Dairy Cattle Rules & Classes

Department 41: Dairy Cattle

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Superintendent
Amy Jo Estes, Rosebud, MO
Phone: 573-437-3555 Cell: 573-338-4559
Email: mostatedairyshow@gmail.com

Assistant Superintendent
Katie Wantland, Madison, MO

Judges
All Other Breeds – To be announced
Brown Swiss – To be announced
Guernsey – To be announced
Holstein – To be announced
Jersey – To be announced

Amount offered by Fair in the Open Show ……………………………$4,658.70
Added Money……………………………………………………………………$2,157.00
Total amount offered ………………………………………………………….$6,815.70

Dairy Cattle Herdsman Award

The Missouri State Fair will award $80 plus an attractive plaque to the herdsman in charge of the most outstanding Dairy Cattle exhibit. Previous year’s winner is not eligible. A committee will make inspections to determine the winner. The following points will be considered: 1) cleanliness, grooming, and appearance of the exhibits; 2) handling of feed, equipment, etc., and keeping same out of the alleys; 3) cooperation, courtesy, and sportsmanship in the exhibit area and show ring. The 2025 Dairy Cattle Herdsman Award was awarded to Nora Penn.

Dedication

The 2026 Missouri State Fair Dairy Cattle Shows are being dedicated to a family who actively supports the Missouri State Fair in many ways. The Missouri State Fair extends an invitation to all dairy cattle exhibitors and friends to attend an awards ceremony honoring them at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 20 in the MFA Arena. The 2025 recipient was Robert and Janice Perry.

PRODUCTION AWARDS in milk will be presented in cow classes, except 2-year-old cows. Actual 305 day records will be used for the awards. Projected or mature equivalent records are not acceptable. Records must be sent with the entry form or may be sent to the Missouri State Fair by August 8. (Photocopies are acceptable.) NO entries will be accepted at the Fair.

Rules and Regulations

Entries must be received by July 13 at 5:00 p.m.

Exhibitors, with the exception of beef cattle, must bring their own bedding during the 2026 Fair. All exhibitors must bring their own feed. A contractor for feed or bedding will not be on grounds to service exhibitors. Premium Missouri Mulch bedding will be provided for beef cattle exhibitors at a $10 per head rate, which will be included with all beef cattle entries fees. No other bedding is allowed for beef cattle including sawdust, pellets, etc.

Dairy cattle exhibitors may add straw only to bedding. All exhibitors should practice good environmental stewardship, keeping the bedding clean and free of glass, plastics, cans and other trash for the purposes of the Fair’s recycling agreement.

