The Wisconsin State Fair encourages anyone to submit proposed changes to competition rules and procedures to the Wisconsin State Fair Agriculture Committee. Suggestions may be submitted at any time throughout the year, however those submitted early in the fall have the best opportunity to be reviewed and possibly implemented for the next state fair. The process begins with all suggestions being considered by the Agriculture Committee. After consideration, the proposed change will either be adopted as is, modified and adopted or tabled and posted on the Wisconsin State Fair website for public input. The process ends when the Ag Committee adopts the changes or decides to take no action. Approved changes deemed minor by the Ag Committee could be implemented for the next State Fair. Changes deemed significant are more likely to be implemented in the second state fair after being proposed. The general structure is as follows:

1) Anytime Prior to the Agriculture Committee’s Fall 20-A Meeting
Individuals, industry groups, or Fair Park management interested in changing a rule must submit proposed changes at least one month before the fall meeting.  Submissions must include rationale for making a change, including benefits and costs.

2) Agriculture Committee’s Fall 20-A Meeting
The Agriculture Director presents each rule change proposal.  The Agriculture Committee asks questions of the Director or the entity proposing a rule change to fully understand its purpose.  With the advice of its Advisory Council, the Agriculture Committee decides either to 1) retain the existing rule; 2) agree to consider a change and seek public input; or 3) if there are no serious concerns, approve minor rule changes effective in the upcoming state fair, (effective in the 20-B state fair).

3) Activity after Fall 20-A Meeting and before Spring 20-B Meeting
Fair Park Agriculture Director notifies industry groups that would be affected of the proposed change as well as exhibitors that have provided email addresses for this purpose.  These groups and individuals will be referred to the Fair Park website to review the proposal, including the expected benefits and consequences of change.  Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments on-line or by mail.  Responses are required to include support for the position taken and an explanation for any recommended amendments to the proposed rule.  Responses must be received one month prior to the spring 20-B Agriculture Committee meeting. 

4) Agriculture Committee’s Spring 20-B Meeting
The Agriculture Director presents summary feedback on each proposed rule change.  The Agriculture Committee asks questions of the Director and if necessary, the entity or individual that provided feedback to fully understand the position.  With the advice of its Advisory Council, the Agriculture Committee decides either to 1) retain the existing rule; 2) agree to consider a modification to a proposed rule change and seek additional industry and public input; or 3) if there is a majority consensus of the benefits and need of the proposed change, approve rule change effective in the state fair after the upcoming state fair, (effective in 20-C state fair).

5) Activity after Spring 20-B Meeting and before Fall 20-B Meeting
For proposed rule changes marked for additional public input, the Fair Park Agriculture Director notifies industry groups that would be affected of the proposed change as well as exhibitors that have provided email addresses for this purpose.  These groups and individuals will be referred to the Fair Park website to once again review the proposal, including the expected benefits and consequences of change.  Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments on-line or by mail.  Responses are required to include support for the position taken and an explanation for any recommended amendments to the proposed rule.  Responses must be received one month prior to the fall 20-B Agriculture Committee meeting. 

6) Agriculture Committee’s Fall 20-B Meeting
The Agriculture Director presents summary feedback on possible modification to a proposed rule change.  The Agriculture Committee asks questions of the Director and if necessary, the entity that provided feedback to fully understand the position.  With the advice of its Advisory Council, the Agriculture Committee decides either to 1) retain the existing rule; 2) agree to consider even more modifications to a proposed rule change and seek additional industry input; or 3) if there is a majority consensus of the benefits and need of the proposed change, approve rule change effective in the next state fair, (effective in 20-C state fair).

7) The process can continue until a consensus is reached on change or to retain the existing rule.

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