On-Farm Participant Agreement

Watauga Meats and Butchery, LLC DBA Shipley Farms Foods

1699 Linville Creek Road, Vilas, NC 28692

Effective September 9, 2026

Sign this agreement

This agreement covers your attendance at this event, hosted by Shipley Farms Foods at its property in Vilas, North Carolina. By registering and signing below, you agree to its terms.

I. Parties and Purpose

The undersigned ("Participant"), being of legal age (18 or older) or signing in conjunction with a parent or legal guardian if under 18, wishes to attend and take part in an event or activity hosted by Watauga Meats and Butchery, LLC d/b/a Shipley Farms Foods ("Farm") at its property in Vilas, North Carolina. Covered activities include, but are not limited to, farm tours, farm-to-table dinners, tastings, workshops, and similar hosted events ("Event"). In exchange for being permitted to attend the Event and access Farm property, Participant agrees to the terms of this agreement.

II. Acknowledgment of Risks

Participant acknowledges that visiting the Farm and attending the Event involves inherent risks and dangers, including but not limited to:

1. The unpredictable behavior of livestock, which may result in injury, harm, or death to persons on or around them, including kicking, biting, trampling, or other sudden reactions to sounds, movements, unfamiliar objects, or persons;
2. Hazards posed by barns, buildings, fences, gates, structures, and machinery, including uneven flooring, exposed nails, sharp objects, or other conditions that may cause injury;
3. Uneven or hazardous terrain, including slippery surfaces, holes, roots, rocks, and changes in ground level;
4. The presence and movement of farm vehicles, tractors, trailers, and equipment on farm roads and in activity areas;
5. Exposure to weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, or sun;
6. Potential allergic reactions, infections, or illnesses from exposure or contact with animals, plants, soil, insects, or chemicals, including stings or bites from bees, ticks, or other insects, and exposure to animal waste or zoonotic disease;
7. Food-related risks, including exposure to common food allergens and the risks associated with consuming raw, undercooked, or minimally processed food and beverages served as part of the Event;
8. Where alcohol is served at an Event, the consumption of alcoholic beverages, including impaired judgment, coordination, or reaction time, and the risks of interacting with livestock, equipment, or uneven terrain while impaired. Where served, alcohol is provided under a permit held by Farm's catering partner, not by Farm directly.
9. The actions of other guests, Farm personnel, or third parties, including ordinary negligence that may contribute to injury;
10. Injury resulting from Participant's own actions, including failure to follow instructions or exercise reasonable caution.

Participant understands that these risks are intrinsic to farm activities and cannot be fully eliminated even with reasonable care. Participant expressly agrees to assume all such risks, known and unknown, and waives all rights to sue for injuries or damages caused by these risks.

III. Release and Waiver of Liability

In consideration of being permitted to attend the Event and access Farm property, Participant hereby waives, releases, and forever discharges Farm, its owners, operators, employees, agents, successors, and assigns (collectively, "Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, lawsuits, damages, or liabilities of any kind — whether in law or equity, known or unknown — arising from or related to Participant's attendance at the Event or presence on Farm property. This release includes claims for personal injury, property damage, or death, including those arising from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties, but excludes claims arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

IV. Indemnification

Participant agrees to be liable for, and to reimburse Farm for, any damage to Farm property, equipment, livestock, or structures caused by Participant's intentional acts, recklessness, or failure to follow instructions.

V. Food Safety and Allergies

Participant acknowledges that food and beverages served at the Event may be raw, undercooked, or minimally processed, and may contain or come into contact with common allergens. Participant is responsible for notifying Farm of any food allergy or dietary restriction at least five (5) business days before the Event, via the registration form or by contacting Farm directly. Farm will make reasonable efforts to accommodate disclosed allergies and restrictions but cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

VI. Conduct and Supervision

Participant agrees to follow all verbal and written instructions given by Farm personnel, to stay within designated areas unless accompanied by Farm staff, and to immediately report unsafe conditions or injuries to Farm personnel. Any minor attending the Event must remain under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian at all times. Certain Events may carry their own age restrictions or requirements, which will be stated at the time of registration. Pets are not permitted at Farm events except with Farm's advance written permission. Where permitted, pets must remain on-leash and under the direct control of an adult at all times. Farm reserves the right to refuse admission to, or require the removal of, any pet for any reason.

VII. Medical Treatment

Participant acknowledges that Farm does not provide health, accident, or liability insurance for guests. Participant is responsible for their own insurance coverage. Participant authorizes Farm to secure emergency medical treatment if necessary and agrees to assume all costs of such treatment. Participant releases Farm from any liability related to medical treatment decisions or delays in obtaining care.

VIII. Media Release

Participant grants Farm the right to photograph, video, or otherwise record Participant's attendance at the Event and to use such media for promotional, educational, or commercial purposes without compensation or approval rights. Participants who prefer not to be photographed may identify themselves to Farm staff at check-in.

IX. Registration, Ticketing, and Cancellation

Attendance at the Event is subject to Farm's ticketing, cancellation, and refund policies as stated at the time of purchase. Farm reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel an Event due to weather or other conditions affecting safety, in which case Farm will offer Participant a refund or the option to reschedule.

For group registrations, each individual Participant is responsible for completing this Agreement before attending the Event. Any Participant who has not completed this Agreement in advance may be required to do so on-site before being admitted to the Event.

X. Parental/Guardian Consent (If Applicable)

If Participant is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must also sign this agreement on the minor's behalf. By signing, the parent or guardian:

1. Waives their own and the minor's rights to sue the Released Parties, to the extent permitted by law;
2. Assumes, on behalf of themselves and the minor, all risks described herein;
3. Agrees to indemnify Farm as described in Section IV;
4. Certifies that they have the legal authority to consent on the minor's behalf and that the minor has no medical, physical, or psychological condition that would increase the risk of injury from attending the Event.

XI. Governing Law, Venue, and Severability

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina. Any action arising out of or relating to this agreement must be brought in the state or federal courts located in or serving Watauga County, North Carolina. If any provision of this agreement is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

XII. Electronic Signature

Participant agrees that completing registration and signing below constitutes an electronic signature with the same legal effect as a handwritten signature, consistent with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) and applicable North Carolina law.

XIII. Voluntary Execution

Participant has read this Liability Waiver, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement, fully understands its terms, and acknowledges giving up substantial rights, including the right to sue. Participant signs this agreement freely and voluntarily. This agreement covers the Event for which Participant is registering and applies to all locations where Farm conducts the Event.