  1. Exhibitors must comply with general rules and regulations and animal health requirements for exhibition in this premium book. Violation of these rules may result in any or all of the following:
    • Withholding or return of payment for the animal or exhibit, premiums and awards.
    • Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
    • Probationary exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
    • Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
  2. When there is only one (1) exhibit in a class, the exhibitor will receive half of the premium money for the placing awarded by the judge.
  3. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.
  4. Eligibility for Competition: Every female over thirty months old must have produced a living calf within twelve months or prove to be with calf.
  5. A policy has been instituted concerning minimum number of exhibitors and head exhibited in order to receive premiums. These rules are listed in the front of this premium catalog.
  6. Exhibitors must have the original registration certificate issued by the Breed Association available for inspection at the show for each animal. Any animal, upon check-in, which does not have a registration certificate, is ineligible to show. Once disqualified, animals cannot be rechecked at the show.
  7. Animals, to compose a competitive group, need not be named in the application for entry, but must be named at the time they are shown. Dams of the produce-of-dam classes are to be named at the time of making entry. Animals owned in partnership may be entered in all classes in one owner’s name, but must appear under but one ownership. The entry shall carry a footnote showing the actual ownership of the animal as appearing on the herd book record. Where a herd is registered in the name of different members of a family residing on one farm and where the herd is one unit, all entries from that farm and herd will be considered as that of a single exhibitor in the classes for Dairy Herd, Best Three Females, Produce-of-Dam, Premier Breeder, and Premier Exhibitor. However, for individual animal classes the ownership listed in the registration certificate shall be considered to be the exhibitor. Animals with registration or transfer pending will not be allowed to show unless communication is received by time of the show from registration office of breed association stating animal is acceptable for registration.
  8. No late entries will be accepted. All entries are due by July 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
  9. All dairy cattle exhibitors should enter GATE 4.
  10. No trucks or trailers will be permitted to park behind the dairy barns except while loading and unloading. After unloading, park in Restricted Lot A. Vehicles found in restricted areas without the proper hang tags are subject to towing at owner’s expense.
  11. Cattle tie-out gates will be closed daily at 8 a.m. and opened at 7 p.m. Cattle may be led to tie-out areas after 7:00 p.m. and must be returned to stalls by 8:00 a.m. Any cattle remaining in the tie-out area after 8 a.m. will not be allowed to enter the grounds.
  12. Entry fee is $20 Open Dairy Cattle per head and $11 4-H/FFA Dairy Cattle per head. In addition to stalls for animals, exhibitors may rent no more than one additional stall if 4 to 6 animals are exhibited; two additional stalls if 7 to 14 head are exhibited; and no more than three additional stalls where 15 or more are exhibited. These stalls may be used for milking equipment, tack and personal paraphernalia. No stalls shall be used for the storage of feed or bedding.
  13. Registration papers must be presented when animals are checked in. Photocopies are not acceptable. JUNIOR EXHIBITORS: All animals must be owned or leased by the exhibitor by July 1 and registered with the respective breed association in the exhibitor’s name. Must have the registration certificate and present it at check-in.
  14. All breeds must be in place by 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 19.
  15. No exhibitor will be allowed to bed down or receive stalling information until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 18.
  16. Dairy cattle exhibitors may add straw only to bedding. All exhibitors should practice good environmental stewardship, keeping the bedding clean and free of glass, plastics, cans and other trash for the purposes of the Fair’s recycling agreement.
  17. All breed champions will be MILKED OUT for the Supreme Champion selection.
  18. Animals not entered in a single or open class will not be permitted to show in a group class.
  19. No exhibitor shall be allowed to receive more than two monies in any one class.
  20. No animal will be awarded a prize unless it is brought into the show ring within 3 minutes of when the class is called.
  21. The official veterinarians of the exposition will inspect any animal if requested by the superintendent. Blood testing or ultrasound may be used to check for unauthorized substances. If any animal shall be found to have been tampered with – as herein described – that animal, its owner, exhibitor and/or handler may be subject to any or all of the following actions:
    • Withholding of payment for the animal, premiums and awards.
    • Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
    • Probationary exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
    • Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
  22. Drenching will not be allowed except when authorized for health reasons by the State Veterinary.
  23. Any animal entering for exhibition at the Missouri State Fair shall be presented in the ring in its natural conformation and physical condition. Unnatural practices in fitting will not be tolerated. Any animal may be subjected to drug testing, testing for adulteration or ultrasound.
  24. Major violations are defined as being fraudulent and/or unethical in the showing of dairy cattle. Major violations will be reported to Show Management and can result in animals and/or exhibitors, owners or representatives being barred from future participation. These include but are not limited to:
    • Misrepresenting the age, lineage/breed and/or milking status of the animal for the class in which it is entered.
    • Balancing the udder by any means other than by leaving naturally produced milk in any or all quarters.
    • Treating an animal, particularly the udder, internally or externally with an irritant.
    • Administering an injected or applied anesthetic to alter the carriage of the tail or other body parts.
    • Minimizing the effects of crampiness by feeding or injecting drugs, depressants or applying packs or using any artificial contrivance or therapeutic treatment except normal exercise.
    • Blocking the nerves to the foot to prevent limping by injecting drugs.
    • Striking the animal to cause swelling in a depressed area.
    • Surgery of any kind performed to change the natural contour or appearance of the animal’s body, hide or hair. Not including the removal of warts, teats and horns, clipping and dressing of hair and trimming of hooves.
    • Insertion of foreign material under the skin, into the top-line or on the feet, adding real or artificial hair or hair-like substances to any part of the animal, except for false switches.
    • The use of alcoholic beverages in the feed or administered as a drench.
    • Administration of a drug of any kind or description internally or externally prior to entering the show ring, except for treating of a recognized disease or injury. For the purpose of this code, the term drug shall mean any substance, the sale, possession or use of which is controlled by license under federal, state or local laws or regulations and any substance commonly used by the medical or veterinary professions which affect the circulatory, respiratory or central nervous systems of a cow.
    • Criticizing or interfering with the judge, show management or other exhibitors while in the show ring or other conduct detrimental to the show, including any unsportsmanlike conduct during the event.
  25. Serious violations are defined as unethical practices that distract from the showring. These include but are not limited to:
    • Manipulation of a teat to alter its normal position such as to unnaturally hold it plumb or to alter its length.
    • Changing the color of hair at any point, spot or area on the animal’s body.
    • Mistreatment of an animal.
  26. No fitting will be allowed in the show ring or in the immediate surroundings. Refusal to follow practice may result in the animal’s disqualification.
  27. Management reserves the right to obtain milk samples from any cow exhibited for analysis.
  28. There will be no dogs allowed in any barns whether on a leash or in a cage. There will be NO exceptions.
  29. To be eligible to show, leased animals must follow the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association (PDCA) leasing rules.

