GENERAL RULES
ENTRY FOR GAGE COUNTY FAIR
Youth must be enrolled in Gage County 4-H (v2.4honline.com) or an active member of an FFA Chapter by June 15th to exhibit at the Gage County Fair. All 4-H/FFA animal exhibit entries for the Gage County Fair & Expo must be entered online at https://showman.app/shows#/2026-gage-county-fair-dc66. All 4-H/FFA static exhibit entries must be entered online. Deadline for online entry is July 15, 5:00 p.m. Entries will be accepted after the deadline, up until exhibit check-in at the Gage County Fair. However, premiums (money associated with ribbon color earned) will be forfeited for each late entry. All entries must be the result of current projects of members enrolled in 4-H in Gage County during the current year or students of Vocational Agriculture during the 2025-2026 year.
The greatest possible care will be used by the Gage County Agriculture Society, Extension Staff, and County Fair Superintendents to prevent loss, theft or injury to any article, animal or exhibit. The Gage County Agriculture Society, while using every precaution, will not be responsible for loss or damage to any article or animal, nor will an officer or employee of the Fair be permitted to negotiate insurance or to make any guarantee whatsoever regarding the same. Property owners desiring insurance against fire or other protection must make their own arrangements therefore, no officer or employee has any authority to suspend or change this rule.
SUPERINTENDENTS
Must be on the grounds during entry day of the Fair to receive all articles belonging to their departments and see that they are arranged in proper places for exhibition. Each superintendent is directed to familiarize themselves with their duties in keeping proper records, appointing of assistants, filing reports and returning all books and records of their departments. Superintendents will work with Extension Staff to work through any issues that arise.
GREAT FANS. GREAT SPORTS.
When competition is part of an event, it should be clearly understood that competition is secondary in importance to the education and development of youth. Ribbons and trophies are a small part of competition. We ask you to remember the importance of good sportsmanship and what youth projects are meant to teach. When new skills are learned or old ones perfected, we have excelled beyond the ribbon we receive. Parents and other adults are powerful influences on children’s behavior; we ask for your cooperation.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations can be provided upon request for youth with disabilities, Please contact the Extension Office by July 15 (Entry Deadline) to arrange.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Static exhibit must be the result of current 4-H Project made since July 31, of the previous year. Exhibits must conform to directions in each class.
Limit one exhibit per class per exhibitor unless otherwise stated. Label static exhibit with exhibitor’s name on back or bottom in the event the entry tags are removed.
Incorrect or incomplete entries may be lowered one ribbon placing at the judge’s discretion.
Non-competitive exhibits receive a rainbow ribbon and a $2.00 premium.
SCORESHEETS
State Fair score sheets will be used when applicable and are available to view under each corresponding project area at: https://4h.unl.edu/4-h-fairbook-nebraska-state-fair/static-exhibits/
JUDGING STANDARDS & AWARDS
Exhibits are judged according to research-based standards that indicate level of performance or quality of work. Purple ribbons designate an exhibit of superior quality that has met and exceeded all of the standards. Blue ribbons denote an above average exhibit that has met almost all of the standards in a way that surpasses the norm. Red ribbons indicate average quality and indicate that the exhibit has met the majority of standards in such a way that the benchmark was reached, but not exceeded. White ribbons indicate that the exhibit has not met the majority of the standards.
Judges are requested to read the general and special rules under which
this fair is managed, prior to entering upon their duties. Judges should especially note rules in the areas they are judging.
Championship Criteria: To be eligible for a class project champion, breed champion, Grand or Reserve Champion, etc.,the animal or exhibit must receive a purple ribbon.
Awards: Ribbons, banners, plaques, and medals will be awarded. Award winners must send a Thank You note prior to receiving their award.
JUDGES DECISIONS
The judges’ decisions are final. If fraud, misrepresentation, error, or collusion is discovered after awards have been given, the Extension Staff will make a decision regarding final placement. An exhibitor or their representative who interferes or displays disrespect to a judge or the show could forfeit any monies earned or be subject to other penalties assessed by the Gage County Fair.
