Rules
- General Rules - Nebraska State Fair Livestock General Rules & Regulations apply to this department. It is strongly encouraged that all exhibitors read and understand the Nebraska State Fair Livestock General Rules and Regulations and Livestock Health Requirements. These documents can be found on the Nebraska State Fair website.
- Health Requirements - See Health Requirements for Animals Exhibited at the Nebraska State Fair for additional information.
- Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) - Nebraska 4-H requires all youth enrolled in livestock projects to complete annual quality assurance training through Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA). Refer to the Nebraska State Fair General Rules and Regulations for additional information.
- Show Entry - For purposes of exhibition, an animal can be nominated for the State Fair in both 4-H and FFA but only shown in one organization or the other, not both.
- Entry Deadline - All applications for an entry must be made online at www.statefair.org. All 4-H entries must be made through the State Fair website by 8:00 PM CT on August 10.
- Number of Entries per Exhibitor - A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting up to five beef animals.
- Show Schedule - See Nebraska State Fair Livestock Schedule for arrival, check-in and show times and dates.
- Dress Code - When showing animals, exhibitors must wear the official State Fair 4-H shirt. No exhibitor number harnesses may be worn. Blue jeans are appropriate. Hats shall not be worn in the show ring. Refer to Nebraska State Fair Livestock General Rules and Regulations.
- Showmanship - All 4-H exhibitors are automatically registered but not required to show in Showmanship. Exhibitors must show their own animal and the animal must be entered and exhibited in a breeding, feeder, or market class. See additional guidelines and information in the Showmanship section below. Review the Nebraska State Fair Schedule for times and dates.
- Substitutions - Any animal may be substituted for an animal within the species that has been properly nominated on the exhibitor's online nomination database list.
- Grooming - All beef, swine, sheep, and goats (showmanship, market, feeder and breeding) will be shown Blow & Go. Animals may be clipped, blown, brushed, or combed to enhance their appearance. All animals will be shown free of any adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products. Reference the Nebraska State Fair Livestock General Rules and Regulations for specific guidelines.
- Toweling Protocol - All beef will be subject to visual inspection and/or toweling for the presence of adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products. A toweling inspection will be incorporated for all 1st and 2nd place class winners (showmanship, breeding, market). The 3rd place class winner may be requested back if the 1st or 2nd place class winner does not pass inspection. All animals entering the Final Drive will be subject to a toweling inspection before entering the show ring. Toweling of the animal may include but is not limited to the topline, legs, chest, belly and flank. If, after inspection, the animal is found to have adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products applied it will be disqualified from competition. Any premiums (physical or monetary) will be forfeited, and no refunds will be made.
- Tie-Outs - Refer to the Nebraska State Fair General Rules and Regulations for additional information.
- Handling Equipment - Halters with throat straps, nose leads, barbed or studded show halter chain leads and other equipment determined to be distracting or severe to the animal by the division superintendent will not be permitted.
- Blocking Chutes, Fans, Generators - Refer to Nebraska State Fair Livestock General Rules and Regulations.
- Awards - Exhibitors will receive awards for the Division Champions, Reserve Division Champions, Grand Champion Overall, Reserve Grand Champion Overall, and 3rd Overall. Only entries receiving a purple ribbon are eligible to receive champion and reserve awards.
- Release of Exhibits - All animals will be released according to the Nebraska State Fair release schedule.
State Fair Eligibility
- Youth must be enrolled in 4-H by June 15 of the current year.
- A 4-H member must be 8 before January 1, of the current year, or becomes 9 years of age during the current year. The last year of eligibility is the calendar year the member becomes 19.
Identification & Nomination
All livestock in contention to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair will be required to complete an online nomination with payment through Show Stock Manager and submit a DNA collector envelope with a hair sample. This includes all 4-H and FFA breeding livestock, market livestock, and feeder calves. Each State Fair nomination will be $7.00 per animal. 4-H and FFA livestock nominations are due on June 15, 2025.
