BEEF
CHECK-IN: Wednesday, July 22, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
BEEF SHOW: Friday, July 24, 9:00 am
LOCATION: Main Livestock Barn Show Arena
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 15
ORDER OF SHOW: Beef Showmanship (Sr. Div., Int. Div., Jr. Div.); Showmanship Finals; Market Heifers; Market Steers; Breeding Classes (order listed below)
BREEDS: Angus, Balancer, Braunvieh, Charolais, Chianina, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Limousin, Longhorn, Maine-Anjou, Maintainer, Piedmontese, Polled Hereford, Red Angus, Shorthorn, Shorthorn Plus, Simmental, Foundation Simmental, AOB, Commercial, Home Bred & Raised.
PREMIUMS: Market Beef, Breeding Beef, Cow-Calf Pair - Premium Category 1
MARKET CLASSES:
Market Show: Classes will be grouped according to weight and judged lightweight to heavyweight; no breed divisions.
Class # Class Description
G011010 Market beef heifer
G011020 Market beef steer
BREEDING CLASSES:
Breeding Show: All breeds will show individually in alphabetical order. Indicate breed on entry. All breeds must have 3 or more animals or they will be placed into an AOB (All Other Breeds) breeds division, with the exception of the Home Bred & Raised breed division. If there are three in a breed, they will be shown as one class rather than separated by age.
Registered Breeding Beef Classes: See “Registered Breeding Animals” under “4‑H/FFA Livestock General Rules” for information on showing animals in registered breed classes.
Home Bred & Raised: This breed division is treated as an additional breed; if you choose to enter this breed class, that animal is not eligible to enter it’s respective breed class (Ex: you cannot enter in the Home Bred & Raised breed division and the Angus breed division with the same heifer). Any breeding heifer that has been on the family farm from the time of conception to present. Must be owned by the exhibitor or immediate family member (father, mother, brother, sister) must hold full interest and possession of dam. They must be the breeder as well as the first and continuous owner of the animal. Animal exhibited must be the natural offspring of the dam; not embryo transfer. To exhibit in the Home Bred & Raised division you must fill out the ownership sheet and turn it in at Breeding Check-in.
Class # Class Description
G012010 Spring Heifer (1-1-26 to 2-28-26)
G012020 Fall Heifer (9-1-25 to 12-31-25)
G012030 Summer or Intermediate Yearling (5-1-25 to 8-31-25)
G012040 Spring Yearling (3-1-25 to 4-30-25)
G012050 Junior Yearling (1-1-25 to 2-28-25)
G012060 Senior Yearling (9-1-24 to 12-31-24)
G012070 2 Year Old Heifer or Cow (9-1-23 to 8-31-24)
G012080 3 Years & Older
G012100 Cow-calf pair
BEEF SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G011030 Senior division (ages 14 & older)
G011040 Intermediate division (ages 11-13)
G011050 Junior division (ages 8-10)
STOCKER FEEDER
CHECK-IN: Wednesday, July 22, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
(non-weaned calves check-in at gate before show
Thursday, July 23, 12:00-12:30 pm)
SHOW: Thursday, July 23, 1:00 pm
LOCATION: Main Livestock Barn Show Arena
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 15
ORDER OF SHOW: Breeds in order listed below.
BREEDS: Angus, Braunvieh, Charolais, Chianina, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Limousin, Longhorn, Maine-Anjou, Maintainer, Piedmontese, Polled Hereford, Red Angus, Shorthorn, Shorthorn Plus, Simmental, Foundation Simmental, AOB Commercial.
PREMIUMS: Stocker Feeder - Premium Category 1
Stocker Feeder show is Blow & Go. See “Grooming and Fitting” section under “4‑H/FFA Livestock General Rules” for complete rules.
Maximum entries per exhibitor: 2 stocker-feeder calves. Stocker feeder calves will be checked in by Extension Staff at check-in. Bring stocker-feeders outside south side of main livestock barn. Bring I.D. sheet with animal. Non-weaned stocker feeders still need to be checked in but do not physically need to be on the grounds until the day of show. One stocker feeder per exhibitor may be entered in Beef Show Showmanship Contest. A stocker feeder is a calf that was raised by a cow. A calf that was raised by a bottle or was an orphan does not quality as a stocker feeder.
STOCKER FEEDER CLASSES:
Calf born between January 1 - June 1, 2026. Indicate breed and sex on entry. Classes divided by breed, sex and age divisions. Breeds shown in alphabetical order. All breeds must have 3 or more animals or they will be placed into an AOB (All Other Breeds) breeds division.
Class # Class Description
G013010 Male (steer or bull) stocker feeder
G013020 Female (heifer) stocker feeder
BUCKET CALF
CHECK-IN: Wednesday, July 22, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
INTERVIEWS: Wednesday, July 22, 2:00 pm
SHOW: Wednesday, July 22, 5:30 pm
LOCATION: Main Livestock Barn Show Arena
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 15
ORDER OF SHOW: Bucket Calf Interviews at 2:00 pm; Follow class order at 5:30 pm; Selection of Grand and Reserve Champions
PREMIUMS: Bucket Calves- Premium Category 2
Maximum 2 bucket calf entries per exhibitor. Exhibitor must be age 12 or younger (4‑H age, January 1, 2026) for First Year Bucket Calf, and 13 or younger for Second Year Bucket Calf.
Bucket calves will be checked-in by Fair Staff.
