Livestock

If you're nervous about earning a state fair trip in your species - check out these projects that could potentially earn the opportunity to participate in State Fair Livestock Encampment!

A * next to a class indicates a State Fair eligible class.

It is recommended that classes contain at least three head, when possible, to assure a level of competition.  No animal can be shown in more than one class, except for Prospect Calves that are exhibited in the Cow/Calf and Herd classes.  Beef market animals will be weighed and shown by weights. 

Breeding Heifer Classes - Commercial or Registered

Two entries permitted per class.

• Spring Calf – born Jan 1–May 15, 2026*

• Fall Calf – born Sept 1-Dec 31, 2025*

• Summer yearling – born May 1-Aug 31, 2025*

• Junior yearling – born Jan 1-Apr 30, 2025*

• Senior yearling – born Sept 1-Dec 31, 2024*

Market Classes

Two entries permitted per class. 

Market Steer

•  Market Beef Steer – born Jan 1-Aug 31, 2025*

Market Heifer

•  Market Heifer – born Jan 1-Aug 31, 2025*

Prospect Calves

Limit one per class. Prospect market calves do not need to be from a cow/calf project. Classes for heifers and steers will be judged as market beef prospects. Prospect market steers must be castrated.

• Spring calf - Beef breeds - born Jan 1 - May 15, 2026*

• Fall calf - Beef breeds - born Sept 1 - Dec 31, 2025

• Spring calf – Beef/dairy crosses - born Jan 1 - May 15, 2026*

• Fall calf - Beef/dairy crosses - born Sept 1 - Dec 31, 2025

• Spring calf - 100% dairy breed – born Jan 1 - May 15, 2026*

• Fall calf - 100% dairy breed; born Sept 1 - Dec 31, 2025

Dairy Steer

•  Purebreed Dairy Steer -  born Jan 1-Aug 31, 2025*

•  Crossbred Dairy Steer – born Jan 1-Aug 31, 2025*

Recommended minimum weight for State Fair is 1,000 pounds; recommended maximum weight is 1,600 pounds.  Pure Breed Dairy Steers must be 100% dairy breed. The following breeds will be accepted without registration papers: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, and Jersey. Milking Shorthorn dairy steers must be registered with the American Milking Shorthorn Society and not carry the “S” suffix.

Dairy Steers showing permanent teeth may be shown, but they can place no higher than a red ribbon and they will not be eligible for State Fair or auction. 

Crossbred Dairy Steers must be at least 50% from the acceptable breeds listed for the Pure Breed Dairy Steer division, with the balance being from any other beef or dairy breed; however, the steers must show adequate dairy steer characteristics, as determined by the screening committee. Exhibitors should be prepared to identify the breeds of their crossbred dairy steer.

Beef Interview (Mandatory)

All exhibitors will take part in a 5-minute interview. Sign up with the Show Committee for time slots at the fair. 

• Senior Division - Grades 9+

• Intermediate Division - Grades 6-8

• Junior Division - Grades 3-5 

Beef Showmanship (Mandatory)

• Senior Division - Grades 11+

• Intermediate Division - Grades 8-10

• Junior Division - Grades 5-7

• Primary Division – Grades 3-4

Cow/Calf Pairs

Bull, steer, and heifer calves are eligible. Calf Jan 1 to May 15, 2026. Calf does not need to be ID’d if dairy, but cow must be. At State Fair you can enter the cow/calf class OR prospect market calf class.

•  2-year-old cow exhibited with calf*

•  Aged cow exhibited with calf*

Herd

• Herd - Three beef animals. Individual member or club exhibit.

Blue Ribbon Auction

Youth in grades 3+ are allowed one entry into the auction with an animal that has received a Blue Ribbon or higher. 4-H’ers must pre-register for the auction by June 5. The following projects are eligible in this species: 

• Beef Steer (1000 lbs.)

• Dairy Steer (1000 lbs.)

• Market Heifer (900 lbs.) 

A * next to a class indicates a State Fair eligible class.

Dairy Cows - Holstein Grade, Holstein Registered, Other Breeds, or Crossbred

May exhibit one animal per class/lot combination. If an animal is less than 87% (7/8) of any one breed, it is registers in the “Crossbred” class. Youth in grade 3 are limited to showing in calf, yearling, or two year old classes only for safety reasons.

