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People who compete in 4-H livestock competitions at the South Dakota State Fair will have to submit DNA samples from their animals beginning next year.
South Dakota 4-H Livestock Show Management Coordinator Rod Geppert says the rule is aimed at preventing cheating and protecting the integrity of 4-H competitions.
South Dakota 4-H is involved in a legal battle with a White Lake man whose 16-year-old daughter was banned from 4-H competition for allegedly cheating by showing a hog at the 2011 State Fair that previously had competed at the Missouri State Fair - a violation of the 4-H code of ethics. The family of Bayley Kroupa denies the accusation.
Geppert says the lawsuit isn't the only reason for the new rule, but it is a factor.