Calves must be an orphan or newborn calf, bull, steer or heifer, fed and raised by 4‑H member (nurse cow calves do not qualify), any beef or dairy breed or crossbred. Calves on the cow do NOT qualify as bucket calves. Show stick is optional.
Bucket Calf: An interview prior to the Bucket Calf Show is required for Bucket Calf entries. Sign up for an interview time between July 15 and 20 at go.unl.edu/gagebucketcalfinterviews. The Project manual with example interview questions can be found at go.unl.edu/gagebucketcalf. Ribbon placing based on interview with 4‑H member, showmanship, and general quality/health of the animal. One bucket calf per exhibitor may be entered in the Showmanship Contest during the Beef Show on Friday.
2nd Year Bucket Calf: Must have shown as a First-Year Bucket Calf at the previous year’s Gage County Fair. The animal must be shown by the same exhibitor in both years and must be a Heifer or Steer - no bulls allowed. If an animal is shown in Second-Year Bucket Calf, it is not eligible for the Market or Breeding divisions during the Beef Show on Friday. A Second-Year Bucket Calf shown in the Market division during the Bucket Calf Show is NOT eligible for the Premium Auction. A Second-Year Bucket Calf can be shown for Showmanship on Friday—the animals will only be evaluated for live placing during the Bucket Calf show.
Second-Year Breeding Bucket Calf- Animals will be shown by age.
Second-Year Market Bucket Calf- Animals will be shown by weight.
Second-Year Dairy Bucket Calf- Animals will be shown by age.
Class # Class Description
G020001 Bucket Calf (1/1/26 - 3/14/26)
G020002 Bucket Calf (3/15/26 - 5/30/26)
G020003 2nd Year Bucket Market Calf (1/1/25 - 3/14/25) G020004 2nd Year Bucket Breeding Calf (1/1/25-5/30/25)
G020005 2nd Year Dairy Bucket Calf (1/1/25 - 5/30/25)
DAIRY CATTLE
CHECK-IN: Wednesday, July 22, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
SHOW: Thursday, July 23, 9:00 am
LOCATION: Main Livestock Barn Show Arena
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 15
ORDER OF SHOW: Dairy Showmanship (Sr. Div., Int. Div., Jr. Div.); Showmanship Finals; Heifer Classes by breed; Cow Classes by breed. Dairy Herd class following each breed.
BREEDS: Jersey, Holstein, Milking Shorthorn, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Crossbred, AOB.
PREMIUMS: Dairy classes, Dairy herd - Premium Category 1
Dairy show is Blow & Go. See “Grooming and Fitting” section under “4‑H/FFA Livestock General Rules” for complete rules.
Maximum entries per exhibitor: 4 dairy cattle. Dairy cattle will be checked in by Fair Staff on the south side main livestock barn. Bring I.D. with animal.
All breeds will show individually in order. Indicate breed on entry. All breeds must have 3 or more animals or they will be placed into an AOB (All Other Breeds) breeds division.
Exhibitors must pre-enter in the Showmanship Contest.
DAIRY CATTLE CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G041010 Spring Heifer Calf (3-1-26 to 4-30-26)
G041020 Winter Heifer Calf (12-1-25 to 2-28-26)
G041030 Fall Heifer Calf (9-1-25 to 11-30-25)
G041040 Summer Yearling Heifer (6-1-25 to 8-31-25)
G041050 Spring Yearling Heifer (3-1-25 to 5-31-25)
G041060 Winter Yearling Heifer (12-1-24 to 2-28-25)
G041070 Fall Yearling Heifer (9-1-24 to 11-30-24)
G041080 Dry Cow (any age)
G041090 2 Year Old (9-1-23 to 8-31-24)
G041100 3 Year Old (9-1-22 to 8-31-23)
G041110 4 Year Old (9-1-21 to 8-31-22)
G041120 5+ Year Old (prior to 9-1-21)
G041130 Dairy herd (grade or registered)
DAIRY CATTLE SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G041140 Senior division (ages 14 & older)
G041150 Intermediate division (ages 11-13)
G041160 Junior division (ages 8-10)
Dairy Herd: Exhibitor must enter and show three (3) females in the Dairy Herd class. A herd may consist of both 4‑H and FFA animals but each animal must be owned by the same exhibitor. At least one animal must be a cow that has freshened long enough to have a projected ME record and all three must be of the same breed. Exhibitors should provide DHIA herd identification and DHIA cow identification on herd score card. Animal may qualify in either milk or protein. Herd may either be registered or grade. Each exhibitor must fill out Dairy Herd Scorecard and present it to the show official prior to start of the show for verification. Exhibitor must verify records prior to start of show.
Awards presented on the basis of 305 2X ME records in progress for cows in milk and on the basis of the most recently completed 305 2X ME record for dry cows.
Awards for High Milk Production and High Protein Production will be given to the 4‑H/FFA member who exhibits cow with an official DHIA record during the most recent lactation. Winners will be determined by pounds produced over the breed production requirements listed below. Indicate entry in these contest/s on entry form. Crossbred not eligible for production awards.
DAIRY GOAT
CHECK-IN: Wednesday, July 22, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
SHOW: Thursday, July 23, Immediately following Dairy
Cattle Show
LOCATION: Main Livestock Barn Show Arena
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 15
DAIRY GOAT ORDER OF SHOW: Showmanship (Sr. Div., Int. Div., Jr. Div.); Breed Classes; Selection of Champions
DAIRY GOAT BREEDS ORDER OF SHOW: Alpine, LaMancha, Nubian, Saanen, Toggenburg, Other Breeds, Recorded Grade.
