We have many youth who participate in livestock shows and wanted to provide some updates for NW NC Local and state rules and deadlines. View a draft of some important show dates here,Or, click here for a calendar version.
NC State Fair Youth Livestock
From June 15 - July 15, NC State Fair Jr. Swine, Goat, and Sheep exhibitors must nominate their animals in the Showorks system (male and female) and upload both a head shot of the exhibitor and animal with the tag in place, and a profile photo. Youth exhibiting Jr. Market Animals must also submit DNA to an N.C. Cooperative Extension Center.
Finally, entries must be made in Showorks from August 15-September 15.
Please, see the first bullet at "Need Help with ShoWorks User Guides" for assistance.
The 2025 Premium Book is onlineDNA Submission Instructions
NCSF Rule Updates
The NC State Fair Swine Show is allowing 2 Purebred gilts, and 2 Crossbred gilts for a total of four. You may nominate up to 8 gilts. Barrows are the same; 2 purebred barrows, 2 crossbred barrows for a total of up to four. You may nominate up to 8 barrows.NC State Fair is requiring that all purebred/registered animals be registered in the exhibitor or immediate family member's name if that family member resided in North Carolina. Animals provided for FFA and official 4-H programs by NC producers can remain in the NC producers name with a signed Affidavit. This rules doesn't apply to Wool Sheep. No pending registrations will be accepted; a copy of the papers must be uploaded to ShoWorks at the time of entry. All Junior Dairy Cattle exhibitors must upload registration papers at the time of entry (no pending registrations).
Heifers may be shown in the feeder calf show OR the Jr. Beef Heifer show, but not both.
View the NC State Fair Livestock Show Schedule here.
View the NC State Fair Check-In Schedule here.
Lamb Classification Guidelines
Stay up to date at NC State Fair Livestock.Carolina Classic Fair Updates
There will be a mini-horse show on Friday, October 5 for youth and adults.Junior Commercial Ewes AND Market Lambs will be checked in and weighed on Saturday afternoon(4-7 p.m.), October 4.
The Shepherd's Lead is being moved to Wednesday night, October 8.
The Meat Goat show will begin at Noon on Saturday, October 4.
Any breed of cattle with ten head entered may be eligible for a breed show (Junior. Show; October 11-12)
Entries are due by September 1 at Carolina Classic Fair - Competitive Entries.Stokes County Fair
The schedules for the Stokes County Fair are remaining the same. Goats will show on Wednesday evening, September 10, sheep on Friday, the 12, swine and beef cattle on Saturday, the 13. No animals may arrive prior to check-in times as animals must be inspected at unloading. No animals may leave the fair prior to 8:30 or 30 minutes after the show ends and premiums have been handed out (whichever is later). This show is for youth residing in Stokes and surrounding counties in NC and Virginia, only.Entries will be available at the Stokes County Fair website.
Contact April Bowman, awbowman@ncsu.edu, 336-593-8179 with questions or for more information about youth livestock shows.
