Fair & Events

Harlan County Fair

July 27 - 31, 2026
Fairgrounds, Orleans, Nebraska

 

4‑H Exhibitor Information 

4-H Club and Independent Members ages 8 - 18 on January 1 of the current year are required to enroll or re-enroll annually to maintain their 4-H membership. Youth ages 5 - 7 on January 1 of the current year may enroll as Clover Kids.  Returning families/members should not create a new family profile, but instead, log into their existing profile.  (Enrollment Deadline: JUNE 15)

4-H Enrollment
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County Contests

Public Speaking Contest - April 13, 2026 @ 6pm
  • Public Speaking Contest Registration Deadline:  April 6, 2026
  • Public Speaking Event Registration Link:  Public Speaking Contest 
Favorite Foods Event - July 21, 2026 @ 10am
  • Favorite Foods Event Registration Deadline:  July 15, 2026
  • Favorite Foods Event Registration Link: Favorite Foods
Fashion Judging and Talent Show - July 21, 2026 
  • Fashion and Talent Registration Deadline:  July 15, 2026
  • Fashion and Talent Event Registration Link:  Fashion & Talent 
Bike Rodeo - Date to be announced
  • Bike Rodeo Registration Deadline:  TBA
  • Bike Rodeo Registration Link:  Bike Rodeo 

County 4-H Events

  • Beef Weigh-in:  March 21, 2026 @ the Alma Livestock Auction 12pm - 1:30pm
     
  • South Central 4-H Camp:  June 9, 2026
  • Summer Workshop Series: Dates to be announced
  • Secure your spot in this year's summer workshops! Bonus: All projects made can be exhibited at the county fair! 
    Minimum of 5 youth per workshop. 
    Summer Workshops Registration Deadline:  May 22, 2026
    Registration Link:  go.unl.edu/hc-summerworkshopseries
    • Harlan Inspire Academy 
    • Clover Kid Workshop
    • Furnas Inspire Academy 

 

  • Kick Off - Date to be announced
    • RSVP is Appreciated:  

 

  • Achievement Celebration - Date to be announced
     
  • Brown Bags 

4-H Animal Resources

Livestock ID Affidavits

The Nebraska State Fair 4-H Animal Identification Guidelines Chart is helpful for knowing the requirements and timelines for tags or tattoos, ear notches and DNA needed for each species of animal. The deadline for BEEF, GOATS, HORSE SHEEP and SWINE the deadline is June 15. 
The ID forms can be printed at home, filled and signed. Please drop off forms at the Extension Office (Harlan County, 705 Second Street) or email forms to harlan-county@unl.edu 
Remember, all forms with signature lines must be signed. 

Premise ID

A Premise ID number is a unique, permanent code assigned to a specific physical location where livestock or poultry are managed. This number, administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture (NDA)), is used to quickly and accurately identify the location of animals during disease or food safety emergencies and is required for purchasing official animal identification tags. For youth (4-H/FFA) market animals, obtaining a Premise ID number from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture is mandatory.

Flock ID

A Flock ID is an official identification number assigned by the USDA or state for your sheep and goats. It's used on ear tags to list the flock of origin—helping ensure traceability and safety!  Get your Flock ID and keep your herd in compliance!

  • How to get a Flock ID for Sheep & Goats
    • To request official sheep and goat tags, a flock or premises ID, or both, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824). 
    • Follow the telephone prompts to reach the correct APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) or State office
    • Request your Flock ID
Scrapie Tag Information for Goat & Sheep Exhibitors

Market Sheep, Breeding Sheep, Market Goats, Breeding Goats need USDA Scrapies tags for identification for County Fair and State Fair. Scrapie Tags will serve as the official 4-H identification for Goats & Sheep. Scrapie Tags ARE NOT provided by the Extension Office, you as the family must request them (see below).

If you are purchasing an animal, it is the breeders/sellers responsibility to make sure the animal has a Scrapie tag in the animals ear BEFORE it leaves their premises. 

  • Scrapie Control and Eradication Regulations - The Scrapie Control and Eradication Regulations became effective on September 30, 2005. Copies of the Scrapie Control and Eradication Regulations can be obtained by going to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at www.nda.nebraska.gov/animal/diseases/scrapie/index.html.
YQCA Training

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification is required yearly for all 4-H youth participating in the 4-H and FFA livestock shows. 
Age divisions for YQCA certification are based on 4-H member age as of Jan. 1.
Exhibitors are required to complete training and provide certificate copies (print or digital) to the Extension Office in their county by July 1.
Those who do not complete the training will not be eligible to exhibit livestock at the Harlan County Fair or the Nebraska State Fair.

Static Project Resources

Nebraska State Fair

https://www.statefair.org/

Aug. 28 - Sep. 7, 2026
Fonner Park, Grand Island, NE

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