What the 4-H/FFA Poultry Show Is
The 4-H/FFA Poultry Show opens livestock week at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot. Young exhibitors bring chickens, bantams, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons and other fowl to the Poultry Barn, where they are judged on breed quality. The most recent show was Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., with the Open Class poultry show following at 1:00 p.m.
Who Can Enter
- 4-H members aged 8 to 18 who are active in a North Dakota county club for 2025-2026, and FFA members enrolled in agricultural education or on the chapter roster.
- A youth shows in 4-H or FFA, not both. Both groups may also enter the open shows.
- Poultry must be in the exhibitor's possession at least 30 days before the county or state show, with May 1 suggested. Livestock entries are due May 1 through 4-HOnline or the FFA advisor.
- Exhibitors need quality assurance training (YQCA, LQA, BQA, PQA, or an accredited FFA chapter with an ag course).
- Limits: 24 birds per exhibitor and four per class per breed.
Classes
| Divisions | Birds | Classes |
|---|---|---|
| A-F | Large fowl (American, Asiatic, English, Mediterranean, Continental, other) | Cock, hen, cockerel, pullet, old trio, young trio |
| G-L | Bantams | Same as above |
| M-P | Ducks | Adult and young drake and duck, trios |
| Q-S | Geese | Adult and young gander and goose, trios |
| T | Turkeys | Old and young tom and hen, pens of three |
| U | Miscellaneous fowl (guineas, peacocks, pheasants, quail) | Old and young male and female |
| V-X | Pigeons (fancy, performing, utility) | Old and young cock and hen |
A cock or hen is over one year old; a cockerel or pullet is under one year. A trio is one male and two females of the same breed and age. Singles cannot be entered as trios or pens, a bird can be in only one class, and market birds cannot enter breeding classes.
How It Works: The Timeline
- Friday, July 17, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.Penning of all poultry. There are no early arrivals.
- Sunday, July 19, 8:00 a.m.4-H/FFA Poultry Show, Poultry Barn. Exhibitors must be present during judging.
- Monday, July 20, 6:00 p.m.Release. Early withdrawal can mean forfeiting premiums.
Bird and Health Rules
- Birds must come from an NPIP-certified flock, have a negative S. pullorum test within 90 days, or be bought from an NPIP source with a Poultry Exhibition Statement of Origin.
- A leg or wing band is required for identification.
- Market chickens are recommended at 7 to 9 weeks, with a maximum of about 10 pounds; market poultry should be hatched February 1 or later.
- Entries must be the exhibitor's own property.
- A long-sleeve shirt or white show coat may be worn over the provided show shirt.
Awards and What You Get
Premiums are paid on blue, red and white ribbons, and showmanship also pays premiums. Amounts vary, and checks are mailed in September. In the open poultry show, class premiums are $3.50, $2.50 and $1.50, with Best of Breed $9, Best in Division $10 and Best Overall $15. The Herdsman Award recognizes responsibility, sportsmanship and animal care.
Cost
The 4-H/FFA entry fee is not published. The open show charges $1 per bird or $2 per trio or pen. Livestock vehicle passes are $5 per day, with one free load/unload pass per family, and livestock trailers park off the grounds. A 4-H gate ticket is $10 for the season with proof of membership.
Where
Poultry Barn, North Dakota State Fairgrounds, Minot, North Dakota. The 2026 fair ran July 17-25; the next dates have not been announced.
Questions
Can I show the same bird in 4-H and FFA?
No, but it can also go in the open show.
Can I arrive Saturday?
No. Penning is Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. only.
Who do I call?
The North Dakota State Fair office, (701) 857-7620.
Official Links
- 2026 livestock schedule
- 2026 poultry book: classes, premiums and barn schedule
- 2026 4-H/FFA Livestock Exhibit Book
- 4-H exhibitor book
- How to enter
North Dakota County Fairs: The Essentials
North Dakota county fairs run from June into the fall and combine an open class, a 4-H division run by NDSU Extension, and often FFA exhibits. Each county sets its own fair book, dates and deadlines, so get yours from the Extension office early. History: laws from 1897 and 1905 let county commissioners levy taxes to support county fairs.
Examples
Grant County's 2025 fair (August 14-17, Carson) required six club meetings, set market beef ownership at March 1 and other species at May 1, and used interview judging for static projects. Cass County's 2021 Red River Valley Fair opened registration June 1 and paid static blue $3.50, red $2.50 and white $1.50.
State fair
The 2026 North Dakota State Fair ran July 17-25 in Minot. Static exhibits needed a blue ribbon or higher at a county event supervised by Extension, and exhibitors needed to be enrolled in 4-HOnline. Livestock entries were due May 1, with YQCA or equivalent quality assurance training required, and premiums were mailed in September. Read your county book for the dates that apply locally and for any residency rules before you enter.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- North Dakota Farm Bureau Living Ag in the Classroom Minot
A Living Ag in the Classroom session in Minot for teachers. Next session posted for January 27, 2027; the city comes from the event title.
Minot, ND | Organizer: North Dakota Farm Bureau Official event details - Ward County 4-H Air Rifle and Pistol Match
County 4-H shooting sports match held February 21, 2026, at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot, with a Fun Match for all ages at 1 p.m.
2005 E Burdick Expy, Minot, ND 58701 | Organizer: Ward County 4-H Official event details - Rodeo Minot
Friday brings an NDRA rodeo and Saturday a PRCA rodeo at the State Fair Center, with adult tickets at $15 and $20. Held each year; the most recent dates were April 10-11, 2026.
2005 Burdick Expressway East, Minot, ND 58701 | 701-857-8206 Official event details - Ward County 4-H Achievement Days
The 94th annual Ward County 4-H Achievement Days ran June 12-18, 2026, at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds with 264 members showing projects, horses and livestock; free to attend.
Minot, ND | Organizer: Ward County 4-H Official event details - NDSA Spring Roundup Berthold
NDSA District 6 spring roundup in Berthold, a free cattlemen's meeting that starts with a 5 p.m. social. Held each year; the most recent roundup was 2026-06-08.
210 Main Street, Berthold, ND | Organizer: North Dakota Stockmen's Association Official event details
All North Dakota events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.