PREMIUMS: Dairy goat - Premium Category 2
Maximum entries per exhibitor: 4 dairy goats, 1 Daughter-Dam. Dairy goats will be checked in by Fair Staff on the south side main livestock barn. Bring I.D. sheet with animal. Exhibitors need to enter in Showmanship if they want to participate. Participation in showmanship not required. All breeds must have 3 or more animals or they will be placed into an AOB (All Other Breeds) breeds division. If there are three in a breed, they will be shown as one class rather than separated by age.
DAIRY GOAT CLASSES:
Ages are as of show date (un-freshened)
Class # Class Description
G051010 Junior Doe Kid (under 6 months)
G051011 Junior Doe Kid (6-12 months)
G051020 Junior Doe-ling (12-18 months)
G051021 Senior Doe-ling (18-24 months)
G051030 Milkers (under age 2)
G051031 Milkers (age 2-3)
G051032 Milkers (age 3-4)
G051033 Milkers (age 4-5)
G051034 Milkers (age 5 & older)
G051040 Dry Doe (age 2 & older)
G051050 Daughter-Dam
DAIRY GOAT SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G051060 Senior division (ages 14 & older)
G051070 Intermediate division (ages 11-13)
G051080 Junior division (ages 8-10)
MEAT GOAT
CHECK-IN: Wednesday, July 22, 1:00 pm
*Following Sheep Check-in
SHOW: Friday, July 24, 5:30 pm
LOCATION: Main Livestock Barn Show Arena
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 15
ORDER OF SHOW: Showmanship (Sr. Div., Int. Div., Jr. Div.); Showmanship Finals; Breeding Classes; Breeding Champions; Meat Classes (lightweight to heavyweight); Meat Goat Champions; Pet Goats
PREMIUMS: Breeding Meat Goat, Market Meat Goat, Pet Goat - Premium Category 2
BREEDS: Boer, Kiko, Spanish, AOB, Commercial, Home Bred & Raised.
Maximum entries per exhibitor: 4 meat goats, 4 breeding goats. Meat and breeding goats must be identified with a USDA official scrapie tag.
Goats will be checked in by Gage County Extension Staff and Gage County Ag Society at the Main Livestock Barn Show Arena. Bring meat goats inside scale area; breeding goats outside scale area. Bring I.D. sheet and registration papers with animal. Exhibitors must pre-enter in Showmanship Contest.
Meat goats may be doe or wether kids. Goats are to have milk teeth and have no evidence of breaking of the skin or eruption of the two permanent front teeth. Goats must be uniformly slick sheared with 1/4” of hair or less from the knee and hock up. If horned, the horns must be blunted. Dehorning is preferred. Only acceptable material allowed is soap and water. Adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products are NOT allowed.
Meat classes formed by weight divisions, if numbers warrant, shown lightweight to heavyweight.
Goats are shown with a halter, smooth neck chain, smooth collar or prong collar. Use of showing and/or handling practices that may be considered objectionable or abusive, such as striking or slapping goats, and exhibiting the goat with its front feet off the ground are not acceptable.
Breeding Show: Doe kids must have all milk teeth or temporary teeth present; yearling does can have yearling teeth, but cannot have two-year old teeth up. All breeds must have 3 or more animals or they will be placed into an AOB (All Other Breeds) breeds division with the exception of the Home Bred & Raised breed division. If there are three in a breed, they will be shown as one class rather than separated by age.
Home Bred & Raised: This breed division is treated as an additional breed; if you choose to enter this breed class, that animal is not eligible to enter an additional breed class (Ex: you cannot enter in the Home Bred & Raised breed division and the boer breed division with the same doe).
Any breeding doe that has been on the family farm from the time of conception to present. Must be owned by the exhibitor or immediate family member (father, mother, brother, sister) must hold full interest and possession of dam. They must be the breeder as well as the first and continuous owner of the animal. Animal exhibited must be the natural offspring of the dam; not embryo transfer. To exhibit in the Home Bred & Raised division you must fill out the ownership sheet and turn it in at Check-in.
BREEDING CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G061010 Breeding Doe Kids (9-01-25 - 6-01-26)
G061020 Breeding Doe Yearlings (9-01-24 - 8-31-25)
G061030 Breeding Meat Goat (2-3 years)
G061040 Breeding Aged Meat Goat (over 3 years)
MARKET CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G062010 Market Goat (Does & Wethers)
PET CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G063910 Pet Kid & Unfreshened Yearling
G063920 Pet Yearling Freshened & Aged
BEST DRESSED GOAT:
Class # Class Description
G064910 Best Dressed Goat - Dress up your goat and have a little fun! Winners receive Rosettes.
MEAT GOAT SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G064920 Senior division (ages 14 & older)
G064930 Intermediate division (ages 11-13)
G064940 Junior division (ages 8-10)
SHEEP
CHECK-IN: Wednesday, July 22, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
SHOW: Thursday, July 23, 5:30 pm
LOCATION: Main Livestock Barn Show Arena
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 15
ORDER OF SHOW: Unified Showmanship, Sheep Showmanship (Sr. Div., Int. Div., Jr. Div).; Showmanship Finals; Breeding Classes (By Breed); Ram Classes (by age); Market Classes; Pen-of-Two Market Lambs (in ring)
BREEDS: Dorset, Hampshire, Suffolk, all Hair Breeds, AOB, Commercial, Home Bred & Raised.