Refer to the State Fair Livestock Identification and Nomination Requirements for additional information on exhibitor eligibility at the State Fair.
State Fair Entry Limit
A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting up to five beef animals.
Division: Breeding Beef
Class
ANGUS HEIFERS, DIVISION 12
Angus Heifers-Must be registered in the American Angus Association.
- G012004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G012010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G012020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G012030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G012040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G012050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G012060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G012070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
CHAROLAIS HEIFERS, DIVISION 13
Charolais Heifers-Must have an American-International Charolais Association (AICA) registration certificate and must be 100% purebred Charolais.
- G013004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G013010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G013020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G013030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G013040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G013050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G013060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G013070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
COMPOSITE CHAROLAIS HEIFERS, DIVISION 24
Composite Charolais Heifers-These heifers must have an AICA Charolais-Cross Record and must be at least 50% or more Charolais influence, i.e. be sired by a registered purebred Charolais bull or be out of a registered purebred Charolais female.
- G024004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G024010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G024020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2023
- G024030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G024040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G024050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G024060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G024070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
CHIANINA HEIFERS, DIVISION 14
Chianina Heifers-Must be registered in the American Chianina Association. Includes Chiangus, Chianina, Chiford, or Chimaine.
- G014004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G014010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G014020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G014030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2023
- G014040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G014050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G014060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G014070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
COMMERCIAL HEIFERS, DIVISION 15
Commercial heifers will be classed by weight at State Fair. All heifers must be born between August 1, 2023 and April 30, 2025 (should be bred but not calved prior to show).
- G015000 Commercial Breeding Heifer
GELBVIEH HEIFERS, DIVISION 16
Gelbvieh Heifers-Must be registered in the American Gelbvieh Association.
- G016004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G016010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G016020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G016030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G016040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G016050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G016060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G016070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
BALANCER HEIFERS, DIVISION 25
Balancer Heifers-Must be registered with the American Gelbvieh Association and be 25-75% Gelbvieh and 25-75% Red Angus or Angus with a maximum of 12.5% unknown or other breed.
- G025004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G025010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G025020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G025030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G025040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G025050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G025060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G025070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 20245
HEREFORD & POLLED HEREFORD HEIFERS, DIVISION 17
Hereford and Polled Hereford Heifers-Must be registered with the American Hereford Association. Miniature Hereford heifers are not acceptable and should enter in the AOB division.
- G017004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G017010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G017020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G017030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G017040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G017050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2023G017060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G017070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
LIMOUSIN HEIFERS, DIVISION 18
Limousin Heifers-Must be registered with the North American Limousin Foundation.
- G018004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G018010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G018020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G018030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G018040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G018050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G018060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G018070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
LIMFLEX HEIFERS, DIVISION 26
LimFlex Heifers-Must be registered with the North American Limousin Foundation and must be 37.5-75% Limousin and 25-62.5% Angus or Red Angus.
- G026004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G026010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G026020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G026030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G026040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G026050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G026060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G026070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
MAINE ANJOU HEIFERS, DIVISION 19
Maine Anjou Heifers-Must be registered with the American Main-Anjou Association and must be 75% Maine or higher. Chimaine are not accepted.
- G019004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G019010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G019020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G019030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G019040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G019050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G019060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G019070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
MAINETAINER HEIFERS, DIVISION 27
Mainetainer Heifers-Must be registered with the American Maine-Anjou Association and be 25 - 62.5% Maine-Anjou.
- G027004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G027010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G027020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G027030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G027040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G027050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G027060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G027070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
PIEDMONTESE
Piedmontese Heifers-Must be registered with the Piedmontese Association of the United States.
- G060060 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G060061 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G060062 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G060063 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G060064 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G060065 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G060066 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G060067 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
RED ANGUS HEIFERS, DIVISION 20
Red Angus Heifers-Must be registered with the Red Angus Association of America.
- G020004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G020010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G020020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G020030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G020040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G020050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G020060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G020070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
SHORTHORN HEIFERS, DIVISION 21
Shorthorn Heifers-Must be registered with the American Shorthorn Association and must be 15/16 registered purebreds.
