide, and along the far west side of the park until you reach the Market Building. The Market Building is the first brick building after the carnival and is just past the Little Hands on the Farm display. 

Walk In Pick Up

By appointment

You can enter through any gate, but gate 14 is closest to the Market Building. Park on either lot off of North Temple (will need to pay for parking the first day) and follow the signs to the gate for entry.

No animal will be allowed to leave the building without a check-out slip signed by our show superintendent and designated show staff.

At A Glance & Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the show being held?

The show will be at the Utah State Fair in the Market Building.

The fair's address is 155 N 1000 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

What is the cost?

Entry fees are $5.

Showmanship and the Small Animal Skill-a-thon entries are $5 per exhibitor.

The Market Rabbit show has an exhibitor fee of $5 per participant, with $2 per entry.

What is the date and time of the show?

There will be two dates. On Friday, September 5th, we will have 4-H and FFA contests including Showmanship/Skill-a-thon, the youth and adult Market Rabbit Show, and to round out the day, 5 different specialty shows. Saturday, September 6th, we will have a triple open and triple youth show. The events start at 10:00 a.m. Friday and 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

Who should we contact with questions?

For general questions about the fair or entries, please email our superintendent: jessie.hadfield@usu.edu

How do we register?

1. Market Rabbit Show, Rabbit Skillathon, and Rabbit Showmanship enter via Zsuite.

a. 4-H Members: https://4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/30649 

b. FFA and Non-4-H-Adults: https://4h.zsuite.org/external-event-registration/30649 

2. ARBA Sanctioned Shows enter by emailing the show secretary. This includes Breed Specialties Friday and Triple Youth/Open Saturday

Will the show be inside or outside?

The show will be inside. There is a swamp cooler and we will have fans to help keep the animals comfortable. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to bring fans, misters, or other items to enjoy the day.

Who are the judges for the rabbits?

Ray Stacy (CA)

Allan Ormond (UT)

Scott Rodriguez (WY)

Will we have to pay to enter the Utah State Fair for the show?

Each exhibitor will receive 2 entry tickets for the day of the show. Exhibitors with 10 or more entries (individual or combined families) will also receive a parking pass. A parking pass does not guarantee parking. Exhibitors that would like to bring an educational poster or demonstration will also be eligible for a parking pass. Email jessie.hadfield@usu.edu if you interested in this option!

How do exhibitors get tickets?

Exhibitor packets will be available at check-in. They should be able to enter with their rabbits without paying and then will need their tickets to return to the fairgrounds.

Can rabbits be left in the fair over night? Is the building secure at night?

The building is locked and secured every night. There is on-site security as well. 

When can exhibitors/animals leave?

The Utah State Fair has requested that we keep our animals on display throughout the fair. However, we know that is not always possible. If you need to leave throughout the day, please make prior arrangements with show staff. No animals will be allowed to leave the building without a check-out slip. Vehicles may or may notbe allowed on the grounds for pick-up before the fair closes. It depends on foot traffic and will be evaluated day to day. In general, animals will be free to go at 7:00 p.m., and vehicles allowed on the grounds at 9:00 p.m. each night. 

Will my rabbits be staying in their transport cages or will Utah State Fair provide cages for the rabbits to be in during the show? 

There will be exhibition cages for the rabbits while they are at the fair. Carrying/travel cages and supplies may be stored under the tables. Display cages are bedded with shavings provided by Utah State Fair Sponsors. If you would prefer to not have shavings, it is the exhibitor’s responsibility to clean their coops and provide alternatives to keeping their areas clean. 

What are the food options?

There are a large variety of food vendors at the fair. You can find a list at the Utah State Fair website! Exhibitors are invited to bring coolers with their own drinks and snacks if they would like.

Where can exhibitors “set up camp” and grooming stations?

We need to keep the aisles clear so there will be no grooming or “camping” allowed in the aisles of the show. Stations will be set up around the show room on a first-come-first-serve basis where exhibitors can set up their camp chairs, grooming tables, etc. There is a large tent outside the arena that will also have shady areas to lounge or take animals for grooming. Large equipment (blowers) will need to be set up outside under the tent.

Things to bring:

Rabbit/cavy food, feeders, and waterers.

Camp chairs, coolers with snacks/drinks, and activities to keep yourselves entertained.

Are other non-rabbit/cavy animals allowed?

Only ADA service dogs are allowed. Any dog that is barking and/or misbehaving will be asked to leave.

101th ARBA Convention

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