PREMIUMS: Breeding Sheep, Market Sheep, Pen-of-Two Market Lambs - Premium Category 2
Maximum entries per exhibitor: 4 market lambs, 4 breeding sheep. Market and breeding lambs must be tagged with a USDA official scrapie tag.
Sheep will be checked in by Extension Staff. Bring market sheep inside scale area; breeding sheep outside scale area. Bring I.D. sheet, registration paper (registered breeding sheep) with animal.
Registered ewes must be registered with the breed association; bring registration paper at check-in.
Sheep with active club lamb fungus will not be allowed to show.
Breeding ewe lambs must have all temporary teeth present. Yearling ewes and does can have yearling teeth, but cannot have two-year-old teeth.
Market lambs must be slick sheared, including belly, to within 1/4”; wool may be left on the legs only below the knees and hocks. Market classes formed by weight divisions, shown lightweight to heavyweight.
Sheep must be groomed only with products specifically designed for show grooming. This does not exclude soaps and cleaners. Adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products are NOT allowed.
The use of showing and/or handling practices that may be considered objectionable or abusive, such as striking or slapping lambs and exhibiting the lamb with its front feet off the ground, are not acceptable. All breeds must have 3 or more animals or they will be placed into an AOB (All Other Breeds) breeds division with the exception of the Home Bred & Raised breed division. If there are three in a breed, they will be shown as one class rather than separated by age.
Home Bred & Raised: This breed division is treated as an additional breed; if you choose to enter this breed class, that animal is not eligible to enter an additional breed class (Ex: you cannot enter in the Home Bred & Raised breed division and the Hampshire breed division with the same ewe). Any breeding ewe that has been on the family farm from the time of conception to present. Must be owned by the exhibitor or immediate family member (father, mother, brother, sister) must hold full interest and possession of dam. They must be the breeder as well as the first and continuous owner of the animal. Animal exhibited must be the natural offspring of the dam; not embryo transfer. To exhibit in the Home Bred & Raised division you must fill out the ownership sheet and turn it in at Check-in.
BREEDING SHEEP CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G031010 Breeding Lamb (1-1-26 to 6-15-26)
G031020 Breeding Ewe Yearling (1-1-25 to 12-31-25)
G031030 Breeding Aged Ewe (prior to 1-1-25)
G031040 Ram Lamb (1-1-26 to 6-15-26)
G031050 Ram Yearling (1-1-25 to 12-31-25)
MARKET SHEEP CLASS:
Class # Class Description
G032010 Market Lamb
PEN OF TWO CLASS:
Class # Class Description
G033010 Pen of two Market Lambs (ownership by one exhibitor only)
SHEEP SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G034020 Senior division (ages 14 & older)
G034030 Intermediate division (ages 11-13)
G034040 Junior division (ages 8-10)
UNIFIED SHOWMANSHIP
Open to special needs 4‑H youth ages 8-18. This class is meant to foster an understanding of the show ring, animal handling practices, and gain showmanship experience. Youth participants must be accompanied by an individual who has completed the necessary screenings to serve as a 4‑H volunteer. Lambs will be haltered to provide more control during time spent in ring. Youth participants will have the opportunity to interact with the judge and handle their lamb with assistance of an approved 4‑H volunteer.
Class # Class Description
G034010 Unified Showmanship
RABBIT
CHECK-IN: Wednesday, July 22, 8:30 am - Noon
SHOW: Saturday, July 25, 9:30 am
Showmanship Judging begins at 8:30 am
LOCATION: Poultry/Rabbit Complex
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 15
ORDER OF SHOW: Rabbit Showmanship (Sr. Div., Int. Div., Jr. Div.); Meat Rabbit Classes; Rabbit Classes by breeds (Commercial, Fancy); Pet Classes.
PREMIUMS: Market Rabbit, Breeding Rabbit, Pet Rabbit - Premium Category 6
Maximum entries per exhibitor: 9 rabbit entries, 4 meat rabbit entries
All rabbits, except pets, must have ID numbers or names tattooed in left ear (preferably) with a pin tattoo pliers or tattoo ink. Breed must be identified on entry. Tattoo not required for fryer rabbit.
All exhibitors are automatically entered in Showmanship Contest. Showmanship judging will occur under a tent to the West of the Poultry/Rabbit Complex during each show (concluding right the last class).
The showmanship judge will be available 60 minutes before show time to begin judging. There is no assigned order for showmanship - exhibitors are responsible for finding a time that works with their show schedule and reporting to the judge. Spectators are invited to watch the showmanship contest.
Maximum length of showmanship presentation 4 minutes; exceeding that limit will result in one ribbon placing lower.
List of Fancy Breeds: American Fuzzy Lop, American Sable, Belgian Hare, Britannia Petite, Dutch, Dwarf Hotot, English Angora, English Spot, Florida White, French Angora, Harlequin, Havana, Himalayan, Holland Lop, Jersey Wooly, Lilac, Lionhead, Mini Lop, Mini Rex, Mini Satin, Netherland Dwarf, Polish, Rex, Rhinelander, Satin Angora, Silver, Silver Marten, Standard Chinchilla, Tan, Thrianta.
List of Commercial Breeds: American, American Chinchilla, Beveren, Blanc de Hotot, Californian, Champagne D’ Argent, Checkered Giant, Cinnamon, Creme D’ Argent, English Lop, Flemish Giant, French Lop, Giant Angora, Giant Chinchilla, New Zealand, Palomino, Satin, Silver Fox.
