Since statehood, literally hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans have participated in 4-H and FFA, showing animals at local, county and state fairs. These experiences have taught them valuable lessons about leadership and responsibility and about the proper care and showing of animals. We want our show program to continue that proud tradition and not be tainted by the illegal or unethical actions of a few.

In February, 1994, we got our first "wake-up" call from an Oklahoma City television program entitled "Black and Blue Ribbons." This report portrayed unethical acts and abuse of show animals in order to win. At that time, we strongly believed in the merits of the youth show program and did not believe this report accurately reflected the true picture. We did feel that there were isolated instances occurring which would destroy the future of youth livestock shows.

We felt that as educators we must take this "wake-up" call very seriously. We had the challenge of placing our livestock show program into proper perspective ... that the emphasis should not be on winning at all costs but on preparing students for a productive future through a well-rounded agricultural education program. We had to return to the fundamental ethics and principles of the FFA and agricultural education programs, which are as follows:

1. Honesty and integrity

2. Proper care of animals

3. Show ring ethics

4. Responsibility and work ethic

5. Family participation and involvement

6. Pride and self-esteem

7. Livestock production skills

A year ago, we would have denied that we had a big problem, but during the past year we have been forced to realize and accept that cheating and abuse are more widespread than previously thought. As a result, we decided we must get tough on those who violate the rules. We have implemented legislation that allows misdemeanor conviction, made a vo-tech rule change involving funding, started ethics workshops and symposiums, developed of a code of ethics for 4-H and FFA activities, and formed a long-range planning committee for shows in Oklahoma. In chronological order, these are the steps we in Oklahoma have taken to ensure that show rules and regulations are followed:

1-5-89 - Show management notified by FSIS concerning residue in meat products caused by illegal drug use.

1-18-91 - Show management notified by the Department of Health & Human Services concerning food safety and clenbuterol.

4-19-91 - Show management notified by FDA and FSIS concerning clenbuterol and food safety.

5-13-91 - Show management notified by USDA concerning illegal use of clenbuterol.

6-21-91 - Letter sent to area livestock specialists, county agents and agricultural education teachers by Dr. Tom Thedford, Dr. Joe Hughes, Dr. Jim Rutledge and Eddie Smith.

January-March, 1994 - "I Care" program mailed to all agricultural education teachers, 4-H leaders and extension agents concerning proper livestock care and ethics.

2-17-94 - "Wake-Up" call letter sent to all ag ed teachers in Oklahoma concerning livestock care and ethics by State Supervisor Eddie Smith.

2-23-94 - OSU Ethics Committee formed. Those on the committee included ag ed teachers, OSU Extension State Staff and Agricultural Education State Staff.

5-25-94 - Meeting held at the Oklahoma Junior Livestock Show with those teachers having students in attendance at the show concerning their conduct with those students and their livestock.

June-July, 1994 - OVATA Board talks about, organizes, sets policy and regulations for new committee dealing with ethics by OVATA members.

July 11-12, 1994 - "Issues, Ethics and Agricultural Symposium," conducted by Dr. Jeff Goodwin from Dallas, Texas held in Oklahoma City (with more than 600 people attending) and Tulsa (with more than 300 people attending). Those attending were agricultural education teachers, extension agents, fair board members and parents.

8-10-94 - OVATA general assembly unanimously approves adoption of OVATA Ethics Committee.

11-19-94 - OVATA Ethics Committee members named from each district.

11-29-94 - FDA meeting at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds concerning testing procedures at the 1994 Tulsa State Fair. Six animals tested positive for clenbuterol.

Spring, 1995 - Senate Bill 486 passed, making it a misdemeanor to alter, tamper or use an illegal drug.

Spring, 1995 - Passed an Oklahoma Department of Vo-Tech funding rule which would allow the discontinuance of funding for any program violating rules at any activity.

Spring, 1995 - Implemented Livestock Entry Certification Form.