COUNTY AND STATE FAIR CLASSES
Gage County fairbook classes are formatted to match the Nebraska State Fair fairbook. Classes marked WITH an * are county fair only classes and are not eligible for State Fair. Classes WITHOUT an * are eligible for State Fair competition.
To enter at the Nebraska State Fair in the 4-H Division, the exhibitor must be 8, 4-H age (as of January 1 of the current year).
All animals and in-person contests will be entered online through ShoWorks by 4-H member/family. Deadline: August 10, 8:00 pm.
State Fair Entry website: nebr.fairwire.com
4-H / FFA LIVESTOCK
BARN PASSES
Barn passes are available for purchase at the Gage County Extension Office. 4-H/FFA livestock families will receive one pass at a reduced rate.
Barn passes will be available for purchase at the Extension Office until Monday, July 20th at 4:30 pm. After this, please go to the fair office. Make checks payable to the Gage County Agricultural Society.
LIVESTOCK IDENTIFICATION
Livestock ID requirements can be found at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/gage/4-h/livestock-information/
Livestock ownership must be verified on the appropriate I.D. forms due in the Extension Office on or before June 15 for livestock and horses. All livestock with an EID tag are required to provide a Premises ID on livestock I.D. sheet. To obtain a Premises ID, visit: https://nda.nebraska.gov/adt/premises.html.
LIVESTOCK ENTRY
All 4-H/FFA animal entries for the Gage County Fair & Expo must be entered online at https://showman.app/shows#/2026-gage-county-fair-dc66. Deadline for online entry is July 15, 11:59 pm. *This is not the same as 4-H Enrollment.
4-H or FFA member cannot exhibit in the same project area in more than one county or state in the same year. 4-H or FFA project or animal may be shown at only one county fair. Ex: Beef (bucket calf, stocker feeder, market beef and breeding beef are among those listed within the beef project area), clothing, horse, foods, etc.- Nebraska 4-H Policy and Procedures Handbook.
An animal may be shown only once, either in 4-H/FFA Show or Open Class Show at the Gage County Fair. An animal cannot be double entered in more than one division or class unless noted (i.e. Market & Breeding Divisions and Breeding & Stocker Feeder Divisions).
LATE ID & YQCA POLICY
Livestock and Horse IDs are due to the Extension Office by June 15. Late IDs and YQCA will be accepted with penalty for the Gage County Fair through the July 15th Entry Deadline. After the deadline, they will no longer be accepted and exhibitors should explore options with Open Class.
The penalty for submitting IDs and YQCA after the June 15th deadline results in ineligibility for Champion and Reserve Champion selections. Late IDs and YQCA for Nebraska State Fair exhibitors results in ineligibility.
REGISTERED BREEDING ANIMALS
To be shown in a registered (purebred) class, animals must be recognized as registered by their national breed association. Registration certificate must indicate: 1) the name of the exhibitor, 2) name of the exhibitor and/or 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. Original registration must be presented at check-in. Animal not meeting these criteria will be shown in commercial class.
HOME BRED & RAISED- BREEDING DIVISION
This class is treated as a breed for beef, sheep, and goat breeding animals. To qualify, the animal 1) must be owned by the exhibitor or immediate family member (father, mother, brother, sister); 2) they must hold full interest and possession of the dam; 3) they must be the breeder as well as the first and continuous owner of the animal; 4) the female must have been on the family farm from the time of conception to present. Breeding animals exhibited must be the natural offspring of the dam; no embryo transfer allowed.
To exhibit in the Home Bred & Raised class, you must fill out the ownership sheet available at go.unl.edu/homebredraised and submit it to the Extension Office Staff during the various Breeding species check-ins at the Gage County Fair. If you show an animal in the Home Bred & Raised breed class, that animal is not eligible to double enter in a different breed. Awards will be given to the Champion and Reserve Champion Home Bred & Raised (treated like a breed) in each livestock species (beef, sheep, & goat), and those winners will advance to the overall Breeding species final drive. For purebred animals, please plan to submit registration papers if you have them.