Exhibition Requirements for Dairy Cattle

iii. Dairy cattle– All classes of dairy cattle, two (2) months of age and older, entering Missouri for exhibition must meet the following requirements:

  1. Must obtain an entry permit.
  2. All sexually intact dairy cattle six (6) months and older must have a negative tuberculosis test within sixty (60) days of shipment, the test date must be listed on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection; or
  3. Move from an accredited tuberculosis-free herd (herd test date must be listed on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection); or
  4. Move directly from a herd of origin that has had one (1) complete negative herd test within one (1) year (date of herd test must be listed on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection).

See general rules for more information on Missouri Exhibiton Requirements.

Definition for Individual Classes

(Refer to the breed section for additional breed classes and ages.)

  • Spring Heifer Calf – Born after 2-28-26 & over 4 months of age
  • Winter Heifer Calf – Born after 11-30-25 & before 3-1-26
  • Fall Heifer Calf – Born after 8-31-25 & before 12-1-25
  • Summer Yearling Heifer – Born after 5-31-25 & before 9-1-25
  • Spring Yearling Heifer – Born after 2-28-25 & before 6-1-25
  • Winter Yearling Heifer – Born after 11-30-24 & before 3-1-25
  • Fall Yearling Heifer – Born after 8-31-24 & before 12-1-24
  • Yearling Heifer in Milk- Born 9-1-24 or later, cow must have freshened and in milking form
  • Summer Junior 2-Year-Old Cow- Born 6-1-24 & 8-31-24, cow must have freshened and in milking form
  • Junior 2-Year-Old Cow – Born after 2-28-24 & before 9-1-24
  • Senior 2-Year-Old Cow – Born 9-1-22 & 2-23-24, cow must have freshened and in milking form
  • Junior 3-Year-Old Cow – Born after 2-28-23 & before 9-1-23
  • Senior 3-Year-Old Cow – Born after 8-31-22 & before 3-1-23
  • 4-Year-Old Cow – Born after 8-31-21 & before 9-1-22
  • 5-Year-Old Cow – Born after 8-31-20 & before 9-1-21
  • Aged Cow, 6 Years Old & Over – Born before 9-1-20

Definition of Group Classes

  1. Junior Best Three Females. Three females, Fall Yearling or younger, all to have been bred by and at least one owned by exhibitor.
  2. Senior Best Three Females. The group will consist of three animlas, all in milking form: Fall yearling in milk and older. All three animals must have been bred by the exhibitor, and at least one must be owned by the exhibitor.
  3. Dairy Herd. Groups to consist of four cows that have freshened. All are to be owned by exhibitor. Each exhibitor limited to one entry.
  4. Produce-of-Dam. Group to consist of two animals, any age, the produce of one cow. The dam must be named. Each exhibitor is limited to one entry from the same cow. Animals need not both be owned by one exhibitor. One entry per dam.
  5. Breeder’s Herd. Five females all bred by one exhibitor. Consisting of two females that have freshened, two females under two years of age and one any age. Three must be owned by exhibitor.
  6. Exhibitor’s Herd. Group of five females owned by one exhibitor consisting of two, any age, which have calved; two females under two years of age and one any age. Three must be bred by the exhibitor.
  7. Daughter-Dam. One entry per dam.
  8. Best Udder Award. The judge shall select the two best-uddered cows from each breed, from the milking cow classes. This selection shall be made on the basis of udder alone and a milk out will be at the discretion of the judge. Recognition in the form of first and second place ribbons will be made just prior to the final placing of the respective class.
  9. Premier Exhibitor Award. In order to qualify for Premier Breeder points and Bred and Owned awards, the exhibitor declared at check-in must have his/her name recorded as a breeder on the animal’s registration certificate. This award is to be made to the exhibitor accumulating the most points (NOT TO EXCEED SIX ANIMALS) owned and exhibited by the exhibitor in the open single classes.
  10. Premier Breeder Award. In order to qualify for Premier Breeder points and Bred and Owned awards, the exhibitor declared at check-in must have his/her name recorded as a breeder on the animal’s registration certificate. This award is made to the breeder of SIX ANIMALS or less accumulating the most points in open single classes, including animals bred by the breeder and exhibited by others.

