Live Animals

DEPARTMENT ANIMALS

4-H State Fair Livestock Fairbook Summary of Changes In 2026

Exhibitor Age Requirements

4-H member that is 8 years of age before January 1 of the current year with the last year of eligibility being 4-H age of 18.

Showmanship Age Divisions

• Junior Showmanship (ages 8 to 10 before January 1 of the current year)
• Intermediate Showmanship (ages 11 to 13 before January 1 of the current year)
• Senior Showmanship (ages 14 to 18 before January 1 of the current year)

Awards

Exhibitors will receive awards for the Division Champions, Reserve Division Champions, Grand Champion Overall, Reserve Grand Champion Overall, and 3rd Overall. Only entries receiving a purple ribbon are eligible to receive champion and reserve awards.

Entry Limits

• A 4-H member may exhibit up to 5 beef.
• A 4-H member may exhibit up to 4 sheep.
• A 4-H member may exhibit up to 4 goats.
• A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 hogs.
• A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 rabbits.
• A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 live birds

Please note: This document does not include every edit to each fairbook. Please review each individual species fairbook at https://4h.unl.edu/state-fair-livestock-exhibitor. PDF documents are available with all changes highlighted in blue font.

DEPARTMENT - ANIMALS 

IAFE (INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS)

CODE OF SHOW RING ETHICS

Exhibitors of animals at livestock shows shall at all times deport themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their conduct in this competitive environment shall always reflect the highest standards of honor and dignity to promote the advancement of agricultural education. This code applies to junior as well as open class exhibitors who compete in struc-tured classes of competition. This code applies to all livestock offered in any event at a livestock show. In addition to the “IAFE Code of Show Ring Ethics”, fairs and livestock shows may have rules and regulations which they impose on the local county, state, provincial, and national levels.

All youth leaders working with junior exhibitors are under an affirmative responsibility to do more than avoid improper conduct or questionable acts. Their moral values must be so certain and positive that those younger and more pliable will be influenced by their fine example. Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers, and absolutely responsible persons who vio-late the code of ethics will forfeit premiums, awards, and auction proceeds and shall be prohibited from future exhibition in accordance with the rules adopted by the respective fairs and livestock shows. Exhibitors who violate this code of ethics demean the integrity of all livestock exhibitors and should be prohibited from competition at all livestock shows in the United States and Canada.

The following is a list of guidelines for all exhibitors and all livestock in competitive events:

1. All exhibitors must present, upon request of fair and livestock show officials, proof of ownership, length of ownership and age of all animals entered. Misrepresentation of ownership, age, or any facts relating thereto is prohibited.
2. Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers, or absolutely responsible persons shall provide animal health certificates from licensed veterinarians upon request by fair or livestock show officials.
3. Junior exhibitors are expected to care for and groom their animals while at fairs or livestock shows.
4. Animals shall be presented to show events where they will enter the food chain free of violative drug residues. The act of entering an animal in a livestock show is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer and/or absolutely responsible person for show management to obtain any specimens of urine, saliva, blood, or other sub-stances from the animal to be used in testing. Animals not entered in an event which culminates with the animal entering the food chain shall not be administered drugs other than in accordance with applicable federal, state and provincial statutes, regulations and rules. Livestock shall not be exhibited if the drugs administered in accordance with federal, state and provincial statutes, regulations and rules affect the animal’s performance or appearance at the event.

• If the laboratory report on the analysis of saliva, urine, blood, or other sample taken from livestock indicates the presence of forbidden drugs or medication, this shall be prima facie evidence such substance has been administered to the animal either internally or externally. It is presumed that the sample of urine, saliva, blood, or other substance tested by the laboratory to which it is sent is the one taken from the animal in question, its integrity is preserved and all procedures of said collection and preservation, transfer to the laboratory, and analysis of the sample are correct and accurate and the report received from the laboratory pertains to the sample taken from the animal in question and correctly reflects the condition of the animal at the time the sample was taken, with the burden on the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to prove otherwise.
• At any time after an animal arrives on the fair or livestock show premises, all treatments involving the use of drugs and/or medications for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian.