ENTRY REGULATIONS
4-H and FFA Maximum Entry Per Exhibitor: 4 dairy cattle, 4 dairy goats,
4 meat goats, 4 breeding meat goats, 2 breeding beef (cow-calf pair counts as 1), 2 market beef, 2 stocker-feeder calves, 4 market hogs, 3 breeding gilts, 4 breeding sheep, 4 market lambs, 4 horses, 2 bucket calves, 9 rabbits, 4 meat rabbits, 8 standard or bantam birds, 2 broiler, 2 broiler pen, 1 trio or production trio, 1 single meat duck or goose , 1 meat duck or goose pen, 8 waterfowl, 6 pigeons, 2 egg displays, 4 turkeys, 1 peafowl, 2 guinea, and 4 additional poultry entires. Exhibitor may show the maximum number of both FFA and 4-H entries - if both an active member in a FFA chapter and enrolled in Gage County 4-H.
SUBSTITUTE SHOWMAN
Each exhibitor must show their own entry. Exhibitor must be able to exhibit and be in control of his/her animal in the show arena without assistance of another youth or adult. Exception is made for youth requesting accommodations (see accommodations section for more information). A substitute showman may be used only in case of accident or illness. A substitute showman must be a 4-H/FFA member who is eligible and exhibiting at the Gage County fair. An exhibitor with more than one animal in a class need not secure approval for another 4-H/FFA member to show the additional animal. Clover Kids are not eligible to show in the regular 4-H/FFA show.
STALLING AT THE FAIR
All swine, un-freshened dairy and goats, sheep, horses, market beef, breeding beef, and bucket calves entered must be stalled at the fair. Stocker feeder calves must be stalled if they are weaned. Producing dairy and goats need only come in for the day of the show. A youth must stall one producing cow/goat at the fair if they have only producing cow(s) or goat(s) entered. Youth may only stall one horse at the fair unless open stalls are available - Contact Extension Office to inquire.
Bedding for animals is provided for stalls. Livestock or horses can not be stalled by trailers or campers north of the creek.
RELEASE
Non-livestock and livestock exhibits are released Sunday, July 26th, 7:00 pm. Animal exhibits may be removed only for written animal health reasons as stated by the fair or personal veterinarian, or fair staff. No premium (ribbon money) will be paid if removed from the grounds before stated time.
SHOWMANSHIP
All livestock exhibitors will need to make their own entries in the showmanship contests. Exhibitors are not required to participate in showmanship.
Security First Bank is the official sponsor of the 4-H/FFA showmanship awards at the Gage County Fair & Expo, since 1947. They award a trophy to a champion in Dairy, Beef, Swine, Sheep, Meat Goat, and Horse, and medals to the gold, silver and bronze placings.
Showmanship contest will be held in dairy, dairy goat, meat goat, beef, swine, horse, sheep, poultry, broilers, cats, & rabbits. Animals must be identified on 4-H/FFA I.D. sheets to be eligible (exception: cats & poultry). Youth must exhibit their own animal. Animal may be shown only once in Showmanship contest. Grooming & Fitting Rules apply to Showmanship Contest.
Showmanship Age Divisions (as of January 1, of the current year):
Senior - 14 and older
Intermediate - 11-13
Junior - 8-10
HEALTH REGULATIONS
(updated regulations will be released if warranted)
No health certificates required. 4-H and FFA livestock at the Gage County Fair should be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, ringworm, internal and external parasites and infectious, contagious or communicable diseases. Animals with active ringworm, visible warts, or abscesses will not be allowed to enter. Veterinarian may judge the ringworm to be inactive if the lesion is not encrusted and hair has begun regrowth in the area. Animals under quarantine may not be exhibited. Livestock is subject to vet inspection. Gage County Ag Society or Extension Office are not responsible for veterinarian services, treatment or fees.
Poultry - free of lice and bugs
Rabbits - free of worms and mites
Companion Animals/Cats - Must be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, ring worm, any internal and external parasites and infectious disease. Cats are required to be current on their vaccinations of Rabies, panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis, and claicvirus. Cats must have a current feline leukemia vaccination or proof of a negative test within 180 days of 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. Ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies. Rabies vaccination must be give by a Certified Veterinarian only.
Sheep - A sheep that has active club lamb fungus will not be allowed to show. All sheep, market or breeding, must have the USDA scrapie tag.
Meat Goat - Meat and breeding goats must be identified with a USDA scrapie tag.
If an emerging disease is detected in Nebraska or surrounding state, additional requirements may be put into place.
TESTING POLICY
The Gage County Fair may subject any animal to tests, sample takings, or inspections the fair staff, judges, and representatives deem necessary and appropriate, including but not limited to testing for drugs or other substances at any time.
YOUTH FOR THE QUALITY CARE OF ANIMALS (YQCA)
4-H AND FFA exhibitors of swine, beef, sheep, goats, dairy, poultry and rabbits must have received YQCA certification (Youth for the Quality Care of Animals) prior to the Gage County Fair & Expo. Completion of YQCA courses will be certified by June 15 by Extension staff on the I.D. sheet/s submitted to the Extension Office. Exhibitors not meeting this deadline are NOT eligible to exhibit at the Gage County Fair, no late certificates will be accepted. A current copy of the YQCA certification must be on file with the Extension Office by June 15th.
IAFE NATIONAL CODE OF SHOW RING ETHICS
The Gage County Fair follows the National Code of Show Ring Ethics and uses that code as a governing philosophy for all shows hosted during the Gage County Fair. For more information, refer to the IAFE Code of Show Ring Ethics:
https://fairsandexpos.com/document/iafe-show-ring-code-of-ethics/
GROOMING AND FITTING
ALL beef, sheep, swine, and goats (showmanship, market & breeding) will be shown Blow & Go. Animals may be clipped, blown, brushed, or combed to enhance their appearance. Any use of adhesives is prohibited. Exhibitors will be allowed to use coat dressings, conditioners & shaving creams only. No use of products containing color additives or color transfer allowed. Clipping, trimming, or blocking of any livestock or small animals by anyone other than exhibitor will not be permitted. The assistance of immediate family, 4-H leader, or FFA Advisor is allowed.
TOWELING PROTOCOL
All animals will be subject to visual inspection and/or toweling for the presence of adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products. If, after inspection, the animal is found to have adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products applied, it will be disqualified from competition.
4-H/FFA LIVESTOCK
DRESS CODE
Official 4-H or FFA attire is required. The 4-H uniform for dairy, goat, beef, swine, sheep, poultry, cat, dog, and rabbit exhibitors in showmanship and class judging will be either a white blouse, white shirt or designated 4-H Show T-Shirt (current year + 2 previous years), blue jeans, and hard-soled shoes or boots (no open-toe shoes or sandals). 4-H chevron must be attached to the shirt or blouse if no other 4-H symbol is on the shirt. Shirt must have sleeves and collar or high neckline. White trousers/jeans are advisable for dairy exhibitors.
Gage County Farm Bureau will be sponsoring a free show shirt to each livestock exhibitor this year. Ordering for the free shirt will be done online through Dawgs Hut at go.unl.edu/gcfshowshirt. Orders due June 15. Show shirts from the current year and the previous two years are permitted to be shown in. Pick up at the Extension Office the week before fair (an email will be sent out when available for pick-up).
Suitable riding clothes for horse exhibitions include a white shirt or blouse, blue jeans, and boots or hard soled shoes (no sandals permitted). A western hat may be worn. 4-H identification must include 4-H armband. 4-H Horse show dress code further outlined in 4-H 373, 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide. Judge and show management will determine if dress code rules are changed due to weather.
FFA exhibitors will wear official FFA attire.
HERDSMANSHIP CONTEST
Awards to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Club/Chapter in Livestock/Horse & Rabbit/Poultry Divisions. Herdsmanship is the manner in which members care for their animals and display them at the fair. Pride in livestock of 4-H and FFA members and on our fairgrounds is the basis for herdsmanship. The overall objective is to encourage exhibitors to present themselves, their animals and stalling areas to fair visitors in a clean, attractive, educational and safe manner. Exhibitors are encouraged to share knowledge about their animals to the public. 4-H and FFA exhibitors working together are responsible for attractive buildings for visitors. Herdsmanship begins Wednesday evening and concludes Sunday morning.
