Animal specific resources & opportunities for members; quality assurance & judging information

 

2026 Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance Training (QA) is required by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) for all livestock producers, including youth livestock exhibitors. The Hancock County Agricultural Society requires all youth exhibiting livestock at the Hancock County Fair to complete QA by July 10 prior to their first show to meet ODA requirements.

If you plan to exhibit at the Ohio State Fair, you must complete QA at least 45 days prior to your show date.

2026 Quality Assurance Trainings

Please mark your calendars for upcoming QA trainings:

  • Wednesday, March 4 – via Zoom, 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 25 – In-Person, 7:00 p.m. (location TBA)
  • Wednesday, April 1 – In-Person, 7:00 p.m. (location TBA)
  • Tuesday, April 28 – via Zoom, 7:00 p.m.

Sign up for Zoom QA sessions:

Quality Assurance Options

Youth Ages 15+ (as of January 1) – Test‑Out Option

Youth who are 15 years old as of January 1 may choose to complete the QA test‑out option.

  • The test is offered each February.
  • A passing score of 70% or higher exempts the participant from QA training for the rest of their 4‑H career.
  • If the test is not passed, the youth must wait until the following February to retest.
  • If the test is not passed, the youth must complete QA from any of the following options.

Youth Ages 12+ (as of January 1) – Online YQCA Option

Youth who are 12 years old as of January 1 and enrolled in 4-H and/or FFA livestock or food animal projects may complete the online Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) course.

To meet the Ohio Youth Food Animal QA requirement:

  • Youth must be 12 or older as of January 1 of the current year.
  • The test-out option is not available for Hancock County. Youth at least 15 years old are encouraged to test out at the Extension Office during the month of February.
  • Youth must complete the online module for their correct 4-H age.
    • If the wrong level is completed, the participant must repay and redo the correct module or attend an in-person QA.
  • Online QA must be completed by July 10 for Hancock County Fair, or 45 days before the Ohio State Fair.
  • The course must be completed within the current QA year (Oct. 1–Sept. 30).

To learn more about YQCA, go here: https://youtu.be/qC5n5YWx1rI?si=UvdHeb5IRUKyPGCz

Youth may complete YQCA here: https://yqcaprogram.org/
 

After completion, email your certificate to:

Reminder

 

Other online certifications (BQA, PQA, BEST, etc.) do not meet Ohio’s requirement.

QA is a MANDATORY requirement for all Hancock County 4-H and FFA Junior Fair Livestock Exhibitors showing market or breeding livestock at the Hancock County Fair.

Deadline for completion:

  • July 10 for Hancock County Fair exhibitors
  • At least 45 days before the Ohio State Fair