MARKET CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G092010 Market pen (three fryers, any sex, 3–5 lbs.; market age limit 10 weeks)
G092020 Single market rabbit — (one fryer fitting the description of market pen)
BREEDING CLASS:
FANCY RABBIT
Class # Class Description
G091010 Fancy Rabbit
COMMERCIAL RABBIT CLASS:
Class # Class Description
G091050 Commercial Rabbit
PET CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G093010 Pet Doe — Senior Over 6 months
G093020 Pet Buck — Senior Over 6 months
G093030 Pet Doe - Junior 6 months & under
G093040 Pet Buck - Junior 6 months & under
RABBIT SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G093050 Senior division (ages 14 & older)
G093060 Intermediate division (ages 11-13)
G093070 Junior division (ages 8-10)
POULTRY & MARKET BROILER
POULTRY CHECK-IN: Wednesday, July 22, 8:30 am - Noon
BROILER CHECK-IN: Wednesday, July 22, Noon - 1:00 p.m.
EGG CHECK-IN: Wednesday, July 22, Noon - 1:00 p.m.
BROILER & EGG SHOW: Wednesday, July 22, 4:30 pm
POULTRY SHOW: Friday, July 24
Judging in Cages begins at 12:00 pm
Showmanship Judging begins at 12:00 pm
Show in front of audience begins at 1:30 pm
LOCATION: Rabbit/Poultry Complex
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 15
Order of Poultry Show - Bantam Ducks, Geese, Turkeys, Pigeon, Dove, Peafowl, Guinea Fowl, in pens; Poultry Showmanship- (Sr. Div., Int. Div., Jr. Div.); Egg Display; Poultry by class.
Order of Broiler Show - Broiler Showmanship- (Sr. Div., Int. Div., Jr. Div.); Broiler Singles; Broiler Pens; Meat Duck/Goose Singles; Meat Duck/Goose Pens; Meat Turkey Single; Meat Turkey Pens
PREMIUMS:
Single Bird - Premium Category 6
Trio (Pen of Three) - Premium Category 5
Egg Display - Premium Category 6
Maximum entries per exhibitor: 8 standard or bantam birds, 1 project broiler, 1 project broiler pen, 1 non-project single broiler, 1 non-project broiler pen, 1 single meat duck or goose, 1 meat duck or goose pen, 1 single meat turkey, 1 meat turkey pen, 1 production trio, 2 egg displays, 8 waterfowl, 6 pigeons, 4 turkeys, 2 peafowl, 2 guinea, 2 other. No testing required. Minimum weights for exhibition birds will be as stated in The American Standard of Perfection and Bantam Standard.
Once the animal has been checked-in, they cannot leave the barn (except for washing near the barn) and they cannot be “swapped” with another animal. Birds entered as individuals, trios, or pens may not be interchanged. A trio will consist of one male and two female purebred birds. A pen of broilers shall consist of three male or three female birds. A pen of hybrids, crossbred or purebred egg production birds shall consist of three sexually mature females.
Poultry (not broilers) will be leg-banded during check-in for identification purposes. If you have your own flock leg-bands, please do not remove them.
Please plan to dust your poultry for mites two weeks prior to the county fair.
Exhibitors must pre-enter in Showmanship Contest.
Showmanship entry for poultry, including broilers, will be a presentation by youth, maximum 5 minutes; exceeding that limit will result in one ribbon placing lower. Youth may enter broiler and poultry showmanship. Showmanship judging will occur under a tent to the West of the Poultry/Rabbit Complex during each show (concluding right the last class). The showmanship judge will be available 30 minutes before show time to begin judging. There is no assigned order for showmanship - exhibitors are responsible for finding a time that works with their show schedule and reporting to the judge. Spectators are invited to watch the showmanship contest.
EGG DISPLAY
Egg display will be judged Wednesday, July 22nd during the Broiler Show. Check-in eggs at Broiler check-in table.
