County Fair Swine and Beef Shows

What happens at a swine or beef show?

Exhibitors enter the ring with animals, and the judge looks them over as they move. Classes are usually grouped by species, breed, weight or age. The judge picks a placing in each class and may name champions in a final round.

Beef cattle shows also include breeding classes where heifers or bulls are compared. Details differ by fair, so check the schedule and rulebook.

Visitors can watch from the stands or the rail, depending on the facility. Because swine shows often use a ring with panels, you may see exhibitors walking pigs with a small board or cane to guide them. Judges watch how the pig moves and how well it responds.

• Classes by weight, age or breed
• Final round for champions
• Breeding and market divisions

What do showmanship and market classes involve?

In showmanship, the judge evaluates how well the exhibitor presents the animal, including control, awareness of the judge and knowledge of the animal. Market classes compare animals raised for meat, and breeding classes look at animals chosen for traits.

Exhibitors use show sticks, brushes and other tools to guide animals. These are part of the usual practice at shows.

If you are unsure, ask a volunteer, an extension agent or the announcer. Beef exhibitors often clip, wash and groom animals in a wash area before the show. If a fair has one, it can be a good place to watch the preparation.

How do I watch safely?

Pigs and cattle are large and can move suddenly. Stay behind rails and keep children in hand. Do not enter pens, walk behind animals or stand in the path to the ring. Exhibitors and staff move animals through aisles, so give them room.

Do not touch animals unless an exhibitor invites you. Ask before petting, and follow barn signs.

Keep strollers and wagons out of the way of animals in aisles. Large animals can be calm one minute and move the next. If an animal gets loose, move away from its path and alert staff right away rather than trying to stop it.

• Stay behind rails
• Give animals room in aisles
• Ask before touching

How do health rules apply at swine shows?

CDC and extension materials explain that influenza can spread between pigs and people at fairs. Hand washing, avoiding eating and drinking in swine barns and staying away if you are ill are general precautions. Guidance for people at higher risk is available from CDC.

State agencies and the fair may require health papers, identification and other steps for swine exhibitors. Check with your state veterinarian, APHIS and the fair's rulebook.

Follow the fair's posted rules, and do not take food into animal areas. People at higher risk of serious illness, such as young children, older adults, pregnant people and people with weak immune systems, may be advised by health officials to avoid pig barns. Check CDC guidance.

What can I learn from exhibitors?

Ask about feeding, daily care, exercise and how exhibitors prepare for the ring. Many started months earlier and take care of their animals every day. Some keep detailed records of weight, feed and costs.

Talk with exhibitors when they are not busy. Avoid commenting on an animal's looks in ways that could upset a child.

Treat the animals and families with respect. Ask about what the animal eats, how often it is exercised and how it is trained to walk and stand. These details show the daily work behind the show.

What about animal welfare?

Animal welfare rules for fairs come from the fair's rulebook, state agencies and species-specific standards. They cover housing, handling, care and conduct. For details, read the official rulebooks and speak with the fair's livestock superintendent.

This guide does not state any rule from memory. If you have concerns, raise them calmly with the superintendent or the fair office.

Raising an animal for market involves care, cost and clear expectations from the start. Families often discuss these with their children long before the fair.

What happens after the show?

Many fairs hold a youth livestock sale after the shows, where businesses and individuals bid on animals. Rules for the sale are set by the fair. The sale often marks the end of a long project for young exhibitors.

If you would like to attend, check the schedule and policies. If you are curious about how the process works, ask the sale committee or the extension office.

Treat the event respectfully, as it is meaningful to many families. Some visitors find the sale emotional. Whatever your view, be courteous to the families, who have their own reasons and feelings.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the County Fair & Rodeo Guide Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.