• Spring Calf – born Mar 1-May 31, 2026*

• Winter Calf - born Dec 1, 2025-Feb 28, 2026*

• Fall Calf - born Sept 1-Nov 30, 2025*

• Summer Junior Yearling - born June 1-Aug 31, 2025*

• Spring Junior Yearling - born Mar 1-May 31, 2025*

• Winter Senior Yearling - born Dec 1, 2024-Feb 29, 2025*

• Fall Senior Yearling - born Sept 1 - Nov 30, 2024*

• Milking Yearling - born Sept 1, 2024 or later that has freshened & in milking form*

• Junior Two Year Old - born Mar 1 - Aug 31, 2024*

• Senior Two Year Old - born Sept 1, 2023-Feb 28, 2024*

• Three year old cows – born Sept 1, 2022-Aug 31, 2023*

• Four year old cows – born  Sept 1, 2021-Aug 31, 2022*

• Aged Cow - born before Sept 1, 2021*

• Dry cow - Of any age*

Dairy Showmanship

• Senior Division - Grades 9+

• Intermediate Division - Grades 6-8

• Junior Division - Grades 3-5

Dairy Interview

• Senior Division - Grades 9+

• Intermediate Division - Grades 6-8

• Junior Division - Grades 3-5

Production Class

Limit one cow per member. From an animal being shown at this year’s fair with official DHIA or DHIA owner sampler production records. Judging based on last completed 305-day record, mature equivalent. Please bring Lactation Report showing last completed record to check-in on Entry Day.

• Holstein Production

• Non-Holstein Production

4-H Herd

• Herd - Three dairy animals owned by one exhibitor. Animals that were shown in appropriate type classes.

Blue Ribbon Auction

Youth in grades 3+ are allowed one entry into the auction with an animal that has received a Blue Ribbon or higher. 4-H’ers must pre-register for the auction by June 5. The following projects are eligible in this species: 

• Dairy Basket (8 exhibitors will be selected at the dairy show - must pre-register if you're interested)

A *  next to the code indicates a State Fair eligible class.

Exhibitor may enter in each class, limited to two entries per class/breed. It is recommended that classes contain at least three head, when possible, to assure a level of competition.  If animals are not properly clipped, ribbon will be lowered one placing.  For safety reasons all dairy goats must be dis-budded/dehorned. Regrowth of less than ONE INCH allowed.

Dairy Breeds

• Junior Doe Kid – born Apr 1-June 30, 2026*

• Senior Doe Kid – born Jan 1-Mar 31, 2026*

• Dry Yearling Doe - born in 2025*

• Milking Yearling Doe - born in 2025*

• Milking Two-Year Old Doe - born in 2024*

• Milking Three to Four Year Old Doe - born in 2022 or 2023*

• Milking Five-Years and Older Doe - born before 2022*

Mother/Daughter Pair

• Mother/Daughter pair

Herd

• Herd - Three animals owned by the exhibitor; one must be a milking doe. No meat or market. Animals that were shown in appropriate type classes.

Dairy Goat Showmanship 

• Senior Division - Grades 10+

• Intermediate Division – Grades 6-9

• Junior Division - Grades 3-5 and 1st time exhibitors

Dairy Goat Interviews 

All exhibitors will take part in a five-minute interview.  Sign up for a time slot at the fair.

•  Senior Division – Grades 10+

• Intermediate Division – Grades 6-9

• Junior Division – Grades 3-5

Blue Ribbon Auction

Youth in grades 3+ are allowed one entry into the auction with an animal that has received a Blue Ribbon or higher. 4-H’ers must pre-register for the auction by June 5. The following projects are eligible in this species: 

• Dairy Goat Basket (2 exhibitors will be selected at the dairy show - must pre-register if you're interested)

A *  next to the code indicates a State Fair eligible class.

It is recommended that classes contain at least three head, when possible, to assure a level of competition.  If animals are not properly clipped, ribbon will be lowered one placing.  Meat breeding, wether dams, and market does may have horns and they do not need to be capped or blunted.  However, if an animal is deemed a safety concern at the discretion of the committee, additional safety measures may be required. Exhibitor may enter in each class, limited to three entries per class. Market Animals must be a minimum of 40 pounds. 

Market Goats

Born: November 1, 2025-April 30, 2026.  Must be disbudded and considered terminal.  Cannot be shown in any other classes

Meat Market Goat - considered terminal at end of season

• Market Goat – altered male, no bucks *

• Market Goat – female*

Dairy Market Goat

• Dairy Market Goat – altered male, no bucks*

• Dairy Market Goat – female

Meat Breeding Doe

Market Breeding Doe (registered or grade)

• Junior Market Breeding Doe, born Mar 1-May 31, 2026*

• Senior Market Breeding Doe, born Dec 1, 2025-Feb 28, 2026*

• Breeding Dry Yearling Market Doe, born Sept 1, 2024 - Nov 30, 2025—never kidded*

• Market Wether Dam, born Sept 1 2024 - April 30, 2026

Market Goat Showmanship 

• Senior Division - Grades 10+

• Intermediate Division - Grades 6-9

• Junior Division - Grades 3-5 

Herd

• Best Market Herd – Three market animals

Meat Goat Interviews

All exhibitors will take part in a five-minute interview.  Sign up for a time slot at the fair.

• Senior Division – Grades 10+

• Intermediate Division – Grades 6-9

• Junior Division – Grades 3-5

Blue Ribbon Auction

Youth in grades 3+ are allowed one entry into the auction with an animal that has received a Blue Ribbon or higher. 4-H’ers must pre-register for the auction by June 5. The following projects are eligible in this species: 

• Market (minimum weight depends on breed)

• Market Breeding Goats

A *  next to the code indicates a State Fair eligible class.

Exhibitors are limited to one pen of birds per class and no more than ten pens of birds total. Entries in the Show and Hobby class are in addition to this limit. All classes must consist of the same breed and variety. Species champions may be selected at judge’s discretion. All birds need to be leg banded for identification (bands are available at the Extension Office or at fair check-in) and must be accompanied at check-in by required health paperwork. 4-H’ers are responsible for feeding, watering, and caring for their birds every day at fair. Failure to care for your birds could result in disqualification and/or birds being sent home by decision of the show superintendents.

• All breeding birds must be purebred and listed as an American Poultry Association (APA) recognized breed. More information about APA recognized breeds can be found in the APA Standard of Perfection handbook or on the American Poultry Association website under Accepted Breeds and Varieties.

• All pigeons and doves will be judged according to the National Pigeon Association (NPA) Book of Pigeon Standards.

• Commercial breeds are recommended for all market and egg production classes.

Poultry Showmanship

• Senior Division – Grades 9+

• Intermediate Division – Grades 6-8

• Junior Division – Grades 3-5

Poultry Interview 

All exhibitors will take part in a five-minute interview.  Sign up for a time slot at the fair.

• Senior Division – Grades 9+

• Intermediate Division – Grades 6-8

• Junior Division – Grades 3-5

Chickens

• Market pen of two males or two females of same breed emphasizing meat market qualities*

• Breeding pen of one male & two females*

• Bantam Breeding pen of one male & two females*

• Egg Production pen of two pullets, white egg layers (hybrid)*

• Egg Production pen of two pullets, brown egg layers (commercial purebred or hybrid; hybrids are preferred) *

Doves

• Purebred breeding pair*

Ducks

• Market pen of two males or two females of same breed emphasizing meat market qualities*

• Breeding pen of one male & two females*

• Bantam breeding pen of one male & two females*

Geese

• Market pen of two males or two females of same breed emphasizing meat market qualities*

• Breeding pen of one male & two females*

Guinea

• Pearls, Whites, and Lavender breeds only*

• Market pen of two males or two females – same breed*

• Breeding pen of one male & two females – same breed*

Quail

• Market Pen of three birds - same type*

• Breeding pen of five birds - one male & four females*

• Laying pen of three females*

Turkeys - Domestic only

• Market pen of two males or two females*

• Breeding pen of one male & two females*

Pigeons

Must be banded with a seamless leg band.

• Utility, breeding pair*

• Utility, young bird male or female (this year’s band)*

• Fancy, breeding pair*

• Fancy, young bird male or female (this year’s band)*

• Flying, breeding pair*

• Flying, young bird male or female (this year’s band)*

Show & Hobby (Not State Fair Eligible)

* Other poultry, one bird (no game birds or pheasants), no age limit*

Blue Ribbon Auction

Youth in grades 3+ are allowed one entry into the auction with an animal that has received a Blue Ribbon or higher. 4-H’ers must pre-register for the auction by June 5. The following projects are eligible in this species: 

• Breeding Ducks

• Market Turkeys

• Breeding Chickens

• Production Laying Chickens

• Market Geese

• Breeding Turkeys

• Quail

• Pigeons

• Market Ducks

• Breeding Geese

• Market Chickens

A * next to the code indicates a State Fair eligible class.