Class # Class Description
G080100 Egg Display (12 clean eggs in carton; identify breed)
BROILER - MARKET/MEAT CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G070040 Single Project Broiler
G070050 Single Non-Project Broiler
G070060 Project Broiler Pen-of-Three
G070070 Non-Project Broiler Pen-of-Three
G070080 Single Meat Duck or Goose
G070090 Meat Duck or Goose Pen-of-Three
G070091 Single Meat Turkey
G070092 Meat Turkey Pen-of-Three
LARGE FOWL:
Class # Class Description
G081010 American — Plymouth Rock, Jersey Giant, Wyandotte, New Hampshire Red
G081020 Asiatic — Cochin, Brahma’s, Langshan
G081030 English — Cornish, Orpington, Australorps, Sussex, Dorkings
G081040 Mediterranean — Leghorn, Buttercup, Minorca
G081050 Continental — Polish, Hamburg, Campines, Faverolles
G081060 All other breeds — Houdan, Game, Sumatra, Araucanas, Ameracanas
G081070 Production Class — Red Sex Link, Black Sex Link, Orange Comet, Tetra Brown
G081080 Trio — Purebred
G081090 Pen of production class hens
BANTAM:
Class # Class Description
G082010 Game Bantam — Modern and Old English
G082020 Single comb clean legged — Plymouth Rock, Leghorn, Japanese, Rhode Island Red, Orpingtons, New Hampshire
G082030 Rose comb clean legged — Rosecomb, Wyandotte, Sebright, Leghorn, Hamburg
G082040 Any other comb clean legged — Polish, Cornish, Houdan
G082050 Feather legged — Silky, Cochin, Brahma, Millie Fleur, Frizzle
G082060 Trio — Bantam
DUCKS:
Class # Class Description
G083010 Heavy — Pekin, Rouen, Muscovy
G083020 Medium — Swedish, Buff, Crested, Cayuga
G083030 Light — Runner, Khaki Campbell
G072010 Bantam — Call, Mallard, East India
(classes judged in pen)
GEESE:
Class # Class Description (classes judged in pen)
G073010 Heavy — Toulouse, Embden, African
G073020 Medium — Pilgrim, Buff, Saddle Back Pomeranian
G073030 Light — Chinese, Canada, Egyptian, Tufted Roman
TURKEYS:
Class # Class Description (classes judged in pen)
G074010 Jake turkey
G074020 Tom turkey
G074030 Jenny turkey
G074040 Hen turkey
PIGEON/DOVE:
Class # Class Description (classes judged in pen)
G075010 Pigeon
G075020 Dove
PEAFOWL:
Class # Class Description (classes judged in pen)
G076010 Peacock
G076020 Peahen
GUINEA FOWL:
Class # Class Description (classes judged in pen)
G077010 Adult guinea
G077020 Pullet or cockerel
OTHER:
Class # Class Description
G084010 Other Poultry
POULTRY SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G084020 Senior division (ages 14 & older)
G084030 Intermediate division (ages 11-13)
G084040 Junior division (ages 8-10)
SWINE
CHECK-IN: Thursday, July 23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
SHOW: Saturday, July 25, 8:30 am
LOCATION: Main Livestock Barn
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 15
ORDER OF SHOW: Breeding Gilts; Market Classes; Showmanship (Sr. Div., Int. Div., Jr. Div.); Showmanship Finals; Pen-of-Three Market Swine Judging (in pens)
PREMIUMS: Breeding Gilt, Market Swine, Pen-of-Three Market Swine - Premium Category 2
BREEDS: Berkshire, Chester White, Duroc, Hampshire, Hereford, Poland China, Spotted, Yorkshire, AOB, Crossbreds
Maximum entries per exhibitor: 4 market hogs, 1 market swine pen-of-three, 3 breeding gilts. No health certificate required.
Non-terminal swine show.
EID tags are required for ALL hogs exhibited at the Gage County Fair. Swine will be checked in, EID tags checked by Extension Staff at scale in swine barn. Ear notches listed on the registration papers will be verified. Any animal not meeting purebred requirements will be shown in the crossbred division. Bring I.D. sheet and registration papers with animal.
Indicate breed on entry. Original registration certificates for all breeds, must be presented at check-in. Exhibitor must be present. Pens will be brought to scale for weigh-in by aisle in swine barn.
Exhibitors must pre-enter in Showmanship Contest.
Breeding gilt classes will be shown by breed and age. Purebred will be shown by age, crossbred will be shown by weight. Any breed without at least 3 breeding gilts exhibiting in their breed will show in the All Other Breed Division. If there are three in a breed, they will be shown as one class rather than separated by age.
Market hogs will be shown by weight in the following divisions: Purebred, Crossbred Market Gilt, Crossbred Market Barrow. In the Purebred division, barrows and gilts will be shown together, divided by weight not breed. Crossbred classes will be divided by weight. Market hogs weighing less than 200 lbs are not eligible for Champion/Reserve Champion Market Swine.
Pen-of-Three Market Swine exhibit must be three market swine from one exhibitor. NO breeding gilts. Exhibitor should be at their pen for judging; order of the aisles in the barn will be announced.
Pigs must be shown without hairdressing compounds. This includes oil, powder or other coat dressing compounds considered objectionable by the packer. Only unadulterated water is permitted. Pigs can be clipped to even up the hair, but should NOT be shaved.
BREEDING CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G121010 Breeding gilt
MARKET CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G122010 Market swine PEN OF THREE MARKET SWINE:
Class # Class Description
G123010 Pen of three market swine (3 swine of one exhibitor)
SWINE SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G123020 Senior division (ages 14 & older)
G123030 Intermediate division (ages 11-13)
G123040 Junior division (ages 8-10)
CAT
CAT SHOW: Sunday, July 26, 10:00 am;
check-in by 9:30 am
LOCATION: Extension Office Meeting Room
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 15
ORDER OF SHOW: Cat Classes; Cat Showmanship (Sr. Div., Jr. Div.)
PREMIUMS: Cat Classes, Cat Showmanship - Premium Category 7
Health Regulations
This is a non-vetted show. Animals must be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, ring worms, any internal and external parasites and infectious diseases. Cats are required to be current on their vaccinations of rabies, panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Cats must either have a current feline leukemia vaccination or proof of a negative test within 180 days of the show. Bring Vaccination Record Form as proof of vaccination. 4‑H members vaccinating their cats must provide proof by including a statement from their vet on the Vaccination Record Form or by including the vaccination labels on the form and having it signed by a parent.
Maximum entries per exhibitor: 2 entries, with not more than 1 entry in showmanship. No expectant or nursing mother cats may enter. If the cat is not declawed, the claws must be clipped. Kittens must be minimum 4 months of age. Cats will be shown on a leash and be on a leash when they are removed from the carrier. Cats and kittens will be shown together.