5. Any surgical procedure or injection of any foreign substance or drug or the external application of any substance (irritant, counter-irritant, or similar substance) which could affect the animal’s performance or alter its natural contour, conformation, or appearance, except external applications of substances to the hoofs or horns of animals which affect appearance only, and except for surgical procedures performed by a duly licensed veterinarian for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal, is prohibited.
6. The use of showing and/or handling practices or devices such as striking animals to cause swelling, using electrical contrivance, or other similar practices are not acceptable and are prohibited.
7. Direct criticism or interference with the judge, fair or livestock show management, other exhibitors, breed representatives, or show officials before, during, or after the competitive event is prohibited. In the furtherance of the official duty, all judges, fair and livestock show management, or other show officials shall be treated with courtesy, cooperation and respect and no person shall direct abusive or threatening conduct toward them.
8. No owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person shall conspire with another person or persons to intentionally violate this code of ethics or knowingly contribute or cooperate with another person or persons either by affirmative action or inaction to violate this code of ethics. Violation of this rule shall subject such individual to disciplinary action.
9. No owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person shall conspire with another person or persons to intentionally violate this code of ethics or knowingly contribute or cooperate with another person or persons either by affirmative action or inaction to violate this code of ethics. Violation of this rule shall subject such individual to disciplinary action.
10. The application of this code of ethics provides for absolute responsibility for an animal’s condition by an owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or participant whether or not he or she was actually instrumental in or had actual knowledge of the treatment of the animal in contravention of this code of ethics.
11. The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to have disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show for violation of this Code of Show Ring Ethics and any other rules of competition of the fair or livestock show without recourse against the fair or livestock show. The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent that any proceedings or disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show may be published with the name of the violator or violators in any publication of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, including Fairs and Expos and any special notices to members.
12. The act of entering of an animal in a fair or livestock show is the giving of verification by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person that he or she has read the IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics and understands the consequences of and penalties provided for actions prohibited by the code. It is further a consent that any action which contravenes these rules and is also in violation of federal, state, or provincial statutes, regulations, or rules may be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over such infractions.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR ANIMALS EXHIBITED

• Under no circumstances may animals under quarantine be exhibited.
• Only animals not showing signs of infectious or contagious diseases will be allowed to show.
• Policy on Ringworm, Warts, and Abscesses:
  • Animals that have active ringworm, visible warts, or abscesses, will not be allowed entry into the Boone County Fair for exhibition.
  • The inspecting veterinarian may judge the ringworm to be inactive if the lesion is not encrusted and hair has begun regrowth in the area. begun regrowth in the area.
  • Animals with warts that are visible by a hands-off inspection will not be allowed to remain on the premises.
  • Animals that have visible abscesses will not be allowed to exhibit and will not be allowed to remain on the premises.
• All sheep and goats being exhibited need to be individually identified with USDA Official ID. This applies to both market ewes and breeding ewes, regardless of age.
• To exhibit non-terminal swine:
  • Have a negative Pseudorabies test conducted within 30 days prior to exhibition; or
  • Originate from a Qualified Pseudorabies free herd; and
  • Be individually identified with USDA official identification.
  • After exhibition, the Nance County Fair recommends that exhibited swine should be kept separate and apart from all other swine and retested negative in not less than 30 days following last exhibition, or shipped directly to slaughter.
• YOUTH FOR QUALITY CARE OF ANIMALS TRAINING - All exhibitors in beef, dairy cattle, meat goat, dairy goats, sheep, swine, rabbits or poultry must have received YQCA training or testing through a Nebraska Extension based program prior to the county fair. Program attendance or completion of an online course is required by June 1. Completion of training will be certified by county extension staff.

GENERAL LIVESTOCK RULES

• OWNERSHIP OF ANIMALS & POULTRY- All animals and poultry should be owned by the exhibitor who entered it. Ownership of beef, sheep, swine, dairy, market goats, and meat goats must be certified where required on the appropriate forms in the Extension Office. All market and breeding animals (beef, sheep, swine, and meat goats) must be nominated and have a hair sample for DNA testing on file at the AKSARBEN office by the appropriate dates (June 15 for all species) in order to be exhibited at the State Fair.
• ELIGIBILITY OF ANIMALS - Any project animal that has been offered for auction, where the intent of the auction is change of ownership, is ineligible for the livestock classes. A project animal that has been through a “premium only” auction is eligible to be exhibited at the Nebraska State Fair, provided it and its exhibitor meet all other ownership and eligibility requirements. A “premium only” auction is defined as an event in which change of ownership is never the intent; but the intent is only to provide a monetary premium to accompany the ribbon earned by the exhibit. An animal that becomes wild and uncontrollable during the show may be declared ineligible by the Division Superintendent. 
• ANIMAL TESTING AND EXAMINATION - Any animal entered in classes is subject to any type testing at the discretion of either the superintendent or official show veterinarian. If the results of testing indicate the possible use of compounds or drugs not approved for use in that species by FDA or compounds or drugs used outside the specified withdrawal requirements of FDA, these animals will be declared ineligible for competition and awards. In the case of market animals, show management will determine the appropriate disposal of the animals. An animal that is tampered with to change appearance or weight may be declared ineligible by the Division Superintendent.
• REGISTRATION OF LIVESTOCK - A breeding animal to be eligible for show in a registered class must be owned by the exhibitor by June 1 of the current year and be registered by the official breed association. The registration certificate must indicate one of the following (1) the name of the exhibitor (2) the name of the exhibitor and/or a co-owner who is an immediate member of the exhibitor's family or (3) the family or ranch name or parent’s name. REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY FAIR DATE. Immediate family is defined as members of a household, including parents, brothers and sisters, and youth in care of the head of the household. All commercial females can use 4-H or farm/ranch tag for identification. All registered females will have their tattoos checked. A calfhood vaccination tattoo is not considered an official identification tattoo. Original registration certificates must be presented at the check in chute when the females are led through for checking tattoos and entry papers. Only breeding females recognized as registered and eligible to show by their respective state Breed Associations will be allowed to compete in the breed classes.
• ONLY PURPLES CAN BE CHAMPIONS - Any beef, dairy, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep, swine, dog, cat, poultry, rabbit, or miscellaneous small animal entry must be awarded a first or second purple ribbon in a class to be eligible to compete for champion or reserve champion.

