4-H LIVESTOCK EXHIBIT INFORMATION

2026 Livestock Exhibit Guidelines- All livestock shows are pending approval and these guidelines are NOT final! More information to come soon!

• 2026 Livestock Birth, Ownership and Tattoo Dates for Illinois State Fair Junior Show - Lake County will observe all Birth & Ownership dates set by the state as well as Tattoo & Weigh-in dates for Beef & Sheep
• NEW Electronic Ear Tag Requirements- Important changes to livestock are being made this year for exhibition at the state and county levels. All beef, dairy, and swine will be required to have a USDA official animal identification number ear tag (“840” tag). The tag must be both visually and electronically capable of reading. Thus, means at check-ins at fair staff/superintendents will be checking tags with an electronic reader. Please reach out to your local Extension Office for more information.
• Illinois 4-H Livestock Ambassador Training - The Illinois State 4-H Livestock Team consists of youth members to serve Illinois 4-H by informing people about the importance of livestock production and 4-H opportunities. The goal of the State Livestock Ambassador team is to further develop the teams leadership skills by having them act as role models that advocate for the livestock industry as well as the State 4-H program. They accomplish this by planning, implementing, teaching, and evaluating events for other younger 4-H members that reflect their own ideas. APPLY TODAY! 

• Illinois 4-H Animal Sciences and Certifications-  Learn more about certifications and training needed before you exhibit. June 1st is the DEADLINE to complete this training in order to show at the 4-H Fairs

  YQCA- Youth for the Quality and Care of Animals

  Required for Beef and Dairy Cattle, Goat, Sheep and Swine

  All 4-H exhibitors of the above animals are required to certify in the YQCA program by attending either a face-to-face class (pre-registration is required) or by certifying via the website: YQCA. It is $13 for in-person training and $12 for virtual training. 4-H Members will be required to print two (2) copies of the certificate (one to keep with their show box and one to send to the Extension office). June 1st is the DEADLINE to complete this training in order to show at the 4-H Fairs.

  If you need help setting up an account, registering for courses, or printing certification- click here to set up your YQCA account. 

   

  QAEC- Quality Assurance and Ethics Certification 
   

  Required for companion animals or Animal Science Projects one time in a 4-H members' career for each project area they are participating in. 

  The Quality Assurance Ethics Course (QAEC) program is required if you are showing Horse, Poultry, Cats, Dogs, or Rabbits/Small Pets. This training needs be completed once in a 4-H member’s career for at least one of the species. June 1st is the DEADLINE to complete this training in order to show at the 4-H Fairs. 

  Log into your Z-Suite Account to find the new QAEC training. 
   

2026 State and County Fair 4-H Livestock Showbooks and Information 

2026 Lake County 4-H Livestock Showbook

• Beef Showbook Pages- COMING SOON
• Dairy Cattle Showbook Pages- COMING SOON
• Goats Showbook Pages- COMING SOON
• Sheep Showbook Pages- COMING SOON
• Swine Showbook Pages- COMING SOON 

2026 County Fair Livestock Auction