- G021004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G021010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G021020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G021030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G021040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G021050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G021060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G021070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
SHORTHORN PLUS HEIFERS, DIVISION 28
Shorthorn Plus Heifers-Must be registered with the American Shorthorn Association and must be at least ¼ blood and up to and including 7/8 blood Shorthorn.
- G028004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G028010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G028020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G028030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G028040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G028050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G028060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G028070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
SIMMENTAL HEIFERS, DIVISION 22
Simmental Heifers-Must be registered with the American Simmental Association and must be 75.1% or higher.
- G022004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G022010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G022021 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G022030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G022040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G022050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G022060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G022070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
FOUNDATION SIMMENTAL HEIFERS, DIVISION 29
Foundation Simmental Heifers-Must be registered with the American Simmental Association and must be 50-75% Simmental.
- G029004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G029010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G029020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G029030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G029040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G029050 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G029060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G029070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
ALL OTHER BREEDS (AOB) HEIFERS, DIVISION 23
All Other Breeds (AOB) Heifers-The AOB division may include registered heifers for which a separate division is not listed, but which meet their state breed associations' criteria for exhibition, or registered heifers with registration papers not meeting the state's breed association requirements listed above. Heifers entered in the AOB class must have appropriate registration papers.
- G023004 Senior Yearling Heifers-Calved August through Dec. 2023 (should be bred but not calved prior to show)
- G023010 Junior Yearling Heifers-Calved Jan. and Feb. 2024
- G023020 Spring Yearling Heifers-Calved March and April 2024
- G023030 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved May and June 2024
- G023040 Summer or Intermediate Summer or Intermediate Yearling Heifers-Calved July and Aug. 2024
- G023050 Fall Heifer Calves-Caved Sept. and Oct. 2024
- G023060 Fall Heifer Calves-Calved Nov. and Dec. 2024
- G023070 Junior Breeding Heifer-Calved January through April 2025
Rules
- Breeding Beef Identification Requirements - All breeding heifers to be shown at State Fair must be owned by the exhibitor, completed the online nomination with payment through the official online database, and have the DNA collector envelope with hair sample turned in the County Extension Office by June 15. Registered heifers MUST have legible tattoo matching registration and online nomination. Commercial heifers may have a legible tattoo OR an EID tag matching the online nomination. ***Any heifer not having a legible tattoo or that shows evidence of a fresh or recent tattoo, will be disqualified from the show. A fresh or recent tattoo is one that shows physical evidence of needle penetration of the skin that has not had time to properly heal (i.e., significant redness, scabbing, or bleeding). A fresh or recent tattoo may also be indicated by presence of ink within the ear that wipes onto a clean cloth upon tattoo inspection. Heifers must have a corresponding tattoo and registration papers by June 15. If heifers need to be re-tattooed after June 15, contact your County Extension Office for specific instructions. A calf-hood vaccination tattoo is not considered an official identification tattoo. All heifers will be checked for tattoos.
- Registration of Breeding Heifers - To be eligible to show in a registered class, the heifer must be owned by the exhibitor, have an official breed registration, and be identified with a legible ear tattoo or identification type that is accepted by the association and corresponds with the registration papers, completed the online nomination with payment through the official online database, and have the DNA collector envelope with hair samples submitted to their County Extension Office by June 15. Breeding heifers must be recognized as registered and eligible to show by their respective state breed association to show in the registered classes. Original registration certificates for all breeds, must be presented at check in. The registration paper must show the exhibitor's name or a co-owner who is an immediate member of the exhibitor's family and is listed with the online nomination in the official online database. Family farm or ranch names will not be accepted. Only breeding heifers recognized as registered and eligible to show by their respective state Breed Associations will be allowed to compete in the breed classes. Original registration papers or electronic document presented using a tablet or smart phone will be accepted if pulled up or downloaded from their respective breed website. NO PRINTED PAPER COPIES OR SCREENSHOTS ACCEPTED. Animals whose registration papers are not approved for a specific breed division will show in the commercial division at the discretion of the Beef Superintendent. These heifers will need to follow guidelines outlined under commercial heifers.
