08/28/2026
If you haven't started thinking about livestock deadlines...check out the deadlines for our 2027 Livestock Shows!
If you are planning to exhibit your livestock project at the 2027 LSU AgCenter Livestock show, be sure to review the possession and validation information below!
1. Animals must be in continuous possession of exhibitors from time of validation until the LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show. See the rules in 2026-27 LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show catalog or consult the livestock show manager for specific possession rules.
2. Exhibitors should request validation kits from agents and FFA advisors as per parish guidelines. Each parish LSU AgCenter 4-H office will supply validation kits to exhibitors upon request.
3. Validation will consist of:
a. Ear tagging animal.
b. Collecting hair sample and/or DNA sample; hair sample should be placed in a properly identified validation envelope for each animal validated. Validation envelopes must be returned to the local LSU AgCenter office with a validation fee by the specified deadline.
c. Exhibitors enter animal information into the 4-H Online system on or before possession deadlines.
The responsibility of entering animal info into 4-H online, ear tagging animals, and collecting DNA and/or hair samples will be that of the exhibitor and/or parent. Agents/FFA advisor MUST be present and can assist.
4. Animals previously tagged for the 2024 Louisiana State Fair may utilize the State Fair TAG to complete LSU AgCenter State Show validations. New DNA samples must be submitted to LSU AgCenter for all animals previously validated for the State Fair
5. Animals must be validated in either the exhibitor’s name or in the family name (Family consists of parents, legal guardians, brothers, and sisters). When official entries are completed, animals validated in family name must be entered in the name of the exhibitor that will show the animal at the District and State Livestock Shows.
Possession and Validation Deadlines for 2027 LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show:
August 14th- Steers
November 9- Beef and Dairy Commercial Heifers, Breeding Beef & Dairy Cattle, Market Lambs, Commercial Ewes, Breeding Sheep, Market Goats, Commercial Does, Breeding Goats, Exhibition Poultry
November 16- Miniature Breeding Beef Cattle
December 1- Market Swine, Commercial Gilts, Breeding Swine
December 18- Exhibition Rabbits
January 19- Rabbit Meat Pens
Looking for more information? Reach out to your local LSU AgCenter Extension Agent. Find your parish office here: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/our_offices/parishes