No limit on number exhibited, but the award is automatically figured on top six animals accumulating the most points. Points are not received for Best Udder Classes. The point scale is:

1st place

  • Senior females: 20 points
  • Junior females: 10 points

2nd place

  • Senior females: 18 points
  • Junior females: 9 points

3rd place

  • Senior females: 16 points
  • Junior females: 8 points

4th place

  • Senior females: 14 points
  • Junior females: 7 points

5th place

  • Senior females: 12 points
  • Junior females: 6 points

6th place

  • Senior females: 10 points
  • Junior females: 5 points

7th place

  • Senior females: 8 points
  • Junior females: 4 points

8th place

  • Senior females: 6 points
  • Junior females: 3 points

9th place

  • Senior females: 4 points
  • Junior females: 2 points

10th place

  • Senior females: 2 points
  • Junior females: 1 point

Marketing Milk

Milk produced by cows on exhibit may be marketed by having cows milked in the milking parlor. Exhibitors are encouraged to use this facility; not only is it a convenience, but it helps to acquaint those who come to the State Fair with another facet of dairying. If exhibitors choose not to have cows milked in the milking parlor, they may obtain a milk can and deliver the milk immediately following the milking to the west door of the milk room of the parlor.

NOTE: Do not remove cans from milking parlor without milk room attendant issuing a number and can or cans to exhibitor.

Keep the milk clean. Do not include milk from a cow that has been given an antibiotic treatment, either by intramuscular or intramammary injection. Assistant in charge will assist those exhibitors with contaminated milk in disposing of same. Do not put contaminated milk in the tank!!!

Patriotic Stall & Pen Decorating Contest

Help us celebrate America 250 and the Missouri State Fair theme, “Show-Me Stars & Stripes” by participating in our Livestock Stall and Pen Decorating Contest.

When: Throughout the duration of the Missouri State Fair. Each session of Dairy Cattle exhibitors is eligible to participate.

Participation: All livestock exhibitors are encouraged to participate. There are no entry fees or separate registrations required for the decorating contest. Simply decorate your assigned stall or pen area, and judges will make their rounds during the Fair.

Guidelines:

  1. Decorations must stay within the assigned stall/pen space.
  2. Decorations may not block aisles, walkways, fans, etc.
  3. Please do not damage Fair property while decorating.
  4. Decorations must not interfere with animal comfort, health, or safety.
  5. All displays must remain family-friendly and respectful.
  6. Any decorations not in compliance with these guidelines may be required to be removed at the discretion of the Superintendent.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creativity & Originality
  2. Use of Patriotic Theme
  3. Effort & Overall Impact
  4. Animal Safety

Awards: Patriotic ribbons will be awarded to contest winners.

Let’s fill the barns with red, white, and blue spirt as we honor our country and showcase the pride, dedication, and creativity of our livestock exhibitors.

We look forward to seeing your patriotic displays!

Section A: Show-Me Championship Guernsey Show

Official State Show of the MISSOURI GUERNSEY BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

Amount offered in this Section by the State Fair……………….$436.80
Added money …………………………………………………………………$500.00
Total Amount offered in this Section…………………………………$936.80

A point system will be used for payment. Points are listed below.

Rules and Regulations

  1. The Missouri State Fair Open Guernsey show shall be an approved show of both the Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association and the Missouri Junior Guernsey Breeders Association.
  2. Each out-of-state exhibitor of Guernsey cattle shall be a member (Junior or regular) in good standing of the American Guernsey Association. Further, each Missouri resident exhibiting Guernsey cattle shall be a member (Junior or regular) in good standing of the Missouri Guernsey Breeders’ Association.
  3. For, and in consideration of, the opportunity to participate in any Missouri Guernsey Breeders’ Association approved show or other activity, each participant, by virtue of having voluntarily made an appropriate entry into such a show or activity, thereby releases the Missouri Guernsey Breeders’ Association, its officers, directors and representatives from negligence, any and all claims, suits and judgments past, present or future, arising from or connected with the administration of such show or activity and the resulting decisions therefrom.
  4. To be eligible to show as a Missouri Junior Guernsey member, you must be at least 8 years and no older than 21 years old as of January 1, 2026. Junior member dues must be paid in full by June 1, 2026 to be eligible for awards at the Missouri State fair and any other association activities. In order to receive junior awards the junior MUST exhibit a Guernsey animal that is registered or leased in that junior’s name and have been exhibited by that junior in the open show.
  5. Showmanship for Missouri Junior Guernsey Breeders will be held in conjunction with the open show. Showmanship will be open to any junior that has paid junior dues before the Missouri State Fair showmanship class and they must show a Guernsey. There must be at least two junior members per showmanship division or the showmanship classes will be combined. Junior showmanship is age 13 and under as of January 1. Senior showmanship is age 14 and older as of January 1. There must be at least two junior members per showmanship division or the showmanship classes will be combined.

