4-H Livestock Exhibitor Resources

First Time 4-H Livestock Exhibitors

Are you thinking about exhibiting at the Nebraska State Fair 4-H Livestock Show for the first time? We've compiled a list of topics that may be different from your local County Fair. The general summary may help a 4-H family in becoming more prepared to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair 4-H Livestock Show.

Overview for First Timers

Enrollment Deadline 2024

Youth interested in participating in the Nebraska State Fair must complete enrollment by June 15.

Enrollment Instructions

Livestock Identification & Nomination 2024

Any 4-H member planning to exhibit livestock at the Nebraska State Fair must complete the appropriate livestock identification requirements for each potential animal. This process nominates the animals for the 4-H livestock shows at the Nebraska State Fair and provides evidence that the animals are part of the youth's livestock projects. The process makes an individual animal eligible for entry at the Nebraska State Fair.

Livestock ID & Nomination Info

Livestock Entry 2024

All 4-H livestock must be entered in ShoWorks before 8:00 PM CST on August 10. This entry process must be completed by the 4-H exhibitor (or their family). Fees must be paid for using a debit/credit card. There are no other payment options. Livestock will not be entered by the county Extension office. There are entry limits for each organization and each of the individual species. Exhibitors cannot bring more than the limits stated below for 4-H.

• Beef – A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting up to 5 beef animals
• Dairy – refer to the Nebraska State Fair Youth Regional Dairy Show Entry Book.
• Meat Goat – A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting up to 4 goats.
• Poultry – A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting 6 live bird entries (egg production trios are considered one entry). Egg entries are not considered in the live bird limit. Egg entries are limited to one dozen per exhibitor. 
• Rabbit – A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting up to 6 rabbits.
• Sheep – A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting up to 4 sheep.
• Swine – A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting up to 6 hogs. 

ENTER LIVE ANIMAL EXHIBITS

Exhibitor Letters

Rabbit & Poultry Exhibitor Letter (2024)

Beef, Sheep, Meat Goat & Swine Exhibitor Letter (2024)

Dog Exhibitor Letter (2024)

4-H State Fair Livestock Updates and Reminders (2024)

Additional Swine Exhibitor Information

• Pork Carcass Evaluation and Value Presentation, Dr. Dennis Burson (2017)
• Seneca Valley Virus Memo, Department of Agriculture (2018)

Check-In, Weigh-In, Loading/Unloading

State Fair Livestock Exhibitor Unloading Guidance (2024)

State Fair Parking and Map Information (2024)

Ethics Affidavits

• Livestock Ethics and Disclosure Form (2024)
• Rabbit & Poultry Ethics and Disclosure Form (2024)

Stalling Assignments

• Beef Stalling Information (2024)
• Swine Stalling Information (2024)
• Sheep and Goat Stalling Information (2024)

Schedules & Programs

Show Programs (2024) – Note: Show programs will be uploaded as they are finalized and will be updated as needed. Please check back regularly for the latest versions. Show programs are also available in the Nebraska Extension mobile app.

Also See: 4-H Schedule

Additional Resources

RHDV Biosecurity Guidance Document

Leader's Guide on Animal Welfare for Fairs and Exhibitors

Youth Guide on Animal Welfare for Fairs and Exhibitors

Animal Resource Guide for 4-H & FFA Members: Animal Documents, Records & Tests Needed Prior to Fairs & Exhibitors

Animal Resource Guide for 4-H & FFA Members: Facts, Values & Myths

Animal Resource Guide for 4-H & FFA Members: Knowing the Livestock Lingo

Animal Resource Guide for 4-H & FFA Members: Communicating with the Public About the Care of Production Animals

2017 Presentation: Pork Carcass Evaluation and Value, Dr. Dennis Burson, Nebraska Extension Meat Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln