What a County Junior Livestock Show Is
A county junior livestock show is the local show where 4-H and FFA members exhibit the market animals they have raised, usually in winter after months of feeding. In Texas, most of these shows sit at the bottom of a ladder that leads to the large shows in Fort Worth, San Antonio, San Angelo, Houston and Austin. The same ear tag, ownership paperwork and ethics policy usually follow an animal from the county show to the majors.
Rules differ by county, so treat this guide as the common pattern. The examples below come from published rulebooks and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension pages, and your own county's rule book always wins.
Who Can Show
The Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Program Ethics Policy sets the baseline. The exhibitor must be a bona fide member of a Texas 4-H club or FFA chapter in good standing, enrolled in a Texas public, private or accredited homeschool, and a Texas resident. The animals must be housed and cared for in Texas, and the exhibitor works under a County Extension Agent or an Agricultural Science Teacher.
Age limits are set locally. A Texas A&M AgriLife 4-H livestock project page lists county and other stock shows as open to youth from age 9 (or 8 if in 3rd grade) through 18. The Brazos County Youth Livestock Show lets 4-H members compete from third grade through grade 12 and FFA members from grades nine through 12. Some counties also limit entries to students who live in or attend school in listed school districts.
Validation: Tagging and Proof of Ownership
The Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Validation Program is the gate. Projects must be validated before a member can enter any major Texas livestock show, and most county shows require state validation as well. Validation establishes a permanent identity for the animal and confirms who owns it. At validation each animal is ear-tagged, a hair sample is collected for later DNA identity testing, the exhibitor's project record is completed, and the member signs an ethics form for each species shown.
Typical validation timing
- Steers: June for all major Texas shows.
- Market lambs and goats: October for most major shows (June for the State Fair of Texas).
- Market barrows: November for most major shows (June for the State Fair of Texas).
Tags are ordered ahead of validation, in late April or early May for steers and in August for goats and sheep, with swine in September. Sheep and goat validation also uses tattoos, and sheep use nose print cards. The Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Program notes that an animal missing a legible tattoo at a major show can be disqualified. One county rule book, for example, requires a Verification of Project Location form on validation day.
The state lists its deadlines in the 2026-2027 Ethics Policy, but local deadlines take precedence, so confirm every date with your county Extension office or ag teacher.
Ownership and Care Rules
- Validation is proof of ownership. For market animals, the validation date is the ownership date. Breeding animals use the date on breed registration papers.
- The exhibitor does the daily work. The policy requires primary and continuous daily care and close involvement in feeding, training, grooming and welfare. Excessive involvement by fitters, breeders or consultants is prohibited.
- One approved address per species. Animals of one species must be housed at the same approved location. Animals kept outside the exhibitor's, family's or supervising educator's care need prior approval.
- Inspections can happen any time, with or without notice.
- Selling breaks the chain. Offering an animal for sale during the feeding period, by private treaty or at any auction including terminal county auctions, makes it ineligible for the remaining validation-required shows that season. Selling at a listed major show makes it ineligible for later majors.
- One animal, one exhibitor, one county. An animal cannot be validated in more than one county or under another exhibitor's name. Family validation is limited to immediate family.
Penalties range from suspension and disqualification to loss of future validation records.
Species and Divisions
AgriLife lists beef cattle (show steers), meat goats, rabbits, show lambs, swine and poultry (turkeys and broilers) as the main livestock projects. County schedules usually split these into market classes, with heifers, commercial steers or breeding classes added in many counties. Brazos County's schedule lists commercial steers, market steers, market lambs, market goats, market swine, market rabbits, market turkeys, market broilers and heifers, plus consumer science and agricultural mechanics.
Show-ring rules are local and specific. In the Lavaca County (Hallettsville) rule book, for instance, market goats must be wethers, market lambs may not be ewe lambs, market swine may not be gilts, and weight windows apply (lambs 100-175 lbs, goats 65-120 lbs, swine 230-290 lbs).
Quality Counts
Quality Counts is an online AgriLife Extension course for 4-H and FFA members in livestock projects, covering character, safe food practices and the ethics of raising livestock. It is split into Junior (grades 3-5), Intermediate (grades 6-8) and Senior (grades 9-12) levels, and a Quality Counts number is issued after completion. Major shows such as San Angelo ask for a verification number. See the AgriLife Quality Counts page.
Show-Day Flow
County shows run on a set order. A published example is the Lavaca County show: a weigh-in and sifting day (scales open the evening before for check weighing only), market and showmanship classes through the following day, steers and swine on the second afternoon, and a market auction on the final day, with a mandatory exhibitor meeting and a release time for non-sale animals. Brazos County runs the same arc over a week, with rabbits and lambs and goats first, swine, then turkeys, broilers, heifers and steers, and the premium auction as the final event.
- Animals are weighed once on the official scale and sifted for quality, and classes are drawn from the animals that make weight.
- Showmanship follows each market show, and exhibitors stay on the grounds until released.
Premium Sales and Buyer Support
The premium sale, also called the market auction, is where placing animals are sold to local buyers. Winners of their category can sell at the premium auction in Brazos County. In the Lavaca County rules the auction is a spot sale with immediate transfer of ownership, a 3% commission applies, champions sell first, and class winners cannot sell above the reserve champion. Check your county's own caps and commission.
Buyer support is how local businesses, families and organizations back the kids. Tom Green County's premium sale takes add-on contributions per lot and pool money, and offers sponsor tiers from $500 to $10,000. Lavaca County lists a Market Auction Buyer's Social before its sale.
Animal ID and Health Rules
Under USDA and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) rules, cattle, sheep, goats, swine and other livestock are subject to official ID requirements. Animals validated under the Texas Validation Program are officially identified, but a validation ear tag counts as official ID only if it carries the U.S. shield and "unlawful to remove," and it must stay on the animal for life.
TAHC does not require a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) for Texas-origin animals at an exhibition, though individual events may. Out-of-state animals need a valid CVI, which is good for 30 days and one trip from point A to point B, and must list a complete physical address. See the TAHC youth exhibition events FAQ or call TAHC Animal Disease Traceability at 512-719-0733.
Where the County Show Leads
For market animals, the path is validation, not a state qualifying show: a properly validated project is what opens the door to the major shows (see the companion guide to the major Texas stock shows and rodeos). Youth also qualify for State 4-H Roundup livestock judging through district contests, where the top three teams from each district advance and Senior 4-H age is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Texas Youth Livestock Show (TXYLS) that kids qualify for?
The Texas A&M AgriLife, TAHC and show sources reviewed for this guide do not describe a statewide qualifying show by that name. Market-animal exhibitors move up through validation and entry into the major shows.
Do I have to validate for a county show?
Most county shows require state validation. Your county Extension office or ag teacher will confirm.
Can I sell my animal at a private sale and still show?
Offering an animal for sale during the feeding period, privately or at an auction, makes it ineligible for the remaining validation-required shows that season, even if you buy it back.
Official Resources
- Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Program Ethics Policy 2026-2027 (PDF): ownership, care and penalties
- 2026 Major Show Sheep and Goat Validation memo (PDF): tags, tattoos and dates
- Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Validation Program overview
- AgriLife 4-H Livestock Project Information (PDF)
- Example county rule book (Lavaca County, PDF)
- Brazos County Youth Livestock Show coverage
- Tom Green County premium sale coverage
Texas Listings Covered by This Guide
- Abilene High Warbird Livestock Show
Abilene High Warbird Livestock Show on November 14, 2026 at the First Financial Pavilion, Expo Center of Taylor County, Abilene, according to the Expo Center's event schedule for that venue.
- Cotton Country Classic
Show listed for Nov 14-15, 2026 at the Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown, with move-in beginning at 5 PM the day before. Species not stated; assumed annual.
- Callahan County Livestock Show
Callahan County Livestock Show on November 21, 2026 at the First Financial Pavilion, Expo Center of Taylor County, Abilene, according to the Expo Center's event schedule for that venue.
- Blanco County Youth Show & Sale
Annual youth livestock show for Blanco County 4-H and FFA members, with show days January 4-5, 2027 and the premium sale on January 23, 2027. The Blanco County 4-H and FFA Youth Council sponsors the event.
- Kerr County Stock Show
The Kerr County Stock Show, first held in 1933, opens its January 2027 show week with the Annual Cowboy Breakfast at 6 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2027. Exhibitors show at the Hill Country Youth Event Center in Kerrville.
- Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
The 2027 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is scheduled for January 15 through February 6 at Ariat Arena and the Will Rogers Memorial Center, with livestock and horse shows, a consumer trade show, a carnival and professional rodeo.
- Midland County Livestock Show and Sale
Midland County Livestock Show and Sale, hosted by the Midland County Livestock Association, is set for January 16, 2027. Proceeds from the Backyard Bash benefit 4-H and FFA youth exhibitors in Midland County.
- Stock Show Bowl Varsity Equestrian
Varsity equestrian meet pitting TCU against the University of Minnesota Crookston on Jan. 28, 2027 at 10 a.m. in John Justin Arena.
- San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Held since 1949, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo runs February 11-28, 2027, combining rodeo competition, concerts, a carnival and livestock exhibitions, and awards scholarships to high school students.
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The 95th Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo runs March 2-21, 2027, with livestock and horse shows, a carnival, concerts, tours and a Ranching & Wildlife Expo. A barbecue contest is held in late February beforehand.
- Rodeo Austin
Rodeo Austin returns to the Travis County Expo Center on March 12-27, 2027, with ProRodeo events, livestock shows, daily concerts and carnival attractions at the Rodeo Austin Fairgrounds, 9100 Decker Lake Road.
- San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo
The San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo schedule is listed as April 2-18, 2027, with the rodeo at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena, 200 West 43rd Street, San Angelo. A Premium Sale is part of the livestock show.
- Archer County Junior Livestock Show Board
Volunteer board that runs the Archer County Junior Livestock Show (ACJLS), which introduced a new show schedule for its 2026 edition according to the Archer County News.
TX - Bandera County Junior Livestock Association
Association behind the Bandera County Junior Livestock Show at Mansfield Park; it receives proceeds from a Bandera Chamber of Commerce donation taco sale held the first day of the show.
Bandera, TX - Bee County Junior Livestock and Homemakers Show
Annual youth livestock and homemakers show listed among the events held at the Bee County Expo Center in Beeville; no dates were posted on the county page consulted.
Beeville, TX - Carson County Jr Livestock Show Association
Panhandle-based association supporting local FFA and 4-H members by bidding on, buying or paying premiums for projects exhibited at county shows, fairs and contests, to encourage quality projects and ag learning.
PO Box 352, Panhandle, TX - Dimmit County Junior Livestock Show Associates Inc
Nonprofit listed in Carrizo Springs that backs the Dimmit County junior livestock show, serving local 4-H and FFA exhibitors. A street address and mission statement were not published on the directory page.
Carrizo Springs, TX - Elgin Livestock Show Association
501(c)(3) for active Bastrop County 4-H and FFA members that runs the Bastrop County Junior Livestock Show; in 2024 it reported supporting 107 youth and awarding $123,000 at auction.
118 Old Sayers Road, Elgin, TX 78621 Website - Gonzales Youth Show Association
Local youth livestock show association named on the Gonzales County Extension 4-H page as the operator of a county stock show, with show rules posted as downloadable PDFs for 4-H and FFA exhibitors.
Gonzales, TX Website - Hill Country Youth Event Center
County-owned Kerrville facility with the Happy State Bank Expo Hall, home of the Kerr County Stock Show where 4-H and FFA exhibitors show swine and other project animals and sell them at a Saturday auction.
3785 TX-27, Kerrville, TX - John L. Kuykendall Event Center and Arena
Llano event center and arena that hosts the Llano County Junior Livestock Show, covering rabbits, poultry, heifers, steers, hogs, lambs and goats with a Saturday premium sale auction.
2200 RR 152 West, Llano, TX - Kendall County Junior Livestock Association
KCJLA runs the annual Kendall County Jr. Livestock Show for 4-H and Boerne and Comfort ISD FFA members, with swine, goat, sheep, steer, heifer and poultry classes plus an ag mechanics contest.
118 Saunders St., Boerne, TX 78006 | 830-331-8242 Website - Lampasas County Youth Livestock Center
Venue in Lampasas for the Lampasas County Livestock Show (Jan 7-10, 2026) and a new 80 by 80 ft ag barn with 36 pens built from Reverse Raffle proceeds to house student show animals.
283 N US Hwy 183/190, Lampasas, TX 76550 - Leon County Youth Livestock Show Board
Board that runs the Leon County Youth Livestock Show with Extension and 4-H support: cattle, swine and goat shows, a Friday Sale of Champions, an invitational judging contest and Ag Product ID contest.
113 West Main Street, Centerville, TX 75833 Website - Maverick County Junior Livestock Show Association
Eagle Pass nonprofit led by a board of directors that runs the Maverick County Junior Livestock Show, with lamb, goat, swine and steer shows, a sale and scholarships for local 4-H and FFA youth.
Eagle Pass, TX - McLennan County Youth Livestock Association
Nonprofit that organizes the McLennan County Junior Livestock Show and recruits junior directors by application and interview each spring; interviews are held at the county Extension office.
Waco, TX - Milam County Junior Livestock Show Association
MCJLA, the nonprofit that runs the Milam County Junior Livestock Show; its mailing address is PO Box 1114, Cameron, and it publishes yearly show rules and commercial heifer rules.
Cameron, TX - Nixon-Smiley Stock Show
Nixon-Smiley stock show listed on the Gonzales County Extension 4-H page as a local show for 4-H and FFA exhibitors; rules are posted as a PDF. Dates were not shown on the source.
Nixon, TX Website - Nolan County Livestock Association
Association tied to the Nolan County Livestock Show and listed by the county Extension office with its own Facebook page.
Sweetwater, TX - Randall County Junior Livestock Association
RCJLSA runs the Randall County Jr Livestock Show and a Jr Livestock Ambassador program and awards its own scholarship.
200 N Brown Rd, Canyon, TX 79015 | (806) 468-5543 - Runnels County Junior Livestock Association
RCJLS publishes the county show rulebook, a 2027 entry form, validation information and Quality Counts exhibitor guidance for youth showing livestock in Runnels County.
Ballinger, TX - Rusk County Youth Expo Center and Arena
Henderson arena that hosts livestock sales and shows plus rodeos, equestrian events, concerts and banquets; the venue manager is listed as Jennifer Sprayberry.
3303 FM 13 West, Henderson, TX 75654 | 903-722-9101 - Tilden Livestock Scholarship Association
Booster association listed by the McMullen County Extension office as a local youth livestock and scholarship group supporting county exhibitors in Tilden.
Tilden, TX - Uvalde County Junior Livestock Show
County junior livestock show organization named on the Uvalde County AgriLife Extension page, which points exhibitors to its own website for rules and schedules.
Uvalde, TX - Young County Junior Livestock Show Association
Board that runs the annual Young County Junior Livestock Show and county fair, with a site carrying schedule, county fair and sponsorship pages.
Graham, TX Website - Zavala County Junior Livestock Show Association
ZCJLSA board that runs the Zavala County Junior Fair from its show grounds barn and Quonset hut in Crystal City; 2026 rules set weigh-in Jan 8 and showmanship Jan 9.
Crystal City, TX - McLennan County Major Show Entry Night
Entry night for all 2027 major livestock shows, held Nov 4 from 8 AM to 6:30 PM at the McLennan County Extension Office in Waco. Year of the Nov 4 date inferred from the 2027 show reference.
- Mason County Stock Show Entry Day
Entry day for the 2027 Mason County stock show at the Extension Office on Nov 2, 2026, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; exhibitors bring a checkbook and their Quality Counts number. Assumed annual.
- Montgomery County Major Show Entry Days
Nov 1 (3-5 PM) and Nov 2 (5-7 PM) entry days at the Conroe Extension office for Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Rodeo Austin shows. Year inferred from page date.
- Panola County Major Livestock Show Entry Night
4-H entry night Sept 24 at 6 PM at the Expo Hall for major livestock shows, with entries due Oct 30. Year inferred; Carthage inferred from the Extension office. Assumed annual.
Plus 89 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Texas directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.