Poultry/Rabbit Complex is included in the daily herdsmanship checks.
Exhibitors and families are responsible for a clean, attractive building. Barn duty will be scheduled for Poultry/Rabbit Exhibitors - it is an expectation that each family (including those only showing Broilers) has one youth and one adult present. No points for herdsmanship will be awarded for cleaning up on Sunday evening. Points will be awarded to only those who come back for Monday’s clean-up day.
Herdsmanship duties are the responsibility of exhibitors, rather than leaders and parents. Cooperation and teamwork is expected. 4-H club and FFA stalling areas will be checked twice daily throughout the fair between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. Tie-out stalls for beef or dairy may be used for feeding and watering until 9:00 am, between 4:00 and 6:00 pm, and after 9:00 pm. Livestock should be on display in the barns for fair visitors all other hours. Points will be deducted from herdsmanship scores for violations. Clubs, no matter how many entries will be eligible to compete.
Scoring for herdsmanship contest:
20% - Animals clean at all times and neatly groomed.
10% - Courtesy and sportsmanship displayed by exhibitors at all times.
Exhibitors (not parents) primarily doing the work.
25% - Tack, equipment and feed areas neat and clean. Fork and similar equipment handles kept down. Show boxes out of alley ways except during shows. Feed, feed pans, and buckets clean and in place. Stall cards in place and neatly lettered.
20% - Animals adequately cared for (feed, water, etc.). No wet bedding. Beef & dairy: 18-20” of lead, no hay in stalls, no water in stalls. Sheep: feed pans secured in pen, bucket of fresh water. Loose feed pans allowed during feeding time only. Swine: feed pans secured in pen, clean bedding. Loose feed pans allowed during feeding time only. Horses: clean stalls, no hay scattered on floor. Cleaning and grooming equipment safely stored.
25% - Exhibitor’s share of the alley kept clean. Loose dirt and dust kept under control by sweeping and/or sprinkling. No manure piled in wheelbarrows or at the end of the aisles or buildings
Scores will be tallied and each club will receive a score per species each time Herdsmanship is judged. Species totals will be posted online at https://go.unl.edu/gageherdsmanshipscores and in the Main Livestock Barn near the arena and Rabbit and Poultry Barn. At the end of the fair week, these scores will be averaged using a formula based on how many species each club has. More information about Herdsmanship will be included in the Livestock Exhibitor Letter sent out before the County Fair.
PARADE OF CHAMPIONS
We are proud to honor 2026 livestock Champions and Reserve Champions at the Gage County Fair & Expo Sunday, July 26, 2:00 pm, Main Livestock Barn. All livestock Grand & Reserve Champion winners will be announced regardless of attendance at the Parade of Champions. Exhibitors must wear official 4-H or FFA attire. An information sheet will be given to exhibitors with an invitation to Parade of Champions. Contact the Extension Office for questions.
LIVESTOCK AUCTION - 1K SPONSORS & PARTICIPANTS PHOTOS
Photos will be taken Sunday, July 26, 2:30 pm, Main Livestock Barn. All auction participants should wear official attire and be present for photo shoot.
MARKET LIVESTOCK PREMIUM AUCTION
The Gage County Ag Society will hold a Market Livestock Premium Auction, Sunday, July 26, 3:00 pm, Main Livestock Barn. The purpose of this auction aligns with the Ag Society’s mission to educate and promote agriculture, industry and youth through community involvement. The auction will support and contribute to the marketing experience of 4-H/FFA livestock exhibitors.
Youth will be given an opportunity to finalize their project by entering one market animal exhibited at the 2026 Gage County Fair & Expo. Market entries in Beef, Sheep, Swine, and Meat Goats may be entered in the auction (second year bucket calves are not eligible). Entry deadline is 1 hour following completion of 4-H/FFA Swine Show. Official 4-H or FFA attire is required. Information for donors and participants available on the Gage County Fair website, at the Extension Office and Fair Office.
GROUNDS CLEAN UP
4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters are requested to help with grounds clean up, Monday, July 27, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Additional herdsmanship points will be given to clubs whose members and parents help with clean-up.