GROOMING OF LIVESTOCK:

1. BLOW AND GO: All beef, swine, sheep and goats (showmanship, market, and breeding) will be shown blow and go. Animals may be clipped, blown, brushed or combed to enhance their appearance. Guidelines for the Blow and Go show:
   • The only people allowed to clip, groom, brush and comb 4-H/FFA cattle, hogs, sheep and goats at the Nance County Fair are Nance County 4-H livestock exhibitors and exhibitors’ immediate family (parents/guardian, siblings).
   • All animals will be shown free of any adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products.
   • Any compounds that have adhesive qualities that when applied cannot be combed or brushed through, or alter the color of the animal are forbidden. These products include, but are not limited to commonly used adhesives and colorants such as Prime Time, EZ Comb, Tail Adhesive, Natural Hold, Ultra White Touch-Up, Black Touch Up, Black Finisher, black show foam, and baby powder.
   • Alcohol, water, oil, foam or any water or alcohol-based products with no adhesives or glue qualities, or artificial colors are permitted. These products include conditioners and commonly used sprays such as Kleen Sheen, Revive, Final Bloom, Pink Oil, white show foam, Freshen Up, Silk, and Sudden Impact.
   • The first violation will result in the reduction of one ribbon placing for the exhibitor’s animal involved. The second violation of any of the above mentioned will result in disqualification for the show in that species.
   • The judge has the right to notify show management of any violation of said rules, therefore qualifying the animal to be lowered one ribbon placing.
   • One animal in wash rack at a time per exhibitor. Be courteous to other exhibitors.
2. All clipping of pigs should be completed prior to arriving at county fair.
3. Exhibitors shall not add materials, natural or synthetic, which extend body shapes beyond normal limits.
4. Upon violation of above rules, the exhibitor’s animal involved may be lowered one or two ribbon placing(s) or maybe disqualified from the show.
   • BY ORDER OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHALL - The use of flammable and combustible grooming sprays inside the barns is strictly forbidden. These types of materials must be used outside the building s only.
   • SUBSTITUTE SHOWMAN - An animal must be shown by the 4-H owner who entered it unless the exhibitor is excused by the Division Superintendent because of serious illness or disability due to an injury (e.g. broken arm or leg). An exhibitor who has more than one animal in a class need not secure approval for another 4-H or FFA member, eligible to exhibit livestock, to show the additional animal in the class. Substitute showmen must be a 4-H or FFA member exhibiting in a current livestock show. All substitute showmen must be in official dress.
   • DRESS CODE - Exhibitors in all contests (shooting sports, beef, dairy, goats, dogs, cats, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, and miscellaneous small animals) are required to wear the county 4-H t-shirt, dark blue jeans, hard soled shoes or boots. No hats, caps or other types of headgear are to be worn in the show ring. Dairy and dairy goat exhibitors may wear dark blue jeans or white pants. Horse exhibitors wear official dress according to their rule hand-book.
   • ALL FANS MUST BE MOUNTED! (No butt fans)
   • DO NOT use washrack as feeding area.
   • Exhibitors must have completed the Nance County Fair Livestock Entry Form that is DUE in the Extension Office no later than Monday, July 7. A late fee of $5.00 per project per day will be assessed after that deadline but entries will not be accepted after July 10 at 4:30pm.