Junior Dairy Cattle
August 1-6, 2023
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, and upcoming deadlines.

Junior Dairy Cattle Information
Junior Dairy Cattle Entry Information
2023 Junior Dairy Theme: Discover Wisconsin Dairy
Entry Deadline:
- May 24, 2023 – 7 pm (Central Time): Online entries close
- May 31, 2023 – 5 pm (Central Time): Late Online entries close
Entry Information:
- Junior Dairy Cattle Entry Information
- Ag Source Production Awards
- Junior Holstein Class Breaks (Available at the Fair after check in)
- Entries Closed
Show Stalling & Information
Guides for Cattle Barn stall and aisle dimensions:
- Lower Dairy Stall Dimensions and Lower Dairy Aisle Dimensions
- Upper Barns Stall Dimensions, Upper Barns Aisle Dimensions and Upper Barns End Aisle Dimensions
Show stalling information will be available in Late July:
- Junior Dairy Lower Dairy Barn Stalling
- Junior Dairy Barn 841 Stalling (Aisles A-C, East Barn closest to the Track)
- Junior Dairy Barn 842 Stalling (Aisles D-F, Middle Barn)
- Junior Dairy Barn 843 Stalling (Aisles G-I, West Barn closest to Gate 5)
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 Case IH Coliseum.
General Junior Show Rules & Information
Junior Show Updates
2023 Junior Show updates at Wisconsin State Fair:
- What’s New for 2023 – Junior Shows
- Junior Livestock Entry Deadline: May 24, 2023
- 2023 Wisconsin State Fair Performance Division
For 2023, 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 2022; 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 boy or girl 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.
- Junior Rules and Regulations (ALL JUNIOR EXHIBITORS MUST READ)
- Video – How to enter Junior Market Beef, Sheep or Swine in Market, Performance and/or Bred & Owned
- MAP to Gates 9 and 5
- Pre-Fair Feed and Bedding Order Form (Available in July)
- Non-State Fair Animal Show Waiver
- Fitting Rule Waiver Form
- Judge Nomination Form
- 2023 Junior Judges (Available July 1)
- Agriculture Employee Conflict of Interest and Ethics
- Non-Resident Youth Waiver Application
Volunteer Adult Contacts
Junior show exhibitors MUST declare a Volunteer Adult Contact at time of entry. Options include either:
- A) Group or
- B) Individual.
Details available here. Volunteer Adult Contact application available here. Please note: VAGC applications are due March 22, 2023.
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 in April. To read more click here.
Questions?
Questions regarding entering can be emailed to: entryoffice@wistatefair.com
Or call:
Junior & Open Shows; Dog Sports, Rabbit Hopping,
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