Cats must be brought in durable plastic or wire carriers, provided by exhibitor. Cats will remain in carrier except for judging. Exhibitor will provide water, food, litter, etc. as needed. Exhibitor may want to bring a cover for the carrier to prevent cat from seeing other cats.
Animals will be interview judged with exhibitor. 4‑H member should wear 4‑H T-shirt or emblem, long pants and hard soled shoes.
Showmanship exhibitors will be judged on performance during the class, as well as the score received on a cat knowledge test. The test is based on project manual “Your Cat and You: A Complete Guide to Cat Selection and Care.” Exhibitor must clean up exhibit area. Cat Showmanship must be entered online by exhibitor.
CAT CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G101030 Long hair cat (minimum 4 months old)
G101040 Short hair cat (minimum 4 months old)
CAT SHOWMANSHIP:
Exhibitor must make online entry for Showmanship Contest.
Class # Class Description
G101010 Senior cat showmanship — 4‑H age 12 and older
G101020 Junior cat showmanship — 4‑H age under 12
COMPANION ANIMAL
COMPANION ANIMAL SHOW: Monday, July 13, 6:00 pm;
check-in by 5:45 pm
LOCATION: Extension Office Meeting Room
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 10
ORDER OF SHOW: Companion Animal Classes; Companion Animal
Showmanship (Sr., Div, Jr. Div)
PREMIUMS: Companion Animal Classes - Premium Category 7
Health Regulations
This is a non-vetted show. Animals must be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, ring worms, any internal and external parasites and infectious diseases. Ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies. Rabies vaccination must be given by a Certified Veterinarian only.
Maximum 6 entries per exhibitor: 2 per class. Dogs, rabbits or cavies may be entered if NOT entered in any other 4‑H show. No expectant or nursing mothers may be entered. Companion animals must be brought in durable plastic or wire carriers (not cardboard). Animals will remain in carrier or other appropriate cage provided by the exhibitor except for judging. Exhibitor will provide water, food, etc. as appropriate.
Entries will be interview judged with exhibitor present. 4‑H member should wear 4‑H T-shirt or emblem, long pants and hard soled shoes. Exhibitor will give a short presentation on their animal, characteristics, health, care of the animal, etc.
4‑H member should bring animal/s, wire or plastic carrier or cage and accessories, leash, collar, harness, etc. if applicable, and pictures of normal display, if appropriate. Animals should be free of flees, ticks, mites, lice or other parasites and free of contagious diseases; any animal showing signs of sickness, parasite infestation or disease will not be judged. Animals must be weaned.
Judging based on general knowledge of pet, cage/container/home, health and general appearance and presentation. Exhibitor must clean up exhibit area following completion of show.
Exhibitors must pre-enter in Showmanship Contest.
COMPANION ANIMAL CLASSES:
Class # Class Description
G100040 Gerbil, Hamster, Mouse, Rat (minimum 4 weeks old)
G100050 Dog
G100060 Other mammal display
G100070 Reptile/amphibian display
G100080 Caged bird display (excluding pigeons or poultry)
G100090 Miscellaneous animal
Class # Class Description
G101030 Senior Companion Animal Showmanship — 4‑H age 12 and older
G101040 Junior Companion Animal Showmanship — 4‑H age under 12
HORSE
CHECK-IN: Wednesday, July 22, 5:00 pm
SHOW: Thursday, July 23, 9:00 am
Friday, July 24, 9:00 am
LOCATION: Ak-Sar-Ben Youth Complex, Horse Arena
Online Pre-Entry Deadline: July 15
ORDER OF SHOW:
Thursday- Working Ranch Horse, Breakaway Roping, Goat Tying, Ranch Horse Pleasure, Ranch Horse Riding, Western Riding, Reining, Barrels, Poles
Friday- Showmanship, Showmanship Finals, Halter, Walk-Trot, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Trail
PREMIUMS: Halter & Performance Classes - Premium Category 3
Linden Tree Superhorse Award
Sponsored by Gage County 4‑H Council - Junior, Intermediate, Senior
Division Champions
Linden Tree, A famous Arabian stallion, was foaled in the stables of Abdul Hamid II in Constantinople in 1874. The Sultan of Turkey presented him to General U.S. Grant in 1878. Linden Tree was brought to Connecticut in 1879 and exhibited at many fairs. In 1888, Grant sold this famous stallion to General Leonard W. Colby of Beatrice for $10,000. In 1890 when a harness racing track was opened by the Beatrice Trotting Association, it was named Linden Tree Park, after this exotic, historical horse. Linden Tree was buried in the infield in 1902.
The Linden Tree Superhorse award will be presented following the Saturday Horse Show to the following divisions (4‑H age - January 1, 2025): Senior (15 & older), Intermediate (ages 11-14), Junior (age 8-10). Exhibitors will select classes from 4 categories: Halter (required), Performance, Pattern, and Timed Events. You must use the same horse for all 4 of the events selected. Points will be awarded based on ribbon placings in the selected classes in each category. Walk-trot not eligible.
Performance: Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Ranch Horse Pleasure
Pattern: Reining, Western Riding, Trail, Working Ranch Horse Ranch
Horse Riding
Timed Events: Poles, Barrels, Break-away roping, Goat Tying
Online entry deadline: July 15. Designate the four classes for contest. Enter online at https://gage.fairwire.com. Points awarded as follows: purple- 8 points, blue- 6 points, red- 4 points, white- 2 points; an additional 1 point awarded for class champion. Tie breaker will be the highest placing in Halter class. Awards presented Friday, at conclusions of the show.
