Rabbit Practice: From the 1st week of June through the 1st week of August, The Farmyard will host 8 educational sessions (on and off-site).
Farmyard Sessions
If you purchased the Rabbit Program Packages (bunny at The Farmyard or at home) these are included. Sessions are typically 60 minutes long with 3 rotating stations, unless it’s an off-site activity or fair prep day. To qualify to show, attendance is required for 8 of the 9 provided sessions.
Plans for Week 1 (6/5)
- Finalizing rabbit assignments
- How to sign up for shifts and use the sticker chart
- Expectations for handling rabbits during self-guided times
- 3 stations – handling, education & craft
Plans for Week 2 (6/12)
Proper Rabbit Handling & Showmanship
Carpet Square Craft
Plans for Week 3 (6/19)
Rabbit Behavior / High Temperatures
Rabbit Body Language: Meaning Behind 15 Strangest Rabbit Behaviors | Rabbits Jaw-Dropping Facts
Treat Links (may be made at home and given to your rabbit during your farm visits). Please make sure to limit the number of treats you give your rabbit! If you have questions, feel free to email ourfarmyardmaryland@gmail.com.
Plans for Week 4 (6/26)
- Show Practice & HJFF Registration
- Know what you need for the fair
Plans for Week 5 (7/3)
- Kit Decorating
- Rabbit Handling
Plans for Week 6 (7/10)
- Rabbit Handling
- Stall Nametags (also to be used during Hereford Fair)
Plans for Week 7 (Off-site)
This is a reminder that our regular Thursday night practice will be replaced with a self-guided experience at the Baltimore County 4-H Fair. This is the link to the fair schedule. Go anytime that suits your calendar and be sure to explore the rabbit area. We are asking families to participate in the following “Fair Challenge.” Children should complete/look for 7 items and bring their list to next week’s in-person meeting (7/24) to gain credit.
1. Meet a new 4-H Showman (rabbit or another species). What is his/her name?
2. What new rabbit breed did you see?
3. Name 3 other animals you saw at the fair.
4. Can you find a Farmyard Logo? Where?!
5. Take a picture with your favorite artwork exhibit.
6. Find a yummy treat (look at the exhibited baked goods/vegetables or visit one of the food trucks on-site).
7. Find a first-place ribbon!
Plans for Week 8 (7/24)
- Proper showmanship clothing
- Be sure to print out the Rabbit Self-Certification Sheet. We will need this for the fair.
- Make sure your child is familiar with the ARBA Score Card For Showmanship
Which rabbit is matched with my child & when does it arrive?
- All rabbits will be in place by June 6th.
- The majority of the rabbits were assigned during our pop-up orientation in early May. The remaining rabbits will be assigned during your next visit.
Assignments will be posted once all children have matched with a rabbit
Rabbit Handling – Self Guided
My child knows how to properly handle his/her rabbit. Can I serve as the supervising adult? Yes, once your child has been assigned a rabbit and trained to properly handle it, you may come anytime during our hours of operation.
It is highly encouraged that children work with their rabbits 2+ times per week during the season (scheduled session, self-guided or scheduled via SignupGenius). Please use the binder, table, and available benches.
Please remind your child and any visiting guests, that rabbits are fragile animals. If a child is not handling their animal properly, The Farmyard reserves the right to decline this opportunity at any time. Tools, like nail clippers, should not be used without a Farmyard staff member present. If you are uncomfortable handling the rabbit alone, please reach out (ourfarmyardmaryland@gmail.com) and we will help coordinate a time.
What other activities can we expect?
We aim to combine FarmyardFun, Rabbit Facts, Personal Growth, and Community Involvement all in one! The 2025 program may include carpet square decorating, kit decorating, educational games and quizzes, nutrition plans and housing, enrichment crafts, guest speakers, showmanship and tattoo demonstrations, scavenger hunt, breed and coat pattern explanation, fair preparation and more.
Can others get involved even though packages are sold out?
We may have a few friends who drop in for specific classes. There is a $13 fee per session for families who would like to try out the program or need help with a specific topic. We cannot offer rabbits for show. Should they have one at home, we can help them continue to become more involved! They can BOOK HERE.
Showing at The Fair
Children do not have to participate in the show. He/She is welcome to attend the workshops and participate in the included chore chart session. He/She can also serve as a helper on the day of the show if they’d prefer not to compete.
- We will host a Hereford Junior Farm Fair Entry workshop to help all guardians register their children for the show.
- We typically ask families to help haul rabbits to the show.
- Hereford Junior Farm Fair is an ALL DAY EVENT (8am (or earlier)-3:30pm). Children may not leave until the conclusion of the show.
How can I get Farmyard Swag?
https://thesassyfarmhouse.company.site/products/show-team-apparelWe partner with the SASsy Farmhouse. Here is the link to our current online store.
I enrolled my child in the rabbit package and we have our own. Do we bring it?
Yes! Plan to bring your rabbit to the weekly classes if you are able. If you cannot, your child may practice with one of our rabbits. *There are various diseases that can be transmitted between rabbits. Please use caution when bringing your rabbit and when using grooming tools. If your rabbit it showing signs of illness/skin irritation, please send us photos and coordinate with our leaders. It may be best to leave it at home.*
Chores, Signups and More
- Use our Signup Genius link!
- Chore Chart
Showing at Hereford Fair
Click here for more Hereford Junior Farm Fair details
August 2nd, 2023
In place by 8am
Baltimore County Ag Center
1114 Shawan Road, Cockeysville, MD 21120
Is my family eligible? (Answer from HJFF Website)
Eligibility to Exhibit at Hereford Jr. Farm Fair:
“1) Are you 21 years of age or younger as of January 1st of this current year’s fair?
2) Are you ONE of the following:
- A Baltimore County resident?
- Attend a Baltimore County school?
- Belong to a Baltimore County 4-H or FFA Club? (We can connect you with a leader!)
3) If you answered yes to both questions 1 or 2, you CAN enter your exhibits at the Hereford Junior Farm Fair!”
What is the attire?
We will be following the Livestock Exhibitors Uniform, as stated on the Hereford Junior Farm Fair Website. “Livestock Exhibitors are required to wear the following uniform for all classes: Male -Khaki or green trousers. White shirt with collar, tucked in. Green or black neck piece optional, but encouraged. Approved neckpieces include: necktie, bow tie, bolo tie or a tied bandana. Jewelry does not qualify as a neckpiece-no exceptions Female- Khaki or green slacks or skirt (not above the knees); white shirt with a collar (no tight fit), tucked in.· Green or black neck piece optional, but encouraged. Approved neckpieces include: necktie, bow tie, bolo tie or a tied bandana. Jewelry does not qualify as a neckpiece, no exceptions.”
Important HJFF Show Rules
- Outdoor Entries: must be at Baltimore County Center for Maryland Agriculture no later than 8 am Saturday, August 2, 2025
- Exhibitors must be the owners of the animals they enter or have written consent from the owner to exhibit the animal. This consent form must be included with the entries.
- In the event that an exhibitor leaves with their animals before the designated time, they will lose all premiums for any animal shown along with any indoor entries belonging to the exhibitor. No entries may be removed before 3:30 pm on the day of the fair. Outdoor Premiums are to be picked up from the department chairman.
- Entries for outdoor departments for 2025 must be received by July 1, 2025. Entries forms must be submitted electronically through the website. Late registrations will not be accepted.