Contests are listed here by month, and then in order by date. For more information on a specific show, hover your cursor or tap each show's logo and click on the button to learn more. Copies of flyers, rules, entry forms, etc. are posted as available at the links below each listing.
Please note that First Place Florida is NOT affiliated with any of the events listed on this page. However, if you can't find what you are looking for, please don't hesitate to Contact Us to see if we can help you find the information you need.
JULY
UF LIVESTOCK JUDGING CAMP MOCK CONTEST - GAINESVILLE
- Date: TBA (Camp Not Announced for 2020)
- Location: UF/IFAS Beef Teaching Unit South, Gainesville, Fla.
- 8 Classes, Oral Reasons (2 Junior, 3 Senior)
Open to All Youth 8-18, Individual and Team Competition, Awards to Top Teams/Individuals in Species Divisions and Overall
- Registration Deadline: TBA
- Entry Fee: $25.00 Per Contestant (If Not a Camp Participant)
Check Back in 2021 for More Information
JFCA KICKOFF SHOW JUDGING CONTEST - TAMPA
- Date: CANCELED for 2020
- Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, Fla.
- 4-6 Classes, Questions (Cattle Only)
Open to All Youth, Individual and Team Competition, Awards to Top Individuals/Teams in Junior and Senior Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Register Day-of
- Entry Fee: $10.00 Per Contestant
This Contest Has Been CANCELED for 2020 Due to COVID-19
AUGUST
None at this time.
SEPTEMBER
NORTHWEST GEORGIA REGIONAL FAIR LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - CALHOUN, GEORGIA
- Date: CANCELED for 2020
- Location: Cherokee Capital Fairgrounds, Calhoun, Ga.
- 6 Classes, Questions
Open to All Youth, Individual Competition Only, Awards to Top 10 Individuals in Junior and Senior Divisions
- Registration Deadline: TBA
- Entry Fee: $5.00 Per Contestant
This Contest Has Been CANCELED for 2020 Due to Cancellation for the Fair from COVID-19
GWINNETT COUNTY FAIR LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - LAWRENCEVILLE, GEORGIA
- Date: CANCELED for 2020
- Location: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, Lawrenceville, Ga.
- 6 Classes, Reasons (1 Junior, 2 Seniors)
Open to Two Teams/Unlimited Individuals for Chapters/Clubs, Awards to Top Three Teams/Top Five Individuals in Junior and Senior Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Pre-Register by September 1
- Entry Fee: $5.00 Per Contestant
This Contest Has Been CANCELED for 2020 Due to Cancellation of the Fair from COVID-19
OCTOBER
PANHANDLE YOUTH EXPO LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - MARIANNA
- Date: October 16, 2020
- Location: UF/IFAS Jackson County Extension, Marianna
- 4-6 Classes, Questions
Open to All Youth Teams, Awards to Top Five Teams/Individuals in Middle School/High School FFA and Junior, Intermediate, Senior 4-H Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Pre-Registration REQUIRED with UF/IFAS Jackson County by October 12
- Entry Fee: None
PYE Judging Contest Schedule - Click Here
Registration Form - Click Here
NORTHEAST FLORIDA FAIR LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST
- Date: CANCELED for 2020
- Location: Northeast Florida Fairgrounds, Callahan
- 4-6 Classes, Questions
Open to All Youth Teams, Awards to Top Three Individuals/Teams in Middle School/High School FFA and Junior, Intermediate, Senior 4-H Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Pre-Registration Requested
- Entry Fee: None
This Contest Has Been CANCELED for 2020 Due to Cancellation of the Fair from COVID-19
PEACH STATE LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - PERRY, GEORGIA
- Date: October 17, 2020
- Location: Georgia National Fairgrounds, Perry, Ga.
- 10 Classes, Oral Reasons (1 Junior, 2 Senior, 6 Collegiate)
Open to All Youth Teams, Awards to Top Teams/Individuals in Species and Top Teams Overall in Junior, Senior and Collegiate Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Registration Required by September 20 (for Fair Tickets)
- Entry Fee: $15.00 Per Contestant ($25.00 Late Entry)
This Contest Has Been CANCELED for 2020 Due to Cancellation of the Fair from COVID-19
NOVEMBER
SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL LIVESTOCK JUDGING AND SKILLATHON CONTESTS - RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
- Date: CANCELED for 2020
- Location: NCSU Beef Unit, Raleigh, N.C.