High Point Exhibitor Award
This award, previously called “Linden Tree”, will continue using the same rules as previous years: Exhibitor must compete in three classes, including showmanship. Exhibitor may use more than one horse in their events for the competition. Halter may NOT be used as a class for this award.
Online entry deadline: July 15. Designate the three classes for contest. Enter online at https://showman.app/shows#/2026-gage-county-fair-dc66. Points awarded as follows: purple- 8 points, blue- 6 points, red- 4 points, white- 2 points; an additional 1 point awarded for class champion. Tie breaker will be the highest placing in showmanship class. Awards presented Friday at conclusion of show.
Horse Show Guidelines
Maximum entries per exhibitor: 4 horses; only these four horses may be used in halter and performance classes. Exhibitors and horses are allowed to enter performance classes once. In each event, senior division will be first, followed by intermediate division and junior division.
All exhibitors will need to pre-enter into the Showmanship Contest.
Rules follow Nebraska 4‑H Horse Show and Judging Guide (4‑H 373). Revision 2025.
If exhibitor has more than one entry in a Halter class, alternate 4‑H exhibitor may show the second entry and MUST wear the exhibitor number of the youth who submitted entries.
NO horse may cross enter a western pleasure and ranch horse pleasure class regardless of age division.
NO parents riding exhibitor’s horses. NO non-exhibitor horses permitted on grounds except Sunday.
NO youth under the 4‑H age of 8 permitted on a horse.
Older intact males will not be allowed to show.
Exercise area is restricted to the area east of the horse barns and south of the old horse arena. Horses not allowed north of the livestock barns.
Level Requirements
Exhibitors must complete Level I before July 15 to enter in any pleasure or horsemanship/equitation classes at the Gage County Fair Horse Show. If a 4‑H member enters a walk/trot class, the only other classes available to the walk/trot entrant will be Showmanship, Halter, Walk-Trot, Walk-Trot Horsemanship, Barrels, Poles, and Goat Tying. These additional riding events must be performed at a walk/trot and will be subject to disqualification at the discretion of the judge if member enters into a lope. First year 4‑H members, of any 4‑H age, will be given until the beginning of their second year of 4‑H to complete Level I. All Level certifications must be submitted to the Extension Office by the July 15th deadline.
HALTER CLASSES:
G131011 Yearling & Two-Year Old Filley
G131020 Mare (3-6 years)
G131021 Mare (7-12 years)
G131022 Mare (13 years & older)
G131040 Yearling & Two-Year Old Gelding
G131050 Gelding (3-6 years)
G131051 Gelding (7-12 years)
G131052 Gelding (13 years & older)
WALK-TROT:
Participants in Walk-Trot are not eligible to enter any classes that require loping.
G135010 Open Walk-Trot (non-Level 1)
WESTERN PLEASURE:
G134010 Senior division (ages 15 & older)
G134020 Intermediate division (ages 11-14)
G134030 Junior division (ages 8-10)
WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP:
G136010 Senior division (ages 15 & older)
G136020 Intermediate division (ages 11-14)
G136030 Junior division (ages 8-10)
G136040 Walk-Trot (non-Level 1)
TRAIL:
G137010 Senior division (ages 15 & older)
G137020 Intermediate division (ages 11-14)
G137030 Junior division (ages 8-10)
REINING:
G234010 Senior division (ages 14 & older)
G234020 Junior division (ages 8-13)
WESTERN RIDING:
G236010 Senior division (ages 15 & older)
G236020 Intermediate division (ages 11-14)
G236030 Junior division (ages 8-10)
RANCH HORSE PLEASURE:
G239010 Senior division (ages 15 & older)
G239020 Intermediate division (ages 11-14)
G239030 Junior division (ages 8-10)
RANCH HORSE RIDING:
G235010 Senior division (ages 15 & older)
G235020 Intermediate division (ages 11-14)
G235030 Junior division (ages 8-10)
BARREL RACING:
G238010 Senior division (ages 15 & older)
G238020 Intermediate division (ages 11-14)
G238030 Junior division (ages 8-10)
POLE BENDING:
G237010 Senior division (ages 15 & older)
G237020 Intermediate division (ages 11-14)
G237030 Junior division (ages 8-10)
BREAK AWAY ROPING:
G230010 Break-away calf roping — Senior division (ages 14 & older)
G230020 Break-away calf roping — Junior division
(ages 8-13)
WORKING RANCH HORSE:
G233010 Senior division (ages 14 & older)
G233020 Junior division (ages 8-13)
GOAT TYING:
Juniors may only enter in either tying or ribbon pulling, not both
Tying
G231010 Senior (ages 14 & older)
G231020 Junior (ages 8-13)
Ribbon Pulling
G232010 Junior (ages 8-10)
LINDEN TREE SUPERHORSE AWARD:
Exhibitor must compete in 1 class of the 4 categories, including halter.
G240010 Senior division (ages 15 & older)
G240020 Intermediate division (ages 11-14)
G240030 Junior division (ages 8-10)
HIGH POINT AWARD:
Exhibitor must compete in three classes, including showmanship. Halter may NOT be entered for award.
G240040 Senior division (ages 15 & older)
G240050 Intermediate division (ages 11-14)
G240060 Junior division (ages 8-10)
SHOWMANSHIP:
G240070 Senior division (ages 15 & older)
G240080 Intermediate division (ages 11-14)
G240090 Junior division (ages 8-10)