- Commercial Breeding Heifers - All commercial breeding heifers to be shown at State Fair must be owned by the exhibitor, completed the online nomination with payment through the official online database, and have the DNA collector envelope with hair sample turned in the County Extension Office by June 15. To be eligible for show, a commercial breeding heifer must be owned by exhibitor, have completed and turned in a weigh card and be identified by either an ear tattoo (bangs tattoo or metal ear tag will not be accepted) OR EID tag. Commercial breeding heifers will be classed by weight as identified on their respective weigh card to be turned in during breeding heifer check-in at the Nebraska State Fair.
- Dual Eligibility (Market and Breeding) - Heifers may be eligible as both market and breeding, provided a DNA collector envelope with hair samples have been submitted to the County Extension office, and the completed online nomination with payment includes all required identification information for both a market and breeding animal by June 15. This option does not allow the animal to be shown in both market and breeding at the same show.
- Minimum Entries for Breed Classes - Any breed without at least 3 breeding heifers exhibiting in their breed will show in the All Other Breed (AOB) Division.
- Champion Selection - A Supreme Champion, Reserve Champion, and 3rd Overall Breeding Heifer will be selected at the conclusion of the breeding heifer show. The champion and reserve champion from each breed division will be eligible.
- Show Schedule - 4-H Breeding Heifer breeds will be shown youngest to oldest by breed in the order below.
- Angus
- Charolais
- Composite Charolais
- Chianina
- Gelbvieh
- Gelbvieh Balancer
- Hereford or Polled Hereford
- Limousin
- LimFlex
- Maine-Anjou
- Mainetainer
- Piedmontese
- Red Angus
- Shorthorn
- Shorthorn Plus
- Simmental
- Foundation Simmental
- AOB (All Other Breeds)
- Commercial
Division: Market Beef
Class
- G011010 - Angus
- G011020 - Charolais
- G011030 - Composite Charolais
- G011060 - Chianina
- G011070 - Gelbvieh
- G011080 - Gelbvieh Balancer
- G011090 - Hereford or Polled Hereford
- G011100 - Limousin
- G011110 - LimFlex
- G011120 - Maine-Anjou
- G011130 - Mainetainer
- G011135 - Piedmontese
- G011140 - Red Angus
- G011150 - Shorthorn
- G011160 - Shorthorn Plus
- G011170 - Simmental
- G011180 - Foundation Simmental
- G011190 - AOB (All Other Breeds)
- G011040 - Crossbred Steers
- G011050 - Market Heifers
Rules
- Market Beef Identification Requirements - All market beef to be shown at State Fair must be tagged with an official 840 USDA EID tag or producer tag, owned by the exhibitor, completed the online nomination with payment through the official online database, and have the DNA collector with hair sample submitted to the County Extension office by June 15.
- Registration of Breed Steers - To be eligible to show in a registered breed steer class, the animal must be tagged with an official 840 USDA EID tag or producer tag, owned by the exhibitor, have an official breed registration, be identified with a legible ear tattoo or identification type that is accepted by the association and corresponds with the registration papers, completed the online nomination with payment through the official online database, and have the DNA collector envelope with hair samples submitted to their County Extension office by June 15. Any breed steer not having a legible tattoo, or shows evidence of a fresh or recent tattoo, will not be eligible to show in the registered breed classes, but may be allowed to show in the crossbreed classes. A fresh or recent tattoo is one that shows physical evidence of needle penetration of the skin that has not had time to properly heal (i.e., significant redness, scabbing, or bleeding). A fresh or recent tattoo may also be indicated by presence of ink within the ear that wipes onto a clean cloth upon tattoo inspection. Steers must have a corresponding tattoo and registration papers by June15. If steers need to be re-tattooed after June 15, contact your County Extension Office for specific instructions. ORIGINAL REGISTRATION PAPERS MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF CHECK IN. The registration papers must show the exhibitor’s name or a co-owner who is an immediate member of the exhibitor’s family and is listed with online nomination in the official online database. Family farm or ranch names will not be accepted. Original registration papers or electronic document presented using a tablet or smart phone will be accepted if pulled up or downloaded from their respective breed website. NO PRINT PAPER COPIES OR SCREENSHOTS ACCEPTED.
