Before You Load the Trailer
Show day goes smoothest when the paperwork and the animal are settled weeks earlier. This checklist pulls together Kansas sources: K-State Research and Extension publications and advice, and the fair books of Kansas counties. Your county or show fair book is the final word, since each one sets its own check-in times, weights and dress rules.
Paperwork and ID
- Confirm the tag is on and matches your entry. Allen County's 2025 fair magazine says market livestock must be tagged at the spring weigh-in to verify ownership, and sheep and goats must carry an official USDA premises ID tag.
- Bring health papers if your show requires them. The 2024 Neosho County Fair book says Kansas-origin livestock do not need a state Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, but the fair may require one, and animals from out of state need a valid CVI. K-State's lamb guide (below) also lists health papers "if required" in its packing list.
- Poultry and rabbits. Neosho County requires every bird to be banded and every rabbit to have a permanent tattoo in the left ear. Out-of-state birds need a negative Pullorum-Typhoid test within 90 days.
- YQCA. The State 4-H Fair book requires YQCA certification, and Douglas County's youth livestock page says YQCA is required to show at its fair for beef, swine, sheep, goats, dairy cattle, poultry and rabbits. Check that your certificate is current.
- Intent to sell card. If you plan to sell, Allen County's cards are due at the announcer's stand by 10 p.m. Saturday, and a late card costs $25.
Supplies to Pack
K-State's Show Lamb Preparation and Showmanship publication (MF3528) lists what to pack for a lamb. The same list is a good base for any species, with additions for yours.
- Feed, feeder and water bucket
- Hay, electrolytes and bedding
- Soap, scrub brush, towels and hose
- Wool card or leg brush and hide lotion
- Halters and blankets
- Health papers, if required
- Lamb stand and blower, if available
Add whatever your species and show require. Neosho County superintendents approve every animal before it is penned, and the State 4-H Fair book notes that horse stalls must be bedded with bedding bought from the State Fair, so read your book for bedding and feed rules.
The Week Before
K-State's lamb publication suggests confirming the animal is healthy and eating and drinking well, adding electrolytes to the water (after checking the show rules on drenching), and practicing loading, using the fitting stand and being blown dry. Check belly size daily and wet the feed if the belly looks large. Extension experts quoted by KCLY Radio add that animals should meet different handlers and unfamiliar sights and sounds before the fair, that halter and show-stick training should start early, and that you should record weights and document health treatments.
Leaving Home and Arriving
- Feed light before you go. K-State suggests feeding half the normal amount before departing.
- Know the check-in window. Neosho County unloaded livestock, rabbits and poultry from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m., with weights declared by 10:30 a.m. Allen County unloaded from 7 a.m. to noon, with swine weigh-in 8 to 10 a.m., sheep and meat goats 10 to 11 a.m., and beef 11 a.m. to noon.
- Expect a veterinary look. Neosho County will not allow animals with ringworm, warts, active pink eye, mange or conditions the veterinarian flags, and the veterinarian's ruling is final.
- Prep to the book. Neosho County lambs must arrive dry and slick-shorn with wool no longer than one-fifth of an inch, and meat goats must be clipped with the tail bobbed and baby teeth intact.
- Set up a clean pen. K-State suggests fresh bedding, water with electrolytes and a walk around the barn to keep the animal calm.
- Mind the tie-out rules. Neosho County allowed beef tie-outs only from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Show Day Prep
K-State's advice for show day is to arrive early, walk the animal to ease its nerves, and feed and water according to fill and belly size. Allow plenty of drying time after washing, towel dry, blow dry, brush out the legs and follow the show's rules on fitting products. Just before entering the ring, apply a small amount of hide lotion. The State 4-H Fair book bans adhesives, paints, powders and color-altering sprays in showmanship, a "blow and go" format.
Who may help
The State 4-H Fair book says immediate family members and current Kansas 4-H or FFA exhibitors may help with grooming. Other helpers may give verbal guidance only, must register and wear a badge, and cannot work hands-on unless the exhibitor is present. Leaving the animal mainly in the care of professional feeders or groomers can lead to disqualification.
Showmanship in the Ring
- Own the animal. Neosho County requires the youth to own the animal to compete in showmanship, and showmanship ribbons do not earn premium money.
- Age divisions. Neosho County uses Senior (14 and up), Intermediate (10 to 13) and Junior (7 to 9).
- Walk and set. K-State teaches that the animal walks beside you with its head slightly ahead and legs set square under it so weight is even.
- Stay clean and courteous. Keep the animal straight, leave space from other exhibitors and be courteous to the judge.
- Do not leave early. The State 4-H Fair book says removing an animal from the ring before judging is finished without the ring steward's consent can mean disqualification and forfeited premiums.
- Round robin. At Neosho County, champion senior and intermediate showmen in several species are eligible for the round robin and must notify the fair office by noon on Sunday.
What to Wear
Dress is set locally. Neosho County requires collared shirts tucked in, close-toed shoes, no ball caps and no logos except manufacturer logos on jeans. K-State's lamb guide recommends clean jeans without holes, a collared shirt or blouse and sturdy boots or shoes. The State 4-H Fair book encourages species-appropriate clothing and discourages T-shirts, tennis shoes and headwear.
After the Show
- Check release times. Allen County let non-sale livestock go home at 1 p.m. Sunday, and 4-H exhibits removed early without superintendent consent forfeit premiums.
- Clean your pen. Allen County requires pens and stalls to be clean by 2 p.m. Sunday or premiums may be withheld, and Neosho County holds a barn cleanup on Tuesday evening.
- Sale paperwork. Neosho County asks for sale fees and written sale disposition notices by set times, so keep your receipts and your fair book handy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the member have to bring the animal to the weigh-in and ID day?
Not necessarily. The Sunflower District policy says the member does not have to be present and anyone may bring the animals, but tagging must still be arranged by the event date.
Can I get help washing and fitting?
At the State Fair, family members and current Kansas 4-H or FFA exhibitors may help with grooming. Other helpers are limited to verbal guidance.
Where can I find showmanship tips for my species?
Douglas County Extension's youth livestock page links showmanship and fitting guides for beef, sheep, swine, meat goats, dairy cattle and poultry.
Kansas Listings Covered by This Guide
- Wyandotte County Fair 4-H Round Robin Competition
The 4-H Round Robin Competition is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Wyandotte County Fair in Kansas City, Kansas, with a rodeo the same evening.
13700 Polfer Rd, Kansas City, KS 66109 Official event details - Scott County Free Fair Round Robin Showmanship
Round Robin Showmanship contestants meet on the livestock showring bleachers at 9 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Scott County Free Fair in Scott City, the same day as the evening livestock auction.
Scott City, KS Official event details - Harvey County 4-H Round Robin Showmanship Contest
Top showmen compete across species in the Round Robin on the final Monday of the fair, with winners announced at 6:30 PM at the Newton fairgrounds. Held each year; the most recent date was 2026-08-03.
800 West 1st, Newton, KS 67114 Official event details
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.