4-H Animal Resources

Livestock 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 HORSE IDs is May 15. For BEEF, GOATS, SHEEP and SWINE the deadline is June 1. 

The ID forms can be printed at home, filled and signed. Please drop off forms and a picture of the animal with its ID tag at the appropriate Extension Office (Chase County, 490 E. 5th Street, Imperial, or Perkins County, 76025 Road 329, Grant) or email forms and pictures to the appropriate office (dstamm3@unl.edu for Chase County or kathy.mailand@unl.edu for Perkins County).

Remember, all forms with signature lines must be signed. 

Horse Affidavits are due May 15.

Livestock Affidavits are due at the Extension Office with a picture of tag in animal's ear by June 2, 2025 at 4 p.m.

LIVESTOCK AFFIDAVITS

2025 County ID Requirements

 

Tags can be picked up at the appropriate Extension Office (Chase County, 490 E. 5th Street, Imperial, or Perkins County, 76025 Road 329, Grant) at any time.

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 Perkins or Chase County Fairs or the Nebraska State Fair.

 

YQCA

 

2025 YQCA In-Person Trainings

April 25, 2025, 10 a.m.-Noon--Chase County Fairgrounds

May 28, 2025, 10 a.m.-Noon--Chase County Fairgrounds

May 29, 2025, 10 a.m.-Noon--Perkins County Extension Office

June 4, 2025, 10 a.m.-Noon--Wauneta

** YQCA DEADLINE ** July 1, 2024, 4 p.m. ** Certificates must be turned in to Extension Office.

Livestock Resources

Horse

Beef

Sheep & Goats

Swine

Small & Companion Animals

ID & Disease

State Fair Livestock Info

Livestock Information Series

The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Information Series is a resource for 4-H members, leaders, and parents to gain knowledge in various livestock-related topic areas. Each session, a new topic is covered with experts joining to share their experience and expertise. Extended learning opportunities and supporting documents are also available for each topic, including Meat Science, Carcass Data and Tattooing Livestock.

Statewide Livestock Opportunities

Farrowed & Owned Swine Cohort

The Nebraska 4-H Farrowed & Owned Swine Cohort is an opportunity for youth interested in learning more about the swine industry. The program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the Nebraska swine industry. The goal is to enhance the educational value of the traditional 4-H swine projects by focusing on swine production, accurate and complete record-keeping, industry knowledge, and engagement by the 4-H member. Registration deadline Feb. 1, 2025.

Fed Steer Challenge

The Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer Challenge is an opportunity for youth interested in learning more about the cattle industry and is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the Nebraska cattle industry.

The goal of the Fed Steer Challenge is to enhance the educational value of the traditional 4-H beef projects by providing an affordable option that rewards production merit and carcass value of the market animal, along with accurate and complete record-keeping, industry knowledge, and producer engagement by the 4-H member.

Livestock Achievement Program

The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program is designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects, including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition, by recognizing youth striving to improve their livestock project knowledge and leadership. 

Livestock Judging Video Series

Practice livestock judging from home with the Nebraska 4-H Online Livestock Judging Video Series! Start by sorting through the class and working on your reasons. Then, get tips and tricks for improving your skills while listening to a critique of the class.

Winners Unlimited Judging Camp

The Winners Unlimited Camp is geared toward youth 7-18 years of age who have an interest in competitive livestock judging. The camp covers content on all of the livestock species including cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats. Youth will learn about the priority traits that we use when evaluating livestock and gain basic knowledge of the livestock industry as it pertains to each specie. A heavy emphasis in this camp will also be placed on oral reasons. Not only will youth improve their presentation skills but they will also learn about the basics of reasons format along with how to be accurate and concise in a set of reasons. At the end of camp, youth will be better prepared to compete in a livestock judging contest not only locally but at the regional and national level alike.

Great Plains Judging Circuit

The Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit is a lineup of contests held throughout the state giving youth the opportunity to perfect their skills in preparation for the Nebraska 4-H Premier Animal Science Event (PASE). Qualifying youth must attend a minimum of two contests in addition to the PASE livestock judging contest in order to be eligible for awards and scholarships. The top 5 individuals in the Senior and Intermediate divisions will be recognized as part of the All-State Team during the Grand Drive at the Nebraska State Fair.