What the 4-H/FFA Rabbit Show Is
The 4-H/FFA Rabbit Show is the youth rabbit competition at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot. 4-H and FFA members bring breeding rabbits and market rabbits to the Rabbit Barn to be judged by breed, class and showmanship. The most recent show was Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 3 p.m., during a fair that ran July 17-25. An Open Class Rabbit Show is held separately on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Who Can Enter
- 4-H: members ages 8-18 active in at least one North Dakota county club for 2025-2026.
- FFA: students enrolled in 2025-2026 agricultural education classes, or graduates on the chapter roster.
- There is no set ownership date for rabbits, but you must have the animal at least 30 days before your first show, county or state. May 1 is suggested.
- Entries are due May 1. Entering through 4-HOnline is optional for rabbits; FFA members go through their advisor.
Classes and Rules
| Class group | Class numbers |
|---|---|
| Showmanship | 1701-1705 |
| Class 6 breeding, bucks / does | 1711-1713 / 1721-1723 |
| Class 4 breeding, bucks / does | 1731-1732 / 1741-1742 |
| Market (small and large fryers, pens of three, roaster, stewer) | 1751-1756 |
- Up to 24 entries per exhibitor and two per class per breed.
- One rabbit per cage, except a pen of three in a market class.
- Crossbreds may enter market classes only.
- Breeding rabbits need a left-ear tattoo to show at the state fair. Rabbits without tattoos that fit pet criteria belong in a pet show.
- Suggested minimum market weight is 3.5 lb; check each market lot for its requirements.
- Breed champions and reserves are chosen in breeds with at least five entries, or at the judge's discretion. Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show come from the breed champions.
How It Works: The Timeline
- May 1Entry deadline.
- Tuesday, July 21, 8-11 a.m.Check-in and penning for open class, 4-H and FFA rabbits at the rabbit barn office.
- Thursday, July 23, 3 p.m.4-H/FFA Rabbit Show, Rabbit Barn.
- Saturday, July 254-H/FFA awards at 9:30 a.m.
- CheckoutRabbits must stay until the official rabbit checkout; leaving early forfeits premiums.
Care and Conduct
Exhibitors supply their own feed and must be present, or arrange for someone, to feed, water and clean cages every day until release. Neglect disqualifies an exhibitor from the Herdsmanship Award and can bring further consequences. Every animal is inspected by the fair veterinarian before unloading. Each exhibitor receives a show shirt; rabbit exhibitors may wear a long-sleeve shirt underneath or a white show coat over it. Alcohol, tobacco, vaping and illegal drugs are prohibited.
Awards and What You Get
Premiums are paid on points for blue, red and white ribbons, with extra premiums for first-place market classes and for champions and reserves. Showmanship earns premiums too. The state funds premiums only, and checks are mailed in September. The Herdsmanship Award goes to the exhibitor who shows the best care. Youth exhibitors are invited to the Youth Exhibitor Picnic on Tuesday, July 21, 5-7 p.m.
Where
Rabbit Barn, North Dakota State Fairgrounds, Minot. Vehicle and load/unload passes must be requested ahead at ndstatefair.com and are not sold at the gate.
Questions
Do I need to enter through 4-HOnline?
For rabbits 4-HOnline entry is optional; a left-ear tattoo is required for state fair participation.
Can I bring crossbred rabbits?
Yes, but only in market classes.
Who do I call?
The fair office: (701) 857-7620.
Official Links
- 2026 livestock schedule
- 2026 4-H/FFA Livestock Exhibit Book
- 4-H online book: rabbit division rules and classes
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.