What the Junior Cattle Show Is
The North Dakota Winter Show Junior Cattle Heifer and Market Jackpot Show is the youth beef show at the Winter Show in Valley City. The 89th edition was held Saturday, March 7, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. It is a fit show for heifers and market animals, sanctioned by the North Dakota Junior Point Show Association (NDJPSA), so results count toward NDJPSA points and awards.
Who Can Enter
- North Dakota residency is not required.
- Exhibitors must meet their national junior breed association's eligibility rules. For breeds without such rules, juniors 21 and younger as of October 1, 2024 may show.
- All cattle must be registered in the family's or junior's name.
- No bulls, and no cow-calf pairs.
Shows and Classes
- Heifer breed shows run in order: Angus, Charolais, Chi-Influenced, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Limousin, Maine, Red Angus, Shorthorn, Shorthorn Plus, Simmental, Simm-Influenced and Commercial. Female classes are grouped by birth date ranges.
- Prospect steer and market heifer show follows the breed shows. Animals are grouped by weight, with steers and heifers in separate classes.
- Showmanship follows the market show: Junior (ages 8-12), Intermediate (13-16) and Senior (17-21).
How It Works: The Timeline
- February 20, 2026Entries postmarked by this date avoid late fees. Late entries were accepted until March 3.
- Friday, March 6, from 8 a.m.Animals may be unloaded and stalled. Check-in closes at 1 p.m. at the Livestock Office, upstairs on the west end of the building.
- Friday, March 6, 1:30-2:00 p.m.Weigh-in for all market animals at the scale.
- Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m.Show begins.
- Saturday, March 7, 5 p.m.Animals are released.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
| Fee or award | Amount |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | $30 ($50 late) |
| Bedding | $20 per animal (also charged on late entries) |
| Clipping/blocking chute | $10 per chute brought into the building |
| Grand Champion Heifer | $300 base plus jackpot prizes |
| Reserve Champion Heifer | $150 base plus jackpot prizes |
| Grand Champion Market Animal | $300 base plus jackpot prizes |
| Reserve Champion Market Animal | $150 base plus jackpot prizes |
Payment must accompany the entry form, and there are no refunds on entry fees or bedding. Champion and reserve females and market animals are displayed during the afternoon PRCA performance in the Parade of Champions.
Barn Rules and Health
- Stalls are assigned by Winter Show management; no hay or feed may be stored behind livestock, and cattle cannot be stalled in trailers. Tie-outs are provided but not assigned.
- Bedding is provided; extra can be bought at the Livestock Office. Butt fans are not allowed.
- Exhibitors carry their own liability insurance, and livestock is at the owner's risk. Entering accepts the IAFE Code of Ethics.
- Cattle must be free of ringworm, warts, mange, lice and pinkeye and are subject to veterinary inspection on arrival. North Dakota cattle returning to their premises of origin need no health certificate. Out-of-state cattle need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, an import permit when required, and official individual ID.
Where
North Dakota Winter Show Event Center, 700 7th St. SE, Valley City, ND 58072.
Questions
Can I bring a steer?
Yes, in the prospect steer and market show. Bulls are not allowed.
Do I need to be a point show member?
No; the show counts toward NDJPSA points for members. For membership and points, the entry packet lists Kasi Holm at 701-535-1318.
Who do I call?
The North Dakota Winter Show office: 701-845-1401.
Official Links
- 2026 junior cattle show entry packet: rules, fees, awards
- 2026 Winter Show schedule
- Winter Show schedule page
- North Dakota Tourism: Winter Show
North Dakota County Junior Livestock Shows: The Essentials
North Dakota county junior livestock shows are usually part of a 4-H county fair or Achievement Days, with weigh-in, species judging and a premium sale. Each county sets its own fair book, so check with your NDSU Extension office.
Ownership and entry
Market beef must be owned or leased with daily management by March 1. Breeding beef, dairy, swine, sheep and goats need May 1 ownership. Enter animals in 4-HOnline by May 1; they carry over to FairEntry.
ID and health
The State Fair expects USDA 840 ear tags for beef, dairy and swine, scrapie tags or tattoos for sheep and goats, leg or wing bands for poultry and a left-ear tattoo for rabbits. Sick animals can be sent home, and counties such as Renville require YQCA certification.
Sales and premiums
Counties pay premiums by ribbon placing and hold a livestock premium sale. Grant County's 2026 sale took a 5 percent commission on market animals, and pens had to be cleaned and approved before animals left. Ask your Extension office for your county's current book.
Read the full guide: North Dakota County Junior Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- North Dakota Winter Show
The North Dakota Winter Show brings a PRCA rodeo, ranch rodeo, horse day, junior cattle show and chili cook-off to Valley City each March. Held each year; the most recent dates were March 4-7, 2026, with a concert on February 28.
700 7th St. SE, Valley City, ND 58072 | 701-845-1401 | Organizer: North Dakota Winter Show Official event details - North Dakota Winter Show Ranch Rodeo
Ranch teams compete in working-ranch events at the Valley City Winter Show on Thursday evening. Held each year; the most recent ranch rodeo was March 5, 2026.
700 7th St. SE, Valley City, ND 58072 | 701-845-1401 | Organizer: North Dakota Winter Show Official event details - North Dakota Winter Show Horse Day
Horse Day is the Thursday program of the Valley City Winter Show, held alongside the winter show luncheon. Held each year; the most recent Horse Day was March 5, 2026.
700 7th St. SE, Valley City, ND 58072 | 701-845-1401 | Organizer: North Dakota Winter Show Official event details - North Dakota Winter Show PRCA Rodeo
Two nights of PRCA rodeo close the Winter Show week in Valley City, on Friday and Saturday. Held each year; the most recent rodeo was March 6-7, 2026.
- King or Queen of the Sale Ring Bid Call Contest
Auctioneer hopefuls compete in a bid-calling contest for the King or Queen of the Sale Ring title during Winter Show Friday. Held each year; the most recent contest was March 6, 2026.
700 7th St. SE, Valley City, ND 58072 | 701-845-1401 | Organizer: North Dakota Winter Show Official event details
All North Dakota events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.