Class and order of showing

  • Class: 001 Spring Heifer Calf, 002 Winter Heifer Calf, 003 Fall Heifer Calf, 004 Summer Yearling Heifer, 005 Spring Yearling Heifer, 006 Winter Yearling Heifer, 007 Fall Yearling Heifer
    • Points:
      • 1: 10
      • 2: 7
      • 3: 6
      • 4: 5
      • 5: 4
  • Class: 007 Junior Champion Female and 007 Reserve Junior Champion Female
    • Points:
      • Rosette
  • Class: 110 Junior Best 3 Females**
    • Points:
      • 1: 5
      • 2: 4
      • 3: 3
      • 4: 2
  • Class: 120 Dry Cow (Any Age)
    • Points:
      • 1: 19
      • 2: 14
      • 3: 13
      • 4: 11
      • 5: 9

Guernsey 2-Year old Futurity

  • Class: 012 Junior 2-year-old cow, 013 Senior 2-year-old cow, 014 Junior 3-year-old cow, 015 Senior 3-year-old cow, 018 4-Year-Old Cow, 019 5-Year-Old Cow, 020 Aged Cow
    • Points:
      • 1: 19
      • 2: 14
      • 3: 13
      • 4: 11
      • 5: 9
  • Class: 020 Senior Champion, 020 Reserve Senior Champion, 020 Reserve Grand Champion Female
    • Points: Rosette
  • Class: 020 Grand Champion Female
    • Points:
      • Plaque
  • Class: 027 Exhibitors Herd*, 028 Senior Best 3 Females (all 3 must be bred and 2 owned by exhibitor), 029 Progeny (may be either produce of dam or daughter/dam. Each exhibitor is limited to a total of 2 entries)
    • Points:
      • 1: 5
      • 2: 4
      • 3: 3
      • 4: 2
  • Class: 029 Premier Exhibitor and 029 Premier Breeder
    • Points:
      • Rosette

*Exhibitors Herd: Group of five females to consist of two, any age, which have calved; two born on or after Sept. 1, 2025, which have not calved; and one, any age. Three of these females must be bred by exhibitor. All must be owned by exhibitor.

**Junior Best Three Females: Three females, Fall Yearling or younger, all to have been bred by and at least one owned by exhibitor.

The Missouri Jersey Association is sponsoring the Mike Wilson Memorial
All Breed Bred and Owned Supreme Cow and Supreme Heifer Trophy

A plaque will be displayed in the Gerken Dairy Center with winners names updated each year.

Dairy Fun Contest

Red, White, and Moo!
Sponsored by Missouri Junior Guernsey Association

Thursday, August 20, 6:00 p.m. – MFA Arena

Following the Dairy Fun Contest on Thursday evening there will be a Pee-Wee Showmanship contest for exhibitors age 7 & under. Open to all breeds and all Juniors. There will also be a Showmanship Class for exhibitors age 8 & under, Friday, August 21, at 3:00 p.m. – Coliseum. Ribbons will be awarded.

Section B: Show-Me Championship Jersey Show

Amount offered by State Fair …………………………………………..$946.40
Added money ………………………………………………………………….$104.00
Total Amount offered in this Section………………………………..$1,050.40

A point system will be used for payment. Points are listed below.

Jersey Open Show
Friday, August 21, 12:30 p.m. – Coliseum

Class and order of showing

  • Class: 035 Spring Heifer Calf, 036 Winter Heifer Calf, 037 Fall Heifer Calf, 038 Summer Yearling Heifer, 039 Spring Yearling Heifer, 040 Winter Yearling Heifer, 041 Fall Yearling Heifer
    • Points:
      • 1: 10
      • 2: 7
      • 3: 6
      • 4: 5
      • 5: 4
  • Class: 041 Junior Champion Female and 041 Reserve Junior Champion Female
    • Points:
      • Rosette
  • Class: 044 Junior Best 3 Females
    • Points:
      • 1: 5
      • 2: 4
      • 3: 3
      • 4: 2
  • Class: 045 Dry Cow (Any Age), 046 Fall Yearling in Milk, 047 Summer Junior 2-year-old cow, 048 Junior 2-year-old cow, 049 Senior 2-year-old cow, 050 Junior 3-year-old cow, 051 Senior 3-year-old cow, 052 4-Year-Old Cow, 053 5-Year-Old Cow, 054 Aged Cow (6 years & older)
    • Points:
      • 1: 19
      • 2: 14
      • 3: 13
      • 4: 11
      • 5: 9
  • Class: 051 Intermediate Champion Female, 051 Reserve Intermediate Champion Female, 054 Senior Champion Female, 054 Reserve Senior Champion Female, 054 Reserve Grand Champion Female
    • Points: Rosette
  • Class: 054 Grand Champion Female
    • Points:
      • Plaque
  • Class: 060 Dairy Herd, 061 Senior Best 3 Female, 062 Produce-of-Dam, 063 Daughter-Dam, 064 Breeders Herd
    • Points:
      • 1: 5
      • 2: 4
      • 3: 3
      • 4: 2
  • Class: 064 Premier Breeder, 064 Premier Exhibitor
    • Points:
      • Rosette

Section C: Show-Me Championship Brown Swiss Show

Official State Show of the MISSOURI BROWN SWISS ASSOCIATION

Amount offered by State Fair ……………………………………………$500.00
Added money ………………………………………………………………….$700.00
Total Amount offered in this Section………………………………$1,200.00

A point system will be used for payment. Points are listed below.

