Animal Events
Nebraska Extension in Pierce County
Nebraska Extension in Pierce County
111 West Court Street, Room 13, Pierce, NE 68767
Phone: 402-329-4821 Fax: 402-329-6417
Website: http://pierce.unl.edu
Email: Pierce-County@unl.edu
YQCA
Those planning to exhibit beef, sheep, swine, goats, rabbits, and poultry need to complete Youth for Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Training by July 1st.
- Face-to-face (Instructor-Led) YQCA trainings is scheduled for June 1 (1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.) at the Pierce County Pavilion, Pierce. If you are interested in completing the online (Web Based) YQCA course, now is a good time. Instructions are available at https://4h.unl.edu/yqca and at https://yqcaprogram.org | More Info | Youth and Parents (scroll down the page for help videos).
Pitzer 4-H Horse Judging Clinic & Contest
The Pitzer 4-H Horse Judging Clinic & Contest held at Pitzer Ranch outside of Ericson, Nebraska is on June 3. The clinic and contest will focus on riding classes in 2026. Register individuals at https://go.unl.edu/pitzer. You will also have the option to enter the team contest at event check-in. Registration is $10 per person.
Winners Unlimited Camp
Winners Unlimited UNL Livestock Judging Camp is June 3-5 in Lincoln, NE. This camp is geared toward youth 7-18 years of age who have an interest in competitive livestock judging. The camp covers content on all of the livestock species including cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats. Youth will learn about the priority traits that we use when evaluating livestock and gain basic knowledge of the livestock industry as it pertains to each specie. A heavy emphasis in this camp will also be placed on oral reasons. Not only will youth improve their presentation skills but they will also learn about the basics of reasons format along with how to be accurate and concise in a set of reasons. At the end of camp, youth will be better prepared to compete in a livestock judging contest not only locally but at the regional and national level alike. Register at https://go.unl.edu/judging-camp by May 18. Registration fee is $325.00.
4-H Small Animal Progress Show
Phelps County 4-H Council invites all youth interested in rabbits, poultry, and pocket pets to join us for the Small Animal Progress Show on Saturday, June 6. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the show starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Phelps County Fair Grounds, 1308 2nd Street, Holdrege NE.
Whether you are new to showing or want to practice before county fair, this is a fun, low-pressure way to build your skills. Prizes are available for 4-H aged youth. Clover Kids are welcome to exhibit. The Lone Star 4-H Club will have concessions for breakfast and lunch. For more information contact Lori Swanson at lori.swanson@unl.edu or 308-995-4222.
Hustler Progress Show
The Hustler Progress Show is Sunday, June 7 at the Cuming County Fairgrounds in West Point, NE. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/HustlerProgressShow/
Fort Robinson 4-H Horse Camp
The annual 4‑H Horse Camp at Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford will be held June 11–13, 2026. The camp’s goal is to improve your skills as a horseman, build a greater bond between horse and rider, and provide useful information to enhance your expertise as a horse enthusiast. The sessions include working ranch, horse stretching, riding games, creating a rope halter, and more!
Registration form, scholarship form and program are at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dawes/4-h-dawes-county/workshops-programs-camps-clubs/. For more information, contact Tessa Reece at Nebraska Extension in Dawes County, 308‑432‑3373 or tessa.reece@unl.edu.
Cuming County Cream of the Crop Dairy Show
The 27th annual Cream of the Crop Dairy Show is scheduled for Saturday, June 13 at the Cuming County Fairgrounds in West Point. For more information, please check out their Facebook page: Cream of the Crop Dairy Show
Platte County 4-H Showmanship Clinic
The Platte County 4-H Showmanship Clinic will be June 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ag Park in Columbus. Species included are swine, poultry, beef, rabbit, sheep, and goat. The $5 preregistration is due June 12. Visit https://go.unl.edu/96yo to register.
Sheep & Goat Showmanship and Fitting Clinic
The Dryland Toughies 4-H Club in Cheyenne County is hosting a Sheep & Goat Showmanship and Fitting Clinic on Saturday, June 13. The clinic will be at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds from 9:00am – 2:00pm. The clinic is open to all ages and experience levels, and the registration fee is $50 which includes lunch. Additional information can be found in the attached flyer. Here is the link to register for the clinic: https://form.jotform.com/261096699023060.
Arlington Progress Show
The Arlington Beef Progress Show is June 20 with early registration due June 15. Register at https://showman.app/shows#/arlington-progress-show-hosted-by-the-blue-ribbon-4-h-club-73f8
Red Willow County Progress Show
The Red Willow County Progress Show for beef, sheep, and goats is June 21. Early registration is due June 12. Contact the Extension Office for a registration form.
Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit
The Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit is a lineup of contests held throughout the state giving youth the opportunity to perfect their skills in preparation for the Nebraska 4-H Premier Animal Science Event (PASE). Qualifying youth must attend a minimum of two contests in addition to the PASE livestock judging contest in order to be eligible for awards and scholarships. The top 5 individuals in the Senior and Intermediate divisions will be recognized as part of the All-State Team during the Grand Drive at the Nebraska State Fair. The 2026 schedule can be found at: https://4h.unl.edu/great-plains-livestock-judging-circuit
Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series
Get ready for an unforgettable three-day livestock judging experience! The Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series is coming June 17–19, 2026, bringing together youth from across the region for competition, learning, and celebration as the Great Plains Judging Circuit wraps up its season. This three-day event is open to all states.
Participants will take part in 10 placing classes, enjoy a clinic, and compete for awards in each age division and species. With events hosted in Columbus, Bladen, and Nelson, Nebraska, each day offers something unique—plus fun evening activities, including a BBQ after-party and a final banquet and awards ceremony.
Whether you're a seasoned judge or new to the arena, this is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills, meet fellow competitors, and close out the circuit in style.
Registration details available at: https://go.unl.edu/lj26
PerkinsTrail Riders 4-H Horse Show
Silver Spurs 4-H Horse Show
40th Annual Papio Valley Livestock Show
The 40th Annual Papio Valley Livestock Show for beef, sheep, and goats is June 27. Registration is due June 19 at 11:59 PM. Pre-Entry of Livestock. https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cOLB7MCMVcC6uBU Please click on the link to pre-register. Payment will be accessed at the show. NO SUBSITUTIONS!
Nebraska Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture. The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture. ©2026