State Fair 2009 question 2
Yet another question about some changes we're considering for 2009... this one deals with dairy cow and dairy goat cards.
Because at least a third of the dairy cow entry cards end up being scratches or having a substitute cow entered, we have lots of opportunities to have mistakes in the catalog. Also, we have additional opportunities for mistakes because we hire someone here to pre-enter all that data into a database, and put them on a real tight schedule.
We're thinking of asking the exhibitors to bring the completed cards to the fair (fill them out as you're loading those animals on the trailer) instead of having them sent in with the paper entries in July. The kids would still mark & pay for the number of animals they intend to bring on the entry form, but would not fill out the cards on July 1. That way, they SHOULD be filling out cards only for the animals they actually decide to load up and bring.
So what's the question? I want your opinion on whether you think it'd be better for the exhibitors to get those blank cards from you at the county office, or whether we should send them in their exhibitor letters, along with instructions about filling them out and bringing them along. We're simplifying the cards as well to eliminate unnecessary information--for example, it's really not necessary for the kids to write their complete address on six cards...
Again, comment back to the blog about whether you think it'd be better for the kids to get the blank cards from your office, or in their exhibitor letter. If they lose their cards, or need a fresh one for some reason, they could always get extras from you, even if we do send them, I imagine.
Comments
Include the cards with their letters. If they need extras, they can come to the Extension office. We will need a link to find the cards to print.
Posted by: Teresa Wiemerslage | September 8, 2008 03:35 PM
Becky,
I think it would be less confusing to mail the cards with the exhibitor letters. I like the idea of having them complete the cards at check-in.
Posted by: Nicole Bruce | September 8, 2008 03:37 PM
I think it would be best if the kids get the cards in thier exhibitor letter. The only concern would be that they forget to bring them along to check-in, but if other cards would be available there, that would be good!
Posted by: Katherine Bowman | September 8, 2008 03:39 PM
I would say send the cards along with the exhibitor letters as long as we would have access to extra cards or have the ability to print them off if needed.
Posted by: Carole Gorham | September 8, 2008 03:46 PM
I like the idea of mailing the cards with the exhibitor letters. And having the members complete during the check-in process. Great suggestion!!
Posted by: Kim | September 8, 2008 03:58 PM
I like the idea of the cards going to the exhibitor.
Posted by: Debbie Swanson | September 8, 2008 04:20 PM
Let them bring the cards to the fair, as long as the animal is on their livestock ID, it should make less work on your end than if you have to change lots of entries.
Posted by: Jean Kent | September 8, 2008 04:48 PM
I agree - the cards should be sent with the exhibitor letter. It will take a year to convert...but it will make less work and less mistakes. We can preface that change at the time they fill our their entry form just telling them they will receive the cards in the mail and they have to bring them with them to the fair.
Posted by: Sue Barnes | September 9, 2008 07:51 AM
I consulted with some of our 4-H staff. They said without hesitation,"Exhibitor letters." Its one less thing for them to remember to get from the Extension Office. Thanks for asking!
Posted by: Lynette Cline | September 9, 2008 10:57 AM