LIVESTOCK

Junior Livestock – Important Dates and Information 2025-2026

• Fall Livestock Committee Meeting
• Beef weigh-in –  December 6, 2025, 9 AM – 11 AM at Equity in Barron
• Sheep Weigh-in – April 22, 2026 4 – 7 PM at fairgrounds – 
  1. Sheep Weigh-in Information (not available)
• Hog Registration Deadline – April 22, 2026 by 11:59 PM (online)
  1. Hog Registration Information (not available)
  2. Hog Registration Link (not available)
• YQCA Meeting (option 1) – March 3 at 6:00 PM at Barron High School Commons
• YQCA Meeting (option 2) – March 24 at 6:00 PM at Barron High School Commons
• Kick-off Meeting – June 10
• Winter Livestock Committee Meeting –  January 7 at 6PM
• Spring Livestock Committee Meeting –  April 29 at 6PM

More information coming soon.

More information coming soon.

More information coming soon.

The following guidelines were established for the Barron County Junior Livestock and Sale project

The following forms are required for the Livestock Show and Sale:

• Cost Analysis Form
• Ethics and Compliance
  • Code of Conduct and Expectations – IAFE Code of Show Ring Ethics
  • Code of Conduct Signature Page
  • Livestock Compliance Certificate
• Cards
  • Livestock Project Signature Card
  • Livestock Sale Participant Card (complete IF animal is selected for sale)
  • Graduating Member Form
  • Buyer Signature Card
• Fair Forms (turned in at June Kick-off meeting)
  • Country of Origin
  • Stalling and/or Pen Form (each species needs separate form)
• Animal Health (bring to fair with each animal-separate form per animal)
• Herdsmanship Form
• Grievance
  • Barron County Fair Species Exhibitor Grievance Procedures
  • Barron County Fair Grievance Filing Form (obtained at fair office)
  • Barron County Fair Grievance Rebuttal

There are several 4-H and community opportunities available throughout the year. The best way to stay informed is through the 4-H E-Blast and watching emails and social media for specific posts.

• YQCA – Youth Quality Care of Animals (required in spring each year)
• Species Specific Clinics/Educational Opportunities
• Statewide Opportunities

• Beef
• Sheep
• Swine
• Goats (not part of livestock sale)

Herdsmanship is judged throughout fair week and recognizes excellent care.

• Judged on:
  • Coming Soon

Showmanship focuses on the exhibitor’s ability to groom, handle, and present their animal.

• Pre-registration required (you will register when you register for the Barron County Fair in the late spring/early summer.)
• Required for Show and Sale Youth
• Divisions
  • Junior (Grades 3–5)
  • Intermediate (Grades 6–8)
  • Senior (Grades 9–13)
• What Judges Look For
  • Coming Soon

• Coming Soon

Fair Awards include– awarded per age group in:

• Grand Champion Rate of Gain (no hog Rate of Gain)
• Performance Champion formerly called Overall Champion, (based on one-third rate of gain placing, one-third live placing, and one-third carcass placing)
• Showmanship Winners in Junior, Intermediate, Senior classes, and Reserve Showmanship (all species)
• Bred and Owned Champion will also be given in each species. Bred and Owned is defined as bred, born, and raised on exhibitors premises and exhibited in Barron County.
• Rosette Ribbons will be presented in all species to Grand and Reserve Champions (Market Classes) of the live show, Showmanship classes, (grand and reserve winners in Junior, Intermediate and Senior) Bred & Owned classes, Breeding Stock Champions. In addition, banners will also be presented to the Grand and Reserve Champion market class and showmanship winners of the live show.
• Carcass Award All sale animals will be entered in the Carcass Contest. All sale participants and exhibitors are encouraged to attend the Carcass and Livestock Awards Program held after the fair.

4-H Record/Showcase

• Awards plaque to youth in each age group (3-5, 6-8, and 9+) for record keeping. See Record Book pages for updated guideliens.

🐾 Animal Health & Well‑Being

Keeping animals healthy is the foundation of a successful fair.

Before Arrival

• Complete all required health checks and bring documentation (vaccination records, health papers, etc.).
• Monitor animals for illness in the days leading up to the fair—no coughing, diarrhea, lethargy, or unexplained injuries.
• Practice proper grooming and conditioning so animals arrive clean, calm, and ready.
• Pack a first‑aid kit with basic supplies (thermometer, wound spray, extra halters, electrolytes).

During the Fair

• Provide fresh water and feed regularly—animals dehydrate quickly in hot barns.
• Clean pens and stalls daily to reduce odor, flies, and disease spread.
• Avoid sharing equipment like buckets or brushes between exhibitors.
• Limit stress by keeping noise down, handling animals gently, and giving them rest time.
• Report any signs of illness to the barn superintendent immediately.

🏠 Barn Safety & Cleanliness

A safe barn protects animals, exhibitors, and visitors.

General Barn Rules

• No running, roughhousing, or climbing on gates—livestock barns aren’t playgrounds.
• Keep aisles clear of feed bags, tack boxes, hoses, and chairs.
• Use proper footwear—closed‑toe shoes are a must.
• Supervise younger exhibitors during chores and animal handling.
• Follow fire safety rules—no open flames, smoking, or extension cords unless approved.

Animal Handling Safety

• Always be aware of your surroundings—animals can spook easily.
• Use appropriate halters, leads, and show equipment in good condition.
• Tie animals securely and safely using approved knots and tie points.
• Respect others’ animals—never touch or feed an animal without permission.

📅 Organization & Fair Etiquette

A smooth fair depends on everyone doing their part.

Communication & Scheduling

• Know your show times and arrive early for check‑in, weigh‑ins, and classes.
• Listen for announcements—schedules can shift.
• Stay in contact with leaders and superintendents for updates or rule clarifications.

Showmanship & Sportsmanship

• Be courteous to judges, volunteers, and fellow exhibitors.
• Congratulate others—win or lose, everyone worked hard.
• Keep your area tidy—your pen, tack space, and seating area reflect on your club.
• Represent your club and community well when interacting with the public.

Recordkeeping & Responsibilities

• Complete project records and required forms before deadlines.
• Label all equipment to avoid mix‑ups.
• Plan for animal care coverage if you need to leave the grounds.

🌼 Creating a Positive Fair Experience

The fair is about learning, community, and fun.

• Be patient and flexible—fairs are busy, unpredictable environments.
• Help others when you can—a borrowed brush or an extra hand goes a long way.
• Thank volunteers and staff—they make the fair possible.
• Enjoy the experience—take photos, make memories, and celebrate your hard work.