What the Pensacola Interstate Fair Livestock Program Is
The Pensacola Interstate Fair, Inc. runs an autumn fair at 6655 W. Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32526, with facilities for the livestock of surrounding counties and states. The most recent fair ran October 22 to November 1, 2026. Its youth steer show is a terminal show: every steer shown is sold, and the exhibitor earns premiums, gain-in-weight money and sale proceeds.
Youth Steer Show: Who Can Enter
- 4-H and FFA members from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida and Escambia and Baldwin counties in Alabama.
- 4-H members must be 8 years old by September 1 of the show year.
- One steer per exhibitor. Two may be entered at initial weigh-in, and the additional steer may be shown by a family member.
- Steers must be owned by June 1 and may not compete in any other fat steer show with a sale.
- Homegrown steers must be born in Escambia, Santa Rosa or Okaloosa counties (Florida) or Baldwin, Monroeville or Escambia (Alabama), with a Homegrown registration form at initial weigh-in.
How It Works: The Timeline
- June: initial weigh-inSteers are ear-tagged and weighed at the fair's livestock barn. The 2026 initial weigh-in was June 13, with times assigned.
- August to October 1: progress reviewThe Livestock Advisory Committee evaluates progress in mid-to-late August and makes final acceptance decisions by October 1.
- Fair week: final weigh-in, grooming and showRecord books and index cards are due at final weigh-in. Animals may not leave the fairgrounds for the final days before the show unless the superintendent approves.
- Market steer saleThe 2026 sale was Wednesday, October 28, at 7:00 p.m.
Animal and Barn Rules
- Minimum 650 pounds at weigh-in for the gain-in-weight contest; maximum paid weight is 1,300 pounds. Up to three weight divisions if numbers allow.
- A state health certificate is required. No horns; scurs under one inch are permitted.
- Steers are shown in natural conformation. False tail heads, false switches and filling are prohibited.
- Steers must be in the barn from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Exhibitors supply feed and water pails; the fair provides shavings only.
- Dress: 4-H wears clean jeans, a collared shirt, belt and closed-toe shoes or boots, no caps; FFA wears official dress with jacket.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
| Award | Payout |
|---|---|
| Grand Champion Steer | $200 |
| Reserve Champion Steer | $125 |
| 4-H and FFA Champion | $100 and banner each |
| 4-H and FFA Reserve Champion | $50 each |
| Class winner / blue / red | $100 / $75 / $50 |
| Homegrown | 1st $200, 2nd $100 |
| Gain-in-weight | 1st $80, 2nd $60, 3rd $40; $15 for others gaining 1.5 lb/day |
| Showmanship, senior (14+) | $100, $60, $40 |
| Showmanship, junior (8-13) | $60, $35, $20 |
| Record book (4-H and FFA judged separately) | $50, $35, $20 |
An optional one-hour grooming contest pays the same as showmanship in each age group. The Dave Howell Humanitarian Award is a $100 savings bond. Premiums are mailed to the address on the entry form. The sale commission is 3 percent of the selling price; exhibitors secure their own buyer or sponsor and processor date, and proceeds are released after the buyer pays and the carcass clears inspection.
Where
Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 W. Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32526. Fair office: (850) 944-4500.
Questions
Do all steers have to be sold?
Yes. It is a terminal show, and a steer must be shown to be eligible for sale.
Can I show a steer from another fat steer show?
No. Steers may not compete in any other fat steer show with a sale.
What if my steer is disqualified?
The exhibitor has 14 days to obtain and present a replacement.
Official Links
- General Fair Information: dates, address, phone
- Youth Steer Show rules: eligibility, timeline, premiums
Florida County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Florida county fairs and junior livestock shows each set their own rules, but most ask for 4-H, FFA or YLPA membership, an ownership date, official identification and a health certificate.
State Fair
The 2027 Florida State Fair runs February 4 to 15 in Tampa, per the state fair FAQ. Beef exhibitors must be active 4-H, YLPA or FFA members and own the animal by the set date, per the 2026 beef rules.
Other shows
The 2026 fair list shows county fairs from October through May. Many 2027 dates were still to be announced.
Health papers
Florida-origin cattle need an inspection certificate dated within 90 days of the show.
Next steps
Get your fair's current rule book early. Deadlines often fall the autumn before the show.
Read the full guide: Florida County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Pensacola Fair Youth and FFA Steer Show
Market steer show for 4-H and FFA youth in the Livestock Arena at the Pensacola Interstate Fair, opening the fair's junior beef competition. Held each year; the most recent date was October 26, 2026.
6655 W. Mobile Highway, Pensacola, FL | (850) 944-4500 | Organizer: Pensacola Interstate Fair Official event details - Pensacola Fair Youth Steer Breeding Show and Prospect Steers
Youth steer breeding classes and a prospect steer show held in the Livestock Arena during the Pensacola Interstate Fair. Held each year; the most recent date was October 27, 2026.
6655 W. Mobile Highway, Pensacola, FL | (850) 944-4500 | Organizer: Pensacola Interstate Fair Official event details - Pensacola Fair Youth and FFA Livestock Auction
Terminal sale where roughly 20 to 30 youth and FFA market steers are auctioned in the Livestock Arena at the Pensacola Interstate Fair. Held each year; the most recent date was October 28, 2026.
6655 W. Mobile Highway, Pensacola, FL | (850) 944-4500 | Organizer: Pensacola Interstate Fair Official event details - Pensacola Fair Cow Costume and Prettiest Cow Contest
Light-hearted open contest in the Livestock Arena where cows are dressed up and judged for the prettiest, sponsored by a local Tractor Supply store. Held each year; the most recent date was October 25, 2026.
6655 W. Mobile Highway, Pensacola, FL | (850) 944-4500 | Organizer: Pensacola Interstate Fair Official event details - Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
The 71st Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair moved to a new fairgrounds with an Agriculture Barn and competitions in agriculture, horticulture and culinary arts. Held each year; the most recent dates were November 5-15, 2026.
13601 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32221 | Organizer: Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.