Members may exhibit up to 15 rabbits/pens. A member may exhibit no more than three rabbits of the same age, sex, and breed. The committee reserves the right to combine classes of less than 6. Exhibitors must stay in the show area until they are done showing all classes. Champions and other awards are selected at the judge’s discretion. Rabbit exhibitors should have rabbit carriers at the rabbit show to transport rabbits. No health certificate is required; however, rabbits will be sent home at discretion of official veterinarian upon evidence of ear mites, obvious colds, or conditions requiring treatment. All rabbits must be purebred and an American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognized breed. More information about ARBA recognized breeds can be found in the ARBA Standard of Perfection or ARBA website. Each rabbit must be permanently tattooed in the left ear for identification purposes. Interviews will be required for State Fair line-up members 6th grade and older. Sign up for a time slot after the show and sign up on County Fair Registration.

Rabbit Interviews 

• Senior Division – Grades 9+

• Intermediate Division – Grades 6-8

• Junior Division – Grades 3-5

Rabbit Showmanship

Please wear long-sleeve shirts of a solid color (no writing or advertising).

• Senior Division – Grades 9+

• Intermediate Division – Grades 6-8

• Junior Division – Grades 3-5

Breeding Rabbits - Small Breeds

Dutch, Florida White, Holland Lop, Jersey Wooly, Mini Lop, Mini Rex, Netherland Dwarf, Polish, Rex, American Fuzzy Lop, American Sable, Dwarf Hotot, English Angora, French Angora, Satin Angora, Belgian Hare, Britannia Petite, Standard Chinchilla, English Spot, Harlequin, Havana, Himalayan, Lilac, Lion Head, Rhinelander, Silver, Silver Marten, and Thrianta.

• Junior Buck, under 6 months*

• Junior Doe, under 6 months*

• Senior Buck, over 6 months*

• Senior Doe, over 6 months*

Breeding Rabbits - Large/Running Breeds

New Zealand, Satin, American Giant Angora, Belgian Hare, Bevern, Californian, Champagne d'argent, Checkered Giant, American Chinchilla, Giant Chinchilla, Cinnamon, Crème d'argent, Flemish Giant, French Lop, Hotot, English Lop, Palomino and Silver Fox.  Running Breeds include Checkered Giant, English Spot, Rhinelander and Tan.

•  Junior Buck, under 6 months*

•  Junior Doe, under 6 months*

•  Intermediate Buck, 6-8 months*

•  Intermediate Doe, 6-8 months*

•  Senior Buck, over 8 months*

•  Senior Doe, over 8 months*

Breeding Rabbits - Crossbred/Any Other Variety

Judged on condition. If the judge determines that your rabbit meets the standards for a purebred, it will be moved. First class judged.

• Crossbred/Any Other Variety

Market Rabbits

Market rabbits should be 3.5 to 5.5 lbs. and less than 70 days old on show day (born after May 15, 2026). Members must own the doe producing the fryers or meat pen by May 15th and include a portion of the doe’s tattoo in their individual tattoo. For pens, all must be same breed and variety (color). May be purebred or crossbred. To accept a State Fair trip with these, members need back-up animals of same breed that will meet age and weight requirements for State Fair. 

• Single Fryer*

• Pen of Three*

Blue Ribbon Auction

Youth in grades 3+ are allowed one entry into the auction with an animal that has received a Blue Ribbon or higher. 4-H’ers must pre-register for the auction by June 5. The following projects are eligible in this species: 

• Rabbit Fryers

• Breeding Rabbit (Doe/Buck)

A *  next to the code indicates a State Fair eligible class.

NEW: Maximum of seven animals total.  No more than six market lambs or six breeding ewes.  Sheep with evidence of fungus, pink eye, warts, abscesses, or sore mouth will be sent home.

Breeding Ewes 

Limit two entries per class. Maximum of six breeding ewes permitted.