Open Brown Swiss Show
Friday, August 21, 9:30 a.m. – Coliseum

Class and order of showing

  • Class: 075 Spring Heifer Calf, 076 Winter Heifer Calf, 077 Fall Heifer Calf, 078 Summer Yearling Heifer, 079 Spring Yearling Heifer, 080 Winter Yearling Heifer, 081 Fall Yearling Heifer
    • Points:
      • 1: 10
      • 2: 7
      • 3: 6
      • 4: 5
      • 5: 4
  • Class: 081 Junior Champion Female and 081 Reserve Junior Champion Female
    • Points:
      • Rosette
  • Class: 084 Junior Best 3 Females
    • Points:
      • 1: 5
      • 2: 4
      • 3: 3
      • 4: 2
  • Class: 085 Dry Cow (Any Age), 086 Summer Junior 2-year-old cow, 087 Junior 2-year-old cow, 088 Senior 2-year-old cow, 089 Junior 3-year-old cow, 090 Senior 3-year-old cow, 091 4-Year-Old Cow, 092 5-Year-Old Cow, 093 Aged Cow
    • Points:
      • 1: 19
      • 2: 14
      • 3: 13
      • 4: 11
      • 5: 9
  • Class: 090 Intermediate Champion Female, 090 Reserve Intermediate Champion Female, 093 Senior Champion Female, 093 Reserve Senior Champion Female, 093 Reserve Grand Champion Female
    • Points: Rosette
  • Class: 093 Grand Champion Female
    • Points:
      • Plaque
  • Class: 099 Dairy Herd, 100 Senior Best 3 Female, 101 Produce-of-Dam, 102 Daughter-Dam
    • Points:
      • 1: 5
      • 2: 4
      • 3: 3
      • 4: 2
  • Class: 102 Supreme Best Udder, 102 Premier Breeder, 102 Premier Exhibitor
    • Points:
      • Rosette

Section D: Show-Me Championship Holstein Show

Official State Show of the MISSOURI HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN ASSOCIATION

To be eligible to be shown, all Holsteins must be at least 87% RHA.

Amount offered in this Section by State Fair …………………….$1,674.40
Added money …………………………………………………………………..$184.00
Total Amount offered in this Section…………………………………$1,858.40

A point system will be used for payment. Points are listed below.

Holstein Open Show
Friday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. – Coliseum

Class and order of showing

  • Class: 110 Spring Heifer Calf, 111 Winter Heifer Calf, 112 Fall Heifer Calf, 113 Summer Yearling Heifer, 114 Spring Yearling Heifer, 115 Winter Yearling Heifer, 116 Fall Yearling Heifer
    • Points:
      • 1: 10
      • 2: 7
      • 3: 6
      • 4: 5
      • 5: 4
  • Class: 116 Fall Yearling Heifer Junior Champion Female and Reserve Junior Champion Female
    • Points:
      • Rosette
  • Class: 119 Junior Best 3 Females
    • Points:
      • 1: 5
      • 2: 4
      • 3: 3
      • 4: 2
  • Class: 120 Dry Cow (Any Age), 121 Summer Junior 2-year-old cow (born 3/1/24-5/31/24), 122 Junior 2-year-old cow, 123 Senior 2-year-old cow, 124 Junior 3-year-old cow (born after 2/28/23-before 9/1/23), 125 Senior 3-year-old cow (born after 8/31/22-before 3/1/23), 128 4-Year-Old Cow, 129 5-Year-Old Cow (born after 8/31/20-before 9/1/21), 130 Aged Cow (before 9/1/20), 131 150,000 lb. Cow Class
    • Points:
      • 1: 19
      • 2: 14
      • 3: 13
      • 4: 11
      • 5: 9
  • Class: 131 Senior Champion, 131 Reserve Senior Champion, 131 Reserve Grand Champion Female
    • Points: Rosette
  • Class: 131 Grand Champion Female
    • Points:
      • Plaque
  • Class: 125 Senior 3-year-old cow (born after 8/31/22-before 3/1/23), Intermediate Champion Female and Reserve Intermediate Champion Female
    • Points:
      • Rosette
  • Class: 137 Daughter-Dam, 138 Produce-of-Dam, 139 Senior Best 3 Females, 140 Dairy Herd, 142 Exhibitors Herd
    • Points:
      • 1: 5
      • 2: 4
      • 3: 3
      • 4: 2
  • Class: 142 Premier Exhibitor and 142 Premier Breeder
    • Points:
      • Rosette

Section E: All Other Breeds Show

The National Ayrshire Association and The Missouri Ayrshire Association reserve the right to blood type any animal shown.

