What the OC Fair Junior Livestock Auction Is
The OC Fair at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa is a month-long summer fair, and its livestock program is built around one idea: Orange County 4-H and FFA members raise market animals, show them, and sell the best of them at the Junior Livestock Auction. The auction supports 4-H and FFA agriculture education programs throughout Orange County, and it is how many exhibitors turn months of chores into college savings and next year's project money.
Only the best animals sell. Market beef, goats, lambs, hogs, turkeys, broilers and rabbits that earn a blue ribbon, market-ready award are allowed in the sale. Grand Champions and Reserve Grand Champions in every species must sell. Champion turkey, broilers and rabbits must sell, and no other turkeys, broilers or rabbits go through the auction.
Shows and Ways to Enter
| Show | 2026 entry deadline |
|---|---|
| Market shows (beef, goats, lambs, hogs, poultry, rabbit meat pens) | Friday, May 29 |
| Breeding shows | Wednesday, July 8 |
| Rabbit and cavy shows | Friday, July 31 |
Entries are made through the fair's online system. Exhibitors in the youth livestock program must complete YQCA (Youth for the Quality Care of Animals) training, and 4-H leaders and FFA advisors must turn in the entry receipt, YQCA proof and Megan's Law paperwork, or notice of any scratches, within one week of online entries closing.
How It Works: The Timeline
- May 29: market show entries close.
- July 8: breeding show entries close.
- July 20 to 22: exhibitor and leader credential sales. Monday, July 20 runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, July 21 runs 7 to 9:30 a.m., and Wednesday, July 22 runs 7 to 10 a.m.
- During the fair: market shows are held in person, and the public can watch during fair hours.
- Saturday, July 25: Junior Livestock Auction. Gates open at 8 a.m., buyer check-in is at 9 a.m., and the auction ceremony and bidding start at 10 a.m.
- July 26 to 28: online add-on contributions, open until Tuesday, July 28 at 11:59 p.m.
How the Auction Sells
Bidding is in person at the OC Fair. All species are sold by the head, not by the pound. Species are no longer mixed through the sale order: the small animals (rabbits, broilers and turkeys) go first, then goats, beef, lambs and hogs. Add-ons, which are extra contributions that go to a specific exhibitor, are online only at a $20 minimum per lot and must be paid online. They are not accepted in person.
Buyers register and check in at the Livestock Office patio on auction day and need a mobile number to do so. Last year's buyers are registered automatically and receive a packet with the sales book, bid paddle and two meal wristbands. Spectators do not need to register and can watch from the sidelines of the Livestock Showring.
Fees, Credentials and What You Get
- Each livestock exhibitor receives one wristband and a parking hangtag at weigh-in, and may buy eight extra wristbands at $10 each for parents, guardians and family.
- Exhibitor parking is at Orange Coast College Lot E off Merrimac Way, with a shuttle to Gates 4 and 5. Gate 5 is closest to Livestock.
- Buyer admission: $18 general, $10 seniors 65 and older, $9 youth 6 to 12, free for children 5 and younger. Tickets must be bought online in advance because they are not sold at the gate.
- Meal wristbands for guests and new buyers cost $25 each (one breakfast plate and one lunch plate while supplies last).
- Exhibitors keep the sale proceeds from their animals, plus any add-on contributions.
Where
OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Auction-day buyers enter through the Orange Gate (Gate 10 off Newport Boulevard). Parking is $15 per vehicle, or $30 for buses and limos.
Questions
Can any animal sell?
No. Only animals that earn a blue ribbon, market-ready award can sell, and champions are required to sell.
Can add-ons be made in person?
No. Add-on contributions are online only, from Sunday, July 26 through Tuesday, July 28 at 11:59 p.m.
How are animals priced?
By the head, not by the pound.
Where do I find the rules?
The fair publishes a Competition Guide, a Junior Livestock Auction Handbook and the State Rules for California Fairs on its livestock pages.
Official Links
- OC Fair Junior Livestock Auction
- OC Fair animal competitions and deadlines
- 2026 Market Livestock Credential Policy
- OC Fair
California Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
California county and district fairs are where most 4-H and FFA members show and sell market animals. CDFA counts 80 fair organizations: District Agricultural Associations, county fairs, citrus fairs and Cal Expo.
Timing
Fairs run nearly all year. CDFA's 2026 list had Riverside in February and March, Salinas Valley in mid-May, the State Fair from July 17 to August 2 and Big Fresno in October.
Rules to watch
State and 4-H rules require 60 consecutive days of ownership for market sheep, swine and goats and 120 for market beef, per the 4-H handbook. Junior livestock exhibitors must also complete YQCA training each year.
Auctions
Monterey's 2025 livestock rules describe a terminal sale with a 9.0 percent selling charge and required thank-you letters. Other fairs differ.
Next steps
Get your fair's exhibitor book from the fair office or Extension 4-H office and mark ownership, entry and YQCA dates. Dates and weights change each year.
Read the full guide: California Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
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Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.