• Registered Lamb, Grade Lamb, or Wool Breed Lamb

• Fall Ewe Lamb - born between Sept 1 and Dec 31, 2025*

• January Breeding Ewe Lamb - born in Jan 2026*

• February Breeding Ewe Lamb - born in Feb 2026*

• March Breeding Ewe Lamb - born in Mar 2026*

• After March Ewe Lamb - born after Mar 31, 2026

• Yearling Ewe - Over 1 yr and under 2 yrs of age & not show evidence of 4 permanent incisors *

Market Lambs

Limit two per class. May be ewes or wethers. State Fair suggested market lamb weight is 105-170 lbs. White Face can have speckled skin. 

• Black Face – Born on or after Dec 1, 2025*

• White Face – Born on or after Dec 1, 2025*

• Speckled Face – Born on or after Dec 1, 2025*

Sheep Showmanship

• Senior Division, Grades 9+

• Intermediate Division, Grades 6-8

• Junior Division, Grades 3-5

Breeding Flock

• Breeding Flock - Three animals owned by the same exhibitor (may include market wether). Animals there were shown in appropriate type classes.

Lamb Lead - Show: Saturday, 8:30 A.M.

Groom and train a sheep and wear an outfit made from at least 60% wool (more than just accessories or socks). Exhibitors will be judged on project knowledge, poise, their outfit, and their lamb. Exhibitors will receive Merit Award ribbons.  Lamb lead exhibitors will need to fill out a lamb lead narrative form and return to the Extension office by July 15.

• Senior Division – Grade 9+

• Intermediate Division – Grades 6-8

• Junior Division – Grade 3-5

• Cloverbud Division – Grade K-2

NOTE: 4-H’ers who participate in Lamb Lead at the State Fair this year will receive a $30 cash award, provided by the Minnesota Livestock Breeders’ Association (MLBA). 

Fleece - Judging on Friday, exhibitor need not be present

Wool fleece from sheep representative of exhibitor’s flock, bred and owned by the exhibitor. Fleeces no less than 3" in length but no more than 13 months’ growth. Fleeces that earn a blue ribbon at County Fair are eligible for judging at the State Fair, but the exhibitor does not accompany the entry to State Fair.

• One white fleece (limit 2)*

• One colored fleece (limit 2)*

Blue Ribbon Auction

Youth in grades 3+ are allowed one entry into the auction with an animal that has received a Blue Ribbon or higher. 4-H’ers must pre-register for the auction by June 5. The following projects are eligible in this species: 

• Market Lambs (100 lbs.)

• Breeding Lambs

A *  next to the code indicates a State Fair eligible class.

You may bring up to 4 gilts per 4-H’er with a maximum of 3 breeding gilts or 3 market gilts. You may bring up to 3 barrows. No more than 7 hogs per exhibitor. Champion barrows and gilts will never compete, and State Fair auction limitations will be in place. Swine do NOT need to be tested for pseudo-rabies prior to the fair. The swine show will not be terminal. Market hogs will be shown in weight classes.  See Swine Information Sheet for weight guidelines.  Please bring wood shavings, as needed, for your animals.

** If you do not know if your gilt will be exhibited as breeding or market gilt at the time of registration, please make your best guess.  Changes will be allowed between those two classes at check-in. 

Breeding Gilts

Gilt born January, February, or March of current year.

• Registered Gilt – All Breeds*

• Crossbred/Commercial Gilts – All Breeds*

Market Gilts

Born on or after January 1 of current year. Recommended farrow date of Feb 1 or after of current year.

• Market Gilt – All Breeds*

• Rate of Gain*

Market Barrows

All market barrows must be entered in Rate of Gain and will be weighed during the show. Beginning weights to be recorded on ID form by May 15. Barrows will be judged by weight class determined by Show Committee. Born on or after January 1 of current year. Recommended farrow date of Feb 1 or after.

• Purebred Market Barrow*

• Crossbred Market Barrow*

• Rate of Gain*

Swine Interview  

• Senior Division, Grades 8+

• Junior Division, Grades 3-7

Swine Showmanship

• Senior Division, Grades 8+

• Junior Division, Grades 3-7

Blue Ribbon Auction

Youth in grades 3+ are allowed one entry into the auction with an animal that has received a Blue Ribbon or higher. 4-H’ers must pre-register for the auction by June 5. The following projects are eligible in this species: 

• Market Barrow (200 lbs.)

• Market Gilts (190 lbs.)

• Breeding Gilts