Junior Sheep
August 4 – 7, 2025
Junior Sheep 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 Sheep Entry Information
Junior Sheep Entry Information
Entry Deadline:
- May 21, 2025 – 7 pm (Central Time): Online entries close
- May 28, 2025 – 5 pm (Central Time): Late Online entries close
- Entries closed
Entry Information:
Show Stalling & Location
Show stalling information will be available in Late July:
- Junior Sheep Barn Stalling (Available in late July)
Sheep will be stalled in the Sheep & Goat Barn and all classes will be judged in the Sheep & Goat Barn Show Ring with the exception of the Grand Champion Market Lamb Selection, which will take place in the Coliseum.
DNA Identification Program
New for 2024! Non-registered Boer Goat Does and Junior Market Goats must have 840 tags and DNA samples on file.
All Wisconsin State Fair DNA identification requirements for Junior Non-Registered Breeding Doe Boers, Junior Market Goats as well as Junior Beef, Sheep and Swine (market and non-registered breeding stock) must be submitted by the Junior entry deadline to Wisconsin State Fair. More information available here. DNA hair kits and 840 ear tags are on sale here.
Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction
The Grand and Reserve Champion market barrow, lamb, steer, market breed champions, along with the Bred and Owned Market Champion steer, lamb and barrow, the Grand Champion market goat and the Grand Champion Bred and Owned market goat will be auctioned off at the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction.
The Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation awards scholarships to Wisconsin State Fair livestock exhibitors annually. For more details about the scholarship program, please visit gbrla.com.
General Junior Show Rules & Information
Junior Show Updates
2025 Junior Show updates at Wisconsin State Fair:
- What’s New for 2025 – Junior Shows
- 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.
- 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
- Advance Feed and Bedding Order Form (Available in July)
- Non-State Fair Animal Show Waiver
- Fitting Rule Waiver Form
- Judge Nomination Form
- 2025 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.
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.
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
