Junior Dairy Cattle

Wisconsin Requires Influenza A Testing Prior to Movement of Lactating Dairy Cattle to Fairs and Exhibitions.
Read more here

July 29 – August 2, 2025

Junior Dairy Cattle exhibitors must be between the ages of 12-19 by January 1st of the current year and have completed YQCA certification.

See below for full details on entry requirements, show information, schedule and upcoming deadlines.

Junior Dairy Cattle Information

Junior Dairy Cattle Entry Information

2025 Junior Dairy Theme: Care of Cows: It’s What We Do

Entry Deadline:

  • May 21, 2025 – 7 pm (Central Time): Online entries close
  • May 28, 2025 – 5 pm (Central Time): Late Online entries close
  • Entries will open mid-April

Entry Information:

Show Stalling & Information

Guides for Cattle Barn stall and aisle dimensions:

Show stalling information will be available in Late July:

Information on show release order will be available in late July

Dairy cattle will be stalled in the Upper & Lower Cattle Barns and all classes will be judged in the Coliseum.

General Junior Show Rules & Information

Junior Show Updates

2025 Junior Show updates at Wisconsin State Fair:

  • What’s New for 2025 – Junior Shows Coming Soon!
  • Junior Livestock Entry Deadline: May 21, 2025
  • 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Performance Division
    For 2025, Wisconsin State Fair Performance Beef and Sheep division contests have been modified to incorporate the components of ultrasound carcass merit (70%) and visual appraisal (30%). Rate of gain evaluation will not be included for 2025; therefore, weigh in sites will not be offered in winter for junior market steers or spring for junior market lambs. Junior market barrows will continue to be evaluated on ultrasound carcass merit (70%) and visual appraisal (30%).

Junior Show Eligibility

Animal Shows Requirements:

  • Participation in Wisconsin State Fair Junior shows is open to any youth 12-19 years of age as of January 1st of the current year.
  • Youth must have completed YQCA certification. See the section labeled “YQCA” for complete details.
  • Youth are encouraged to actively participate in youth educational programs/organizations which enhance project awareness but there are no youth organization membership requirements to exhibit in the Junior animal departments of Wisconsin State Fair.

Junior exhibitors will submit all entry information and fees directly to State Fair online.

General Junior Show Information

The following documents apply to all junior show livestock exhibitors at the Wisconsin State Fair. Please read through this information prior to arrival.

Volunteer Adult Contacts

Junior show exhibitors MUST declare a Volunteer Adult Contact at time of entry. Options include either:

  • A) Group or
  • B) Individual.

More details for Junior Exhibitors

Volunteer Adult Contact application available here.
VAGC applications are due March 19, 2025.

Full list of Approved Volunteer Adult Contacts.

YQCA

Wisconsin State Fair is pleased to continue of the national certification program “Youth for the Quality Care of Animals” (YQCA) built around foundational pillars of animal agriculture (animal welfare, food safety and character education).

All junior exhibitors exhibiting animals in any Junior Departments must be YQCA certified at the time of entry. The certification must remain active through the dates of the Fair. The YQCA certification program is a national education program built around foundational pillars of animal agriculture (animal welfare, food safety and character education). The program is offered online or in person at regional locations throughout Wisconsin. For additional information related to the YQCA program please visit yqcaprogram.org.

Youth Center

Junior exhibitors do not sign up for the Youth Center when entering; those who wish to stay in the Youth Center should contact their VAGC directly. Rooms may be occupied only by approved VAGCs, VAICs and current Junior show exhibitors. Wisconsin State Fair will send reservation forms directly to all approved VACs after they have accepted their group members. To read more click here.

Youth Center Menu

Youth Center Rules and Regulations

Questions?

Questions regarding entering can be emailed to: entryoffice@wistatefair.com

Or call:
Junior & Open Shows: 414.266.7052
Dog Sports, Rabbit Hopping: 414.266.7052
Meat & Dairy Products Contests: 414.266.7052
Competitive Exhibits: 414.313.2767

Mailing Address:
Wisconsin State Fair
Entry Department
640 S 84th Street
West Allis WI 53214