Rules out for 2012 agricultural fair

  The rules governing the 2012 Saipan Agricultural Fair are now out. Published in booklets, the rules have been distributed to farmers and ranchers who want to showcase their products at the fair in May.

One of the mandatory requirements for the event, slated for May 26 at the Civic Center 4-H Club Building in Susupe, is that only U.S. citizens and registered voters who are farming and residing on island can take part in the fair.

There will be two main divisions: the Animal and the Plant Divisions. The Animal Division will have 13 categories: Santa Gertrudis Breed & Crosses (bull and cow), non-Santa Gertrudis Breed & Crosses, boar, sow/gilt, billy, nanny, rabbit, duck, turkey, pigeon, chicken broiler, chicken (layers), and chicken (sports).

The Plant Division is divided into four classes: Class A – Fruit (29 kinds); Class B – Vegetable (26 kinds); and Class C – Root Crop (10 kinds); and Class D – Nuts and Others (five kinds).

Allowed entries for the various categories under the animal and plant divisions are limited only to produce and animals grown and raised on Saipan. Produce bought or borrowed from stores or from other farmers will be disqualified.

There will be a non-refundable registration fee of $10 per participant for the Plant and Animal Divisions and $1 for each produce or animal/livestock entry. Hauling fees also apply for those who want their swine or cattle transported to the fair site: $20 per round trip or $15 for one way.

Each contestant can submit as many entries as they can. Cash prizes await winners for each category under both Animal and Plant Divisions. SAFA adviser Isidoro T. Cabrera said winners will be based on the number of points accumulated per category.

“The more animals and produce you bring, the more chances you have of winning the grand prize,” said Cabrera, referring to the $500 prize for the grand winners under the Animal and Plant Divisions.

There will also be a separate agricultural fair involving entries from youths ages 8 to 17 years old. A total of 97 different kinds of produce will be accepted as entries. Youth Agricultural Fair winners will receive non-monetary prizes.

Besides the booklets, posters about the event have been disseminated throughout the community, said SAFA treasurer Marianne Teregeyo. “Right now, we’re focusing on raising public awareness and promoting the 2012 Agricultural Fair,” she added.

For a copy of the rule booklet or for more information about the fair, call 483-1785 or 788-1256.