All animals exhibited must be registered in their officially recognized corresponding herdbook. Only breeds recognized by the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association will be allowed to exhibit.

Amount offered by State Fair ………………………………………………$409.50
Added money ……………………………………………………………………..$45.00
Total Amount offered in this Section……………………………………$454.50

A point system will be used for payment. Points are listed below.

All Other Breeds Open Show
Friday, August 21, 11:00 a.m. – Coliseum

Class and order of showing

  • Class: 150 Spring Heifer Calf, 151 Winter Heifer Calf, 152 Fall Heifer Calf, 153 Summer Yearling Heifer, 154 Spring Yearling Heifer, 155 Winter Yearling Heifer, 156 Fall Yearling Heifer
    • Points:
      • 1: 10
      • 2: 7
      • 3: 6
      • 4: 5
      • 5: 4
  • Class: 156 Junior Champion Female, 156 Reserve Junior Champion Female, 158 Junior Best 3 Females
    • Points:
      • Rosette
  • Class: 159 Dry Cow (Any Age), 160 Junior 2-year-old cow, 161 Senior 2-year-old cow, 162 Junior 3-year-old cow, 163 Senior 3-year-old cow, 166 4-year-old-cow, 167 5-year-old-cow (born after 8/31/19 before 9/1/20), 168 Cow 6 years and over (born before 9/1/19)
    • Points:
      • 1: 19
      • 2: 14
      • 3: 13
      • 4: 11
      • 5: 9
  • Class: 163 Intermediate Champion Female, 163 Reserve Intermediate Champion Female, 168 Senior Champion Female, Reserve Senior Champion Female, Grand Champion Female, Reserve Grand Champion Female
    • Points: Rosette
  • Class: 168 Grand Champion Female
    • Points:
      • Plaque
  • Class: 173 Progeny, 174 Senior Best 3 Females, 175 Breeders Herd
    • Points:
      • 1: 5
      • 2: 4
      • 3: 3
      • 4: 2
  • Class: 175 Premier Exhibitor and 175 Premier Breeder
    • Points:
      • Rosette

Section F: Junior Dairymen’s Dairy Cattle Judging

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
8:00 a.m. – Register at MFA Arena
8:30 a.m. – Contest starts
12:00 p.m. – reasons & lunch, Youth Bldg., Sales Arena

  1. Any youth member who has passed his/her 8th birthday and has not passed his/her 22nd birthday before August 1, 2026, is eligible to participate in this event provided he or she has not previously been a member of a winning state 4-H or FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Team.
  2. There will be three divisions: 8-10; 11-13; and 14-21. The 8-10 Division will consist of youth which shall be 8 by August 1 and not 11 by August 1, 2026. The 11-13 Division will consist of youth which shall be 11 by August 1 and not 14 by August 1, 2026. The 14-21 Division will consist of youth which shall be 14 by August 1 and not 22 by August 1, 2026.
  3. All desiring to enter should report by 8:00 a.m. to the Donnelly Arena to register for this contest.
  4. No communication will be permitted between the contestants during the contest.
  5. Each contestant will be required to place four to six classes, composed of four animals each and to give oral reasons on two to three classes which shall be designated as oral reason classes.
  6. Twelve minutes will be allowed for placing and an additional eight minutes will be allowed on each reasons class.
  7. Each contestant will be graded on the basis of 50 points for placing of each class and 50 points each set of reasons given.
  8. Based on total points, the four contestants with the highest numerical scores will be awarded rosettes for each division. Other contestants will be awarded gold, silver and bronze ribbons according to the merit or placing of individual scores.
  9. There will be cash awards of $15-1st, $10-2nd, $5-3rd for high individuals in Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Ayrshire and oral reasons judging in the 14-21 Division. Cash awards are provided by:
    • Missouri Holstein Association
    • Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association
    • Missouri Jersey Cattle Club
    • Missouri Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association
    • Missouri Ayrshire Association
    • Fallenleaf & Probert Dairy

