What the Utah State Junior Livestock Show Is
The Utah State Junior Livestock Show is a statewide show for 4-H and FFA youth, held at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. Exhibitors show market beef, sheep, hogs and goats, along with breeding classes such as breeding sheep. The show began in 1924 in Spanish Fork and marked its 100th anniversary in 2024. Organizers describe its core purpose as teaching young people how to work, and it is one piece of a longer learning experience that begins months earlier when an animal is tagged.
The most recent edition ran April 29 to May 2, 2026. The 2027 show is listed for April 28 to May 1.
Who Can Enter
- Participants are members of 4-H or FFA.
- For Utah County 4-H, a youth must be at least 8 years old and in 3rd grade by the tagging deadline, and must have "active" status in 4h.zsuite.org before any animal can be tagged.
- Tagging does not register a youth for the show. Most shows require registration 30 days before the show.
How It Works: The Timeline
- Enroll in 4-H through ZSuite and select a livestock project.
- Tag the animal. The tagging date is the start of official ownership. Cattle must be tagged 100 days before the show and sheep, goats and hogs 60 days before.
- Raise and train the animal through the winter and spring.
- Register for the show, then bring the animal to Spanish Fork for the show week.
- Show in the ring, and close the week at the market sale.
Key Dates and Deadlines (2026)
| Item | Date |
|---|---|
| Cattle tagging deadline | January 19 (final cattle tagging event January 3) |
| Sheep, goat and hog tagging deadline | February 28 (final tagging event February 14) |
| Show | April 29 to May 2 |
The February 14 tagging events were held at the Salem Rodeo Grounds (7:30 to 9:00 AM) and the Lehi Rodeo Grounds, 105 N 500 W (9:45 to 10:15 AM). A youth who cannot attend a tagging event can arrange a farm visit for $20.
Fees and What You Get
Tags cost $2 each for cattle, sheep, goats and swine. Card payment is made at registration; checks are made out to "Utah County 4-H" and collected at tagging. Exhibitors who sell at the market sale, which closes the show, receive the sale proceeds for their animals.
Scholarships
A scholarship fund started around the 100th show reached about $80,000 in its first year. It is open to graduating high school seniors who have entered the show, and awards can go toward agriculture or non-agriculture college programs or vocational training. The goal is ten $1,000 scholarships a year. Details are at utahjuniorlivestock.com/scholarships.
Scale and Recent History
In 2024 organizers expected about 450 participants and nearly 750 animals. That year's show opened with a ceremony at 8 PM on April 30 and closed with the market sale at 10 AM on May 4. Attendees also collected food for Tabitha's Way Local Food Pantry, with the Utah Farm Bureau matching donations pound for pound in hamburger meat.
Where
Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, 475 South Main, Spanish Fork, Utah.
Questions
Does tagging sign me up for the show?
No. Tagging establishes ownership; you still register for the show.
Can I tag after the deadline?
Tagging deadlines are set per show; the 2026 cattle deadline was January 19 and the sheep, goat and hog deadline was February 28.
Who do I call?
Utah County 4-H at USU Extension, 385.268.6531. Rules are posted at utahjuniorlivestock.com.
Official Links
- 2026 Utah County 4-H livestock tagging
- Junior Livestock Shows (USU Extension Utah County)
- Daily Herald: show celebrates 100 years
- USU Extension livestock program
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Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.