Fair board places $4,500 gate-pay proposal on next agenda; discusses milking cows, trophies and manure handling

Board members discussed gate staffing compensation and whether to increase the seasonal allotment for gate workers. Speakers noted current pay and proposed an adjustment; Speaker 3 summarized that raising the staffing allotment from previous levels would increase gate pay to roughly $12.30 per hour for some workers. After discussion, Speaker 2 said the proposal would be added as an action item: “So for this next time, we'll put it on there as an action item for next meeting, $4,500 under number 8.”

That $4,500 figure will return as a formal agenda item for a vote at the next meeting; no vote occurred at this session. Board members discussed procurement thresholds and noted that spending above certain limits would require additional approvals.

The board also considered animal-exhibit questions. Members discussed whether milking (lactating) cows could be shown if exhibitors comply with testing and biosecurity requirements (examples discussed included 8‑day tests and leaving the animal the same day). The group agreed portable milking equipment may be allowed so long as the exhibitor handles milking and any required testing is completed.

Separately, several members proposed bringing back a traveling ‘‘barnmanship’’ trophy to encourage club participation and better barn displays; discussion centered on sponsorship (clubs or donors would buy the trophy and pay engraving costs) and whether superintendents want to manage the award. The board supported exploring the idea and treating it as a potential action item if superintendents approve.

Facilities and waste management drew a long operational exchange. Members discussed morning skid-steer pickups to reduce daily manure-haul loads, dumpster placement and ramp design, and options to decrease the number of hauls (save money and reduce staff time). The board asked staff to investigate schedules so a skid-steer could perform a morning collection window and to return with cost estimates.

Speaker 2 closed the session on these items and assigned staff follow-ups; the meeting was adjourned without final votes on the $4,500 proposal or the trophy change.