Edited: July 16, 2026
Memorandum of Understanding
Between:
Goldendale FFA Chapter
White Salmon FFA Chapter
and
Klickitat County 4-H
Concerning:
FFA and 4-H Program Operations in Klickitat County, Washington
Purpose
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is entered into by the Goldendale FFA Chapter, the White Salmon FFA Chapter, and Klickitat County 4-H for the purpose of establishing a shared understanding regarding the exhibition and judging of livestock at the Klickitat County Fair.
The parties recognize that both FFA and 4-H are youth organizations dedicated to developing leadership, responsibility, agricultural knowledge, ethical animal husbandry practices, and community involvement. While each organization maintains its own educational programming, membership requirements, and governance, they share the common objective of preparing youth for success through livestock projects and
agricultural education.
Statement of Agreement
The undersigned organizations agree that livestock exhibitors representing FFA and 4-H should compete together within the same classes at the Klickitat County Fair, regardless of organizational affiliation.
This agreement reflects the belief that livestock should be evaluated solely on their quality, performance, and the exhibitor's ability to present them, rather than on the organization through which the exhibitor participates.
Rationale
The participating organizations support combined livestock classes for the following reasons:
1. Fair and Consistent Evaluation
The Klickitat County Fair hires qualified livestock judges to evaluate animals. These judges are retained by the fair to assess all exhibits according to established industry standards. A single, unified judging process ensures that all exhibitors are evaluated under the same criteria by the same judge. FFA members and 4-H exhibitors already compete in showmanship classes that are divided according to the age of the exhibitor rather than organizational affiliation. Applying the same principle to livestock classes reinforces consistency,
fairness, and equal evaluation across all exhibitors.
2. Increased Competition
Combining FFA and 4-H exhibitors creates larger, more competitive classes. Increased competition encourages exhibitors to improve their livestock selection, feeding programs, animal care, recordkeeping, and showmanship skills.
3. Higher Standards of Excellence
Competing against all eligible exhibitors raises expectations and promotes continuous improvement. Unified classes reward excellence regardless of organizational affiliation and better reflect the competitive environments exhibitors may encounter beyond the county level.
4. Educational Value
Both organizations exist to educate youth. Exhibitors benefit from observing and competing alongside a broader group of peers, gaining exposure to different management practices, ideas, and experiences that strengthen their agricultural education.
5. Equity Among Exhibitors
Youth should have equal opportunities to compete based on merit. Separate classes based solely on organizational affiliation can create inconsistent standards and unequal competitive opportunities.
6. Efficient Use of Fair Resources
Combined classes make efficient use of the fair's facilities, volunteer support, scheduling, and judging resources. Since the fair already provides and compensates qualified judges, unified classes maximize those resources while maintaining a high-quality judging experience.
7. Strengthening the Agricultural Community
FFA and 4-H members frequently work together throughout the year in agriculture, community service, and leadership activities. Competing together fosters mutual respect, sportsmanship, collaboration, and a stronger agricultural community within Klickitat County.
8. Preparation for Future Opportunities
In industry and higher levels of competition, livestock are judged without regard to organizational membership. Unified classes better prepare exhibitors for state, regional, national, collegiate, and industry competitions where quality alone determines placing.
Mutual Commitments
The parties agree to:
• Support a fair, impartial, and educational livestock exhibition.
• Encourage positive sportsmanship and respect among all exhibitors.
• Promote cooperation between FFA and 4-H members, volunteers, advisors, leaders, and families.
• Work collaboratively with the Klickitat County Fair to maintain consistent and transparent exhibition policies.
• Advocate for judging practices that recognize excellence regardless of organizational affiliation.
Scope
This Memorandum of Understanding represents the shared position of the Goldendale FFA Chapter, the White Salmon FFA Chapter, and Klickitat County 4-H regarding combined livestock classes at the Klickitat County Fair. This document is intended to promote cooperation and provide guidance for future discussions regarding livestock exhibition policies.
Nothing in this MOU supersedes the authority of the Klickitat County Fair Board or any governing rules established by the fair, Washington State University Extension 4-H, or the National FFA Organization. Rather, it expresses the mutual commitment of the participating organizations to support combined market competition as being in the best educational interest of youth exhibitors and the agricultural community.
Effective Date
This Memorandum of Understanding becomes effective upon signature by the authorized representatives of the participating organizations and shall remain in effect until amended or terminated by mutual written agreement.
Signatures
Goldendale FFA Chapter
Advisor: Joshua Krieg
White Salmon FFA Chapter
Advisor: Emilv Gehrig
Klickitat County 4-H
Representative: Harley Clever