- 10-12 Classes, Questions, Oral Reasons
Open to All Youth Teams, Awards to Top Five Individuals/Teams in Species Sub Contests and Top 10 Individuals/Teams Overall in Junior and Senior Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Registration Required
- Entry Fee: $15.00 Per Contestant, Per Contest
Per NCSU Extension, This Contest Has Been CANCELED for 2020, Click Here for More Information
COW-ABUNGA CLASSIC LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - KISSIMMEE
- Date: November 7, 2020
- Location: Osceola County Fairgrounds, Kissimmee
- 4 Classes
Open to All Youth, Individual Contest Only, Awards to Top Individuals in Junior and Senior Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Online Pre-Registration Requested
- Entry Fee: None
GREATER JACKSONVILLE AGRICULTURAL FAIR LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - JACKSONVILLE
- Date: CANCELED for 2020
- Location: Jacksonville Fairgrounds, Jacksonville
- 4-6 Classes, Questions, Oral Reasons (Seniors Only)
Open to All Youth Teams, Awards to Top Three Individuals/Teams in Middle School/High School FFA and Junior, Intermediate, Senior 4-H Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Requested with UF/IFAS Duval County Extension
- Entry Fee: None
This Contest Has Been CANCELED for 2020 Due to Cancellation of the Fair from COVID-19
VOLUSIA COUNTY FAIR VVATA OPEN LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - DELAND
- Date: CANCELED for 2020
- Location: Volusia County Fairgrounds, DeLand
- 6-8 Classes, Questions
Open to All Youth Teams, Awards to Top Three Individuals/Teams in Junior and Senior Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Register Day-of
- Entry Fee: $5.00 Per Contestant
This Contest Has Been CANCELED for 2020 Due to Cancellation of the Fair from COVID-19
DECEMBER
THE SOUTHEASTERN 3 - PERRY, GEORGIA (WILL BE HOSTED IN 2020)
- Date: December 11, 2020
- Location: Georgia National Fairgrounds, Perry, Ga.
- 30 Classes (10 Beef, 10 Swine, 10 Sheep/Goat)
Open to All Youth Teams, Awards to Top Individuals/Teams by Species and Overall in Junior/Senior Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Pre-Registration Requested Online by November 15
- Entry Fee: $30.00 Per Contestant
While Originally Canceled, This Contest WILL Be Hosted in 2020 at the Showring Showdown
Click Here for More Information and to Register
FLORIDA YOUTH LIVESTOCK EXPO LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - OKEECHOBEE
- Date: December 29, 2020
- Location: Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center, Okeechobee
- 6-8 Classes, Questions
Open to All Youth, Individual Contest Only, Awards to Top Individuals by Species and Overall in Junior and Senior Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Pre-Registration is Requested
- Entry Fee: $10.00 Per Contestant
JANUARY
SOUTH FLORIDA FAIR LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - WEST PALM BEACH (UPDATED)
- Date: January 16, 2021
- Location: South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach
- 4-6 Classes, Hogs and Steers
Open to All Youth Teams, Awards to Top 10 Individuals and Teams in Junior and Senior Divisions
- Registration Deadline: UPDATE - Pre-Registration REQUESTED
- Entry Fee: $2.00 Per Contestant
Information and Online Registration Form - UPDATED January 2021
Judging Contest Information and Registration Form - Original
FEBRUARY
FLORIDA STATE FAIR 4-H LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - TAMPA
- Date: TBA (New Details, or If It Will Return During the Rescheduled Florida State Fair in April, Have Not Been Announced)
- Location: Lykes Arena, Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa
- 6-8 Classes, Questions
Open to ONE Team Per County 4-H Program, Awards to Top Five Teams/Individuals Overall
- Registration Deadline: TBA
- Entry Fee: TBA
JACKSON COUNTY FED CATTLE SHOW AND SALE JUDGING CONTEST - MARIANNA
- Date: February 16, 2021
- Location: UF/IFAS Jackson County Extension, Marianna
- Judging Classes, Questions (Cattle Only)
Open to All Interested Teams, Awards to Top Three Teams/Individuals Overall in Middle School/High School FFA and Junior, Intermediate, Senior 4-H Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Register Day-of
- Entry Fee: None
OSCEOLA COUNTY FAIR 4-H/FFA LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - KISSIMMEE
- Date: 2021 Date TBA
- Location: Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee
- 4-6 Classes, Questions
Open to All Interested Teams, Awards to Top Three Teams/High Individual Overall in Junior and Senior Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Pre-Registration Requested Online
- Entry Fee: None
More Information (Coming Soon)
MARCH
CENTRAL FLORIDA FAIR OPEN LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - ORLANDO
- Date: March 12, 2021
- Location: Central Florida Fairgrounds, Orlando
- 6-8 Classes, Oral Reasons (1 for Juniors, 2 for Seniors)
Open to All Interested Teams, Awards to Top Three Teams/Top 10 Individuals in Junior and Senior Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Register Day-of
- Entry Fee: $5.00 Per Contestant
BRADFORD COUNTY FAIR 4-H/FFA LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - STARKE
- Date: 2021 Date TBA
- Location: Bradford County Fairgrounds, Starke
- 5-6 Classes, Questions, Oral Reasons (Seniors Only)
Open to Four Teams Per Club/Chapter, Awards to Top Three Teams/Individuals in Middle School/High School FFA and Junior, Intermediate, Senior 4-H Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Pre-Registration Required by February 28
- Entry Fee: None
More Information (Coming Soon)
WEST FLORIDA LIVESTOCK SHOW LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - QUINCY
- Date: 2021 Date TBA
- Location: William Inman Agricultural Pavilion, Quincy
- 4 Classes, Questions
Open to All Interested Youth Teams, Awards to Top Three Individuals/Teams in Middle School/High School FFA and Junior, Intermediate, Senior 4-H Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Register Day-of
- Entry Fee: None
More Information (Coming Soon)
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL YOUTH LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - PLANT CITY
- Date: N/A
- Location: N/A
Open to Two Teams/Unlimited Individuals Per Club/Chapter, Awards to Top Three Individuals Overall and Top Three Teams in Middle School/High School FFA and 4-H Divisions
- Registration Deadline: N/A
- Entry Fee: N/A
This Contest Has Been DISCONTINUED Beginning in 2021, Per the Festival Website
ALACHUA COUNTY YOUTH FAIR LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - GAINESVILLE
- Date: 2021 Date TBA
- Location: UF/IFAS Alachua County Extension/Fairgrounds, Gainesville
- 5-6 Classes, Questions
Open to All Interested Teams, Awards to Top Three Individuals/Teams in Junior and Senior Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Register Day-of
- Entry Fee: None
More Information (Coming Soon)
SLE RODEO LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
- Date: 2021 Date TBA
- Location: Garrett Coliseum, Alabama Agricultural Center, Montgomery, Ala.