- Dual Eligibility (Market and Breeding) - Heifers may be eligible as both market and breeding, provided a DNA collector envelope with hair samples have been submitted to the County Extension office, and the completed online nomination with payment includes all required identification information for both a market and breeding animal by June15. This option does not allow the animal to be shown both market and breeding at the same show.
- Minimum Age Requirements - All market beef are required to be born on or after September 1, 2023.
- Minimum Weights for Market Beef - Market steers weighing less than 1000 lbs and market heifers weighing less than 900 lbs at check-in will not be eligible for a purple award. No re-weighs will be allowed.
- Weigh Cards - Exhibitors will declare weights of all market beef animals (an official weigh-in will not be conducted by show officials). Weigh cards must be completed and turned in during the designated check-in time and location. The weight listed on the weigh card will become that animal’s official declared weight to be used for assignment to a class and for weigh-back purposes. Animals will have their EID tags checked at the time of class check in on day of the show.
- Weigh Backs - A weigh back will be incorporated for all 1st and 2nd place purples in each market class. A 5% variance over the weight declared at check-in. Animals not meeting the 5% variance above the declared weight at check-in will be lowered one ribbon group and will not be eligible for any champion awards. The 3rd place purple may also be requested to weigh back if the 1st or 2nd place purples do not meet the 5% variance requirement.
- Market Classes - The market beef show will be divided into the following divisions:
- Angus
- Charolais
- Composite Charolais
- Chianina
- Gelbvieh
- Gelbvieh Balancer
- Hereford or Polled Hereford
- Limousin
- LimFlex
- Maine-Anjou
- Mainetainer
- Piedmontese
- Red Angus
- Shorthorn
- Shorthorn Plus
- Simmental
- Foundation Simmental
- AOB (All Other Breeds)
- Crossbred
For judging, divisions and classes will be divided by weight. To have their own class, breeds must have at least three steers. Steers without at least three will show in an AOB class. Steers in any registered divisions must be owned by the exhibitor, be registered by the official breed association, and exhibit breed characteristics typical of a purebred animal of the breed in which they are entered. First and second place purples from each class will compete for Champion and Reserve Champion of the Division. If there is more than one class per breed division, classes will be determined by weight and a winner will be chosen from the breed to compete for Champion and Reserve Champion Overall Registered Steer.
- Show Order - Market beef classes will be judged in the same order that classes are listed in the Premium List. For judging, market beef divisions will be divided by weight. Classes within divisions will be divided by weight. Classes will show light to heavy.
- No Withdrawals - Animals selected as division champions and reserve division champions cannot be withdrawn from the grand champion drive. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification and exhibitor may be barred from future participation at the Nebraska State Fair.
- Champion Selection - The Champion and Reserve Champion from each breed (including AOB) will be in the drive for Champion Registered Market Steer. The Champion and Reserve Champion Registered Steer, Champion and Reserve Champion from each of the three crossbred steer divisions, and the Champion and Reserve Champion Heifer will go to a final drive for Champion, Reserve Champion and 3rd Overall Market Beef. The Overall Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion of the Market Beef cannot be withdrawn from championship and are automatically consigned for harvest.
Division: Market Feeder Calf
Class
- G009010 - Feeder Steer
- G009020 - Feeder Heifer
Rules
- Feeder Calf Identification - All market feeder calves to be shown at State Fair must be tagged with an official 840 USDA EID tag or producer EID tag, owned by the exhibitor, completed the online nomination with payment through the official online database, and have the DNA collector envelope with hair sample submitted to their County Extension Office by June 15.
