What the State 4-H Dairy Show Is
The Florida 4-H State Dairy Show is the climax of the year's 4-H dairy work, run by UF/IFAS Cooperative Extension under the motto "To Make the Best Better." Its purpose is to teach dairy husbandry, emphasize production and quality, promote better breeding, support Florida's dairy economy and teach showmanship. The next show is April 1-3, 2027, at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover, FL 33527. Entry is free, and online registration runs February 1 to March 18, 2027 through 4-H Online. The details below come from the rules for the most recent show (March 26-28, 2026); check the 2027 rules for any changes.
Who Can Enter
- Bona fide 4-H members who have reached their 8th birthday and not passed their 18th birthday before September 1 of the show year.
- Members must carry a dairy project and be certified by their County Agent. College students are not eligible.
- Exhibitors must complete the ethics certification class and supply a valid number.
- Maximum of six animals per exhibitor, plus any animal bred by the exhibitor. Animals must be owned or leased and in the member's care by January 1.
- Leased animals need a signed lease on file with the show superintendent by February 1.
Breeds and Classes
Five breeds are shown: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey. Heifer classes run by birth date from Fall Heifer Calf through Spring Yearling, followed by Junior Bred by Exhibitor and Junior Champion. Cow classes run from Junior and Senior Two-Year-Old through Three-, Four- and Five-Year-Old Cow to Aged Cow, then Senior Bred by Exhibitor, Senior Champion and Grand Champion. A Best Udder award goes in each cow class.
Judging uses the Modified Danish System: animals are placed in Blue, Red or White groups by nearness to correct conformation. Only blue-ribbon animals are considered for champion.
Animal Requirements
- All animals must be dehorned; animals with horns are disqualified.
- Cows 3 years and older must have freshened at least once; two-year-olds and older must have freshened or been diagnosed pregnant, with documentation at check-in.
- Registration papers or a grade identity certificate must be in the member's name and presented on arrival.
- No bedding is provided: bring shavings (no straw) and clean up afterward.
Contests
- Showmanship and grooming in Junior (8-10), Intermediate (11-13) and Senior (14 and up) divisions. White collared shirt and white pants are preferred, with closed-toe shoes.
- Dairy Judging Contest: contestants place six classes; Seniors give at least two sets of oral reasons.
- Quiz Bowl in Junior, Intermediate and Senior divisions.
- Record Book Contest: books are mailed to the superintendent by a March postmark deadline, with the top three in each division recognized.
- County groups: three animals owned by three different members; rosettes to the top twelve groups and trophies to the top three.
Premiums
Blue earns $35, Red $30 and White $25, paid within the limits of available money. Also awarded: champion and reserve champion ribbons, Best Udder, county group rosettes and trophies, and the Carroll L. "Bud" Ward Award for showmanship.
Typical Schedule (from the 2026 show)
- Thursday: check-in 1:00-6:00 p.m.; mandatory exhibitor meeting 6:30 p.m.
- Friday: Judging Contest 8:30 a.m.; Quiz Bowl 1:30 p.m.; Showmanship 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: heifer classes 8:00 a.m.; cow classes 12:30 p.m.; Awards Banquet 6:00 p.m.
Questions
What does it cost to enter?
Nothing. Entry is free.
Can I lease an animal?
Yes, with a signed lease on file with the superintendent by February 1.
Who do I call?
Florida 4-H at (352) 846-4444. The show superintendent is Dr. Chris DeCubellis, UF/IFAS State Specialized Agent for 4-H Dairy.
Official Links
UF/IFAS Extension in Florida: The Essentials
UF/IFAS Extension has offices in all 67 Florida counties, according to the statewide office finder, serving farmers, growers, homeowners, youth and families.
What it offers
County offices describe programs in 4-H youth development, agriculture, gardening, natural resources, nutrition and sustainability, per the Sarasota County office. Services differ by county.
Farm help
Soil, plant and nematode testing are available for a fee, per the Small Farms diagnostic page, through your Extension office, a research center or by shipping samples.
Master Gardeners
The Master Gardener program runs through participating county offices, often led by the horticulture agent.
Next steps
Pick your county on the office finder and call before you visit. Hours and services change.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Florida State Fair
Twelve-day state fair at the Tampa fairgrounds, with livestock shows, 4-H and FFA judging contests and open exhibits. Held each year; the next run is February 4-15, 2027, after February 5-16, 2026.
- Florida Strawberry Festival
Eleven days of strawberry shortcake, concerts, midway rides and youth livestock shows in Plant City. Held each year; the 2027 festival is March 4-14, after February 26 to March 8 in 2026.
- Florida Strawberry Festival Youth Livestock Shows
Youth swine, dairy, lamb and beef steer shows and sales, plus livestock judging, at the Plant City festival grounds. Next run Mar 4-14, 2027, with swine opening Mar 4.
- Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training at Gulf Coast REC
Full-day food safety training for produce growers at the Gulf Coast center in Wimauma, with a $40 fee. Held each year; the most recent date was April 28, 2026.
14625 Co. Rd. 672, Wimauma, FL 33598 | 813-634-0000 | Organizer: UF/IFAS 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.