- 6-12 Classes, Questions, Reasons (4 Senior, 8 Collegiate)
Open to All Interested Youth and Collegiate Teams, Awards to Top Five Teams/Top 10 Individuals by Species and Overall in Junior, Senior and Collegiate Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Pre-Registration Required by February 28
- Entry Fee: $15.00 Per Contestant
More Information (Coming Soon)
SARASOTA FAIR 4-H/FFA LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - SARASOTA
- Date: 2021 Date TBA
- Location: Sarasota County Fairgrounds, Sarasota
- Information TBA
Open to All Interested Youth, Individual Contest Only, Awards to Top 10 Individuals in Junior, Intermediate, Senior 4-H, FFA and Novice Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Register Day-of
- Entry Fee: None
More Information (Coming Soon)
UNION COUNTY LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - LAKE BUTLER
- Date: 2021 Date TBA
- Location: Union County Agriculture Building, Lake Butler
- Classes, Questions, Oral Reasons (Senior Only)
Open to All Interested Youth Teams, Awards to Top Three Individuals/Teams in Middle School/High School FFA and Junior, Intermediate, Senior 4-H Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Pre-Registration Requested with UF/IFAS Union County Extension
- Entry Fee: $5.00 Per Contestant
More Information (Coming Soon)
PUTNAM COUNTY FAIR 4-H/FFA LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - PALATKA
- Date: 2021 Date TBA
- Location: Putnam County Fairgrounds, Palatka
- 4-6 Classes, Questions, Oral Reasons (Senior Only)
Open to All Interested 4-H/FFA Teams, Awards to Top Five Individuals/Teams in Middle School/High School FFA and Junior, Intermediate, Senior 4-H Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Pre-Registration Requested with UF/IFAS Putnam County Extension
- Entry Fee: None
More Information (Coming Soon)
CITRUS COUNTY FAIR LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - INVERNESS
- Date: 2021 Date TBA
- Location: Citrus County Fairgrounds, Inverness
- 4-6 Classes, Questions
Open to All Interested 4-H/FFA Teams, Awards to Top Three Individuals/Teams in Middle School/High School FFA and Junior, Intermediate, Senior 4-H Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Pre-Registration Requested with the Citrus County Fair Office
- Entry Fee: None
More Information (Coming Soon)
APRIL
CLAY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR 4-H/FFA LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST - GREEN COVE SPRINGS
- Date: 2021 Date TBA
- Location: Clay County Agricultural Fair, Green Cove Springs
- 4-6 Classes
Open to Four Teams Per Club/Chapter, Awards to Top Three Individuals/Teams in Middle School/High School FFA and Junior and Senior 4-H Divisions
- Registration Deadline: Online Pre-Registration Requested
- Entry Fee: None
More Information (Coming Soon)
MAY
None at this time.
JUNE
None at this time.
Livestock judging is by far the most popular and well known judging contest for youth in Florida, where hundreds of bright young people in Florida's livestock industry gather together to evaluate classes of animals based on market (meat production) or breeding (traits to pass on to offspring) characteristics.
Over the last 10 years or so, Florida has risen in the ranks within youth livestock judging contests on both the state and national levels, with more livestock judging events and more teams participating than ever in the state, and many that have gone on to place near the top at many national-level contests, such as the National FFA Livestock Evaluation CDE, the American Royal, the National Western and the NAILE.
Within the event, livestock judging requires participants to evaluate classes of four animals each - of either beef, swine, sheep or meat goats - and place them first through fourth based on desired characteristics from their observations. Participants are also often tasked with questions over what they saw and defending their placings via oral reasons that build their public speaking skills.
This contest is offered on the local, state and national levels for both 4-H and FFA, through the State FFA Livestock Evaluation CDE and the State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.