- Dual Eligibility (Feeder and Junior Breeding) - Heifers may be eligible as both a feeder calf and a junior breeding heifer, provided a DNA collector envelope with hair samples have been submitted to the County Extension office, and the completed online nomination with payment includes all required identification information for both a feeder calf and breeding animal by June 15. This option does not allow the animal to be shown in both feeder calf and breeding at the same show.
- Minimum Age Requirements - All market feeder calves are required to be born between January 1, 2025 through April 2025.
- Weigh Cards - Exhibitors will declare weights of all market feeder calves (an official weigh-in will note be conducted by show officials). Weigh cards must be completed and turned in during the designated check-in time and location. The weight listed on the weigh card will become that animal’s official declared weight to be used for assignment to a class and for weigh-back purposes. Animals will have their EID tags checked in at time of class check in on day of show.
- Divisions - Feeder calf classes will be split by the declared weight. Two divisions will be included: heifers and steers.
- Weigh Backs - A weigh back will be incorporated for all 1 and 2 place purples in each market feeder class. A 5% variance over the weight declared at check-in will be allowed. Animals not meeting the 5% variance above the declared weight at check-in will be lowered one ribbon group and will not be eligible for any champion awards. The 3rd place purple may also be requested to weigh back if the 1st or 2nd place purples do not meet the 5% variance requirement.
Division: Fed Steer Challenge
Class
The Fed Steer Challenge is an opportunity for youth and is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the Nebraska cattle industry. The goal of the Fed Steer Challenge is to enhance the educational value of the traditional 4-H beef projects by providing an affordable option that rewards production merit and carcass value of the market animal, along with accurate and complete record keeping, industry knowledge, and producer engagement by the 4-H member. For judging, Fed Steer Challenge animals will be shown in one single class and will be sorted by a commercial cattle buyer, separate from the judge of the market beef show divisions.
- G011060 - Fed Steer Challenge
Rules
- Animals in this class must be selected through the Fed Steer Challenge process.
- Requirements for this class can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/fed-steer-challenge
- Weigh Cards- Fed Steer challenge exhibitors will declare weights (an official weigh-in will not be conducted by show officials). Weigh cards must be completed and turned in during the designated check-in time and location. Animals will need to be present at the time of turning in their weigh cards to check EID tags and animal nominations. The weight listed on the weigh card will become that animal’s official declared weight to be used for this class during the show.
- Recognition and Awards: Recognition and awards will be based upon:
- Carcass merit and value
- State Fair class placing
- Record book
- Project presentation
- Interview
- Overall points total
(These awards will be determined over the course of the project.)
Division: Beef Showmanship
Class
- G010009 - Junior Showmanship (ages 8 to 10 before January 1 of the current year)
- G010010 - Intermediate Showmanship (ages 11 to 13 before January 1 of the current year)
- G010011 - Senior Showmanship (ages 14 to 18 before January 1 of the current year)
Rules
1. Showmanship Entry - All 4-H exhibitors are automatically registered but not required to show in Showmanship. Exhibitors must show their own animal, and the animal must be entered and exhibited in a breeding, feeder, or market class. Review the Nebraska State Fair Schedule for time and dates.
2. Eligibility - After an exhibitor receives champion in showmanship, they are no longer eligible to compete in that age division of that species. If a junior exhibitor wins in that species, they will automatically move up to the intermediate division the following year. If an intermediate exhibitor wins in that species, they will automatically move up to the senior division the following year. Once a senior division exhibitor wins champion, they are no longer eligible to compete in showmanship in that species.
Superintendents
For questions, contact:
- Kaytlyn Kennedy, 402-245-4324, kkennedy8@unl.edu
- Jill Lingard, 402-472-2805, jwalahoski2@unl.edu
- Maddie (Werner) Prososki, 402-821-1749, mwerner13@unl.edu
- Brandy Schulze, 402-472-2805, bschulze@unl.edu