Junior Dairy Cattle

UPDATE May 1, 2026: Wisconsin Aligns with Updated USDA Guidance for Interstate Movement of Lactating Dairy Cattle, Removes Intrastate Testing Requirements for Fairs and Exhibitions. Read more here

August 5-9, 2026

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.

3 exhibitors with dairy cattle in show ring

Junior Dairy Cattle Information

Junior Dairy Cattle Entry Information

2026 Junior Dairy Theme:

Entry Deadline:

  • May 20, 2026 – 7 pm (Central Time): Online entries close
  • May 27, 2026 – 5 pm (Central Time): Late Online entries close

Entry Information:

Enter Online Here!

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

2026 Junior Show updates at Wisconsin State Fair:

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 18, 2026.

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