Show Information

Show Rules

• Blue ribbon winners at county or local fairs are eligible, if approved by the Local Extension Educator. All animals must be shown in the same class they were awarded a blue ribbon in at the county show. 

• Animal exhibits shown at the NE Livestock Show must be the same animal that earned a blue ribbon at the county fair. The only exceptions are market swine whose county fair swine show date is more than three weeks (21 days) prior to the date of the NELS market hog show or counties with terminal hog shows. Poultry and rabbit fryers (from properly identified does) must be from the same flock or herd as those shown at county fair and identified by the animal identification deadline. 

• The same animal cannot be shown at both the State Fair and the NE 4-H Livestock Show.

• Each exhibitor is limited to one animal entry.

• The exhibitors must furnish all supplies (including shavings, hay & straw, feed, buckets, etc.).

• The NE Livestock Show staff reserves the right to adjust or combine any classes per registration numbers; this will be announced at orientation.

• No refunds will be given after Friday, September 11. 

• There are no quotas beyond having received a blue ribbon in the county.

• 4-H members must have completed third grade or be older to be eligible to show.

• ALL exhibitors that have completed grades 6+ must complete the 4-H Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics Training or YQCA certification prior to the NE Livestock Show.

• Animals must meet the standard MN 4-H livestock identification requirements and have been identified with the exhibitor’s County Extension Office by the appropriate dates.

• Registered animals must present an original registration certificate at verification. All other animals will be in the “commercial” class. 

• Exhibits that do not match their identification information as pre-registered for the show will not be eligible for Champion or Reserve Champion awards. 

• During the show, each exhibitor should groom, feed and care for his/her own animal. Parental support is encouraged, but parental grooming of animals and herdsmanship are discouraged.

• Champion and Reserve Champion premiums will be sent out following the show UNLESS member OR animal eligibility is challenged; in which case the premium will be retained until the eligibility question is resolved.

• Animal ownership and lease requirements will follow those of Minnesota 4-H.  

• 4-H State Fair Premium Book rules and regulations will be followed, including Exhibiting, Grooming & Fitting and Fluid Administration. Copies are available from your County Extension Office.  

• The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) National Code of Show Ring Ethics will be followed. https://z.umn.edu/8nsl