Added Premium Money Sponsorships

  • Supreme Cow Open Show $1,000: Jason Justice Insurance Group
  • Supreme Cow Open Show $500: Select Sires
  • Supreme Heifer Open Show $500: Missouri Soybean
  • Supreme Heifer Open Show $250: Rosebud Tractor
  • Brown Swiss Open Show Premiums $200: Archer Dairy
  • Brown Swiss Open Show Premiums $500: Missouri Soybean
  • Guernsey Open Show Premiums & Grand Champion $500: Messick Family & Stanley Campbell
  • Supreme Cow Junior Show $1,000: Missouri Soybean
  • Supreme Heifer Junior Show $500: Missouri Soybean
  • Supreme Heifer Junior Show $250: Rick King & Family
  • Brown Swiss Junior Show $500: Jason Justice Insurance Group
  • Brown Swiss Grand Champion Junior Show $100: DFA
  • Guernsey Junior Show $500: Springfield Livestock Market
  • Guernsey Grand Champion Junior Show $100: DFA
  • AOB Junior Show $500: Sancrest Trailer Sales
  • AOB Grand Champion Junior Show $100: DFA
  • Holstein Junior Show $500: John and Amy Jo Estes
  • Holstein Grand Champion Junior Show $100: DFA
  • Jersey Junior Show $500: Springfield Livestock Market
  • Jersey Grand Champion Junior Show $100: DFA
  • Champion Junior Showman $125: Summit Genetics
  • Champion Senior Showman $125: Summit Genetics
  • Champion Junior Steer $150: Harts Fertilizer
  • Champion Commercial Dairy Cow $150: Macs Vet Supply- Springfield
  • Pee-Wee Showmanship $250: Clint’s Tractor Repair- Marshfield
  • Thank you to all our sponsors!

Youth Supreme Dairy Cattle Champion Trophies sponsored by: Missouri Dairy Association
Youth Supreme & Reserve Dairy Cattle Heifer – Trophies sponsored by: Rick King & Family
August 23 at 1:15 p.m.

Open Supreme Dairy Cattle Champion – August 23 at 4:00 p.m.
Trophies sponsored by: Missouri Dairy Association

Feed for Milking Parlor provided by MFA FEED DIVISION

MFA Agri Services logo

2026 Dairy Cattle Schedule

MAY ARRIVE: Tuesday, August 18 at 8:00 p.m.
MUST BE IN PLACE: Wednesday, August 19 at 1:00 p.m.
RELEASE: Sunday, August 23 at 6:00 p.m

Wednesday, August 19

  • 1:00 p.m. All Dairy Cattle must be in place
  • 6:00 p.m. All Dairy Cattle must be checked in with superintendents

Thursday, August 20

  • 4:30 p.m. MFA Arena 4-H/FFA Dairy Steer Show
  • Following steer show: MFA Arena 4-H/FFA Commercial Dairy Cattle Show
  • 6:00 p.m. MFA Arena Dairy Fun Contest
  • 6:30 p.m. Pee-Wee Dairy Showmanship, ages 7 & under

Friday, August 21

  • 15 minute breaks will be taken between heifers and cows for each breed.
  • 8:00 a.m. Ring A-Coliseum Open Holstein
  • 8:30 a.m. Ring B-Coliseum Open Brown Swiss
  • 10:00 a.m. Ring B-Coliseum Open All Other Breeds
  • 12:30 p.m. Ring B-Coliseum Open Jersey
  • 1:00 p.m. Ring A-Coliseum Open Guernsey
  • 4:00 p.m. MFA Arena Supreme Open Show Heifer & Cow Champions & Show Dedication

Saturday, August 22

  • 8:30 a.m. MFA Arena Junior Dairymen Dairy Cattle Judging
  • 12:00 p.m. Youth Bldg Arena Dairy Cattle judging results & luncheon
  • 11:00 a.m. Dairy Cattle Showmanship. Show will be shown by breeds alphabetically, followed by age 8-13 and then 14-21.
  • 12:45 p.m. Champion Showmanship Drive
  • 4:00 p.m. MFA Arena 4-H/FFA Dairy Heifer Champion Heifer Show- Classes will be shown alphabetically by class & breed
  • 4-H/FFA Supreme & Reserve Heifer (following the selection of breed Junior Champions)
  • 1:00 p.m. Parade of 4-H/FFA Dairy Champions

Sunday, August 23

  • 8:00 a.m. MFA Arena (all day) 4-H/FFA Cow classes will be shown by each breed in its entirety in order by class, beginning with dry cows through Grand Champion.
  • 8:00 a.m. – AOB
  • 8:30 a.m. – Brown Swiss
  • 9:00 a.m. – Guernsey
  • 9:30 a.m. – Holstein
  • 10:00 a.m. – Jersey
  • 1:15 p.m. 4-H/FFA Supreme Dairy Cattle Champion